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Crosswalk Devotionals http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/ Bible Pathways November 18 Read Acts 26 -- 28 In Today's Reading: Paul's defense before Agrippa; his voyage to Rome; storm at sea; shipwreck at Melita (Malta); Paul at Rome When Saul of Tarsus confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as the risen Savior and promised Messiah, Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea, exclaimed in a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself. . . . But he (Paul) said, I am not mad . . . but speak . . . the words of truth (Acts 26:24-25). Since Paul, as a Roman citizen, had appealed his case to Caesar, Festus placed him in the custody of one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band (27:1). Julius was to take Paul safely to Rome to stand trial before Nero, the Roman Emperor. They set sail and, after a brief docking at Sidon, continued along the northern coast of Cyprus. Stormy winds kept them from making much progress. On reaching The Fair Havens in Crete (27:8), Paul urged them to stay there during the winter months. He warned: I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt (danger) and much damage, not only of the lading (cargo) and ship, but also of our lives; but the majority of the people on board urged Julius to continue on to Phenice, and there to winter; which is a haven (harbor) of Crete (27:10-12) Shortly afterwards, furious hurricane-like winds beat upon them. After two stormy weeks, their ship began to sink off the coast of Melita. Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said. . . . Be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God has given you all them that sail with you (27:21-24). From this experience we learn that our judgment is only as good as our source of information. Our life's voyage, like Paul's, may also be filled with violent storms. We may experience physical, financial, or emotional "shipwreck" and all hope that we should be saved may appear to be gone (27:20). But, there will come a day when the tempests we have weathered will seem insignificant compared to what God has accomplished through our faithfulness. Because of Christ, Paul could confidently say: I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (II Corinthians 12:10; also Romans 5:1-5). Word Studies: 26:5 most straitest = strictest; 26:7 instantly = earnestly; 27:7 under = around, near; 27:10 lading = cargo; 27:12 commodious = suitable; haven = harbor; 27:30 under color = under pretense; 28:2 barbarous = foreign, non-Greek; 28:13 fetched a compass = made a circuit, following the coast; 28:16 suffered = permitted. Cross Reference: For Acts 28:26-27: See Isaiah 6:9-10. Prayer Needs: Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon � BP Staff: George Kopchak � Government Official: Sen. Ted Stevens (AK) � Country: Belarus (10 million) in northeastern Europe � Major languages: Belarussian and Russian � Religious freedom � 48% Russian Orthodox; 22% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Jewish � Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers express gratitude to God for His wonderful works (Psalm 9:1). Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 4:12 For more great resources to help you grow in your relationship with God, please visit Crosswalk Faith: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.28503.1.1698058 View the full selection of devotionals available from Crosswalk.com here: http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.210.28503.2.1698058 >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/210/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
