READ Acts 16
Paul travels to Macedonia, Achaia, and Greece, carrying the Gospel.

INSIGHT
During World War II, many soldiers “got religion” while in their foxholes under enemy fire. Because many of those “foxhole conversions” were not genuine, some people become skeptical of anyone who professes Christianity under stressful circumstances. Yet there are many, including the Philippian jailer, who will testify that some “foxhole conversions” are genuine. Be sensitive to the Lord when you are under stress. He may use that very situation to help you get your life into perspective.

PRAYER
Praise God for the circumstances that surrounded your conversion:
Your word is completely pure,  
And your servant loves it.  
I am insignificant and despised,  
But I do not forget your precepts.  
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And your instruction is true.  
Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
But your commands are my delight.  
Your decrees are righteous forever.  
Give me understanding, and I will live
(Psalm 119:140-144).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who is a God like you,  
Forgiving iniquity and passing over rebellion  
For the remnant of his inheritance?  
He does not hold on to his anger forever  
Because he delights in faithful love.  
He will again have compassion on us;
He will vanquish our iniquities.  
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18-19).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
“Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days” — the Lord ’s declaration. “I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people (Jeremiah 31:33).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• A compassionate heart
• The leaders of your church
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Those who fear you will see me and rejoice,  
For I put my hope in your word (Psalm 119:74).