The Pressure of the Storm (Mark 4:37)

Mark 4:37, And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

The Bible says that the ship was now full of water. It looked as if it was going under any moment. Sometimes the storms of life can come so suddenly and can be so severe that the strongest of people are afraid they are going under, afraid they are not going to survive.This must have been a violent storm because some of these men were fishermen and used to storms at sea. The presence of Christ on board does not guarantee a smooth passage. On the contrary, the enemy will do his best to stir up a storm.

It’s a wonderful thing when Jesus calms a storm at sea. But it’s also a wonderful thing when Jesus calms a storm in a human heart. So this particular miracle is an illustration of life. Here is a picture of life as a voyage on a sea, along with the storms that come up unexpectedly in your life and mine. Probably some of us could say, “Yes, that is exactly my situation today. I’m going through a storm. My life’s ship is being tossed to and fro by waves of adversity. I’m in a storm just like Jesus and the disciples were on the sea of Galilee.” Because of that, this passage of Scripture applies convincingly to your life and mine. Its lessons can be a blessing to us. The Lord sends storms in our lives to help us, not hurt us.

Here’s a storm of suffering. Here’s a hurricane of heartache. Here’s a tempest of turmoil. Here’s a squall of sorrow. Oh, the suffering that can come into a life. Do you sometimes say, “I get rid of one ailment and here comes another”? Sometimes storms of sorrow come into our lives. Remember, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Believers are not exempt from sickness, poverty, natural disasters, bereavement, death, and various ills of life.

And there arose a great storm of wind.” Are you in a storm today? A financial storm? A health storm? A relational storm? Whatever the storm you’re in, storms make us anxious. First of all, notice that this storm came up suddenly, as was common on the sea of Galilee. The sea of Galilee was located down between hills, in a kind of basin surrounded by hills. Through those hills were ravines, which made it possible for the wind to sweep down into the sea. From time to time cold air would use those ravines like a funnel. Cold air sweeping down onto the sea of Galilee and hot air rising from the sea would collide and cause a violent storm. The storm would just fall out of the thunder clouds. It could be perfectly calm one moment and the next moment people would find themselves in a furious gale with waves threatening the stability of the ship. That’s the way life is, Things will be just as calm as they can be, and then all of a sudden you are in an emergency, right in the midst of a storm. We never know what a twenty-four hour day is going to bring, do we? Twenty-four hours can change the course of a life.

PRAYER: Lord, I know that trials are a part of life and that You allow me to go through them to make me better. During those times I resolve to lean upon You to trust You to carry me through, In Jesus name, AMEN!

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The Passage of the Ship (Mark 4:35-36) – Part 2

The journey of the ship is a picture of the journey of a believer’s life. Here in Mark, we have a picture of the believer’s life as one journey’s through the storms and stresses in life. This indicates the remarkable guidance of the Lord in directing His own through the trackless lanes of life and bringing them safely to the desired haven. They were all on the ship and they were all at the sea. In fact, you will notice in Mark 4:36 that other little ships were with him. We are all in this voyage together. There are other little ships besides ours. But there was something especially different about this particular ship: Jesus was on board. If a person will just get Jesus on board, in their life as Lord and Saviour, it will make a critical difference. In our life there are two important points to consider.

1. The Ships Direction (Mark 4:35).
When Jesus is on board, a person can have a sense of direction. “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). You can guarantee they were going to the other side. We are constantly on the move. We are all going places. We have a destination. The important question we must ask ourselves is if Jesus is the captain of the ship.

You and I need Christ to be the captain of our ship of life. It is possible for Him to be in the ship but not the captain of the vessel. Is Jesus the captain (MASTER) of your ship? Have you invited Him to take over the controls of your life? If you do, it gives you some direction. If you do not know Christ, or if Jesus is not the captain of your vessel of life, then there is no direction from the Lord. There is meaninglessness and futility in life. Without Jesus, life is like a ship tossed to and fro by the waves with no chart, no compass.

2. The Ships Destination (Mark 4:36).
Many people do not know where they are going in life. They have no sense of purpose or reason for their existence. They may have that temporal sense of direction, but most people have no overall purpose in their lives. It’s a terrible thing to be adrift on life’s sea and not know why you are here and what the meaning of life really is.

There are three great questions in life. Who Am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? We need to know the answers to these three. We need to know who we are. We need to know where we are going. Jesus’ words here gave a destination. When Jesus comes into your life, He comes in not only as your Saviour, but also as your security. The presence of Jesus is a guarantee that one of these days your life’s ship is going to land safely over on the shore of glory. That’s the only real security in life. You can have stocks and bonds; you can have houses and lands. You can have all the things that people consider security in this world. But if you do not have Jesus in your life, you have nothing that you can ultimately count on. You are either on one of two ships. If you have Jesus in your heart, then you are on the ark, safe above the judgment. If you do not have Jesus in your heart you’re on the titanic headed for destruction.

