Jesus Will Come Quickley

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:12-21

Steps: 11, 12

God says that He will come quickly. He has stated this since 31 AD when He went back to heaven. He has told us that He will come and now all of the time prophecies have been completed. We still have a few of these prophecies that have not been settled yet but will soon come to pass and soon Jesus will literally come to gather His people to Him. Many of us will be shocked to see Him but I hope some of us will accept the warning and be ready. This is my last post in this daily devotional. I hope to start another one in January on 36 addicts in the Bible. Thank you for reading with me, it has been my pleasure to write for you. May God bless and keep you.

Prayer for Today: God, You have showed us many things in the last year. I pray that You will not only continue to talk to us but actually bring us to a point of change. Grant us Your grace and peace and thank You for taking so much time to be with us. We hope to see You soon.

God's Final Statement

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Revelation 22:10-15

Steps: 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12

As God finishes His work He makes a final statement about all of His people. Some will stay with their addictions and reject God and some will accept His process of recovery and will join with God. When this final event happens there will be no more changes, all will have chosen their position and will change no more.

Prayer for Today: God help us to choose You before this final time comes. Help us to be willing to know so that we can be on the right side. Thank You for Your love and patience with us and for giving us this opportunity.

God Has a People Who Will Not Submit to the Beast

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Revelatin 14:1-5

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. Revelation 15:2-4

Steps: 11, 12

God says that He can develop a last day people who have victory over all forms of Satan's addictive processes. God says it can be done, all of His people can walk free from any thing that Satan seeks to sell. God can give us complete and total victory.

Prayer for Today: We pray dear God that You will protect us and develop this kind of recovery in us. Thank You for Your testimony in the 144,000 and the offer that this experience is available to us today.

The Beast of Revelation 13

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. Revelation 13:1-9

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12

In Revelation 13, as well as in Revelation 12, we have the history of the apostate church teaching a doctrine that inhibits recovery from sin. This history has repeated over and over again in the history of this world. But Jesus is trying to tell us it will happen one more time and then He will close down the process once and for all. He wants us to see what happened in the past and what will happen yet in the future so that if we hear what He is saying we can be protected. All through this devotional I have chosen some significant events so that we can learn to trust God's Holy Word and recognize that He has always been addressing our addiction issues at the root, rather than at the event. It is now time for us to take a realistic look at the events taking place around us and then decide what we want to do and where we want to go with God.

Prayer for Today: God, you have talked to us for over a year now, and we pray that the relationship we have built together will last forever. Help us not to fear You or to distrust You, and yet if that is the case please find ways that will help us to overcome these fears and develop that trust relationship that You want for us. Grant us these gift from Your love to us.
For those who are interested in a little more study on the issue of Revelation 13 please feel free to read about Revelation at www.the1844way.com.

The Falling Away of the Church

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 2:1-14

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12

God tells us that the spirit that killed Paul and Peter would continue and even enter into the church. The very church of God would prove to be dangerous to God and His people. In fact before Jesus comes again the church would apostasize and turn on God's people. History confirms that this has happened several times and then Daniel and Revelation indicate that this will happen just before the second coming of Jesus. We need to be so solid with Jesus that when this happens we will be prepared and covered by Jesus to protect us from this event.

Prayer for Today: God' help us to be willing to see these events coming, help us to learn from the past, and help us to be willing to walk with You and be protected from what is to come. Thank You for Your love and care.

Peter Goes to Rome Also

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. John 21:18

Steps: 11, 12

In God's timing Paul finally went to Rome and was killed their as a martyr for Jesus. Peter also made it to Rome, and Jesus had prophesied what would happen to him after he had done all of his work for Jesus. It is an interesting idea in the Bible that one of the greatest blessings of service to Jesus is to be allowed to suffer for His name sake. See Acts 5:40-41. Peter also was allowed to be crucified and he chose to be crucified upside down as a testimony of his memory of denying Jesus three times. Peter and Paul suffered for their Master and Friend.

Prayer for Today: God grant us the serenity to acceptGod grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Help me to choose to follow You even if I know that I am going to suffer for Your sake. Help me to count any suffering as a blessing because I have been identified with You.

