8/26/08 "Spiritual Warning and Decision Making"

[D.Lang]

S Acts 27:1-10 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already
become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned
them, 10 "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and
bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also."

O As they head out to sea, they were making no head way because of
the winds, the heavy cargo laden ship they sailed on, and they were in
no moving current. Because they waited until after Yom Kippur (Day of
Atonement fast ritual), Paul had spoken up to them and indicated that
their lives were going to be in danger for various reasons. This was
not just some “guestimate” he was giving them. Paul was in tune with
the Spirit, and he knew there were tough times ahead. Could he do
anything about it…? Not really. All he could do was remain faithful
to act in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s guiding and prompting. Paul
was always good at that, and an example of how we are to live our
lives each day.

A Everything we do has a consequence. We can make the worst
decisions in the world each day, and we can likely be assured that
we know what the outcome is going to be. Nothing good will most likely
ever come from poor choices. Sometimes we think we are making the
right move, but later we find out we chose wrong. God provides me
wisdom each day, especially when I lean to Him and ask. He will put
people and situations in my path to make my decisions more trusting
and easy. He put Paul into the lives of these men, but because they
did not have a relationship with the Lord there was no way to discern
right from wrong, or truth from tale. There is a huge step of faith
that takes place in this paradigm. Do I trust in my Lord for His
guidance enough that I would do what He says, when He says it??? Paul
was a prisoner on this boat, and he could have just stayed silent…He
chose to share with them Godly wisdom in the hopes that someone would
take heed. I don’t have to go through a “shipwreck” any longer in my
life for my eyes to be open to His free and available truth. It is
always waiting for me. As long as I stay close my Lord, His guidance
become more clear and easier to follow every day.

P Lord, This accident never “had” to happen to Paul, but because of
choices that people make, we are subject to things around us that many
times puts our lives into other’s hands. Please help me to be a Godly
example to every person I encounter. May my relationship with you be a
helpful source to bring others to salvation. That Your wisdom and
discernment You give to me be a tool that brings glory to You
always. Amen

[tony.h...@fbcrpb.com]

Dan,

Good insight here. We must rely on God's wisdom and leading in making
our choices.