PRAYER: Lord, Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Storms of Life (Mark 4:35-41) – Part 1

In this life, you are going to have some storms. We must note that the presence of Jesus on the boat did not keep the storm from coming. Just because we are saved and have Christ in our heart, does not mean storms will not come into our life. These men had Jesus in the boat with them. Notice: Jesus was with them in the boat and the storm still came. Just because you’re saved and a child of God does not mean that storms will not come in your life. You’re going to have storms even though Christ dwells within you. Remember, there is no storm that arises in your life that He cannot carry you through. There are different types of storms people encounter. The Bible says that our Father in heaven causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). “Into each life some rain must fall.” Therefore, anguish knocks at every heart and pain makes its way into every home. The good news is that if He is with you, He will take you through the storm to the other side.

Storms may come quick without any notice, or at times seem unexplainable. It’s a wonderful thing when Jesus calms a storm at sea. But it’s also a wonderful thing when Jesus calms a storm in a human heart. Here is a picture of life as a voyage on a sea, along with the storms that come up unexpectedly in your life and mine. Some of us could probably say, “Yes, that is exactly my situation today. I’m going through a storm. My life’s ship is being tossed to and fro by waves of adversity. I’m in a storm just like Jesus and the disciples were on the sea of Galilee.”

The journey of the ship is a picture of the journey of a believer’s life. Jesus Christ overcame the devil, diseases, death, demons and disasters. At the end of Mark 4, we see a miracle where Jesus overcomes the realm of nature. It illustrates to us that what Jesus is able to do in the physical realm, He is also able to do in the spiritual realm. If we are not careful when storms come we will fear and doubt and miss out on the lessons the Lord is trying to teach us in the storm. “When Jesus says ‘pass over,’ you don’t need to fear going under!” A storm will never come into your life that is greater than God. Over the next several days, we will look at the following verses in the text and see what the Bible teaches us regarding the “storms of life”.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, Life’s troubles are certainly tempests. We cannot expect to get through life without the winds of adversity. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and live confined by fear. However, Lord, You, are my place of refuge, and shelter in the time of storm. In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Three Men and Their Foolish Choices (II Corinthians 6:2)

II Corinthians 6:2, For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Every choice and decision we make we have to live with. Some of the choices and decisions we make are not so costly. However, when it comes to life and death and where we will spend eternity, it should be a decision one takes very seriously. Life is not only fleeting (short) but it is also fragile.

1. Felix Said - "Not Right Now" Acts 24:24-25, And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Rather than excepting Christ as his Lord and Saviour, Felix chose to put it off and wait for a more convenient time. This man chose not to receive, but reject, Christ. What a mistake he made! This foolish choice to procrastinate would become a fatal one. Deceitful people often have a way of manipulating their way around authorities. However, no one will ever be able to cheat death and the judgment.

The wicked like to think that if they can avoid the Bible in this life, they are home free. Not so! It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Divine judgment awaits the sinner after his death. Men must answer to God for how they have lived here on earth. Those who die without Christ have no hope at the judgment.

2. Festus Said - "Not At All," Acts 26:24, And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
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Festus’ main problem was that he never intended to hear Paul’s answer. Festus revealed how foolish he was when he opened his mouth and charged Paul with madness. Rather than getting right with God, Festus wanted to gain some personal glory with the new governor. He may have impressed his audience, however, he revealed his ignorance of God’s character.

3. Agrippa Said - "Almost" Acts 26:28, Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Agrippa came so close to accepting Christ as his Lord and Saviour. However, he too rejected Him. This proves that one can come so close and still not accept Him. Almost is good, but it’s not good enough.

Those who continue to choose to grieve away the Holy Spirit; if they continue to reject the Gospel and become hard hearted; if they go unprepared into eternity, the day of salvation for them will be gone forever and no mercy will be found. God does not design to pardon men beyond the grave. There is no forgiveness for your sins after you are dead. Those who are not pardoned in this life must be unpardoned forever in an eternal Hell. If you are a Christian, the opportunity to serve Christ and tell others is now. Don't throw your opportunities away. Now is the acceptable time to serve the Lord. Make your time count for Christ.

Prayer, Father, may I live a life of Your guiding light, love, and lowliness that others would want to call upon Jesus for salvation without any hesitation. In Jesus' name, Amen!

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Going Through Tough Times? (Romans 8:28-39)

Blessings sometimes come from a bad situation. It's often possible to make something better out of something bad. That's the way God works with us. We don't often do right the first time, but He's always ready to salvage the situation no matter how bad we make it. It is a truth of certainty for everyone who loves God.

