Life Journal, October 22, 2008
Today's readings: Job 11,12; Acts 15,16

The Right Heart Attitude

Scripture

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!"

The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.

Acts 16.22-34

Observation

We are not to focus on our circumstances--but on God--patiently waiting and watching for what He might do.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

After being falsely accused, severely beaten, thrown into jail and placed in stocks, Paul and Barnabas are worshiping! They even have an audience--a group who are watching and listening to them . . . no doubt to see how these followers of Christ will act after being beaten and thrown into jail. And the outcome is amazing.

How do I react to difficult circumstances? When things don't go as I think they should? Do I worship or do I grumble? Am I an example to those around me--lifting my head, my hands and my voice to heaven praising God for who He is and what He is going to do (even if it isn't what I might want or it might be difficult)? You can bet that others are watching us and how we handle difficult circumstances. They want to know if we really live what we believe. If God is really there in the difficult times. If it makes a difference. What do they see when they look at me?

I need to keep my focus on God--worshiping and praising Him, no matter my circumstances. I need to trust that He is in control. That He will take care of me in all things. . . . even when it doesn't look like it or feel like it.

Today, I need to live out my faith--knowing that others are watching. Today I need to not be whiny--but worship-filled. Today, my focuse needs to be on the One who created me, who loves me, who redeemed me, who sustains me. Today my eyes will be on Jesus, the Christ.

Prayer

Today, Lord God, may I keep my eyes only on You--not on my circumstances--not on anything else. May I worship You in all I do, with a joy-filled heart. May I not focus on the unimportant--but instead, focus only on You and others. May I sing when I want to whine--may I pray when I want to grumble. May I be more like You this day.