Storm Warning

“Immediately, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.”

―Mark 6:45-48a NIV

Our ship left Prince Edward Island and sailed up the Gulf of St. Lawrence toward Quebec City. The waters were relatively calm, considering we’d left Boston on the heels of Hurricane Earl.

The night’s forecast—a strong gale and rain.

We hadn’t interpreted strong gale to mean 70 mph winds and 50 foot waves that would rock us sleepless. Perhaps that night, I experienced some of the same emotions the disciples did in their storm.

After a full day of ministry, the disciples waited in the boat for Jesus. Would the throngs of people ever leave? Moments must have felt like hours as the storm clouds gathered overhead. Imagine their readiness as Jesus gave them the green light to go ahead of him to the other side of the lake. Serving their Master was invigorating. A few storm clouds would never dampen their spirits.

Then...the storm rolled in.

The disciples were vulnerable and afraid. As the waters threatened to overtake their small boat, they struggled to stay on course. Surely Jesus knew the storm was coming. Why would he send them out to face it alone?

Where was Jesus when they needed him?

Mark 6 addresses the common misconception that following God assures smooth sailing. Jesus wasn’t oblivious to the storm. He sent the disciples out knowing they would encounter it. Uprooting them from their comfort zones and placing them in a situation which required extreme faith, would reveal their weaknesses, strengthen their spiritual muscles, and ultimately summon them to new depths of dependency on him. The experience would allow them to see the futility of braving life’s difficulties in their own strength.

Jesus ordained the storm, but his compassion for his disciples transcended it.

Although the disciples lost sight of Jesus, he never lost sight of them. From the mountain, he watched and prayed to his Heavenly Father for their safety and at just the right moment, he intervened.

Storms come to us all—even believers.

We’re not sheltered from them, but we are sheltered in them. Perhaps, you’re experiencing opposition as you strive to do God’s will? Are you straining at the oars? Can you relate to the futility of self-effort? Don’t allow storm clouds to dampen your spirits.

Rest in the following truths.

• Jesus’s eye is always on you.
• His prayers continually cover you. 
• He will meet you in the waters of your adversity. 
  

Rejoice!
Help is on the way.

Now its your turn. What is one of your go-to scriptures when storms threaten to capsize your ship.

I always welcome your comments.

Joseph: A Good Man

“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did
not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind
to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this,
an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream…”
—Matthew 1:19-20, NIV

Joseph was a good man with good intentions, but . . . 

Although Joseph's plan for Mary was a good plan, it was the wrong plan. Although his choice to not publicly disgrace her was honorable, it was not correct. Only after God intervened in Joseph's thoughts was he able to know God's will for his family and walk it out.

The quote, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions," is true. Good intentions often lead to hellish situations in our lives. A good plan can be a wrong choice.

How often does our logic lead us down the wrong path? How many times do we miss God’s will because we choose to do what seems right?

Let's exchange our goodly intentions for Godly intentions. 

God's Word tells us we acquire the mind of Christ through the revelation of his Holy Spirit, and our salvation and strength comes through resting in him. Spending time in God's Word ushers us in to his presence. In his presence, we'll hear a voice behind us saying, "This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:18).

Do you have in mind to walk in God's way? Choose rest first.

Now it's your turn. What is one way you choose rest in this busy season?

I always welcome your comments.

Blessings,
Starr

 

Please Be Seated

Do you savor time at the table with the Father or are you ordering meals to go? 

My September article for Thrive magazine is published at the following link. I'd love for you to check it out, and I pray it blesses you.

Please Be Seated: http://ow.ly/AHi1X 

I welcome your comments.

Blessings, 

Starr

SUNDAY SOLACE: Soul Seat

 "For a lake to reflect the heavens on its surface . . . 

 

 

. . .  it must be calm."

 

"In returning and rest you shall be saved;

in quietness and confidence shall be your strength."

―Isaiah 30:15, NIV

  



Please visit my devotional blog at the following link

http://365degreelens.blogspot.com/

 

Today's photo was taken at Northmont Lake, Asheboro, NC  ©Starr Ayers 2011

SUNDAY SOLACE: Come to the Well

 "And Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well . . .

when a Samaritan woman came to draw water."  
― John 4:6-7, NIV

 

Even Jesus took time to rest. It was  in his place of rest that
ministry came to him.  

Why do we feel we must find our place of purpose. Instead, we should simply find our place―find our place before Him; find our place of rest.

 

Perhaps, when we are at our place, our purpose will present itself.

Just come. Jesus is already there.

 

 

 Would love to have you check out my devotional blog.

http://365degreelens.blogspot.com/

 

Today's photo was taken at Northmont Lake, Asheboro, NC  ©Starr Ayers 2011 

Come to Me

Straining and striving does not accomplish the work God gives us to do. There is no straining effort in an overflowing life. The key is . . .

 

"Not overwork but overflow."

~ Streams in the Desert ~

 

  "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul."
―Psalms 23:2-3, KJV

Ceaseless activity may fill our days, but busyness is not the sign of a meaningful life. Rather, it is quite the opposite. It is in effortless abiding that our life becomes full―full to overflowing.

Taking the time to refresh our body, soul and spirit is crucial to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Christ knew the importance of withdrawing from the crowds and spending time alone with his Father. 

He invites us to do the same.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest." ―Matthew 11:28, NIV

 

Go ahead.

 

Give yourself permission to step away from your crowded schedule.

 

Kick back.

 

Listen to this song.

 

Meditate on him.

 

Now . . . BREATHE!      



 

This photo was taken at Cherry Grove, NC 2011

Be Still and Know

"We live in a very tense society. We are pulled apart . . .

and we all need to learn how to pull ourselves together.

I think at least part of the answer lies in solitude." 

~Helen Hayes~

  

"Be still, and know that I am God."

―Psalm 46:10, NIV


In his book Silent God, Joseph Bentz poses the question . . . "If God silenced himself entirely in our lives, how many of us would notice the difference?"

 

Sobering . . . isn't it?

 

This week, eliminate one television show or one hour of internet time each day and spend that time in silence, prayer, or Bible study.

 

You will notice a difference.

 

 

 This photo was taken at Black Mountain, NC 2013 

No Revolving Doors

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
 They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”
―John 10:9, NIV

 

You have heard My call. Enter through the open gate. Fear not what lies within. I have the richest of fare laid up for you. No longer insist on living outside of My best. I want your undivided heart. 

You live like a nomad, pitching a movable tent somewhere between fellowship with Me and fellowship with the world. I have chosen you out of the world. It will not satisfy your soul. It is time to settle in. 

You invited Me―and I came. I entered into your abode; your earthly tent. I did not hesitate to come. I held nothing back and it is there that I remain. For Myself, I reserved a tent―for you, a mansion awaits. 

Come! Live in a house of strength and dignity; a place where you will remain in the company of the King. No longer separate yourself from Me. There is no revolving door within your Father’s house, just a simple gate―a gate that beckons, “Enter in!”

Enter in to My presence! Remain! Remain in My love!

Photo taken in Beaufort, South Carolina