12/12/2021 - THE LORD’S CARE

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Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.   Acts 28.16

The arrival in Rome was the end of a trip that caused Paul a lot of apprehension in the beginning, including the setbacks because of nature, but much joy later. Everything in life is difficult in the first steps, but as time goes by, everything becomes easier than we imagine. Do not allow discouragement to take hold of you. If you do, you will even become repugnant to people. Always be cheerful and firm in your faith in Christ. Victory is already yours!

In the capital of the Roman Empire, the centurion turned the prisoners over to the general of the armies, but did not do the same with the apostle, allowing him to live on his own. What he saw on the ship during the storm and on the island of Malta increased his appreciation for Paul. He must have told the general everything, in order to give the famous prisoner a better place than the filthy, cold prison cells.

A soldier guarded Paul 24 hours a day. This can be understood as a protection that the empire gave him; however, this protection was only so that the apostle would not flee, nor anything else happen. It is wonderful to know that God places good people even among the authorities. Surely, in the eternal plan of the Most High, even this detail was thought out and well planned. Do not be carried away by the devil’s threats, but follow the Lord faithfully!

Whoever serves God has the promise that the angel of the Lord encamps around him and guards him (Psalm 34.7). This does not mean that believers do not need security; after all, the Word says: Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127.1). Our God will never be surprised by any of the enemy’s plans. The Father is faithful and true!

The saved can live in God’s presence continuously. If they are going astray, they will soon feel that they have done something wrong. The Holy Spirit works this way. If we turn away from the Most High, the enemy will take advantage to implant his evils in us, and then we will suffer horrors. When you feel the divine touch that your action was evil, repent right away. This way, you will close the door to the devil.

In any difficult situation, know that Jesus is the Door. With Him, we get out of any difficult situation. Even though we have done wrong, we need only confess our sin and ask for forgiveness, for the Scriptures declare:  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1.9). God does not write down our mistakes and then smears them in our face!

Trust in the Lord, who has called you to belong to His people, making you part of the Body of Jesus – the Church. He is the Head and we are the other members. Christ will never stop keeping us, as long as we take our place in Him. Believe and live by faith!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares