Scripture

Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
(Acts 28:30-31)

Devotional

We need to understand that Paul was under house arrest. He was a prisoner of Rome. Nevertheless, he found this favor. It is amazing how God can take the most difficult of situations and truly work them to His glory and our good. Paul did not put his focus on getting out of his situation. He focused on taking advantage of his situation.
We may, more than often, be missing the blessings of the Lord by attempting to change things rather than using them to the glory of God. It may be worth the time to pray and ask the Lord if our present situation is meant for good or are we to attempt to change it. Personally, I frequently find myself under a lot of pressure. It seems as if there is a stress-baton being passed from one person to another and that it is my job to keep up with it. Nevertheless, like a suspension bridge, we maintain our strength under a certain amount of tension.

Thought For The Night

“Christ’s life outwardly was one of the most troubled lives that was ever lived: tempest and tumult, tumult and tempest, the waves breaking over it all the time. But the inner life was a sea of glass. The great calm was always there.” Henry Drummond, (1851-1897), scientist, evangelist, author of many books including the multi-million selling, the Greatest Thing in the World

Evening Text

Acts 28:30, 31: Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Looking for Answers

Is God ever stressed?
Are you often stressed?
How do you handle stress?

Evening Study Guide

Defining: “Stress”: The pressure that keeps a suspension bridge upright or the pressure that causes strain and sometimes damage to our bodies. Stress can strengthen or it can destroy. How we use and handle it makes all the difference. Consider 2 Timothy 3:1-9.

Referencing: “Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come,” 2 Timothy 3:1.

Applying: Know that a certain amount of tension is good. It will drive you to do better and to succeed. Nevertheless, stress, like any good thing must be managed. The great manager of stress is Christ and His Word.