The presence of Christ in the midst of your storm

In Mark's gospel there is a lovely narrative about the disciple's experience in a fierce storm (Mark 4:35-41). Their ordinary sailing trip across the Sea of Galilee soon becomes a nightmare. And in their panic, they call out to Jesus, "help us", "we are drowning!"

Mark tells us that Jesus calms the storm with a command and the disciples are amazed what this miracle. Maybe they were only calling Jesus to help them bail out the water in the boat - they needed all hands-on deck - and Jesus superseded their request. He actually had authority over the wind and waves!

Let us remember that when we are confronted by storms in our lives, that Jesus is present with us. Sometimes he may give us the strength we need to keep sailing, but other times he may grant us a miracle.

Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.

Psalm 46:1-2 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Wave after wave

The image of waves crashing onto the seashore is a beautiful picture for us all. There is something therapeutic about hearing the waves washing onto the sand or crashing onto the rocks. When we read these words from Luke 1, in a paraphrased version of the Bible, we note that this same image is highlighted. 

"What God has done for me will never be forgotten, 

the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave,
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now." - Luke 1:46-55

Food for thought:

1. What resonates with you as you hear these words?

2. Is there a connection between these words and your Lenten journey?

3. How can this thought change your heart and attitude today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The story in the Ocean waves

                                            

If you love the oceans, waves, outdoors and nature, then you will want to watch this short devotion I put together via video. It has no speaking, just music and lovely photos. Enjoy it and let me know what you think.

Psalm 93:3-4

The seas have lifted up, Lord,
    the seas have lifted up their voice;
    the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
⁴ Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
    mightier than the breakers of the sea—
    the Lord on high is mighty.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. If you trouble with the link then just go to my YouTube channel and watch it there :)

Smooth seas??

"A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner." - English Proverb

The waves have certainly been pretty rough this year, but I trust that God is helping to make me a better 'sailor'. I am the first to admit that life can be quite hectic at times, but I feel it is important to take a step back and to see God's hand in our lives.

If we only sailed on smooth lakes, we would never improve as mariners - it takes the rough waters and the storms to really teach us how to sail. The same applies to our faith - if things were never difficult we would become conceited and believe that we don't need God's help in anything. However, when the difficulties force themselves upon us, it is imperative to remember that God grants us the strength we need to survive.

Psalm 89:9 - "You rule the oceans when their waves arise in fearful storms; you speak, and they lie still."

Living in Grace
D3LM3