Taking Advice #116

Acts 27:21-26
Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listenedto me in the first place and not left Fair Havens. You would have avoided all this injury andloss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and hesaid, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God inhis goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believeGod. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

The Apostle Paul was on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar as a common criminal. The ship he was on not only had a crew but other prisoners as well. Paul had warned the crew of impending disaster if they did not follow his instructions. They refused and found themselves in major difficulties. As things grew worse Paul gathered the crew together and reprimanded them for not paying attention and following his advice. The problems and difficulties they faced could have been avoided if only they had listened and heeded Paul's warnings. Do you ever find yourself in trouble for not taking the advice of those who are wise and knowledgeable?

Paul did give them encouragement and hope in spite of their lack of following his counsel. Take courage, because no one would lose their life even though the ship would sink. Sometimes our ship sinks because of our poor decisions, yet life is not over. There is still hope. God had spoken to Paul and assured him that he would arrive in Rome and stand before Caesar. God’s purpose would be fulfilled.

He also assured them that all on board would also be safe. This was because of no other reason than the goodness and grace of God. Even though you often fail in your obedience to God and fail to follow His directives He still promises that His goodness will see you through. So Paul concludes with, “Take Courage.” How could they take courage in light of the future prophesy of Paul concerning the ship’s destiny? They could be courageous because Paul believed God.

Even though your ship may sink, your faith will see you through because God said it would. You may be on a sinking ship but God is still in charge. Take courage and believe God. He will seeyou through to His intended purpose.

___________________Today's personal note from Dennnis

Greetings from Starbucks in Salem, Virginia!

Sandy and I arrived in Salem on Monday. We are excited about our week with the Tabernacle Baptist Church and Pastor Rick Elmore and his wife, Lynne. They are long time friends. We met in seminary in Fort Worth in 1968. Wow! That was a long time ago.I will be speaking tonight (Wed) at their weekly prayer meeting. Sandy and I both will be speaking Saturday morning and again on Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing the wonderful folks at Tabernacle. During my illness they have been faithful prayer warriors for us. We are grateful to them.

Thanks for your prayers for our family. Our daughter, Mandy and baby to be, are doing wonderful. How we praise God for that. Needless to say daddy to be, John, is likewise excited.

Our daughter Susan is working on her new condo. She has a lot of work to do to make it ready to live in. She is working hard at ripping out cabinets, tearing up flooring, removing popcorn ceiling and lots of cleaning.

Roger and Jennifer and boys are also moving into a new home this weekend. Lots to do to be ready to move.

God is so good. I appreciate your prayers and know that God is working in my life and ministry. Doors have opened for ministry. Already in November I have scheduled nine speaking engagements and several in January already. Praise the Lord.

Pray for continued health. I meet with the oncologist, and my primary care doctors when I get home. Both have called to schedule appointments to discuss the latest tests that have been run.

Do you know that God loves you!! He does. So much so that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for you in order that you might have life and life abundantly. May He bless you today with His grace and mercy and show you His goodness. ~ DGW