trust through the storm

After Jesus calmed the storm, why did He ask the disciples: “Why can’t you trust me?”

Other versions say it this way: “Where is your faith?”

Faith.

Trust.

Which is easier?

I say easier said then done sometimes.

Why don’t we have full confidence in the Lord?

Because we are human.

Because miracles and provision are soon forgotten.

Because it goes against our natural thinking.

That is when the supernatural needs to kick in.

A recent movie called “Breakthrough” portrayed this beautifully. Have you seen it? If not, please do and come back to tell me what you thought. And if you have seen it, comment below on what lesson stood out most for you.

It had some great reminders and lessons.

Here’s a few or my take-a-ways:

Make safe choices.

Just underneath your breaking point lies your true strength.

Be your best; let God do rest.

We can’t control the outcome, but surrendering breeds peace.

Surrender control.

Yesterday you can’t recover, but tomorrow you can still win or lose. You choose.

Original quote says this: “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” President Lyndon B. Johnson

Speak life.

You are loved and you have purpose.

Love wins.

Love is the greatest force on earth. It helps people flourish, find purpose, and God’s love is what gives us strength.

God is The God of the impossible.

People need to hear the truth and know that God still is in the business of performing miracles.

And that is true for biblical times and true for us still today as the movie’s objective proved retelling the story of a miraculous recovery of John Smith who was under the ice for over 15 minutes in a cold, January day before resuscitative efforts were started. His family must rely on their faith to get them through while John lies in a coma.

God is in the business of performing miracles. And don’t forget the words of Matthew found in chapter 19 verse 26: “with God all things are possible.”

Let’s end today with the full account of Luke 8.22-25 and think about the miracles within this passage:

“One day He and His disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” He said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and He fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” Getting to His feet, He told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass.

Then He said to His disciples, “Why can’t you trust Me?” They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering, “Who is this, anyway? He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what He tells them!””

Yes, God is The God of the impossible so trust Him through any storm that might come your way.

You will…

be.the.church

when you do and will help others come to know Him too.

Here’s 2 options for music to reflect on the message that God will see you through it all.

The first is a bit old school so dates me:

And the modern, through it all rings true too:

i miss my time with you

As humans we can long to be with the ones we love when we are not together. Maybe it is through physical distance or work that keeps us apart. Sometimes it can be an emotional disconnect that leaves us longing for more.

But what about flipping the tables and think about God missing time with us. We get so busy and slowly stop keeping up with what it is that gives us energy – spending time with the Lord of course.

When we spend time with God, we are filled up and ready to pour out.

By doing so, we can not only be energized but the longing we have towards other humans when placed in perspective of God fulfilling and completing us will be like no other relationship can be.

I must have first heard the song I Miss My Time With You! by Larnelle Harris at a chapel service in college. I borrowed the cassette track and recorded me singing it as well as People need the Lord for my mom as a Mother’s Day gift and I mailed it to her.

Let the lyrics sink in…

There He was just waiting, in our old familiar place.

An empty spot beside Him, where once I used to wait…

To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day

I would have passed Him by again but I clearly heard Him say…

I miss my time with you, those moments together

I need to be with you each day and it hurts Me when you say

You’re too busy, busy trying to serve Me

But how can you serve Me when your spirit’s empty

There’s a longing in My heart

Wanting more than just a part of you

it’s true I miss My time with you

What will I have to offer? How can I truly care?

My efforts have no meaning when Your presence isn’t there

But You will provide the power if I take time to pray

I’ll stay right here beside You and You will never have to say…

I miss my time with you, those moments together

I need to be with you each day and it hurts Me when you say

You’re too busy, busy trying to serve Me

But how can you serve Me when your spirit’s empty

There’s a longing in My heart

Wanting more than just a part of you

it’s true I miss My time with you

I don’t think anymore needs to be said today.

Perhaps listening to these two songs I sung so long ago will give you the reminder that God does miss time with us and we must be about His business as people do need to know Him and that is how we can…

be.the.church

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1uZcGaixMhg

BTW: a Happy Mother’s Day to any mom that might be reading and is in a country celebrating this today.

weddings and funerals

You know the old saying: “We never get together except for weddings and funerals.”

Funerals should not be family reunions. Likewise, weddings shouldn’t resemble funerals. But, sadly they often do.

We hear people chatting saying: “I haven’t seen you since so and so’s wedding.” or, “The last time I saw you was at so and so’s funeral.”

