WEEK 11, Day 5, Friday, 12 March 2021

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 12 March 21:

Acts 27:11, 12, 21, 25 – “But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And… the majority decided to put out to sea from there…. Paul stood up among them and said…. take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

God’s word will quite often defy the experts, ‘common sense,’ and majority opinion. However, God’s word prevails. Everyone will decide in whom or in what they will place their faith, whether they will take God at His word in faith or rely on worldly ‘wisdom.’

Paul had no credibility as a sailor, but as an ambassador for Christ, he tried to warn everyone of impending doom, but they refused to listen. When the sailors, soldiers, prisoners and passengers finally did decide to listen to Paul, he explained that God’s deliverance from the storm required their complete commitment, an all or nothing proposition — “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:31) He also demonstrated that faith in God inspires confident thanksgiving in the face of apparent crisis — “He took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.” (Acts 27:35) Through Paul’s faith and leadership, all 276 persons in the ship survived despite the apparently terrible odds against them.

“Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, 13) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7) Trust and obey God wholeheartedly despite all other influences, even your feelings. When God’s word is clear on a matter, fully commit to it with thanksgiving as a witness to all around you.

• Hebrews 11:6 — And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 12 Mar 21: Trust and obey no matter what others say, and proclaim Christ along the way.