Acts – Page 2 – Be Still…

Acts 28:1-10 – Hand of Protection

For being a prisoner, Paul seems to get along pretty well. He doesn’t have total freedom, but I don’t get the impression he’s in shackles or chains. I loved the snake bite story. The people jumped to conclusions that justice would prevail – death for his bad deeds. But miraculously God saved him again.

This just goes to show us how God’s hand of protection was on Paul’s life to complete the purpose he had for Paul. That same hand of protection is on our life, too. This brings to mind people who are killed by accident or in a mass tragedy. You might ask if their missions were complete or if God is now moving on to plan B to make something good out of the tragedy. Continue reading “Acts 28:1-10 – Hand of Protection”

Acts 27:27-44 – Crash Bang!

Read Acts 27:27-44

Frightening. Panic is setting in. Paul takes command again. I can’t even imagine the fear that was coursing through the veins of those on that ship. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced fear like that. I’ve had my share of adversity but never a shipwreck. That’s when circumstances are really out of your control. The men on the ship tried to avoid the inevitable.

We often try to throw out anchors in life to keep ourselves from sinking. We grasp at straws to avoid the inevitable. Getting older. It’s inevitable. I have spent a lot of time in nursing homes this past week, and seen a lot of old people. Sad old people. Their joy seemed to have vanished. I was sad.

We need to hold on to the things that matter. Our faith, for example. No matter what happens in life, God’s love never changes. His promises are always true. We can always rely on him. That is where we get our joy. Continue reading “Acts 27:27-44 – Crash Bang!”

Acts 27:13-26 – Stormy Seas

Read Acts 27:13-16

We have all had “I told you so” moments in our lives. I’m sure one, in particular, sped through your mind as you read today’s reading. I know one did for me. However, Paul’s message was not to condemn but to comfort. Again, Paul’s integrity and leadership shine through the darkness of the moment.

When we are going through the storms of life, it is sometimes hard to focus on anything good. When we are lost in the moment of despair, there is nothing anyone can say that is going to lift us up. I wonder how it was for Paul’s shipmates. They had been frantically doing things to keep themselves safe–as if they had control. Continue reading “Acts 27:13-26 – Stormy Seas”

Acts 27:1-12 – When You’re Not Being Heard

Read Acts 27:1-12

Paul is on his way to Italy. At last. It was several chapters ago (and years ago) that Jesus told him he was going to Rome. From the sounds of it, they waited a little too long into the season. I’m not a nautical genius, but if there were treacherous waters ahead, I’m not sure I would venture out. In Paul’s day, it’s hard to know what sort of predictions existed. The Weather Channel was certainly not available.

Paul sensed impending doom and tried to reason with them. I bet he felt invisible. Maybe you’ve felt like this before. Have you had a really great idea, been eager to share it, and then nobody listens? Or even worse, you have gone to the trouble of preparing a great presentation and either get bumped or time runs out before you can present. Then there are the times that you do share, but due to distractions nobody even hears you! Continue reading “Acts 27:1-12 – When You’re Not Being Heard”

Acts 25:23-26:32 – A New Audience

Read Acts 25:23-26:32

Festus was at his wit’s end at what to do with Paul. We know Paul has appealed to Caesar. Talk about going to the top for justice! But we all know Paul is not guilty of any crime punishable by Roman law. Festus knows this and wants to get the King’s input on what he should tell the emperor. If nothing else, he wants to save face and not look ridiculous for bothering the emperor himself with matters that should have been handled “in the field.”

I don’t know about you, but I love when Paul tells his story. He is so respectful to those in his presence. He is totally devoted to his mission. It’s so clear he truly wants everyone to believe as he does. I love that we all have the opportunity to receive forgiveness and be accepted into God’s family because of our faith and belief in Jesus. Continue reading “Acts 25:23-26:32 – A New Audience”