Daily Lesson for Monday 29th of December 2025

While in Macedonia, Paul mentions multiple imprisonments (2 Corinthians 6:5, 2 Corinthians 11:23, 2 Corinthians 7:5). The first recorded instance was in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24). Later he was imprisoned in Jerusalem briefly before being transferred to prison in Caesarea.

Elsewhere, Paul mentions being “in my chains” (Philemon 1:10,13, NKJV). Although under house arrest in Rome, he was chained to an elite Roman soldier. Ignatius, a Christian of the early second century who was chained up like this, described the soldiers as behaving like “wild beasts . . . who only get worse when they are well treated.”—Michael W. Holmes, ed., The Apostolic Fathers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007), p. 231.

Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com

No matter how hard life got, Paul was able to see a brighter side, and that gave him courage to bear up under stress. Despite Satan hurling everything he could, Paul knew he was not forsaken.

Often, we may be tempted to look at our circumstances, our weaknesses, or our past failures and become discouraged. It’s at times like these that we need to remember all the amazing provisions God has made for our success in battling evil. One of the most important is the Bible itself, “the word of truth,” because we can learn from others’ mistakes and also learn how these people have succeeded. Also, the Holy Spirit “makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 671.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-01-paul-in-chains/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-01-paul-in-chains

The great lesson we learn from dear Paul this quarter is that we are to 
Stand Up! Stand Up For Jesus! – Hymn 618. This is a beautiful theme hymn to give us a great reminder of what we need in our world that is falling apart these days.

There are many times that Paul encourages us with his ability to be so positive in his trying circumstances and great service, and yet he still will say he rejoices: 
Hymn 599 – Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers.

While still in chains (Monday), Paul goes forward with his wonderful advice to 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378. “Paul was able to see a brighter side, and that gave him courage to bear up under the stress”. I can question myself in all my worldly trials 
Am I A Soldier Of The Cross? – Hymn 609. To help with our daily toils and not become discouraged, we can ask 
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272 to read about help and answers God will graciously give all the time. Then, we can 
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart – Hymn 27.

There is more encouragement and advice from Paul as he keeps telling everyone to be faithful: 
Hymn 602 – O Brother, Be Faithful as we are welcomed into our 2026 Bible study times.

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/1-persecuted-but-not-forsaken-singing-with-inspiration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=1-persecuted-but-not-forsaken-singing-with-inspiration