Paul Prepares for Death in Rome

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:1-8

Steps: 11, 12

Paul has lived a good life and has served His Lord well. He has been a blessing to all with whom he has come into contact with. Now that he has spoken to all the people that God has sent him to speak to Paul himself says that he is ready "to depart". He reports that he has fought a good fight and he has finished his activities, and he is now ready to receive that crown that will be given to him on the resurrection day. We don't have a lot of the details of how he died but there is a good presentation at the following address -
http://www.whiteestate.org/books/aa/aa50.html. Paul did his job well and he died so that we could see how an ordinary man could follow Jesus.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, help us to be as steady and faithful as Paul was. You know what needs to happen for us and we ask that You will accomplish these mighty things in us as well. Thank You for these wonderful promises of service.

Paul Spends His Final Days in Rome Preaching

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:16-20, 28-31

Steps: 11, 12

As he had done all through his time of recovery Paul continued to preach the good news of recovery. Paul was now at Rome and as long as he lived he would preach what it was that God had shared with him. Now he preached to the Jews in Rome and anyone else who would talk with him. He shared his experience, strength, and hope as long as there was life in him.

Prayer for Today: God, our time is coming when we must speak our testimony of what You have done for us. Thank You for all that You have done for us and help us to be willing to share with others as You bring us in contact with them.

Paul Finally Arrives at Rome

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. Acts 28:11-16

Steps: 11, 12

After much trial and difficulty Paul arrives in Rome. Now he will experience the next phases of his journey and he will be given opportunity to testify of his experience, strength, and hope in the world's capital city - Rome.

Prayer for Today: God, help us to be willing to go where You want us to go, do what You want us to do, and say what You want us to say. Thank You for another opportunity to do service for You and for Your people.

Paul is Bitten by a Snake on an Island

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. Acts 28:1-11

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

In God's providence Paul, and the men on the ship sent to Rome, were shipwrecked and escaped to an island called Melita. The people of the island treated the men well and while making a fire to get them warm Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake. The people of the island thought that Paul must be a criminal seeking to escape justice. They expected him to die for no lived after a bite by this kind of snake. But Paul showed no harm and then the people changed their minds and thought Paul must be a demi-god. Paul ends up healing all of the people on the island and thus brings the good news of salvation to all of these peoples. Shortly after this experience they continue on their way to Rome, where Paul has an appointment made by God.

Prayer for Today: Please Lord help us to take advantage of any crisis that occurs around us and help us to be able to preach about You and Your power so that people are convinced of Your love and grace.

Paul Prophecies Shipwreck

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. Acts 27:21-26

Steps: 11, 12

God is now sending Paul to Rome to testify for him. He is on a ship with 276 other soldies, prisoners, and sailors. They are in the middle of a storm and they don't know if they live or they will die, but God gives Paul a vision and tells him again that he will arrive at Rome to testify of Jesus and that God will save all people aboard. None the less there will be a shipwreck and all of them will be cast upon an island. So God wanted to share this message to all on board to give them hope. God always wants to be gracious to all of His people.

Prayer for Today: Help us God to be faithful to you even in the middle of a literal storm and literal ship wreck. We need Your help and we need Your guidance. Grant us Your grace, Your wisdom, and Your compassion while we are walking this earth. Thank You again.

Paul Appeals to Caesar

Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. Acts 25:1-12

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12

Paul has been in prison now for several years. He hears that the Jews are requesting him to come to Jerusalem to stand trial. Paul knows that if he is sent back to Jerusalem that he will die at the hands of the Jews. So when Festus, the Roman governor is not inclined to defend him Paul appeals to the highest Roman ruler - Caesar - Nero. He knows that he might die at the hands of Nero but he knows for sure that he will die at the hands of the Jews. In addition Paul remembers the words of Christ in Acts 23:11 that God has said he needs to testify in Rome. So Paul throws his life onto the words of Christ and is willing to go to Rome to testify and die if necessary.

Prayer for Today: God, grant us the serenity to do what You would have us to do. Help us to have the peace which fear can not shake. Help us to be willing to share our experience, strength, and hope, with anyone who will listen and enter into recoverey with us. Thank You for Your love and grace.

