ONLINE CHURCH BULLETIN

Undefeated

Acts 16.22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten.  23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 

24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

The officials may have convinced casual observers that these "trouble makers" had been conquered but the officials failed to convince Paul and Silas that they were defeated.  They knew something--and Someone--the officials and other prisoners did not know.  They knew that He was in control.  They knew that He was listening and caring for them as they suffered, prayed and sang.

2 Timothy 1.11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.  12 That is why I am suffering as I am.  Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 

Dear Father, we are so impressed by Your faithful servants.  They responded to opposition, rejection and beatings with praise and prayer.  Forgive us for our lack of faith as we battle Satan.  Help us to be strong in faith and always grateful that we have a song of joy and hope to sing.  Help those who are hurting.  We ask this in the name of Christ, the One who is with us.   Amen

1 John 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 

Only God can know HOW our prayers WORK but we believe HE answers.  Please write me to add names to the prayer list and to report changes in status.

Let us be thankful and prayerful!

Love
Brad Forgy