Amazing!

Daily Reading: Acts 12

He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. (Acts 12.9)

Devotional Thought: Peter was jailed with the expectation that he would become a sacrifice on the altar of political correctness.  Understanding his brief experience in jail can help us when we face trials:

·       Peter was sleeping.  Once before Peter was caught napping: In Gethsemane, he slept while he should have been praying.  Here, though, his sleep was the sleep of peace, like the sleep of Jesus in the storm at sea.  Even though facing death, Peter rested in God.  God grants sleep to those he loves (Psalm 127.2)!

·       The angel of the Lord came in light.  When all else around Peter was dark, God came.  Into our darkness, God sends his light.  God answers us!  He does not leave us alone in the dark.

·       Preparation could not be neglected.  Peter needed to dress himself and wrap himself in his cloak.  We, too, are to prepare to follow God by wrapping ourselves in the righteousness of Christ!

·       In times of danger and stress, Peter needed to carefully follow the leadership of the Lord.  “Follow me!” the angel said.  Jesus, having broken the bars of death and the prison of the grave, knows the way out from darkness and despair.  Follow him!

·       Some things are just simply amazing.  Peter had thought he was a goner!  But God completely changed the situation.  Amazing!

Let God amaze you today!

Prayer: O Lord, you are an amazing God.  Amaze me today with your power and presence.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 75.1-5

 We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.

“At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah

I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast, ’and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;

do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck. ’”