February 21, 2012 (Numbers 8-9; Acts 28)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people supplied us with everything we would need for the trip.” Acts 28:10 NLT
Observation: The people of Malta were blessed the day God washed Paul up on their beach. God, through Paul, healed all of the people who were sick on Malta. I think it was God’s way of blessing the people who would help His people. The people of Malta were so appreciative of all God had blessed them with that they made sure Paul and his companions had everything they would need for the remaining part of their journey. The scripture don’t tell us if the people of Malta received Christ or not, but their actions would make one assume so.
Application: I’m really encouraged by the way Malta’s people responded to the blessings they had received. Instead of acting as if Paul and his companions owed them, they not only provided for their immediate needs, but they provided for their future needs. People today act like God owes them. We receive the blessings of God with an attitude that demands it was owed us, rather than an attitude of humility. Maybe this explains the difference in our actions toward others when compared to the actions of the Maltaians. God owes no man anything and everything we receive from Him is a gift of His grace.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made. Bless it and keep it holy for Your glory. Forgive me Lord for having an attitude that acts as if You are indebted to me in any capacity. You are the awesome God of heaven and above You there is no other! Every gift You provide me is of Your mercy and grace. The protection You afford me has not been earned or paid for by anyone other than Your Son Jesus. Thank You for Your blessings. Give me the courage to live in a way that pleases You, whatever happens, in Jesus name, Amen!