Pastor R.A. Torrey, "This verse is a soft pillow for a tired heart." All things…good or bad, sweet or bitter, victory or defeat, happy or sad, health or sickness, prosperity or poverty, calm or storm, comfort or suffering, life or death...all things work together for good. This doesn't mean that all that happens to us are good. Evil is prevalent in our world, but God is able to turn the bad around for our good and for His sovereign purpose in our lives.

Some people do not know why bad things happen to good people. We know all things work together somehow, for good or our best. Bad events and circumstances work together for good. Notice the words of Paul.

I. There is a Purpose for our Problems (Romans 8:28)Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Whatever happens, I can trust God, realizing He is using life's circumstances to conform me into Christlikeness:

II. There is a Process for our Problems (Romans 8:29-30)Romans 8:29, For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:30, Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

III. There is a Promise Concerning our Problems (Romans 8:31-39)
Romans 8:31, What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
The fact that people are against me fades in light of the fact that He will furnish all that I need in life, including Christ Himself:

Romans 8:32, He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:33, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Accusations against me are meaningless in view of the fact that Christ is in constant communication with the Father on my behalf.

Romans 8:34, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:35-37, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. I can rest in the assurance of Christ's love as He promises me complete victory in every situation.

Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No controlling factors in life can separate me from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus:

Prayer, Father, since I know You love me, and I know Your plans for me will come to pass, I faithfully discharge the duties I have been given. I perform everything I am expected to do in excellence, whether others are watching or not. I will never give up, cave in or quit! I declare this by faith. In Jesus' name, Amen!

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Do Others See Christ in You? (Philippians 1:20–21)

Philippians 1:20-21, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Paul’s earnest expectation and hope was to magnify Christ. His focus was entirely on Christ and zero upon himself. Paul’s desire was to magnify Christ in his body whether by life, or death. He wanted to live as Christ desired him to live, and if he had to die for Christ, then so be it. Paul wanted to live so people could see Christ in his life.

Paul was determined to "magnify" Jesus Christ in his body. This word "magnify" means "to exalt, to praise, glorify, to make great, or enlarge." As Christians, we are to magnify the Lord.

We can magnify Him to an unbelieving world where He is so often minimized, mocked and misrepresented. We can glorify Him in the presence of those who are blind to His glory. We can demonstrate His grace to those who have never seen it, or known it.

People wonder what the purpose of life is today and what they are here for. The Christian knows the answer to those questions. We have a purpose for living and that purpose is to glorify Christ and live for Him, not self, glory or fame.

A group of prospectors set out from Bannock, Montana in search of gold. They went through many hardships and several of the men died. Defeated, discouraged and downhearted, the prospectors sought to make their way back to the capital city. On one occasion as they rode to a creek side, one of the men casually picked up a little stone from the creek bed. He called to his buddy for a hammer and upon cracking the rock, he said, "It looks as though there may be gold here. We had struck it!" They made their way back to Bannock & vowed not to breathe a word concerning this gold strike.

They secretively set about re-equipping themselves with supplies for another prospecting trip. But when they got ready to go back, 300 men followed them. Who had told on them? No one spoke a word. Their beaming faces betrayed the secret!

Can others see Jesus, is you? When you got saved, you got a greater treasure than ten thousand mountains of gold. Like those old prospectors, we should be beaming because Jesus is on the inside! If He is there, He should be visible in our lives.

Prayer, Lord, as I think of the men and women You have used to speak Your truth into my life, I am overwhelmed by the weight of my heritage of faith. So many have faithfully delivered to me! Forgive me for falling short in passing it on. Renew my commitment to taking advantage of opportunities to share Your Gospel to others. Thank You for the grace in Jesus that strengthens me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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It Takes Teamwork (I Corinthians 3:8-10)

I Corinthians 3:8-10, Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

John Wooden was the basketball coach at UCLA for twenty-seven years. He never had a losing season. Wooden's teams won seven consecutive national championships, and UCLA posted an eighty-eight-game winning streak that spanned four seasons. Surprisingly, he never talked to his players about winning. Wooden's formula for success was to emphasize constant improvement and performance. He avoided getting his teams "up," because he knew that would eventually bring a valley. Instead, he was never satisfied with past performances; they could always be improved. Improvement meant rigorous preparation toward new goals. "I believe that failure to prepare is preparing to fail," Wooden told his players. But the coach never prepared his teams to play a particular opponent; he prepared his teams to play anyone, at any time.

Wooden preached that success was not outscoring the opponent, it was being able to hold your chin up after the game and know that you have given your best effort. Of course, if you have done your best the score will usually be to your liking when you are deserving. Wooden was more concerned about his players' character than ability. A person with good character will respond to adversity by learning and overcoming. Wooden believed that good players will be honest, consistent and work together as a team, and if those players also have ability, they will become true champions.

