S. Acts 28:8-11 (c.f. Numbers 9:15-23) NIV
His (Publius) father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.
O. I had just been reading Numbers 9:15-23, observing God’s presence leading Irael. There were times the Lord’s presence (cloud/fire) would remain in one place longer before moving than at other times. Israel followed God’s leading. When He paused, they paused. When He moved, they moved. I also observed in my reading in the Acts 28 passage that Paul and all those with him on the island of Malta, actively ministered to those on the island while they made their preparations to go to Rome. This was a period of 3 months (v.11).
THOUGHT: While we follow His leading, we should actively serve and minister to others whether we are in one place for a day or for 3 months.
A. No matter what season I’m in, whether it’s a brief interval or an extended season, I will serve he Lord by worshipping Him and leading others to Him. At Asbury College many people (students, staff, neighbors) are in a season of revival, while I suppose there are other people in other areas who are waiting for a Word for the Lord or for His presence to guide them to the next place. Regardless, may we always and actively be about our Fathers’ work - sharing the Gospel of Jesus and discipling those who come to know Him.
P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to keep in step with you as I actively serve before/in the presence of the Lord. (Galatians 5:16-26)
