March 31, 2020 CAC Living Water Devotional :- DON’T LEAVE CRETE
Read previous CAC Living Water Devotionals here
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER {Jan ~ June, 2020}
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
TOPIC: DON’T LEAVE CRETE
Read Acts 27:1-26
[1]And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.[2]And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.[3]And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.[4]And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.[5]And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.[6]And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.[7]And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;[8]And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.[9]Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,[10]And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.[11]Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.[12]And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.[13]And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.[14]But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.[15]And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.[16]And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:[17]Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.[18]And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;[19]And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.[20]And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.[21]But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.[22]And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.[23]For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,[24]Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.[25]Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.[26]Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
MEMORISE: But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss” (Acts 27:21)
EXPOSITION
People’s attitude to instruction, warning and command is a thing of serious concern, nowadays. In fact, only few people cherish it, when you try to make them do the right thing or take the right step. Today’s dose of the Living Water is on Paul and his fellow travellers on the sea, going to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. When they sailed to Crete, Paul warned his co-travellers to stop and winter at Crete, but they wouldn’t listen. After all, what right has a prisoner before the prison officer? Paul was a mere prisoner awaiting trial. So, there was no way the officer in charge of him could listen to his warnings. Rather, he heeded the expert opinion of the sailors, who were professionals on the sea. Isn’t that your own situation right now? You are listening to what other people are telling you, discarding God’s instructions.
They had not gone very far away from Crete, where they believed was not suitable to winter, before they experienced shipwreck, just as Paul had predicted by the Spirit of God. They eventually regretted their actions, as Paul reminded them of their attitude to his warnings. He later on encouraged them and boosted their hope of survival.
It is high time you began to learn how to obey God, to avert unnecessary, avoidable accidents. Your life, ministry and home can stay accident-free, if you step up your level of obedience to God through the various channels He uses – parents, church leaders, spiritual fathers/mothers, etc. Thank God Isaac did not disobey Him; he stayed at Gerar. Where you are right now, is it the right place for you? Always look before you leap. Don’t move if He is not saying so (Exo. 33:14-16).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Wherever I have been beaten off the track by my headedness, O Lord, by Your mercy, help me to recover fully, in Jesus’ name.
2. Holy Spirit, deliver me from disobedience, arrogance and self-will that the devil has set as time bomb to destroy me.
3. Lord, help our leaders, everywhere, to be humble enough to take good, godly and feasible pieces of advice from their subordinates, to help enhance their organisations’ performances.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Deuteronomy 32 & Acts 3
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!