Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. As the Elect, saved by grace, it is still up to us what we make out of what Christ gives us. Maturity will make the difference of having a life of distinction and purpose or a life governed by strife and chaos. So what is your response? What is your attitude? Where does your maturity lie? Author unknown
Where are you now and where do you want to go?
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. Acts 27:20 (New International Version, ©2010)
Life as a Christian is often described as a journey. This is a beautiful analogy because we are able to experience so very many truths along this journey.
We are blessed and confronted with crossroads and forks in the road and must make choices. There are stumbling blocks and bridges. Sometimes there is beautiful scenery and at times desolation. At all times there are decisions to make about what is important to us individually on our journey and which paths we will take.
The 27th chapter of Acts has the Apostle Paul on a journey which was definitely not a pleasure cruise. Paul was on his way to be tried in Roman court.
The means for navigation was lost to them. They could see neither sun nor stars to plot their course. Paul was very content to depend on his God for guidance in the midst of this terrible storm. Paul had an attitude of faith.
22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.
23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’
25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Paul had half a map, the Old Testament, and a brand new compass, the Holy Spirit; and, armed with these tools, he stepped out boldly on his spiritual journey.
We have the written Word. We have the security of safe passage on a spiritual ship which is not troubled by persecution from the Caesars of our times.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping.
43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.
We can assume an attitude of gratitude, an attitude of forgiveness, an attitude of prayer to smooth our path. We have the Comforter who provides encouragement, spiritual nourishment and hope for those on the Christian journey.
It could be easy to let our bountiful gifts form our Attitudes of Life.
May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!
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