The Other Side of the Lake!

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭23-27‬ NLT)

I have personally journaled and spoke about this passage of scripture in the past.  However this morning I am reminded of the power of Jesus’ spoken word.

The observation I have had previously, and was reminded of this morning is this:

If Jesus says it, then we can count on it.

Jesus told them to get into the boat, that they were going to other side of the lake.  They were going to go to the other side of the like!

When the massive storm erupted, and it was looking precarious they freaked out.  (Aahhh freak out) They panicked, woke Jesus up, and Jesus calmed the storm.  But when He finished calming the storm he asked them why they were afraid, and why they had little faith.  And, as you and I would be, they were amazed by what they just saw.

As write today, I am writing to myself.  God has called me to do certain things.  I know He has called me.  So, I WILL get there.  It doesn’t mean there won’t be storms between here and the conclusion of my calling.  It doesn’t mean I won’t freak out between here and there.  What it does mean is I will get there. It means my faith needs to be directed in the calling of the Lord, and not the perceived means to the end.  I honestly think that is where I stumble.  There are times I know exactly what Jesus is calling me to do, and I develop a plan to get there.  It was my plan and HIs calling.  Then I face trials or storms, and I freak out.  Instead of calling on Him, I either try harder (which never works), or I give up completely.  It is then we say something really spiritual like, I must of have missed it.  Maybe I did, but probably I missed the opportunity for faith, or I caught up in my own means to the end. I want to focus on His calling, His direction, and His strength.
This morning, I guess what I am reminding myself of is this:

1. Did God call me to….?  Yes

2. Did He promise there would not be trials and storms to accomplish….? Nope

3. Then I need to press on and press in to Him.  I can’t get to other side without Him regardless.  If it is my own plan, and it is failing then I need His plan.  If I am just in the middle of a storm, I need to rely on Him to calm it, and if He doesn’t be okay with riding it out.  I will still get there!

I am going to get to the other side of the lake!

Love God and Love People

James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. (‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭9-10‬ NIV)

Take care of those in need!

My Gift & My Calling

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭7-8‬ NKJV)

A reminder for me!

What Are You Looking At?

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭9-11‬ NKJV)

Time to move on

Why Are You Doing That?!?

Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. (‭Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭1-2‬ NKJV)

Why are you doing what you are doing?

They Shall No Longer Say

In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. “Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell in their own land.” (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭6-8‬ NKJV)

Jesus was going to bring His people back from captivity. They could count on it.

God Has Never Made A Mistake

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5-9‬ NKJV)

I LOVE this passage of scripture!
Here is the today take away from this passage.

Is It Enough That The Lord Has Called You?

2Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5For even His brothers did not believe in Him. (John 7:2-5 NKJV)

Has the Lord called you?  Then that should be enough!