Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Acts 27:27--44 Gaining Credibility We want people to believe us, but first we have to give them reasons to believe us. Have you seen this in these last few chapters of Acts with Paul? He warned that they should not set sail. The Romans did not listen to him. Sure enough, they found out why Paul said this when they encountered a horrible storm. There were other things about him, especially his Christ-like behavior, that showed them they needed to start listening to him. Then when the sailors tried to escape the ship and leave it for the passengers to sail for themselves, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off (Act. 27:31, 32). Did you see what happened? Tough Roman soldiers, who took orders from no one besides their commanders, listened to their prisoner! That is amazing. However, Paul gained credibility in their eyes. It took some time, but it happened. Be patient with people. Keep doing and saying the right things, and do not get bent out of shape when they do not accept your words. Keep plowing along and you will see them change. Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100 http://www.plymouth-church.com/dons_corner2.html http://associate.com/groups/emaildevotionals/