Thoughts for Life: Calming the Storm

Marvin Williams: While Hurricane Katrina headed toward
the coast of Mississippi, a retired pastor and his wife left their
home and went to a shelter.

Their daughter pleaded with them to go to Atlanta where she could take care of them, but the couple couldn't get any money to make the trip because the banks were closed.

After the storm had passed, they returned to their home to get a few belongings, and were able to salvage only a few family photos floating in the water.

Then, when the man was taking his father's photo out of its frame so it could dry, $366 fell out—precisely the amount needed for two plane tickets to Atlanta.

They learned they could trust Jesus for what they needed.

For the disciples, trusting Jesus in a storm was the curriculum for the day in the dramatic narrative of Mark 4:35-41. Jesus had instructed His disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and then He went to sleep in the boat.

When a quick and violent storm blew in, the disciples dripped as much with fear and anxiety as water from the waves. They woke Jesus, saying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (v.38 NIV).

Jesus stood up and with three words, "Peace,
be still!" He muzzled the storm.

We all experience storms—persecutions, financial troubles, illnesses, disappointments, loneliness—and Jesus does not always prevent them. But He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

He will keep us calm in the storm.

Are you in a storm? What do you know about God's character that could help bring calm to your heart?

In the storms of life, we can see the character of our God.

Our Daily Bread 5/26/15

I Open My Heart

As a little child open his box of most precious treasures
to share with his most trusted friend, I open my heart
to You, Lord. You know, You can see what is there.
You see the most secret, closed places that no one else
knows about. You know what is there, my most treasured
memories, my deepest thoughts, my greatest concerns,
my fondest hopes, my true heart's desire.

I open them to You, Lord, I give You complete access.
I trust You completely because I know how much You care.
How You treasure this place in me. I am Your precious
child and I weep. Your love overwhelms me. I am so loved.
You listen, You care so very deeply for me, for all
Your children. Blessed be Your holy name.

By Debbie McEwen tmcewen91@yahoo.com

Today’s Bible verse:

Neh. 8:10 c "For the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Some quotes:

~ Mary Southerland - "The words of the psalmist are filled with confidence and hope. 'He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed' (Psalm 107:29). We really can trust God to bring peace and to reduce the fiercest storm to a mere whisper. The faithful provision and sustaining comfort of God at work in our life depends on the character and heart of God and our willingness to trust Him." (Taken from her post, My Safe Place in the Storm, June 1, 2015)

~ Max Lucado - "Don’t see your struggle as an interruption to life but as preparation for life. No one said the road would be easy or painless. But God will use this mess for something good. This trouble you are in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. God is doing what’s best for us, training us to live God’s holy best! From Max's book: You’ll Get Through This

Some thoughts today:

God sets up opportunities for us to share what He's done for us. People all around us need to hear, so their faith can be stirred to believe Him, too.

- Folks who have not heard of His goodness, have no idea that He loves them individually, and wants so much to have them get to know Him and the salvation He has provided in and through Jesus, His Son.

- When calling on God, believe that He is Who He says He is! Be ready for Him to speak through you.

7th- Tuesday’s post: #77 Argentina and Australia
C. Peter Wagner
9th- Thursday's post: #78 The Challenge of Japan
C. Peter Wagner
11th Saturday's post: The Gift of Tears
Cindy Hess Kasper
12th- Sunday's post: Don't Forget You're Leaving
James H. Cagle

A popular post: Rooted in Love Joe Stowell shares with us: "When I think of

all the wonders of God's magnificent creation, I am especially awed by the giant
sequoia tree.

These amazing behemoths of the forest can grow to around 300 feet tall..."