 |
|
|
PRINCE OF PEACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH |
10333 S. Clare Ave., Clare, Michigan 48617 |
Our Mission at Prince of Peace Church is reaching out to people with the same forgiveness we have experienced so that all might know the peace of Christ in their lives. | | | | |
|
Acts 12:1-11 (English Standard Version) |
James Killed and Peter Imprisoned1About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Peter Is Rescued 6Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. 8And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." | |
|
Psalm 46 |
God Is Our Fortress1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present[b] help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah 4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah 8Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah | |
| 
|
| Stand Firm! |
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today."
(Exodus 14:13)The children of Israel were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. What should they do? Moses told them to stand firm and they would see the Lord’s deliverance. God opened the Red Sea, destroyed Pharaoh’s army, and led them to safety. Sometimes we feel trapped with no way of escape. All our struggling only gets us deeper into trouble. At such times we can stand firm and await the deliverance of the Lord.
This does not mean that we should sit idly by and do nothing to help ourselves. But when we are hemmed in by circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us, we remember how God delivered His people in Egypt. God knows a hundred ways of escape when we see only a blank wall. All we can do is pray, "Cover my defenseless head With the shadow of Your wing." Spiritually we are also completely helpless. We cannot come to God or do away with our sins. God draws us to Himself and leads us to our Savior. This is entirely His work. "Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling." Dear Lord, when we are trapped, help us to stand firm and await Your deliverance. Amen. Author: Oscar J. Klinkermann/Jan. 4, 1987 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
 |
|
| | |
| |