Every day of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are building up a reputation by which we will be known. The things that we do and the lives that we touch will be remembered for good or ill. Reputations are not quickly made. Instead they are the slow and gradual accumulation of deeds, words and habits as they are observed by others.

As a family of God, we are laborer’s together with God. We, the Lord’s children, are on the same team and strive to accomplish His game plan. When we are on His team, we value the team above our own. We value the team’s goals, principles and values. We are willing to do our part for the good of the team and no sacrifice is too great. As team players we follow instructions and stick with the game plan. As team mates we respond eagerly without hesitation. We trust the leader’s commitment and we point others to the leader and encourage them to follow his lead.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I am both humbled and honored that I get to be apart of Your team. Help strengthen me I may do my part and never hesitate to answer when You call. In Jesus name, Amen.

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21 Wonderful Years (I Samuel 25:32)

I Samuel 25:32, And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

Abigail was a godly woman of courage, character and commitment. She was also, a brave woman of strong moral integrity who came to David at a time of great need. This graceful lady, had approached David and interceded for him to the Lord. In return, David blessed the Lord for sending Abigail to intervene. He also praised Abigail for her wise advice.

Have you ever read a verse that you can relate to? For me, this is one of those verses. I can personally relate to I Samuel 25:32. You’ve heard of love at first sight. That’s exactly what happened to me on this day (24th October 1998) 21 years ago, when I met for the first time, the woman who would become my wife. What a day that day was!

Today, I want to thank the Lord for His goodness towards me. The Lord knew just the woman I needed to complete me. We have shared many memorable moments together. Joy is not just my wife; she has always been my companion and best friend. She never hindered me from doing what I thought the Lord wanted me to do. She has always supported me laboring for the Lord. She has been “my cheerleader” all along the way, who has stuck by my side during all my ups and downs.
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We’ve been married for almost 20 years, and I’ve not yet seen the end of the many ways she shows her sacrificial love for me. It has been the joy of my life to be married to my wife, Joy. The Lord has blessed us with years of wonderful memories and experiences. Joy never gets tired of spending time with me and when we’re apart, she looks forward to the time until we’re back together. I’m thankful she still wants to be with me everywhere I go and that in her mind, I’m still her “favorite preacher”.

I can honestly say that my life and ministry wouldn’t be what it is today had it not been for the Lord blessing me with my wife. Our desire has been that the Lord would use our marriage to honor and glorify Him and that it may bring people closer to Him. When I consider her love and patience with me, I am truly humbled, honored, and blessed. I love you, Joy! I know I don’t deserve you, and I’m so blessed to have you.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I want to thank You for my wife. She truly is a gift sent from above. Help me to never take her for granted and to always be grateful for her. In Jesus name, Amen.

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5 Smooth Stones (I Samuel 17:40-41)

I Samuel 17:40-41, And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.

In I Samuel 17, David is seen as a type of Christ and Goliath is seen as a type of Satan. As David was in physical warfare, we are in spiritual warfare. As David went into battle, he brought with him his sling and chose five smooth stones out of a brook. In the Bible, five is the number of grace. Notice: If you’re going to win spiritual battles in your life it is going to be by the grace of God. When we fight God’s battles, we are enabled by God’s grace. God’s grace enables us to use our abilities for His service and glory.

Goliath had his shield, but David’s shield was the Lord. As believer’s, we are to take and put on the armor of God everyday (Ephesians 6:10-20). Choosing the stones over Saul’s armor showed that although David could not always depend upon himself, he, in fact, could depend upon the Lord. David was prepared for the moment and used his God given abilities. He used (sling and stones) what was in his hand. When you are fighting spiritual battles use what’s in your hand (Bible). As David chose stones to destroy the enemy, Jesus chooses Christians as His instruments to battle the works of spiritual darkness. He does not have to, but He chooses us as His instruments.

These stones were made smooth by the rolling of the water over them for a long period of time. These smooth stones were taken out of the brook, which is a type of the Word of God. God uses the Word of God over a period of time to smooth the rough edges in our life. God wisely has a way of taking the rough and sharp corners off. God takes things and uses them to shape us and smooth us. God takes and uses the pressures in life and they rub against us for the purpose of conforming us to His image.

A lady once came to Billy Sunday and tried to rationalize her erratic, angry outbursts. "There's nothing wrong with losing my temper," she said. "I blow up, and then it's all over." "So does a shotgun," Sunday replied, "and look at the damage it leaves behind!" Are you harboring anger or contempt in your heart? God desires that we have pure hearts that are yielded to Him. We must make sure that no matter what goes on in our lives, God has control of our emotions. Ask God to help you have a sweet attitude toward others today.

PRAYER: Father, help me to submit to Your will and purpose. As Your Holy Spirit ministers to me through Your Word, may I desire to be conformed to the image of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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