Acts 27:13-44 Hear the Storm Warnings

Acts 27:13-44 NIV
Sometimes, when we make mistakes we learn from them.

Stormy day on Huron Bay, U.P.

The sailors did not listen to Paul when he warned them that it was to dangerous to set sail, in the first place. Now in the midst of the raging storm that he'd warned them about, they are ready to listen to him. They ran their ship aground and ultimately their lives are spared. God is with them. He has plans for Paul. He wants Paul to stand trial before Caesar in order for him to testify about Jesus.

When we find ourselves in the midst of storms because we failed to heed the warnings about the direction we were heading in, it is not too late. Listen to God. Listen to where He would have you go and what He would have do. God has plans for you! He will do all to ensure that His plans are carried out. But, listen to Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 27 - Leviathan

Kayak Trip with Cassie on Huron Bay

"In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword—his fierce, great and powerful sword—Leviathan  the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea." (Isa 27:1 NIV)

 

Leviathan, the great sea monster, is mentioned a few times in Scripture. In addition to Isaiah 27, you can find mention of Leviathan in Job 3:8, Job 41:1, Job 41:12, Psalm 74:14, and Psalm 104:26.

 

On the rare occasions that I've found myself out on the lake in the midst of a storm I think of God overpowering Leviathan. OK - so they are not rare occasions. It seems like the wind picks up almost every time I am out on a boat (big or small) on a large mass of water. I actually warn people that they should not take me fishing unless they want a storm or their motor to conk out... Others should not take me out with them if they don't want to play with Leviathan, or maybe it's God, out in the middle of the water. I don't mind the storms. I know that the LORD is with me, even in the storms. The rushing wind reminds me of the power of the Holy Spirit. God is big enough to destroy Leviathan. He is big enough to protect me, if that is His will. But, if I'm not up to another storm, I stay as close to home as I can with my kayak...

 

Symbolically, the sea refers to a large number of people. So, for those of you who are big into the Revelation of John, the dragon that comes out of the sea in the book of Revelation most probably refers to the fact that the evil one will come from among the people. "The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name." (Rev 13:1) We are not looking for a literal dragon to come out of a literal sea, but an evil that comes from the midst of the people. Revelation is filled with symbolism. Please, do not take it literally.

 

The picture of the evil one may be a bit alarming, but remember the promise found in Isaiah today: The LORD will slay the evil one in the midst of the people. There may be times when things seem just awful. There may be times when your leviathan decides it's time to play with you. But, know this: the LORD will surely rescue His people. He is our very help in the time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 113 - Sunrise To Sunset

"Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised." (Psalm 113:2.3 NIV)




Praise the Lord. At all times and in all places, everyone shall praise the LORD.

Sunrise Aura, MI

I woke up a little late this morning. The sun should rise in about an hour. Many of the people that I know have the same habit as I, wake up early, before the sun rises for devotions and prayer and again around or after the sun sets spending more intentional time in God's presence. 

It does not matter where you are, who you are, or what time it is; He who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look upon the heavens and the earth, is always worthy to be praised. Spend time in His presence, not just to go down the list of prayer petititions, but to thank Him for answering our prayers; thank Him for listening; thank Him even for the sunrise and sunset; praise His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. It is about about hour before sunrise on Sunday morning. You still have time to get ready to join your brothers and sisters in Christ at Worship, praising His Holy Name.