Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday November 13, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-13

Today's Message: God is The Same
God is the same God that He was when He first created the earth, He is the same God that He was when He came down to earth as Jesus Christ, and He is the same God today and He will be the same God tomorrow. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.“ - Hebrews 13:8.

We as Christian's can always count on some kind of persecution for believing in and following Jesus Christ, but we can rejoice knowing that we are protected and safe, even through the suffering. The Jerusalem church had met early opposition by the Jewish religious leaders and now they are being persecuted by the ruling civil authorities in Judea. Herod, the king (the grandson of Herod the Great, who was the Roman-appointed king of Judea when Jesus was born), catered to public opinion and always ruled by their response. After the public hailed at the execution of James (one of the apostles) Herod decided to order the execution of Peter also. It took sixteen guards to watch the prison so Peter would not escape. No mob could force open the prison's massive gates. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” - Acts 12:1-5. The Easter mentioned here is not the Easter that we know today, this was a pagan celebration which Herod partook in. While Peter was in prison his family and friends were praying for his release. His friends had no money to offer for a ransom and no plea bargain was made, they were able to pray, so they prayed. Sometimes we just have no other way of helping someone and in fact the best thing we can do for someone is to pray for them.

If we were to look at Peter's circumstance, it looks pretty bleak that he will be able to find any relieve. To judge by all outward appearance, Peter's fate was sealed and everything looked impossible. However, with God all things are possible. “And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” - Acts 12:6-11. All that praying paid off as an angel of the Lord helped him escape death. Peter is sleeping in the cell, with a man on each side, and both are chained to Peter. So we see there are four men in the cell and the other twelve are outside the door keeping watch over them. Even Peter can hardly believe what is happening to him. The soldiers slept on, while the change fall off, gate doors opening with no one there, and now Peter is out of the prison and on his way. He doesn't know if it is a dream, or reality. Then Peter came to that main gate to the prison, and this was an heavy gate, and it just swung open, and Peter and the angel just kept on going. When they were one block from the main gate the angel departed from Peter, and Peter was again alone.

Throughout the entire Bible we learn about the amazing miracles that God made happen. Sadly, many people who read about these miracles either have doubt that they even happened or question whether or not God can still make miracles like the ones we read about happen. God can still produce these miracles today. Just because you cannot see the angel of God right in front of you, it does not mean that the angle of protection is not on you. The only reason that this angel was even visible to Peter, was to direct him and let Peter know that God is still in control. No matter what situation we are in, God thrives on seeing the impossible become possible. If He left it all up to us we would mess it all up, but if we leave I to God, all things are possible. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” - Mark 10:27. Praise God!

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night
God Bless You,
Christina

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