Help in the Storm

"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves." Matthew 14:24

I've been watching the news reports and the pictures from Hurricane Harvey's hit on Texas. I see all the photos of the courageous, kind individuals rescuing people and animals, giving out water and helping provide shelter in the storm. It makes me think the storm may be exactly what America needs. We need to see that in these turbulent times we live in, there still remains some good folks who look past color and social status (and political party) to lend a helping hand to their fellow man.

I think about the storms Jesus used in the lives of the Apostles. They learned many lessons through them as a result. One moment that is forefront in my mind is when Jesus called Peter to walk to Him on the waves of the storm.

"About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. 'Don't be afraid,' He said. 'Take courage. I am here.' Then Peter called to Him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." Matthew 14:25-28

Jesus could have calmed the sea at any moment, but there was a lesson for Peter to learn. Jesus urged him on. He also gave Peter instruction on how to walk on the stormy waves. He needed to not have doubt and just come. I really love that Mathew recorded Jesus' hand was outstretched to help Peter. He only needed to take that first step. He even grabbed Peter when he doubted and began to sink.

"Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me?'  Mathew 14:28-31

Whatever storm you find yourself in, look to Jesus and give Him your hand.

When they (Jesus and Peter) climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped." Matthew 14:32

by Coleen Jejeran, Missionary to Romania

 

His Workmanship

"For we are His workmanship (poema) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."   Ephesians 2:10

We come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of us are married and some are single. Although we live all over the world we can sit and talk to each other about a common love. This common love, our common bond, is that we are children of the Living God, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. He has washed us with the blood He shed on the cross for our sins. He has redeemed us from all manner of sin. Only Jesus loves us unconditionally.

Some of us have led peaceful lives free from pain or shame. Also amongst us are some who have been rescued from a hell so heinous that, when we remember the circumstances, tears well up inside and we tremble. Yet… when we remember WHO we now belong to, a sigh escapes and a silent prayer of gratitude is whispered.

There is nothing in this world that we want more than having every one of our family members and friends come to the saving faith that comes with knowing our Lord. And, when we pray for ourselves, it is to draw ever closer to Him and to give Him the glory in all things.

He has taught us to encourage each other, build one another up, and to share one another's burdens. We pray and then stand back with hands lifted in praise to the Prince of Peace who listens to every word, whether spoken or thought. We are never out of His sight or mind and He sees all that we do. Our names are written on the palms of God’s hands and every tear we cry is put in a bottle. When we fall or think we’ve failed, God is there. He is ever our Father, waiting for us to confess our weakness. He gives us His strength for another day. 

Jesus Christ – Savior – Creator –Shepherd - Redeemer. He is our Righteousness, our Healer, and our Provider. He sanctifies us, leads us, covers us. He is our LORD of Lords and KING of Kings. Nothing is hidden from Him. We will rejoice for all eternity because we know that, while we are frail, Jesus is our strength. When we mourn, Jesus is our comfort. When we celebrate life, Jesus is our song. During our struggles, it is He who gives us peace. When Jesus Christ whispers, "Child," we, who know His voice say, “Yes Lord speak.”

Let’s honor Him today and every day. Let's read the Word of God and teach His words to our children and grandchildren. Let’s share His love with our friends and neighbors in the same way He did by loving them, being kind, and taking the time to sit and just listen.

Yes, my friends, we are His workmanship--His Poem. Let the fragrance of His love for us be the fragrance that we share with each other and, to a world that doesn’t know Him, it is our calling.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19 & 20

by Eve Montano

Never Alone

"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b

I found these words in an old journal:

June 2010
I could close my eyes, take a breath and what I think and feel is this--a deep yearning, a stirring of love; pure, full of color and texture; melody making my heart thump, feet tap, overflowing joy, peace that feels like warm sun shining on my skin, warming me from my head to my toes. That warmth doesn't stop there. It penetrates into my innermost parts. I feel I must take off my shoes because I’m on holy ground. I can't pray fast enough. My words and even my prayer language do not adequately express what I feel, and I surely can't write fast enough. Even now, trying to gather my thoughts to express the depth of love and thankfulness for my Heavenly Father, I can’t find adequate words."

As I read these words I remember the moment I wrote them--it was when I had to put my mother in a Care Facility because of her Alzheimer’s. Everything I could do for her had been stripped away. I had to entrust her to the care of others. I literally fell on my face crying. The words of this Scripture impressed themselves on my heart:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5 & 6

It was then that I started to thank God for my mother and His love for her. I couldn’t find the words to pray, but His Spirit found the words for me.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words."
Romans 8:26

I well remember that day, and the hundreds of others, when God showed me His love for my mother and for me. I hope those of you who read this, who are going through the same fears and doubts I had--or have a loved one going through cancer or loss--will be encouraged to trust God even when you feel absolutely helpless. God is nearer than you think and He hears your broken heart.

"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13

by Eve Montano

 

Are You Thirsty?

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink--even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk--it's free!  Why Spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an ever lasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David." 
Isaiah 55:1-3 (NLT)

We're more than half way through the summer vacation. Are your kiddos exhausting you with activities they want to do? Have they reached the point where they are bored and look to you for ideas to keep them "sane?" Is the "Mom-Bus" running out of fuel? Are you overwhelmed with detours that keep you from enjoying this time with family?

Take a moment to refresh your spirit. You (and your kiddos) need to re-energize. It doesn't have to be a long, in-depth time of Bible study. Put some praise music on in the background, pick up your Bible and read even one verse (Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 19:1 come to mind). Put your mind on God and inhale deeply. Listen to hear His voice. He promises to meet you.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV

Doers of the Word

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
James 1:22

The word of God should spur us into
     doing His will...
     offering love and kindness... 
     strengthening the weak...
     encouraging one another with the hope that is to come...
     building one another’s faith...
     sowing seeds of righteousness and...
     reaping the harvest of salvation.
God’s word is alive and active and should be working in the hearts of all who hear it.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12

To do nothing, as we sit week after week listening to the Bible being taught, begs the question -  “Do you truly understand what is being taught? Have you allowed the Word of God to transform you?" 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2

Pray for Gods help. He will answer!

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." 
James 1:5

Do you need strengthening? Encouragement? Edification? The building up of your faith, in order to live what you hear, to gain the confidence to share? This, too, is an action. Ask those in leadership your questions. No question put before a loving fellowship is too dumb or inane. Become part of a Bible study to learn more deeply what the Word of God says.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16

God’s Word was never meant to be kept secret. Like a yummy morsel, it is meant to be shared and enjoyed by others. 

Whether learning or teaching God’s Word, let us be thankful for His loving kindness that draws us nearer to Him. 

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24-25

by Eve Montano