They are complete bipolar opposites yet, we do similar things for both occasions: dress up, sign guestbooks, bring cards, eat at a reception, a pastor officiates or organizes the service, announcements are in the paper or online, there are flowers, cakes, and of course all the relatives you know and some you just see on these occasions will be there.

I often say that funerals are for the living not the dead, and this is true. Weddings are a celebration of life and yet funerals can be too. Both are celebrating life, but I think we can all agree we would rather see the white flowers at a wedding then a funeral.

So why is that when the passing of a loved one happens, we then make the time for relatives. Of course, this is not always the case but seems to be more often then not.

I recently went to a funeral where relatives were ‘busy’ so they didn’t come. Some choose work or other commitments instead of coming to the funeral services. To be honest, I was disappointed and slightly perturbed. Then, I thought of the wedding feast parable Jesus shared where the invited guests didn’t come.

Can you imagine the sadness in the host?

Check out Luke 14.15-24 or Matthew 21.1-14 for the whole parable. Then please share what your favorite is part and what you believe Christ was trying to say.

Don’t be one who is replaced but rather take your seat at the table God has prepared for you. The time is coming. Are you ready to meet your Maker?

A funeral here means a wedding banquet is waiting there.

Be a part of the ‘feast’ and help others find their seat at the table too.

be.the.church

not just at weddings and funerals, but love on others each and everyday. By the way, I was at a wedding and a funeral this week. Like I said, I would pick the wedding over a funeral, but both make way for ministering and perhaps at a funeral we can be a better light and encouragement to those who have no hope. So step up and be just that whatever event you attend.

water to wine

Ever wonder why this was the first public miracle of Jesus?

Even after Jesus told His mother His time had not come yet, she still told the servants: “Do as He says.”

Did Mary now see Christ as the Miracle worker He would become and was urging Him on to His messianic mission?

Did Jesus really not want to do this miracle?

Was He doing so only since His mother asked?

There are so many questions to explore about this passage in John 2.1-10.

Six stone jars that each could hold twenty to thirty gallons were filled to their brims with water. Jesus told the servants to draw some out and bring it to the chief servant or head waiter.

Were they worried about their job?

Were they scared for bringing what they knew was water?

Did they see the miracle before their eyes and believed in it?

Had they known of Jesus before?

So many more questions for us to explore.

Jesus displaying His glory at the wedding of Cana helped the disciples believe in Him.

Did it help others in attendance at that wedding too?

Did all the servants now trust in Him that witnessed the water turn to wine?

Did they tell others of what they knew?

Christ displaying His glory and deity openly made it possible for the disciples to confidently follow Him and believe He indeed was The Messiah – The Chosen One, the promised and expected deliverer of the Jewish people. The disciples now could trust and rely on Him through what would be the next three plus years being eye witnesses to many more miracles.

John 2:11 confirms this:

“This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of His glory. And His disciples believed in Him.”

How about you?

What will you believe about the carpenter from Galilee?

He is a drink exchanger. The best drink He offers is not water to wine, but rather living water for us all to partake.

Are you willing to forsake all others and fully rely on Christ as savior?

First, you must have faith that this miracle indeed took place.

I, also, think it is important to take note that it was at a wedding. Running out of wine could have been disastrous. Jesus steps in and fixes the problem the bridegroom may not even have known existed. I like to think that Jesus is approving not only of marriages, but is saying He wants to be in every detail.

Also, I do not believe it is a coincidence that Mose’s first miracle when on a quest to save the Jewish nation was to turn water into blood. Moses physically saved the nation from annihilation in Egypt and Christ would die to save all people from sin. Moses was a type of Christ as the first Saviour for the Jews and Jesus would be the final Saviour ever needed.

I think having His first public miracle at a wedding makes perfect sense since He from then on has been in a constant courtship with His bride, the church. That’s us!

And we must…

be.the.church

so more can become the bride of Christ.

“Our God” by Chris Tomlin

Lyrics:

Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind there’s no one like you, none like You!

Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there’s no one like you none like You!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Into the darkness you shine, out of the ashes we rise there’s no one like you, none like You!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?

Then what could stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?

