Showing posts with label pillow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pillow. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

With Jesus There Will Be Storms

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

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.

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

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?

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.

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

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
                                                                               (Mark 4:35-41 KJV)

When Jesus got into the boat a tremendous storm arose. Expect it! Expect storms if you are a follower of Jesus. His journey on this earth was not an easy one nor should we expect ours to be. There were many in cahoots to destroy him. He was persecuted and put to death in spite of being totally innocent.

Jesus told his followers and he tells us:  "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." (John 15:18-20)

Do not be surprised if the world is against you for your faith in Christ. Do not be surprised when other berate you for your faith in Christ for when we step into that boat as a follower of Jesus we are promised that storms will arise.

But, the good news is that even when those storms arise and they will, the Christ is with you. He can calm the storm. He will save you. He will bless you with peace. Have faith. Trust him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Trust Jesus To Calm The Storms

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

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?

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.

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

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
                                          (Mark 4:37-41 KJV)

It has felt, to many, that we have been in the midst of a storm since before 2020 even began. There is only one answer to this storm and that is faith in Christ. We must trust that he will calm this storm. We will get through all of this and the sun will be shining brightly. Children will once again be playing arm in arm for God does not will that we should be so disconnected from one another. His plan included unity and reconciliation; not division and anarchy. His will is not for his children to live their lives so centered on themselves that they have no concern for the people around them or the people that are spread throughout the world.  

Jesus told his disciples and us: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  (John 15:12-13)

The self-centeredness; the self-love, of humankind has brought about many storms. But, the one who can calm the great storms of winds and waves can also bring a calm to the world. Is it not time yet to trust him enough to love and care for our neighbors and live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.