July 10

I Chronicles 9:1-10:14, Acts 27:21-44, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 18:23-24



Pray: Father God, I am amazed that the God of creation even knows who I am much less knows the number of hairs on my head. Who am I that You should know me and care about me? Yet, Your WORD declares that I have purpose in this life and the life that is to come. One day You will raise me up into newness of life by the power of Your resurrection and I will reign alongside of You. It is too much to grasp but enlarge my heart that I might.

Read: The apostle Paul was a prisoner onboard a ship on his way to Rome to appear before Caesar. The ship he was on had been ravaged by a storm for 14 days. During that time no one had eaten. And during that time an angel from God visited Paul and told him not to be fearful but to be courageous. The angel said that Paul would indeed appear before Caesar and that no one onboard would lose their lives. And…the angel told Paul the boat would be shipwrecked.

Paul had warned the captain and crew long before the storm not to set sail. But the captain would not listen. But now as every word that Paul had spoken came to pass the captain listened and did just as Paul said. Paul was no sailor! But he had a sure word and those around him began to do as he said. The boat shipwrecked, but everyone survived. Not one was lost.

Edify: There is nothing that overcomes fear like a WORD from the Lord. Paul was probably as fearful during the 14-day storm as the crew. But when a sure word from heaven came, FEAR became COURAGE. And COURAGE is contagious. A word from God may not keep you from being shipwrecked. But it will allow you to deal with the shipwreck taking place. There is nothing quite like hearing an inner voice say, “I’ve got this!”

Practice: Practice dealing with your fears by placing each one in God’s hands. Wait quietly after you do so. Listen for His voice. He is our ever present helper in time of need.