Then what could stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

*The above painting is entitled of course The Wedding Feast at Cana and was painted in 1563 by Paolo Veronese. It is hanging in the Musée du Louvre in Paris directly behind the Mona Lisa. It is much more impressive with its vibrant colors and massive size. I wonder how many who view it stop to long enough to think about how it represents Jesus’ first miracle. I would guess many a museum goer might walk on by this gorgeous depiction of turning the water into wine. I would go further to say, I bet this is one of if not the most overlooked painting.

time to cut more apron strings

Just days after their graduation, our son married his college sweetheart. We switched gears and went into full blown wedding mode.

My prayer as many a parent before has been that they cleave and truly leave the nest clinging on to each other for love, support, and encouragement. That they rely on God first and that nothing or no one here on earth gets in the way of their marriage partnership. And that is what marriage is intended to be – a partnership.

Of course, we as family (hopefully on both sides) are here to support them but decisions and deference need to belong to them together alone now as a couple and a team.

The Bible is clear on this matter and often times as humans we get it wrong. There is so much I wish I knew and needed to know way back when I was young (I would even say dumb) but in love.

Here’s some prudent advice and things I have learned along the way to guide relationships:

Yield your rights.

Compliment each other often especially in public but in private strive to daily.

The old sayings ‘if mama ain’t happy no one is happy’ or ‘happy wife, happy life’ are true but it starts with you whether you are the husband or wife. So, choose joy for the journey.

Complain to your in laws about your spouse not your own parents. (They know their child and may even have some prudent advice. Your parents might not be able to forgive and definitely not forget long after you have forgiven and forgotten.)

To the bride and groom may this adventure called life be more enriched, more enjoyable, more loving because of the ‘I do’s’ said today. May you always feel the love of the Lord first in your head and heart so you can act accordingly towards each other, and may God grant you unity, blessings, and peace in your heart and home no matter where that may be for as long as you both shall live. Amen!

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 KJV

“Therefore what God has joined together let no man put asunder.” Mark 10.9

And singles, strive to find a Godly partner. Don’t settle because time is ticking. It may be better to stay single and serve the Lord more freely then marry someone not fully devoted to the things of the God.

Regardless of what relationship, the above advice can be helpful and the biggest for parents when kids get married, cut those apron strings!

Children are never truly ours. God entrusted them as a gift for us to train in righteousness and then let fly away to the intended purpose He has for them. Let your offspring go off and spring into all God has in store. Cut those strings, I say it again; CUT THOSE STRINGS. In doing so, you help them stand on their own two feet and…

be.the.church

in sickness and in health until death do part.

And parents, cutting the apron strings goes for those single adult children too. Let them live their lives. We are meant to guide not dictate.

let it be*

This phrase conjures up an understanding of peace and how we should not be troubled. Jesus even left comforting words to remind us of this very concept.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14.27 ESV

In other words, let it be. Trust that everything does happen for a reason and sometimes you just have to let things be. God will work it out for your good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8.28

Do you believe that?

That you have a purpose.

The next thing you ought to believe is the people placed in your path are not there by accident. No coincidence with God but rather God-incidents. Put your faith in Him and somethings you just need to let be like your fears and anxiety. Leave all your worries in God’s hands and let Him take them so you can just let it be.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” I Peter 5.7

When we do, others will see us…

be.the.church

*”Let it Be” was the title of the 12th Beetles’ album and was released in 1970. Paul McCartney’s mother died from cancer when he was 14 and he was inspired to write this title track. Although some assume the name in the song refers to Christ’s mother, McCartney’s mother is also named Mary.

Mothers (and fathers) should impart wisdom as the simplistic of phrases to just let it be just like the lyrics in the song say.

“Let it Be” is not only the title of a song on the album but also the title of a film released with same name that documents the rehearsing and recording of the album. A West End and Broadway musical of the same title was a concert based revue of the iconic pop group the Beatles following their career from 1962-1970.

If you are into Beetle trivia, no lead vocals by Ringo Star are on this track. At the time, the band hadn’t toured in two years and broke up one month before the release. Today marks 49 years since the film and album’s release simultaneous release.

Source:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_It_Be

the price of greatness is…

What would you fill in the blank with?

The price of greatness is…

free?

The price of greatness is…

yours for the taking?

The price of greatness is…

not cheap?

The price of greatness…

takes time?

The price of greatness is…

hard work?

The price of greatness is…

will power?

So many words could be chosen to fill in that blank. What can you add to the above? Write your ideas in the comments.

The full quote comes from Winston Churchill and says:

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”

When we show ourselves approved then good things follow.