Paul Waits for Justice to be Served

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Acts 24:22-27

Steps: 11, 12

Paul has been taken into captivity by the Romans, to defend him against the murderous intent of the Jewish leaders. Paul continues to defend his position and protests that he is not breaking anyones laws, Gods, the Jews, or the Romans. He states that he is simply doing what God has called him to do. Yet God has placed him where he can preach the gospel to the leadership of the area. While there he has the opportunity to testify for Jesus for over two years, and yet has not been justly cared for. By the laws of the land Paul should have been released yet in the providences of God Paul has been kept in jail to preach this holy gospel.

Prayer for Today: God, grant us the serenity to be at peace with You even when things do not unfold for us as we had planned. Help us to trust You that Your plans are unfolding each and every day and that people will be blessed, and brought into recovery, if we will trust You and wait on Your plans. Thank You for Your grace.

God States that He will Send Paul to Rome

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11

Steps: 11, 12

Paul has been through many things and when he arrives in Jerusalem he is accosted by the Jews and they try to kill him. But God rescues him through the Roman soldiers. Then God tells him that no matter what happens he will end up at Rome to testify for Him in the capitol city of the world.

Prayer for Today: God has many blessing in store for us even when the way looks difficult and almost impossible to get there. Grant us great peace and joy as we walk the difficult path.

Paul Warns the Church of Apostasy

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. Acts 20:28-38

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 11, 12

Paul knows that he is not coming back to Ephesus and he warns the church that apostasy will occur. He knows that great change will occur before the end. (See II Thessalonians 2:1-3). So he warns the church that even in their midst would be people who would rise up that did not care about Jesus but wanted to draw people away for themselves. After Paul finished his warning he hugged and kissed them before heading to Jerusalem.

Prayer for Today: God help us not to be the ones who lead people astray. Help us to be the ones who are faithful and true to the words of God. Help us to be willing to go into recovery from sin and to help others get there to. Help us to be willing to trust in Your plans for us and for Your children.

Paul Heads Toward Jerusalem Prepared to Suffer for Jesus

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Acts 20:17-27

Steps: 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12

Paul had seen in vision that he must go to Jerusalem and he called all of the elders together and began to give them final instructions as to what needed to be done. He reports that he had done a thorough job and was ready to die for Jesus. He had been faithful and had warned everyone of what they needed to do to be right with God. Now he is prepared to go to Jerusalem to face whatever God has in store for him.

Prayer for Today: Help us to learn to trust You God that You have the way prepared for us and You know every step of the path and You have prepared for every emergency. Thank You for Your love and care for us, help us to be willing and trusting to walk with You in all things.

Paul Preaches to All of Asia

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:8-10

Steps: 11, 12

In Acts 19:1 it states that Paul was now in Ephesus, one of the major cities of Asia. He preached there for two years and through his efforts the whole area of Asia had heard of Jesus and His teachings about salvation and recovery from all of the different issues of sin. God's will was accomplished and many people were saved. See Acts 19:17-18

Prayer for Today: God, help us to recognize Your voice when your servants come to speak to us. Grant us Your grace and Your truth, and Your desire to do right. Help us to be willing to follow all of the truth You grant us. Help us not to turn back to the old ways of addictive thinking and behaving.

Paul Saves the Jailer from Death

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:19-34

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12

Paul and friends had cast out a demon from a young lady in the city of Philippi. As a result the people who attempted to control the addiction of this lady reported this change to the police and Paul and Silas were arrested, beated, and sent to prison. While in prison they continued to praise Jesus and at midnight God freed Paul, Silas, and all of the prisoners. The jailer, seeing that everyone could go free was ready to commit suicide for any jailer who lost his prisoners was killed for incompetance. Paul stopped him before he could harm himself telling him that although all were freed, none had left because of Paul. The prisoner hearing of all of these stories about Paul asked what he could do to be saved. Paul told him that what he needed to do was to believe in the Man who had sent Paul - Jesus the Christ. The Jailer did this and he, and all of his family was baptized.

Prayer for Today: God, when You visit us in the form of Your children, help us to accept Your message, and Your invitation. Help us to accept this message at the cost of all else for this is our salvation, or deliverance from our addictive behaviors, and our addictive thoughts. Help us to trust You and move immediately and not wait for further displays of Your love and power. Thank You again for Your patience with us.