SCRIPTURE: Acts 27:1-12
“Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.” (Acts 27:3)
Paul is a prisoner, being taken to face charges before Caesar in Rome.
This centurion is a servant of Rome, loyal to Caesar, yet he is not evil.
The fruit of kindness is not restricted to those who know and love God.
In all people there are indications that we are children of God.
Sin affects all of us alike, but there remain signs of goodness.
Our world is filled with bad news, but there are still signs of good news to be seen.
Muslims, Atheists, Jews, Christians, Prostitutes, Gang Members, all are capable of both good and evil.
Paul was blessed by this act of kindness.
We can see the Spirit of God working out His fruit in others, whether they believe or not.
It is a sign of hope that He is not done with them, and us, yet.
Like Paul, offer your own kindness to others (his warning), whether they believe or not.
It is the Jesus way, it is God’s way!
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to sense the kindness of Your Spirit through my day, wherever it comes from. And help me to join with You in spreading your kindness, to everyone I meet.
Observations/Application
Journey toward a destination.
What happens on the journey is also important as arriving at the destination.
God uses all peoples His wonders to perform even those who do not believe in Him. God is in charge and not mere man. Julius showed kindness to Pail and later he did not listen to the man of God but the reason of man. Whose reasoning do I listen to? It may not make common sense but then the ways of God are not like man’s ways or like my desires. Whose voice am I listening to today – His of mine or others? I must be in tune with Him at all times.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
(Repeat two more times)
Holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to see you