|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topics
- “The Christian journey”
- “ The Conquest of Canaan” and the
- “Lent season”.
in the previous months, now in the months of April and May, considering that
post resurrection of Christ (one of our concluding themes’ you would remember
in the meditations of March, was Resurrection), birth of the Church was a
landmark event in Biblical history, I want to cast the spotlight on the Book of
Acts (which records the birth and growth of the Church). This would ensure to a large
extent continuity of thought albeit under the ambit of new subject.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
April 19th
Prayer opens the prison door!
“But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.”-
Acts 12:5
|
| |
| |
Today, once again let’s focus on the significance of corporate prayer and its
power thereof, in the Early Church.
The beginning verses of Acts Chapter 12 reveal “the Leadership crisis”,
which came upon the fledgling Church. With King Herod beginning to persecute
the Church (adding to so many of his other sins) we see the gory departure of
apostle James (brother of apostle John) from the scene. This is followed by the
imprisonment of Simon Peter, yet another Church pillar. Oh how much, the Church
taking baby steps at that time needed his leadership, direction and guidance!
So even as its beloved leader languished in prison awaiting execution,
what did the Church do? Did it arrange a dramatic escape for its leader
by some daredevilry or it did it bring upon King Herod any political or
military pressure to secure its leader’s release? NO! Brought to its knees
by an untimely persecution, it moved the Hands, which move the Cosmos by
fervent prayer!!! The result? MIRACULOUS RELEASE OF PETER FROM THE JAIL
(Acts 12:6-11)
wrought by an angelic intervention!
Say Christian “are you interceding with God earnestly for the release of
your near and dear ones’ from the prison of sin?”
Prayer:
Father, we confess our apathy when it comes to praying for the salvation of
our near and dear ones. We plead with thee now earnestly to release them from the
clutches of sin, like You in Your grace released us. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
|
| |
Back
Next......
|
|
|
|
|
