Reading: Acts 27:39-44 NLT

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. So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore.

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.

The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. 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. The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely to shore.

Prayer: Lord God – the story of Paul’s journey to Italy is filled with perils and rescues… with the ultimate end of taking him to Rome to witness to your love and mercy as expressed in your Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing is able to deter your greater purpose in his life… your mission to bring Good News to the gentiles.

Help me to discern your purpose and mission for the stage of life in which I find myself today. Give me a sense of clarity… how I can be a bearer of the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. And give me the courage and determination to fulfill this mission… regardless of the cost. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “For the Sake of the World” – Bethel Church Music

I’m laying down my life / I’m giving up control / I’m never looking back / I surrender all / I’m living for Your glory on the earth

This passion in my heart / This stirring in my soul / To see the nations bow / For all the world to know / I’m living for Your glory on the earth

For the sake of the world burn like a fire in me / Light a flame in my soul for every eye to see / For the sake of the world burn like a fire in me

For every knee to bow down / For every heart to believe / For every voice to cry out / Burn like a fire in me / For every tongue to confess / You alone are the King /  You are the hope of the earth / Burn like a fire in me