Paul was being transported to Rome as a prisoner. The ship was caught in a horrific storm. Rather than use the lifeboat offered by the ship, the sailors agreed to listen to Paul as he encouraged them with God’s promise that everyone would reach the shore safely if they stay under His provision. There are many ways for mankind to believe when it comes to eternal security. Only one way will ensure safe arrival, through God’s generous provision of His Son. Jesus Christ our Lord, meets the Father’s requirement for salvation. To reach the eternal shore of heaven safely, trust in His act of love (see 1 John 3:16).- Teresa

Acts 27: 27-44 (NLT)

27 “About midnight on the fourteenth night of the storm, as we were being driven across the Sea of Adria,[a] the sailors sensed land was near. 28 They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep.[b] 29 At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.
30 Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.
33 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. 34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” 35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. 36 Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat— 37 all 276 of us who were on board. 38 After eating, the crew lightened the ship further by throwing the cargo of wheat overboard.
39 When morning dawned, they didn’t recognize the coastline, but they saw a bay with a beach and wondered if they could get to shore by running the ship aground. 40 So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore. 41 But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the stern was repeatedly smashed by the force of the waves and began to break apart.
42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. 43 But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land. 44 The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship.[c] So everyone escaped safely to shore.”

  

The man who is blessed enough to be married is like a treasure hunter striking it rich! That’s right… the man has an initiative to search. When he puts forth the effort, he will not be disappointed. God’s favor is given to the man who marries!  Father, help us as wives to remember the gift and treasure you give to our husbands through us. We love your wisdom and joy that exudes through marriage. – Teresa

Proverbs 18: 22 (NLT)
22 “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,

    and he receives favor from the Lord.”

  

Although Jabez was named for the pain he caused his mother at birth, he prayed that God would make his life free of pain. He also asked for bigger borders and a territory that was blessed by God. As leaders in our homes first and in the community and businesses we work, we should also request to expand His good blessing to others. Father, please hear our hearts to draw near to your peace (shalom) and to ultimately  

 share that with others. -Teresa

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NLT)

“Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

If we have abundant harvests of grain (or financial success) along with new wine (enough drink to satiate our thirst for companionship), then it seems we have truly arrived. Amazingly, the Lord gives us greater joy than this type of worldly security! When we simply trust Him, our joy is greater than ever. He gives us safety from things outside of our control. He allows us to sleep well at night (not worrying about scoundrels or trouble makers). He is a fortress around our lives for good. – Teresa

Psalm 4: 6-8 (NLT)

6 ‘Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”

    Let your face smile on us, Lord.

7 You have given me greater joy

    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,

    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.’

  

While attending the parade in Mount Shasta this weekend, my family and I were struck with small town America and the pride in our flag. Everyone stood for the National Anthem and gazed admirably at the flag held by the color guard. The symbol of American freedom was also displayed on the float with all the Veterans. There were many young people riding the float who have already invested time fighting for freedom against terrorism. Spiritual freedom from sin will come when we experience God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Father, may the symbol of your Word, the Bible, be the focus of our gaze. We desire to speak of your kingdom to a needy world through your love gift to us. #thecross. 

Today, this American eagle shared its magnificence with us as we swam at Butterfly Beach. It reminded me of the struggle for survival for rare species and for the rarity of the blessed believer in Yahweh.

Psalm 1 (NLT) states it well: “1 Oh, the joys of those who do not

    follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

4 But not the wicked!

They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

Sinners will have no place among the godly.

6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,

but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.”