JESUS CALMS THE STORM

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

 

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

 

Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

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

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

 

          I grew up in Ohio and throughout all my childhood days the month of March was a windy month. The old saying was: “March: in like a lion -- out like a lamb.” If the month began with strong winds then by the end of the month it would be fair and calm. March was a month of transition from winter to spring and in the Midwest the cold fingers of winter did not so easily release her icy grip. There would be a struggle either at the beginning or at the end of the month. You could count on it!

 

          Another thing you could count on was the beginning of spring and the calm that it brought. Even if March blew in with a gale the mind knew the struggle would be over soon. Red breasted robins would magically appear dancing their morning worm dance. They would run a bit and then cock their heads to listen for the wriggle of the worm. Forsythia and pussy-willow would stubbornly bloom along with Daffodils. Even as the wind whipped our faces, we knew spring was coming.

 

          Perhaps that is why Jesus could so easily sleep on a pillow while the winds caused seasoned fishermen to fear. He knew the wind wouldn’t last long. When he was awakened, he rebuked the wind for their sakes and there was a great calm. The sea stopped its churning, the sails fluttered in a gentle breeze and the boat stopped her fierce rocking. So, it is when Jesus speaks to our fears.

 

          So, remember: “In like a lion – out like a lamb!” If today begins with a rush Jesus can make it hush.

 

Dear Lord, please calm the fierce winds of my life today. AMEN

 

RESTORING THE LOST THINGS

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

 

RESTORING THE LOST THINGS

Jer 30:17

17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

 

Joel 2:25-27

25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

 

          I have been thinking about the word restoration for several days now. In our first verse the Hebrew word is ‘alah and it means “to rise up.” In the second verse the Hebrew is shalam and it means “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.”

 

Advancing years have stolen several things. Sleep, health, mobility, independence, and purpose have all diminished. Although grateful for what remains, I long for the restoration of certain lost things. Many of my peers are experiencing similar circumstances. Some are gone. I will see them again a bit later.

 

          Nationally, we find ourselves as Hanani found Jerusalem in Nehemiah chapter one. The walls were broken down and there was rubbish everywhere. The people despaired and courage had been stolen from them.

 

          The first thing to be restored was a broken heart caused by an honest evaluation of the situation. Next came courage and then resolve. It would not be easy to rebuild and there would be opponents to this restoration.

 

          Nehemiah could have prayerfully waited for God to act in mercy, but he would have missed understanding that God was already acting and was enlisting Nehemiah as a key player. Often, we are the answer to our own prayers.

 

Lord, let us say with the prodigal, “I will rise and go to my father.” Let us begin today to receive Your restoration. AMEN

 

HANGING TOUGH!

 

Monday, March 31, 2025

 

HANGING TOUGH!

 

Isa 40:29-31

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

          Hanging tough! It’s a modern term with a very old history. In every age there have been those who have endured great trials and strength-sapping struggles. The temptation is to yield to the pressure and walk away with a participant’s trophy but those who hang tough sometimes win!

 

          We win when we know who we are! As a blood-bought child of God I am already on the winning side. The final chapter is not yet finished although it may be being written now. At the end of the struggle I shall stand in robes washed white and embrace my Savior on streets of gold!

 

          We win when we know our enemy! He is formidable but his defeat has already been recorded. His destiny is as sure as if it had already happened. Soon Jesus shall crush all his enemies under his feet (1 Cor. 15:25).

 

          We win when we don’t quit! Victory comes to those who stubbornly persevere. The hammer blows of great effort may require one final blow so just keep hammering.

 

Gal 6:9

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Dear Lord, let me hang tough through struggle and trial. AMEN