Daily Devotional

3/10/2010 3:00:00 AM

"Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!'...trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'" - Acts 16:28-30 NASB

Turning Point for a Jailer

The earthquake was so powerful that the very foundations of the prison in Philippi were shaken. The doors had flung open. Certain "the prisoners had escaped," the jailer decided to kill himself, stopping only when he heard Paul's voice.
      Paul and Silas were unlike any other prisoners in his experience. To them, the prison was a place to seek God. They spent their time "praying and singing God's praises" (v. 25). Even when the jail doors were open, they had not run. Sensing that these men had something he needed, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Within minutes, the jailer and his family had found Jesus.
      The events that night took place with lightning quickness, and the witness of Paul and Silas had prepared the way. They were the first to bring the Gospel to Philippi. Prior to their arrival, the jailer knew nothing about Jesus. Yet he was so moved, he was willing to believe their message.
      Every day, there are people all around us who have needs. They may be afraid or discouraged. They may feel hopeless or face financial problems. They may be sick or have broken marriages. Some may know about Christianity, while others may be skeptical or have doubts. But they all need answers to their problems...a faith that is real...a turnaround for situations that seem hopeless. They need Jesus!
      Today, remember that you can be a witness through every word you speak and everything you do. Let God use you to change the lives of others. Let Him do extraordinary things through you!

Father, help me to be ready to share my faith. May I praise and worship You in every situation. Let me always be ready to let You work through me. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Further Reading: Acts 16