faith – Page 18 – Be Still…

Mark 4:35-41 – Are You in a Storm?

This has to be one of my favorite stories of Jesus. It can speak to us on so many levels. What are we afraid of? Is it causing us to be in a frenzy on the outside (like the disciples in ours story) or only on the inside?

I will always remember sharing this passage with our children’s ministry kids on one particular summer Sunday. It is one of those perfect Bible stories that can be acted out. Kids have great imaginations and an ability to be creative, more so than adults usually. We had kids making weather sounds, and we had the disciples. It was hard to keep them “in” the boat they were acting so frantically. Now our boat was not that creative, it was just a big oval marked on the floor with masking tape. And we had Jesus. He was classic – not wanting to wake up, and when he did, he totally nailed the nonchalant “what are you afraid of” response. Priceless memories.

As we read this today, we are probably in the midst of one storm or another in our life. We were not promised smooth sailing in this life. We may have calmer waters during certain times, but the storms and challenges do come. How we respond in those times is what matters.

We often forget who is standing beside us (or sleeping in the boat). Jesus is with us 24/7 offering us the comfort we need, the wisdom we seek, the peace we are longing for. As Jesus said to the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

This was the “wake up call” that I needed today. How about you? It is always a good reminder to remember who is in charge and who can calm the storms of our life. Who should we be giving our lives to? What is consuming the most of our time? Is it work, is it worry, is it wishing something was different?

We all need to let go and let God take control of our storm. There is no sense worrying – think of Jesus’ words about faith. Like I said, this short passage can speak to us on so many levels. Will you let Jesus’ words calm your storm?

Let’s pray. Father, you know my struggles today. You know the concerns that are crippling me. Thank you for this reminder that you are bigger than any of my storms. Thank you that you are calming them at this very moment. Forgive me for my wavering faith in the midst of these storms. I want to stand strong and courageous for I know that you are with me. Thank you for loving me even when I’m looking the other way. Your way, Lord, is the best way, and I want to be walking with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 3:1-6 – Not on the Sabbath

Read Mark 3:1-6

Jesus had emotion. Of course he did. But do we often picture Jesus angry? There are instances in Scripture, and that helps us to know we are not alone when our tempers well up. How we handle that anger is the critical thing.

We should never lash out, and yet we should never stuff our anger inside. There are healthy ways to manage anger, but I’m not an expert here. So, if that is your struggle, start with prayer, mediation and exercise, and then seek counsel from a good anger management coach.

For today, though, let’s look at the dynamic playing out in our reading. It’s the Sabbath, the day of rest. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with anyone in my circle of friends that staunchly follows the rules of sabbath of no work. That would mean no cooking, no cleaning, no carrying, and in the case in point, no healing.

In my last post, I talked a little about Sabbath and it’s importance for us today. We need to set aside that quiet time with God on a regular basis to be fully devoted to that relationship. We need to be open to hear God’s voice. We need to find time to rest and regroup listening to God’s direction for us.

Jesus clearly sets us straight on sabbath when he says, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” Jesus has encountered critics here and they are described as having hard hearts. This angers him and then saddens him. What is his response? He heals the man, saves his life with a good deed, a miracle.

When I read of the people in the Bible, usually devout believers, that are out “to get” Jesus, I am always saddened. I know Jesus’ purpose was to live as a servant king to give us the blueprint for how to live our lives, but that he died for us always boggles my mind. I struggle with the fact that those who “knew the most” about the law were the very ones who didn’t recognize they were in the very presence of God.

I suppose it follows that if everyone was in love with Jesus and following him completely, there would be no crucifixion. With no crucifixion there would be no sacrifice for our sins or glorious resurrection. All a beautiful plan because our Lord loves us that much!

How does this speak to us today? Are our hearts hardened by life and circumstance? Are we ready to accept Jesus with our whole heart? Are we ready to expect his mercy any day of the week? How are you doing at setting aside time for sabbath with your king?

Let’s pray. Father, I relish our quiet times. I wish that everyone would make time in their day to spend time with you. For those that don’t know you, I ask that you use me in some way to change their behavior. I am saddened by this crazy world we live in, and my heart breaks for you, God. You are watching us demolish your creation, disrespect each other and be totally self absorbed. Forgive me when I fall victim to worldly desires. Thank you that you stand beside me to ground me and direct me, may I be obedient. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hosea 5:1-15 – Hey Leaders!

Read Hosea 5:1-15

Some readings are easier than others, and today’s was not an easy one. Can’t you just sense God’s pain in the midst of what his people are doing? Have you ever felt betrayed or abused in any way? It’s not a comfortable feeling, and here we see how God’s anger is playing out.

Priests, leaders and warriors, everyone was in the scope of the curse. We see time and time again of the disobedience of God’s people. They are worshiping idols. Did you like how I said “they”. We are just as guilty aren’t we? Our idols may not be made of wood or gold, but we have them.

Think of an idol as that thing you think of or do that keeps you from thinking of and serving God. What are you pursuing – more money, more fame, or God’s mercy? What are you doing – watching TV, playing video games, or spending time getting to know God?

