Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 12
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
Intense pressure came to the early church during the height of their growth and missionary expansion. Some believers were put to death for the faith and others arrested or persecuted. It has been my observation that spiritual assaults usually come to those who are being used by God to advance the Gospel. The devil usually doesn’t bother those who are no threat to him. The early church was piercing the darkness with a powerful Gospel witness. They responded to spiritual attacks by turning to God in prayer. Acts 12:5 says, “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God…” The church needed a miracle. They were in a very difficult situation. The Apostle James had been martyred and Peter had beed arrested and was awaiting the sentence of death. It is good to know that prayer knows no boundaries except that which lies outside of the will of God. Prison bars, Roman soldiers, and the king’s palace could not prevail against a praying church! No matter how difficult or dark your circumstances become, never underestimate the power of prayer. The spiritual battles of the early church were fought and won through prevailing prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” What a great promise and assurance to God’s people today. He hears us when we pray.
Prayer: “Dear Lord, may we have confidence in prayer and may we boldly come before Your throne. May we be dedicated to prayer ministry, and also may we be united in prayer with our fellow believers. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 