April 15, 2026
Second Week of Easter
The Key to Freedom
…during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison…
Acts 5:19

It’s safe to say nobody wants to be in prison. Most folks know little about what goes on inside one—and they’d rather keep it that way. As a badged volunteer in our local prison, I saw what life looks like behind bars. It’s oppressive and sobering. Inmates are reminded at almost every turn they have no control over their physical space. But I realized no one can imprison anyone’s mind without their consent. That goes for you and me too.

Have you ever felt trapped with no way forward, convinced what you can do is much less than what you cannot (or will not) do? I know that sounds harsh. But a prison of our own making is harsh. A willingness to change, with the assurance of God’s presence, is the key to freedom. If we choose to walk through those opened doors like the Apostles, God will lead us forward.

- Gail Goleas

Acts 5:17-26 ✚ Psalm 34:2-9 ✚ John 3:16-21
A woman's hand clung to the edge of the door and was about to open it. Image by Marut Studio | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

AaronLikeJesus0
April 15, 2026 at 11:07 PM

Thanks Gail for the devotional today! Everybody have a good day ahead, we almost made it to Friday

Salina (not in control)
April 15, 2026 at 04:55 PM

Freedom? *** From what? Sin and death in Romans 8:1-3, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit Who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son (Jesus) in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh!” *** By Whom? Only God the Son, Jesus Christ, in John 8:36,...
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Scott
April 15, 2026 at 12:21 PM

Thank you Gail for the devotional words this morning. When I was a teenager, in a summer program we had to define what freedom means. Human beings have always had the freedom to choose what is right, decide what is wrong and live life to the best of our abilities by making "good" choices. I learn about myself when I make bad choices. The door to my heart then becomes open to know grace, the power of forgiveness, the freedom to be loved and to love through the Spirit that opens up the doors of a closed, dishonest heart and...
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ADV
April 15, 2026 at 10:01 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
April 15, 2026 at 09:27 AM

Gail what a good analogy. It soothes my heart and gives me strength. God is with us and guiding us each day if we so choose it. I was watching a cute movie yesterday when for some reason I listened up when the character told a young lady who was crying from mean words of her friend told her. He basically said, words can only hurt us if we give them permission to. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Holy Spirit fill our hearts and mind with your love and guide us all to...
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CBR
April 15, 2026 at 08:54 AM

Amen Amen Amen God be with us all leading us to you and only you Amen Amen Amen

freeter
April 15, 2026 at 08:48 AM

Amen. :)

Gary
April 15, 2026 at 08:27 AM

Lead me Lord, guide me on my path. Amen!

Mike
April 15, 2026 at 08:29 AM

Please lead me Lord

Salina (not in control)
April 15, 2026 at 08:05 AM

*** Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin https://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I?si=Uh22iU9H1uSxqhWc *** Friend in Jesus by CAIN https://youtu.be/_1D5C0kid2g?si=urL0DfueDb5CAxZU *** Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs Leonard https://youtu.be/ucY6NwQTI3M?si=mkocVhGQwpuJn0Eh

Holly
April 15, 2026 at 07:43 AM

Amen

Cheryl
April 15, 2026 at 06:46 AM

Amen

A woman's hand clung to the edge of the door and was about to open it. Image by Marut Studio | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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