{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrad-thurston.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fpersecution-prayer-and-power-w_ixI7E7","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Persecution, Prayer, and Power","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/928b8180-b57f-49dc-a827-65b6a9112d3b/6f58a5b3-213d-401f-9cbf-bfcf29ff9dbd/d4618f8e-5844-40ca-b00e-9518c785ac8b.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/c0f173b2-cc06-4bca-b7a6-640fbde5ac88\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Persecution, Prayer, and Power\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"Acts 12:1-18\nThis episode was started during the reading of the text.  It deals with the amazing release of Peter from prison right after the execution of James the apostle.  There is something about laments in the Old Testament.  Laments are journeys we take through grief and anger, sorrow, and loss, to forgiveness, acceptance, and eventually praise to God for His infinite Mercy, Love, and Kindness.  The process of grief is not something we cut short, nor ought we prolong it through self-pity, extended depression, and accusations of blame. "}