Acts 28, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #67 & 68, & a reflection

PASSAGE: Ashore on Malta, Arrival at Rome, Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

NOTES: (v.1-10) They arrived at the island called Malta, and the islanders showed kindness. When they saw that a viper had fastened itself on Paul's hand, they thought he was a murderer and Justice was being served. But when Paul shook the snake off into the fire without being harmed, they thought that he was god. The chief official welcomed them, and Paul went to see the chief's father, who was sick in bed. He healed him after prayer, and soon the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.
-(v.11-16) Paul then went to Rome, and were greeted by brothers who had traveled from Forum of Appius to meet them. They were encouraged, and Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard.
-(v.17-31) Paul told the leaders of the Jews why he was sent there. They had not received word about him, but wanted to hear what his views are since they knew that many were against his beliefs. Paul preached the kingdom of God, and many believed while others were not convinced. In Paul's final statement, he references the prophet Isaiah in saying that they are "ever hearing but never understanding." Paul stayed there for two years and preached the kingdom of God boldly.

ACT OF LOVE #67: Yesterday, I walked to Subway for lunch. On the way there, I simply smiled and greeted everyone who passed me by. (And any other random miscellaneous strangers I saw throughout the day).

ACT OF LOVE #68: Today, I was going to wash my sister's car since she's leaving tomorrow, but they had just gotten it washed earlier this week. Instead, I washed our garage and gave it a nice rinse! :)


and now for a bit of reflecting...
*Having done this challenge for over two months now, I realize that "loving" is really beginning to be a habit--such as cleaning and helping around the house, or even just being welcoming to new people. The more I love, the easier and more natural it feels! I think it's cool how it's almost like a muscle that you continuously condition and exercise; what began as very simple, small acts of love soon escalated to newer and more frequent habits of serving others. And what makes it more amazing is that it's all by the power of GOD that we can do this! 
I remember in English class a few months ago, we were discussing the topic of materialistic success in the Great Gatsby. Ultimately, we inferred (from the text and our own personal experiences) that there is some limit to the wealth and materialistic gain that we acquire; that though people often strive for "just $1 more," there is a point at which worldly gain will fail us, and find ourselves "borne back ceaselessly into the past" (Gatsby, 189).[<What really comforted me was how different success in Christ is with success in the world. There is no point in our lives where we can have "too much Christ," because we pale and fail in comparison to Him! :) And what's even better is that being rich in the blood and love of Jesus is infinitely more satisfying than anything the world can provide. He truly does satisfy us with His love! :) :) It makes even the seemingly most mundane acts of love exciting, "because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinth. 15:58). HOW COOL!!