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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Acts 21:4. There are times when we have to take people through the Word of God slowly, because there is so much to learn and understand. These believers in Jesus Christ at Tyre knew that many Jews hated Paul. This news had travelled fast, and they say to Paul - "Paul, you should not go on to Jerusalem." These men and women are genuinely and sincerely concerned for Paul's physical welfare, but Paul knows the will of God and he will not be diverted and sidetracked. They cannot persuade him.
Once the ship was ready to leave - once the seven days were up - all the men and women and children went with Paul to say their final 'Farewell'. All the men and women and children together - all together - wherever possible.
Before they part, they all kneel down on the shore and pray. What a sight! Paul and Luke and a few others - and all these men and women and youngsters - kneeling down on the shore in prayer.
Imagine the impression that must have made upon these believers, especially upon some of these young lives. Seeds would be sown that day. I wonder how many were deeply affected by being present on that occasion.
What we do, and how we live, and the words we use in prayer, can deeply influence others much more than we ever realise.
Just reading verses 5,6, makes me want to give thanks to God for the life and ministry of this dear servant of Jesus Christ. Let this word influence you and then go and lead a life in the light of Jesus Christ that will influence others for good and for God. And take a moment to give thanks to God for those who have led you this far in the faith. Being thankful and grateful in prayer is so important.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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