NEW REVELATIONS

August Writing #1

Recently I have been praying a new prayer before I read the Bible during my devotional time. I have been asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate my heart. I have been asking God to show me what He is clearly communicating in Scripture. Since praying this prayer it seems that I am seeing something brand new to me in the Word every day.

I have read the story of Paul and Silas in prison in the book of Acts many times. I have always been inspired by the fact that these two devoted servants of God managed to praise and worship the Lord in the midst of their suffering. Being beaten, bruised and incarcerated did not stop them from praying and singing praises to God. According to the book of Acts their worship was followed by an earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison. Paul and Silas' chains fell off and the prison doors miraculously opened. I am soundly familiar with this account. I call it to mind when I feel imprisoned by negative circumstances in my life. On numerous occasions I have followed the example of these mighty men of God. I have thanked the Lord and praised and worshiped Him in the midst of personal pain. And time and time again circumstances in my life have turned around for my good and for God's glory. However, this time when I read Acts 16 I saw that not only did Paul and Silas' chains fall off but the chains of “all” the prisoners fell off. It allowed me to see that when we praise and worship, not only are we set free from bondages or evil circumstances. Those around us and within our sphere of influence are also set free. I saw that when we seek the Lord that there is greater purpose than for merely our own sanctification, redemption and blessing. Paul and Silas used their freedom to bring salvation to the jailer and his family. Likewise we can use our spiritual liberty to restore others.

I am thankful that the Lord has prompted me to pray for His revelation as I read His Word. I am looking at Bible passages from a fresh perspective. Each parable, discourse, or excerpt takes on unique nuances and implications. I am seeing answers to questions which have puzzled me in times past. I am able to make new applications from Scripture in my own life. Most of all I am grateful for the Bread of Life Himself who constantly enlightens, renews, refreshes, and restores.

“The friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father
will send at My request, will make everything plain to you.” 

John 14:26

(The Message Bible)

“His anointing teaches you about all things 

and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit 

~ just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
1 John 2:27 
(NIV)

By Cathy Friberg