Boards of Salvation

                                  Stay with the ship even when it is torn all to pieces. 

Last week's post came on the heels of a trio of tornadoes. Thank God we have been storm-free since then. Cleanup efforts are well underway. People from nearby states have joined the locals in demolition and repairs. It is a beautiful thing to see a community working together to find housing for those who have been displaced.

Acts 27:14,15 references a similar storm. The King James version refers to it as a tempestuous wind. The NIV refers to it as a wind of hurricane force. Euroclydon was not just a passing storm, it was one that could last for days. In this account, its destructive forces battered Paul's ship for fourteen days.

It was so powerful that the ship's crew had to relinquish control of the helm. Then they brought the lifeboat aboard. Additional precautions were taken to keep the ship together. The sails were lowered in efforts to keep them from being driven into the sandbars. And everything that could be thrown overboard was tossed. They lost all hope of being saved.

Everyone that is, except the Apostle Paul. He had received a message from an angel of God. He explained it to the centurion. Their salvation was dependant upon staying with the ship. The storm worsened. Even when daylight came, they could not discern a shoreline. In a last ditch effort to save themselves they hastened the destruction of the ship.

As the ship broke apart, those that could swim headed for the shore. Others clung to the remnants of the boat and floated to safety. Because they stayed with the ship, even the broken pieces, they survived. Not one life was lost.

The storms of our life may range from little sprinkles to devastating typhoons. It is certain that we will try everything in our power to stay intact as we ride through them. At times we may lose our grip. And there may be times that we will feel hopeless. It is in those times that we must seek the Lord, listen to His voice, obey His commands, and trust that He will keep us safe in His care.

IM BTIW 2Day

Come sing with me beneath the ivy wreath. Today's Worship Wednesday post will take you back a few years. Lessons came so much easier then. Osmosis worked for me before I knew what osmosis was. Yeah, now you're getting curious. Right???? See you there, and be sure to mention some of your favorite CC songs in the comments.


I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way. The Message version of Psalm 119:54.

'Neath the Wreath Today

Come join me at Beneath the Ivy Wreath for Worship Wednesday. You will find out where these pictures were taken. The first one is of Pastor Randel McCarty, Pastor Darlene McCarty (the blonde), and Pastor Darlene Bishop. The one in the last picture with the bright orange shirt is me. :-)