A Devotional Study of the Living Word of God

Psalm 119:50 Having solace in this world is a promise from God that many people do not know, and if you meditate on the Word of God daily, you will not be one of them!

Good Morning

The USS Constitution in the mid sixties was moored at the Boston Naval Shipyard in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Old Ironsides is still there housed in building 5, it is a museum now and very much worth the visit. In the mid sixties I was on a destroyer that was being overhauled at the shipyard and as we were ending our stay there is was necessary to test all of the repairs and overhaul were completed and worked, so we took the ship out to sea and put it through some sea trials. All seemed well and we returned to Boston. On entering the shipyard area the USS Constitution was dead ahead moored to a stone and cement pier. In front of the USS Constitution was and oil tanker loaded with fuel. Our ship was to slow down and turn to the starboard (right) and head into the shipyard's main area. The destroyer would not slow down, nor would the engines reverse. It stayed at twelve knots, just under twenty miles per hour. Being to close to turn at that speed the skipper aimed the destroyer at a small opening between the oiler and the Constitution. The impact on the destroyer was severe, the bow of the ship was now vertical, but both the Constitution and the oiler were not harmed and we were allowed to stay in the shipyard for an additional forty five days while the bow was replaced. I cannot imagine the repercussion if we would have sliced the Constitution in half, or the possible explosion and oil spill if we hit the tanker.

Acts 15

Acts 15:14-21 James the half brother of Jesus is the lead pastor of the Jerusalem church after Peter's discussion of his experience with the Holy Spirit and the grace demonstrated with the Cornelius household, James reaches a decision. His decision is not only based on Peter's testimony but also on the Old Testament scripture (Amos 9:11-12). In verses 18-19 James is commenting on (Leviticus 3:17). Later in Paul's epistle, Paul will write these words found in (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Acts 15:22-29 I like the letter or decree found in these passages, it demonstrates the respect of the elders in Jerusalem that they have for the gentiles; for the ministry of Paul and Barnabas and it provides instruction that will continue to encourage the gentiles to walk by grace and not by works. Grace cannot function without the responsibility of those abiding in grace to abstain from habits or practices that pollute the goodness of God's mercy. We to are held accountable to God by grace. (Romans 6:1-2).

Acts 15:30-34 After returning to Antioch and the reading of the decree, there is rejoicing. The kind of rejoicing that men and women experience when God has done some great thing among them via the power of the Holy Spirit in them. We need to see this in our churches today, God is at work, but sometimes I believe we are afraid to enjoy His work. Besides, God has plans that we need to be aware of, like the plans He had for Silas here. God relocated his ministry with the Jewish believers. to a ministry with the gentile believers, Silas recognized this and remained at Antioch.

Now if you do not have your bible with you, the following is a link you can go to and find the verses of scripture I have referenced herein. Bible Gateway at: www.biblegateway.com/