Some of Friday’s Through the Bible plan reading was in Mark chapter 4. It’s the scripture in which Jesus calms the seas. (verses 35-41).
As I read this, something came to mind that I thought I would share.
It starts in the evening and Jesus says to the disciples, “let’s go over to the other side”. Jesus was already in a boat, so they left the seashore and took Him along. Jesus being tired fell asleep.
While He was sleeping a furious squall came up that left the disciples fearful. The disciples go to Jesus and wake him saying, “Teacher don’t you care if we drown?”
Now I’m not sure what happened on that boat, but what came to me was that the disciples didn’t know Jesus would calm the storm, they went to Him afraid. Maybe they thought He would help them in a different way or maybe they just needed to hear His voice to calm them, I don’t know. But Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quite! Be still.”
Jesus calms the storms in our lives but why are we so afraid each time one hits us?
Are we afraid He will be sleeping, or afraid He won’t show up or afraid we won’t hear His voice, or afraid He won’t hear our prayers?
Jesus asked the disciples this question, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
I think that is a question we should ask ourselves the next time a storm comes our way.
35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? 39He got up,rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" 41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Mark 4:35-41
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Gifts and Purpose
When a person tries to be someone they aren't, it’s like trying to force a
square peg into a round hole. Not only does it require a bigger hammer, it’s also a waste of time,energy and talent. That’s why when my husband sees a hammer in my hand he starts to worry.You see, he knows that carpentry is not my gift, but it is his. That’s why I leave the carpentry up to him. If I didn’t then my time and energy are wasted and I end up feeling frustrated and worthless. However, when I work through my own gifting,God works through me to accomplish His own purpose.
God deserves our best and I believe He expects us to make the most of what
He’s given us, instead of worrying about what we don't have, or wanting
what others do have.God has given us a purpose and I believe we need to get involved before we know what our purpose and the gifts He’s given us are.
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving,
let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
square peg into a round hole. Not only does it require a bigger hammer, it’s also a waste of time,energy and talent. That’s why when my husband sees a hammer in my hand he starts to worry.You see, he knows that carpentry is not my gift, but it is his. That’s why I leave the carpentry up to him. If I didn’t then my time and energy are wasted and I end up feeling frustrated and worthless. However, when I work through my own gifting,God works through me to accomplish His own purpose.
God deserves our best and I believe He expects us to make the most of what
He’s given us, instead of worrying about what we don't have, or wanting
what others do have.God has given us a purpose and I believe we need to get involved before we know what our purpose and the gifts He’s given us are.
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving,
let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Numbers Again and Desperation
Since we are recycling last weeks message I would like to expand my thoughts on what was written in this section last week.
Referring to Acts: 2:41(NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all..
The reason I repeat the findings from last week is to bring your attention to something else. Desperation.
I’m not sure how many came to know Christ during the apostle’s ministry but resources say there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world today. (I think this number also includes the many different beliefs there are in the world who profess they are Christian but believe something totally different).
To continue; during my research on this subject I also found that it is estimated there are 100 million Christians in China compared to only 5,000 in 1960 and that tens of thousands of people in South Korea fill the churches regularly. One being the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, where 800,000 members attend. These numbers are being added to daily.
Matthew 28: 17-20 (The Message)
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though,held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
To quote Pastor Frank, “Are you desperate?”
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Referring to Acts: 2:41(NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all..
The reason I repeat the findings from last week is to bring your attention to something else. Desperation.
I’m not sure how many came to know Christ during the apostle’s ministry but resources say there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world today. (I think this number also includes the many different beliefs there are in the world who profess they are Christian but believe something totally different).
To continue; during my research on this subject I also found that it is estimated there are 100 million Christians in China compared to only 5,000 in 1960 and that tens of thousands of people in South Korea fill the churches regularly. One being the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, where 800,000 members attend. These numbers are being added to daily.
Matthew 28: 17-20 (The Message)
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though,held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
To quote Pastor Frank, “Are you desperate?”
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
It's Not about Numbers
As the church administrator I worry a lot as most of you can attest to that statement. I worry about everything including our church’s growth pattern. It’s silly really to worry about something God has in the palm of His hand, I tell myself everyday: “Let it go it’s not mine to hang on to God’s got it covered.” This is what God opened my eyes to this week concerning my worries.
Jesus started his ministry with 12 people. It grew to thousands and thousands that followed him.(Remember the 5000 he fed with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread) But just before his crucifixion some of His followers left and after the crucifixion it dropped to roughly 500 people, then when you read in Acts 1:15 there were only 120 left in the upper room.
But what happened when those 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter began to speak boldly about Jesus and before the end of the day 3,000 were added to their number.
To quote Pastor Rick Nakaoga, “when Jesus is present miracles happen.”
Boy did that open my eyes. It’s not about the numbers it’s about the power of Jesus in us.
It’s about us allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us as He did in Peter.
Acts 2: 16-18 and 21
16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy….
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved
Jesus started his ministry with 12 people. It grew to thousands and thousands that followed him.(Remember the 5000 he fed with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread) But just before his crucifixion some of His followers left and after the crucifixion it dropped to roughly 500 people, then when you read in Acts 1:15 there were only 120 left in the upper room.
But what happened when those 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter began to speak boldly about Jesus and before the end of the day 3,000 were added to their number.
To quote Pastor Rick Nakaoga, “when Jesus is present miracles happen.”
Boy did that open my eyes. It’s not about the numbers it’s about the power of Jesus in us.
It’s about us allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us as He did in Peter.
Acts 2: 16-18 and 21
16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy….
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved
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