False worship is another trap. Today we have so many popular self help materials and “spiritual” guides. Too many of these types of things are just there to help us “feel good”, not build a relationship with our creator. When God is left out of the equation of our lives, we are in the trap of idolatry. Don’t be deceived by this. God gave us his word as our instruction book, as his love letter to us. Don’t let the words of man take God’s place.

I’m not a fan of the trouble our passage today speaks about. I don’t want God’s anger to cover me as a waterfall, or be torn to bits by the fangs of a lion, or to be destroyed as a moth consumes wool. Not pleasant pictures to be sure. I prefer to see myself cuddled up in my Savior’s arms with the assurance that I am safe, loved, and have made him proud of my life and my choices.

So what about you? Are you feeling a little uneasy right now? Do these words of destruction rattle you a little? They may be revealing something deep down that has been haunting you or causing you to feel guilty. Get it out. Unleash the turmoil inside. Put your trust in the loving and forgiving God.

Let’s pray. Father God. Thank you for this reminder of the fury in you that rages when we are disobedient and put our trust in the world. Forgive me for times when I have not put my full focus on you or your will for me. May I sense a calming in my soul as I rest in you. I want my life to please you. I want praise to be on my lips from the moment I wake until the moment I sleep. Refresh me today, and open m y eyes to the possibilities that lie before me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hosea 1:1-2:1 – Message from God

Read Hosea 1:1-2:1

I wonder if Hosea liked being used by God? He certainly obeyed. Hosea did marry a prostitute, Gomer, and they had children. Just as God said, Hosea named his children. What negative names to brand a children, but the purpose was instead to send Israel a message. Israel had been disobedient. Judah had not.

It was being foretold that that Israel and Judah would merge at which time the children’s names would change. Interesting. I wonder how those children felt branded with such names. But the promise of restoration, in their lifetime, was there. Was Hosea aware of the plan from the get go, or did God reveal that only after he was obedient?

How about us? When we are asked by God to act, are we obedient or do we tend to question God and his intentions? In writing these devotions, it was on my heart to do this, but I’m certain God put that desire there, and I want to be obedient. In other situations, we may feel unequipped to do what God is asking, but in those times, God’s strength wins the day through us.

Whatever the series of events for Hosea, a take-away for us is to witness his obedience. God is always faithful to those who love him.

The theme of Hosea begins with God’s desire to be loved and to love. His people are facing clear consequences because of their disobedience. God made us to be in relationship with him. He’s waiting on us. He wants us to come to him, spend time with him. We get so busy, fill our lives with lots of noise. We need to be still and listen.

What is God asking you to do?

Let’s pray. Father help me to shut out the noise and clear my crowded head. Refresh me in this moment. You are mighty and your wisdom surpasses my understanding. Please reveal your intentions for me so that I can be obedient. Help me not to question my abilities but rely on you for your provision. I yearn for you to use me. May my words and deeds help restore this broken world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 150 – No Question

Read Psalm 150

There is no question in my mind after reading this psalm what we are to do. This is last psalm, and the last line, verse 6, says it all: “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

This is chapter not only focuses on the “who” we praise but on the “how”. There is no question our God is worthy to be praised. Over the years, at one congregation or another, we have always been in the center of movement for change in worship styles, or “how” we worship. As I reflect on our life of ministry, I am saddened that so much time and energy was spent on this issue.

In my heart I believe there is no wrong way to praise and worship. The wrong way is to not worship. In this psalm, I picture such a joyous time of singing, dancing and playing instruments, all to glorify God. There are no frowns, and everybody is engaging in the way they feel moved. I think we as a society are too uptight (for a lack of a better word at the moment) and don’t allow our guard down, even to worship our God.

I enjoyed a story this week from a pastor counseling a woman in his church. She came to him all upset about this thing or that, all happening within the congregation. She was going to leave the church because she couldn’t believe the pastor wasn’t doing anything to control these “things”. The pastor’s wisdom here gave me goosebumps. He welcomed the woman to leave if that was her desire, but he made one request before she did so. He asked her to carry a full glass (completely full to the brim) around the church and report back to him. Believe it or not she did so, probably wondering what in the world was the point. When she met with the pastor to say her goodbyes, he asked her if when she was carrying the glass she had witnessed the “this and that” happening around her. She told him she couldn’t, she was too focused on not spilling the water. He told her that’s what it’s like when we are focusing on Jesus with our whole heart and mind. We are less likely to notice or be bothered by what someone around us may or may not be doing.

Wow!

Are we focusing on Jesus enough? Are we being drawn into our own selfish desires and not putting our trust and reliance in our God and Savior?

Think about your worship life. How can you improve it? Remember worship isn’t confined to an hour on Sunday morning. We should be living a 24/7 faith – praising God at every turn, keeping our eyes focused on him and his path for us.

Guess, what? I found a song. Let it wash over you here.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the reminder today, simple as it is. Praise to you! I might not feel like dancing right n ow, but my heart is smiling and I feel a bubbling joy inside my being. May that pour out today as I get to work and to serving your kingdom. Thank you for the opportunities you give us each day. Help me not to overlook what is right before me and keep the focus on you. Guide my steps. Guard my tongue. You are an amazing God. May I worship you as you deserve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.