Scripture:
Since they (the ship’s passengers) had been without food for a long time Paul stood up among them and said “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete…Yet now I urge you to take heart for there will be no loss of life, on the ship…So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told…
As day was about to dawn Paul urged them all to take some food saying: “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food…Therefore I urge you to take some food, for it will give you strength for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” And when (Paul) said these things he took bread and, giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Then they were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. We were in all 276 persons in the ship… (Excerpts from Acts 27 verses 21-25; 33-37)
Observation:
Living the Gospel seamlessly is my objective—just like Paul is doing…
Application:
Paul traveling on ship. Paul senses a storm coming. Paul warns ship’s company “Maybe we ought to stay right here for the winter.” Ship’s captain “Nope we can make it fine.” Storm comes; Paul is right; Captain is wrong. God saves the day…
What is interesting to me is to read about Paul adamantly, firmly, and consistently being faithful. Paul isn’t just switching into Christian gear but having faith in God throughout—even when the ship’s company blows him and his suggestions off.
Am I firm like that? I don’t think I am but I want to be. I want my religion to be on full display as an integrated part of my person—fully seamless.
How to do that? Have a plan, execute a plan—both in full faith in the Holy Spirit—practice, be persistent, and persevere to the End.
It’s called maturity. If I were to pray for maturity do I think God will be pleased to answer a prayer like that? You betcha and without a doubt and with enthusiasm. “Finally”, He says, “a prayer I want to answer. Took you long enough….”
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord God. Thank you for making my heart rejoice in your steadfast love (Ps 31). You, O Lord, are great and your praise rises in my mouth, exulting in you. It is neat that your objective with me is to make me into the image of the Son, my Lord Jesus. Please help me walk