What Storm ?

Luke 8:22-25

A lake, a storm, and a mighty God. Here we find the story of Jesus commanding the elements to be still. Jesus was sleeping and the disciples were terrified. Jesus had been with them for long enough. They knew and witnessed the amazing miracles He had performed yet they did not have faith. Faith in the man on the boat.

The nation around us is crumbling into more and more difficult times as the storm rages on. So many people are fearful for their jobs and if they are not it is likely they already lost it and are now fretting having enough money to take care of their families. Maybe your storm is a health issue that seems to get the best of you. Just when things are looking good you receive bad news or are stricken with some other awful ailment.

So where are your eyes. Are they on the storm raging in front of your face or on Jesus, safely sleeping down below.

I have probably been through more financial pressure in the past 6 months than I ever thought I would be able to handle. My wife and I are building a house which is going well and requires a lot of extra time and money. I am a self employed painting contractor and like many people in construction have not seen a pay check in… well… I will have to get back to you. The great thing about it is, not one time has my pressure turned into fear. I have had my eyes on the God who controls all things and have not allowed the storm to shake me. It feels somewhat odd, like the wind and rain around me should bring me to my knees but God is carrying me through it.

It was not always like this. In my past I could control my emotions very well unless it came to money. I would get stressed and thoughts of cheating would begin to roll through my mind. My pastor took the time to share with me and helped me realize that whatever the issue is, I cannot handle it. This being the truth I just decided to give it up to God.

I know people who are struggling. Some in a good way and some in a painful way. Lets keep all people in our prayers and help when we can. This is a time for looking to Jesus. Peoples hearts will be tender. Seize the opportunities that the Lord blesses you with. Have Faith In the Man on the Boat.

Prayer List

I Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without Ceasing”

Recently I have had a desire to go deeper in my prayer life. I was not to sure why but I believe that God was revealing to me a void in my relationship with Him. I dont really know how to go deeper other than spending more time in prayer so that has been my goal. Spend more time with God in prayer.

I made up a prayer journal and had my wife pencil in a few things everyday to be praying for. At this time the Journal looks about the same but the desire is increasing. Go deeper. I am continueing to pray and feel as though I need a break through however God is beginning to reveal to me the necessity for prayer. The importance of prayer.

My father, after having gone through a dry spell is now being confronted with taking on church leadership again. Pray for that.
My sister is in a struggling marriage as well as a struggle for her walk with the Lord. Pray for that.
My brother, who is in the Marines, is going to Afghanistan. pray for that.
My other brother is in the Navy and striving to live a good life, Pray for a God life.
My friend randomly called me, said he was stuggling in his marriage. pray for that.
Another friend called, said the same. Ill be praying for that.
Another friend told me the same. pray for that.
Did I mention these are all friends that have contacted me in the past 6 months and I have not been very close to any of them… They called me. Pray for That.
Relationship with Christ. Go deeper. Relationship. Deeper. Pray for that.

Pray without Ceasing. What does that mean to you? Are You?

We can pray together for that.

If anyone has a prayer request or would like to tag there name on my list, Ill be praying.

Solomon’s Folly

This year I have committed to reading through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and hopefully will finish very early. I just finished reading the life story of the great king Solomon and am fairly amazed. This was no ordinary king, he was gifted by God with more wisdom than any person had ever had before him as well as would come after him. He had a natural understanding of the world, the plants and animals. He was a master in architecture and if you have never read about his palace, go to first Kings, he lived it up. You know the kings who are ultra rich that we see in movies, Solomon lived beyond that. In his kingdom there was gold everywhere, the walls were lined with gold. Exotic animals were brought to Solomon and even Queen Sheba traveled from the east to meet this incredible man. So where did Solomon go wrong, the man who built the temple which would house the ark of the covenant. What brought a great king like him to serve other gods and turn his heart from loving the Lord as his father David did. Any Thoughts.