Psalms 74-76; Acts 27:1-26

In Psalm 74 the people of God are experiencing a time when God's discipline has allowed them to go into captivity. They then look back and remember the wondrous things God has done and ask Him to defeat their enemies. 11 "Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!" They understand the power of God and are asking Him to retaliate now. He will do that after they have been through the consequences of their sin and have truly repented. If God rescues us every time we ask without any consequences we get cheated out of the growth involves in the discipline. He loves us too much to allow us to remain spiritual children. This growth is sometimes painful, but it is so worth it.

In psalms 75 the Lord chooses the appointed time to judge uprightly, to exalt people or bring them down. It is God who holds the pillars of the earth firm when it quakes. When our world is rocking if we put trust the Lord He will deliver us.

In Psalms 76 God is great and His name known in the nation. 11 "Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared." 12 He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth." We know God is great and understanding His awesome power and holiness should bring us in reverent awe with a humble, yet healthy fear of His majesty and power.

In Acts 27 Paul is being transferred to Rome to appeal to Caesar. A few days into their journey the sailing became difficult and while anchored at the port in Fair Havens Paul warned them 10"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." 11But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest. Do we listen to the majority when the sailing gets rough or do we call on the Lord and listen to Him for direction? God gives direction to those leaders and His children to keep us sailing on His course. Trust Him for guidance and the destination will be reached while walking in His presence and trusting in Him for the right route and the desired outcome along the way.