Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.
— Acts 12:6

Thought Of The Day...
Sometimes we awake from a dream feeling relieved that it was only a dream. Other times we awake and wish the dream were real.
After being locked up in prison, Peter awoke when an angel came to free him, “but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.” Later he realized that a miracle had taken place and he was no longer in prison.
The book of Acts shows us what the early church suffered for preaching and teaching about Jesus. King Herod had executed James, one of Jesus’ disciples. Seeing that his actions pleased the Jews, Herod arrested Peter, the disciples’ leader, intending to try him in public (Acts 12:1-4). But God had other plans, as we see in Peter’s dramatic escape.
This surprising scripture teaches us some important things. For example, we see the power of prayer. After Peter’s arrest, the church in Jerusalem prayed earnestly for him. God hears and answers the prayers of his people. We also see the passion and commitment of the early church to keep proclaiming the good news of Jesus, despite persecution. Their sharing of the love of Jesus changed the world, and our sharing of Jesus’ love can do that too.

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, we come to you humbly in prayer, seeking your guidance and strength in following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the words of Acts 12:6, we are reminded of your Son's suffering for us, and we are grateful for the sacrifice he made for our salvation.

Lord, we ask for wisdom and courage to embrace the cost of following you. We know that being a disciple of Christ may require us to leave our comfort zone, to face persecution, and to make sacrifices. But we also know that the reward of eternal life with you is far greater than any earthly comfort or possession.

Help us, Lord, to be bold in sharing your story with those around us. May our lives serve as a testimony of your love and grace, drawing others to you. May we not be afraid to speak your name, even in the face of opposition, knowing that you are always with us.

We pray for your strength to persevere through the challenges that may come our way. May we find comfort in knowing that you have overcome the world and that you are with us every step of the way.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for your perfect example and for your sacrifice on the cross. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Heavenly Father, On this blessed Thursday morning, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude and thanksgiving. Thank you for the gift of life and for waking me up to see another day. Thank you for your love, your grace, and your countless blessings.

As I begin this day, I ask for your guidance and wisdom to navigate any challenges that may come my way. Help me to remain grateful and focused on your goodness and faithfulness in all circumstances.

I am thankful for the people you have placed in my life, for their love and support. I am grateful for the opportunities and resources you have provided me with. I acknowledge your hand in every aspect of my life and I am truly grateful.

Please bless this day and all that it holds. Help me to use my time wisely and to spread your love and kindness to those around me. May my words and actions be a reflection of my gratitude towards you.

Thank you for your constant presence and for never leaving my side. I am humbled and grateful for all that you have done and continue to do in my life.

All these I pray in Jesus holy name. Amen.

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Saul replied, “. . . I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”
—1 Samuel 13:11-12

Thought Of The Day...
A good story can make us nervous—even anxious. The characters find themselves in trouble, and we fear for them.
But when the story is our story, we don’t like to see trouble coming. That’s what Saul, the first king of Israel, discovered. God had chosen him as king and was prepared to bless him. But the vast Philistine army was headed straight toward the Israelite forces. Everyone was nervous, especially the young King Saul. The prophet Samuel had given him God’s instructions: wait for seven days and then Samuel would lead in a sacrifice to pray for success in battle. But as tensions rose, the king took matters into his own hands: he offered up the sacrifice himself, despite God’s clear instructions.
Samuel’s voice rang out just as Saul finished making the offering: “What have you done?” Saul tried to explain that he felt compelled to offer the sacrifice because the enemy was near and his men were scattering.
“‘You have done a foolish thing,’ Samuel said.” It turns out that this had been a test, a chance for Saul to decide in whom he would trust for his security. Saul’s nervousness showed that when it came right down to it, he trusted in his own efforts more than in God. That day proved to be the beginning of the end for Saul.
When God is “slow to show up” in your life, do you get nervous? What does that show? Are you willing to wait for him?

Prayer...
Father God, We come before you today with heavy hearts, filled with remorse and regret. We have failed to fully trust in you and instead, we have put our faith in our own resources. We have allowed our fears and doubts to cloud our minds, causing us to stray from your path.

Forgive us, dear Lord, for our lack of faith. Forgive us for the times we have relied on our own strength and wisdom rather than leaning on you. We ask for your forgiveness for the times we have doubted your plans and questioned your goodness.

Help us, Lord, to have a heart like David, who trusted in you with unwavering faith. Give us the courage to obey your commands and to follow your will for our lives. May we never forget that you are the source of our strength and our only true refuge.

May we learn from the mistake of Saul, who let his fears and impatience lead him to disobedience. May we always seek your guidance and have faith in your perfect timing.

Lord, we pray for your continued guidance and protection as we journey through life. Help us to always remember that you are faithful and that your plans for us are good.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Heavenly Father, As we gather in prayer on this Saturday morning, we are filled with gratitude for the gift of another day. Thank you for granting us rest and rejuvenation during the night and for awakening us to a fresh start.

On this day, we seek your guidance, strength, and wisdom to navigate through the day ahead. We pray for your protection over our loved ones and ourselves, as we step out into the world.

We surrender our worries, fears, and burdens to you, for we know that you are the bearer of all our troubles. May this day be filled with your love, mercy, and grace, and may we be a vessel of your light to those around us.

Help us to use this day to draw closer to you, to serve others with humility, and to be grateful for all the blessings in our lives. May our actions and words reflect your will for us.

We pray for those who are struggling on this day, that you may provide them with comfort and strength. May your healing touch be upon them and their loved ones.

May this Saturday be a day of growth, love, and happiness, and may we spend it delighting in your presence. We pray all this in Jesus name. Amen.

"Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7

Thought Of The Day...
Our hearts stir with the stories of courageous people in the Bible. We admire Abram for leaving his homeland to follow the Lord. We applaud Moses for marching in before Pharaoh with God's demand "Let my people go!" We love to hear of young David going out to meet mighty Goliath.
Well, look at God's approach to Joshua, who is about to take over in Moses' place. God's first words to Joshua are about courage. Three times in his address to Joshua, God repeats the challenge "Be strong and courageous."
Courage is needed when the task is big--and this task is immense! God says, in effect, "Call Israel together; cross the Jordan; conquer the cities; overcome the enemies; resist their gods. Yes, the enemies will be fearsome, but you must be courageous!"
Courage has always been a necessary quality among the people of God. Standing for righteousness in a society that accommodates itself to evil takes courage. Spreading the true gospel of Jesus Christ in a culture that wants to say any religion will do, takes courage. Allegiance to Jesus Christ in a world that is often against Christ takes courage.
Paul's charge to his friends in Corinth applies to us all. "Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13, NCV).

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, as I come to you today, I pray for strength and courage to face the challenges ahead. Help me to remember the words of Joshua 1:7, that I may be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged. Lord, I know that there will be issues to face, temptations to withstand, and enemies to meet, but I trust in your unfailing love and protection.

Grant me a courageous heart, O Lord, that I may stand firm in my obedience to your will. Strengthen my faith and help me to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. May I always remember that with you by my side, I am more than a conqueror.

Guide me, Lord, in your righteous ways and keep me on the path of obedience. May your Holy Spirit empower me to resist temptations and overcome any obstacle that comes my way. I pray that through your grace, I may live a life that brings honor and glory to your name.

Thank you, Lord, for your promise to be with me wherever I go. I trust in your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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