Today's reading

When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. –Acts 16:27 NASB

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DAY 199: Bible Duo – Paul and the Jailer

When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. –Acts 16:27 NASB

After the earthquake that caused the prison doors to open where the apostle Paul and Silas were being held prisoner, Paul had a God-orchestrated opportunity to save the jailer from dual deaths. The first being physical death when Paul yelled to the jailer, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here” (Acts 16:28 NASB). And the second spiritual when Paul addressed the jailer’s inquiry about how to be saved, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31 NASB). Paul’s mission was to save souls, and the jailer’s soul was kept.Many years ago, when I was five years old, my father committed suicide. Dad didn’t know the grave consequences that would touch the lives of his seven children as a result. Nearly all dealt with suicidal thoughts, and the majority acted upon them, too. Thankfully, over the course of time, God saved us from the snare of the enemy and the seed of death.What if there had been a Paul in my dad’s life who offered him hope, Jesus, and brighter days for his household? Never hesitate to speak to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. You may save their body and soul from the enemy’s plot of destruction.

prayer focuses

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! –Psalm 43:5 NLT I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people. –Psalm 120:1-2 NLT

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about the

Author

Barbara Alpert

Barbara was a wife, mother, and grandma who sought to love the LORD with all her heart, soul & strength. She has authored several books for adults and children. She has enjoyed mentoring other writers and seeing them turn their manuscripts into published masterpieces for God's glory. She believed that every person has a God-story within them to be told and shared. Barbara passed away peacefully in November 2023, but Bayside continues to remember and honor her legacy by sharing devotionals written by her in order to inspire and encourage others.