Jesus is in our Boat

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)

• When the disciples were stuck in a life-threatening storm, they ran to Jesus.
   
• What do we do when we are stuck in a troubling situation with nowhere to run?
   
• Some of us may try to bail ourselves out of trouble by seeking revenge, slandering the one who has caused our problem, or just cowering fearfully in the corner as we sink into despair.
   
• We need to learn from the disciples who fled to Jesus as their only hope.
   
• Jesus may not bail us out immediately.
   
• But remembering that He is in our boat makes a difference.
   
• Jesus is always with us in the storms of life, saying things like “Peace, be still!”
   
• Let us look for Jesus in our storm.
   
• Let Him fill us with the peace that comes from knowing He is near.
   
• Lord, teach us to run to You in the midst of trouble.
   
• Lord, forgive us for trying to bail ourselves out.
   
• Lord, lead us to the peace of trusting Your wisdom and ultimate deliverance.
   
• Thank You Lord that You are always ready to help us.
   
• Let us make Jesus our first option when the storms of life threaten us.
  
  
  

God's watchful Care

Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God"? (Isaiah 40:27)

• The Good Shepherd is watching over us.
   
• Even though we cannot see Him, He can see us.
   
• He knows us by name.
   
• He knows all about us.
   
• We are the sheep of His pasture.
   
• God promises that He will seek out His sheep, feed them in good pasture, and bind up the broken (Isaiah 40: 12,14,16).
   
• We can trust in God’s watchful care.
   
• We can trust in God.
   
• He cares for us.
   
• He keeps our souls.
   
• Our heavenly Father watches over us.
   
• The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who lives to care for us.
  

Make People Feel Welcome

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)

• Let us give a warm and cheery welcome to those who come to us.
   
• Whether we are at church, in the neighborhood, or at social gatherings, let us make others feel welcome in our world.
   
• In Romans 12:13, Paul instructed his readers to be “given to hospitality.”
   
• The book of Hebrews said, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (13:2).
   
• By showing gracious kindness to those who come our way, we echo the Savior’s invitation for salvation, which declares, “Let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely”.
   
• To show someone loving hospitality might just be the first step in showing that person the way to heaven.
   
• Let us live so that when people get to know us, they will want to get to know Christ.
  
  

God's Strength In Our Weakness

Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; My eye wastes away with grief, Yes, my soul and my body! (Psalm 31:9)

• The songs that mean the most to us give expression to our deepest feelings.
   
• Many of the Psalms were born out of struggle.
   
• They capture our disappointments and fears.
   
• Yet they always point us toward the faithful love of God.
   
• Here in Psalm 31, David wrote of a trap set for him, his own sin, abandonment by friends, and plots against his life.
   
• But David’s hope was not in his own strength, but in God.
   
• This Psalm invites us to pour out our hearts to God.
   
• God has stored up His goodness for those who trust in Him.
   
• We will not have to face life alone.
   
• When we grow weak in our struggle, God’s strength will prevail.
   
• When in our deepest need, always find God’s comfort in the Psalms.