SCRIPTURE: Acts 27:13-26
“God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:24)
God has always intended to bless others through us, and vice versa.
Just as sin affects those beyond the sinner, so does grace… and grace is greater than sin!
As servants of God and followers of Jesus, we are like leaven in the flour.
As we surrender to God, and He works out His purpose in us, those around us also benefit.
This is how the kingdom of God is supposed to be spreading in the world.
As we humbly follow Jesus, God uses our lives to bless the nations.
As we live out grace, mercy, peace, love, joy, others taste it’s sweetness.
God will not only work out His grace purpose for you, but also for others.
He will graciously help your struggling neighbours too.
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3)
Unfortunately, the opposite is also true; our rebellion hurts others.
When Christians or the Church fail to be like Jesus, the darkness increases.
We are to be salt and light, but if we fail to do that, the Lord will remove us.
For His kingdom purpose is to graciously spread His blessing…
If we won’t join Him in that, He will find others to do it for Him.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your grace is ready to bless the people around me through me. Make me a channel of Your grace, peace, love!
Observations/Application
The Word of the Lord comes to pass. They were told not to sail but upon reading the weather, they sailed. Even today, with all of our technical know how, we still can’t predict the storms. God is in charge. He reigns. He is in control and all fulfills His purpose. Hope in Him. He can save us from the storms of life. Nothing else can. No thing can. Only Who can? God!
Paul stood up. Even though his advice, God’s Word was not followed, he showed the Way. He was in tune with God. He listened to His Voice and shared the Good News. He didn’t tell the others ‘I told you so’ but rather encouraged them to stand fast. He was an encourager as God had encouraged him. Being blessed, and therefor also a blessing to those around him.
As we live for Jesus we never know what influence we may have upon the lives of others. Live in the Way also today.
1
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.