Daily Devotional for January 8, 2015
Acts 27
Scripture:
21-25 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Observation:
Growing up in Ohio, my family was blessed to experience all four seasons of the year. One of my favorite winter scenes is the morning sun shining down on snow and ice-covered trees. While I like seeing ice on the trees, I do not like ice on the roads. Few things feel as helpless as being unable to stop your car as you slide down the road on the ice. I remember many winters as a young driver experiencing the immediate shock of fear that struck my heart when I hit the brake, but could not stop.
At some point in our life we have all experienced fear. Whether caused by something we have done or by something outside of our control, fear is fear. It is crippling to us and our ability to function. The Bible tells us to not be afraid. Why? Because God is in control and He has a plan. This doesn’t mean that we live in a bubble of protection. It does mean, however, that regardless of situations or circumstance, God is able. God has a plan for our lives, and as long as we are fully devoted to Him and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will be with us. Therefore, do not be afraid. God is with you and will give you what you need to handle what is in front of you.
Application:
- Personal Application: If we are pursuing a deeper relationship with God and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we need not be afraid.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that when we are following God’s direction, His purposes will be accomplished. Therefore, do not be afraid. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the courage to stand in the midst of the storm while walking on this discipleship journey.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will always stay inside of God’s plans and purposes by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, January 3 – Sunday, January 10:
- Sunday, January 3: Acts 22
- Monday, January 4: Acts 23
- Tuesday, January 5: Acts 24
- Wednesday, January 6: Acts 25
- Thursday, January 7: Acts 26
- Friday, January 8: Acts 27
- Saturday, January 9: Acts 28
- Sunday, January 10: Psalm 70-71
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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