Toss It Overboard!

Daily Reading: Acts 27

Scripture Focus: Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. (Acts 27.18)

Devotional Thought: I have some friends who have long since passed retirement age, and are now beginning to make plans to move into a senior citizen apartment complex. It is not easy for them. One of the most difficult things is letting go of the 'stuff' that they have accumulated over the years. Garages, closets, attics, and extra bedrooms have been cleaned out. Their 'stuff' has been given away or sold in garage sales. But, as they have come to realize, they can't take it with them!

Those who were aboard the ship with Paul, discovered how 'stuff' suddenly becomes less important in times of change or danger. The storms threatened their ship and they gladly got rid of the cargo to save their lives. Eventually, "even the ship's tackle" (v. 19) was tossed overboard. Who needs to steer a sunken ship?

Sometimes 'stuff' gets in the way, even when seas are serene and sailing is smooth. 'Stuff' can get in the way of our spiritual growth. Jesus told us that we are not to have our treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves steal. Instead, our treasure is to be in heaven, for where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. If in our pursuit of goods and pleasures, we neglect the matters of the heart and spirit, we will find ourselves bereft of the important things. Periodically, we need to take an inventory and see what might be weighing us down.

Where is your treasure?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the treasure of my heart. Your love, O Lord, is sweeter than all the pleasures that this world affords. It is sweeter than life itself. I cling to you, and you alone. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 74.9-17

9 We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long. 10 How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? 11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!

12 Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13 You divided the sea by your might; you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters. 14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan; you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. 15 You split open springs and brooks; you dried up ever-flowing streams. 16 Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. 17 You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.