1) We now enter the final chapter of the Book of Acts, chapter 28:1. Two hundred seventy-six people survive a boat crash. Two thousand years ago, nobody has to convince me that this was a miracle. Everybody gets to the island safely. The island is called Malta, and it turns out that the people there were very kind. They lit a fire and helped the people become warm after fighting through the water. This is just a little reminder that no matter where people are from or what they do, kindness is a great thing. We should seek to be kind.

2) Everybody pitches in when they’re building the fires. Everybody should be pitching in all the time, taking care of one another and loving one another. The great Apostle Paul, the writer of such great holy writ and thirteen epistles, also helps pick up sticks to help build the fire. Nobody is beyond serving one another.

3) As he’s carrying the sticks to the fire, a poisonous snake comes out and fastens itself onto his hand. The island people saw it and said, "Wow, this guy tried to escape justice, but the sea wouldn’t let him. He must be a murderer." That should tell you how much value worldly karma really has—none if you’re a Christian.

4) But this next statement is one for the ages that we need to live by. In verse 5 of chapter 28, it says Paul shook off the snake and was unharmed. I pray that the people of God would learn to shake things off, even if it’s a poisonous snake that bites the hand. Unless God gives permission, nothing comes of it. My word of advice is to shake it off.