Be a Wise and Discerning Believer
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 2 days ago
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Updated: 10 hours ago
Rev. Tse Amable | July 15 2025 | Acts 12:16-18
KEY VERSE: “PETER MOTIONED WITH HIS HAND FOR THEM TO BE QUIET and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the brothers about this,” he said, and THEN HE LEFT FOR ANOTHER PLACE” Acts 12:17 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
One of the truths we must keep in mind about our adversary, Satan, is that he never gives up. When he loses one battle, he will look for the opportunity to come back to fight another battle. Do you remember what Pharaoh did after he himself had released the Israelites to go? He changed his mind and went after them. That is how Satan also behaves. This awareness that our enemy is constantly seeking ways to attack us calls for us to be wise and discerning in all we do. In our key verse for today, Peter did two things which showed he was a wise person. First, he did not speak (he used “sign language”) and wanted the believers who were in the house praying for him also not to make any noise. He did this to avoid exposing himself and the church to their enemies and being arrested. Secondly, Peter immediately left for an undisclosed location, which would make it difficult for anybody looking for him to find him. THIS IS BEING WISE AND SMART!
We must always act in wisdom and discernment so that we do not expose ourselves to the enemy. According to Apostle Peter, our enemy, “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. He therefore admonished us to be self-controlled and alert (see 1 Peter 5:8 NIV). This calls for walking in wisdom and discernment of the times and situations. Jesus Christ said, “Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; BE WARY AND WISE AS SERPENTS, and BE INNOCENT (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) AS DOVES” (Matthew 10:16 AMP). Apostle Paul also admonished, “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15 NIV). Just as the enemy is coming out with new strategies to attack us, we too must also evolve and find new ways to counter Satanic and demonic advancements in order to be victorious and more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. THEREFORE, BE WISE AND EXERCISE DISCERNMENT IN ALL YOUR AFFAIRS.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What would you do to frustrate the wicked plans of the devil against you? Do you consider fleeing persecution a good idea in light of the word of God, which promised persecution for believers in Jesus Christ (see 2 Timothy 3:12)?
PRAYER:
Father, I thank you that you know all the evil plans of Satan to destroy your church, and you reveal those plans to us so that we may be victorious. I pray that you teach us how to walk in wisdom and discernment, so that we will always be ahead of the enemy. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 196: 1 Kings 7 - The Temple Furnishings
DAILY word study: BROUGHT OUT The Greek word used in Acts 12:17 for “brought out” is exēgagen (ἐξήγαγεν), derived from exagō — a compound of ek (out of) and agō (to lead). It means “to lead out,” “to bring out from captivity,” or “to guide someone out.”
This word carries the weight of divine rescue. It’s not just a casual exit. It implies that someone with authority and power took deliberate action to remove another from danger. In the Old Testament, this same word (in the Septuagint) is used to describe how God brought Israel out of Egypt, not randomly, but with purpose and protection.
Peter wasn’t simply escaping. The Lord led him out. It was a divine act of intervention. The use of exēgagen reminds us that God's deliverance is intentional. He doesn’t just remove us from harm—He leads us to safety.
Reflect on this: When God brings you out, it's not a matter of luck or coincidence. It’s a planned act of grace. Trust His leading, even when it feels quiet or hidden.
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