This is especially true as we serve Christ. Often we forget, even when doing ministry, that it is He we are sacrificing our time and energy for. We do have a responsibility to steward our gifts and give of our time so we can fulfill our purpose and be great at it.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Yes, “the price of greatness is responsibility.”

Churchill aforementioned this at Harvard on Sept 6, 1943 on the occasion of receiving his honorary degree. His meaning was a country as great as the USA couldn’t (and shouldn’t) ignore problems elsewhere in the world. We can not either. What problems do you see that you can do something about?

Maybe simply praying for the unborn – read or re-read my post on the movie Unplanned and if you haven’t seen it – make time!

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/04/06/unplanned/

Don’t forget to continue to pray all this month for Muslims during Ramadan and others in religions that don’t serve Christ. Pray they can be exposed to the truth and except the gospel message as such.

Yes, “the price of greatness is responsibility” so let’s be responsible and do great things for our Lord.

Of course, most probably think this quote is not Churchill at all but rather Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben and was recently made more famous slightly reworded: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Thinking of it in a spiritual sense means if you are blessed with great power, you have a responsibility to use it for good.

What are you doing for good with the gifts you have been blessed with?

As I was contemplating Churchill’s quote: “The price of greatness is responsibility.”, it reminded me of another quote I was exposed to many years ago and has stayed with me every since and goes something like this: “Greatness is in the man who has found his purpose and is willing to die for it.” Dr. Charles Blair.

True greatness was found in our Lord as He descended from His throne in heaven, humbling Himself to come as a babe, then giving the ultimate sacrifice of paying our sin debt with His life as that was His purpose and why He came to earth. He was willing to die for His great purpose.

May we find our purpose entwined with His as we come to the acknowledgement of our need of a Savior.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and guilt and cleanse me from my sin.”

Psalms 51:1-2 AMP

Say this as a prayer today:

Lord, help me responsibly steward my time, talents, energy, and gifts so I can do great things for You as you reveal the purpose for me this side of heaven. Amen.

Then, others truly will see me…

ble.the.church

revenge of the sixth

Revenge of the sixth is a play on words for Revenge of the Sith which is the sixth movie in George Lucas’ Star Wars series. So, I guess it is a good day to celebrate this if you can call it such. Look back to this post to see the connection to the month of May:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/04/may-the-fourth-be-with-you/

This day is also international no diet day, nurses’ day, and tourist appreciation day. I was going to try and come up with a clever way to connect them all but my mind is stuck. Help me out and write your idea to string these together creatively in the comments.

My attempt is that the revenge of the sixth can because it is a revenge of not having a diet so you might need a nurse then when feeling better you can celebrate somewhere by being a tourist. How did I do?

Like I said revenge of the sixth is a Star Wars thing. Get it now? To be honest, I really don’t. My family owns all the movies, is counting down the days till the last one comes out, and just loves Star Wars. Me not so much and that is totally fine. We can have different interests or likes yet, still show respect. So don’t be vengeful.

For remember that God said: “Vengeance is mine,” (Romans 12.9) so no need to worry if someone offends or wrongs you. Don’t get all ‘Sith’ like but rather rely on God to fight your battles.

When feeling “Surrounded” look to The One who surrounds us with His love, mercy, and grace. In doing so, you will shine bright not being afraid of the ‘Sith’ aka evils of this present darkness (Ephesians 6.12) and then others will see you…

be.the.church

By the way, today marks the first full day of Ramadan*. The Sith represent the dark lords which are the main antagonists in Star Wars. Isn’t that what Lucifer is to the earth? And any religion taking eyes off Christ truly represents ‘dark lords.’

So today, if you don’t have time or desire to listen to the music video or look back on the post link above, in yesterday’s May 5 post:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/05/cinco-de-mayo/

we were reminded what we need to do is pray and how prayer changes things. So today pray for any ‘Sith’ encounter you may deal with this side of heaven.

Pray for those who have yet to hear the truth and have been deceived by the dark lord himself with the man made religions like Islam. Pray you can be a bold witness for Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords who is the finisher and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12.2).

*Ramadan is a religious month of fasting from food and drink during daylight hours accompanied by intense prayer. The days close with gathering together for feasts at night to break the fast. It is the most important month for Muslims.

Pray for Jesus encounters. Even in countries that are 98/99% Muslim where there might not be a Christian witness, God provides one as Jesus is revealing Himself as The Man in white in dreams. Be ready to share who He is if a Muslim friend ever asks. I know many stories of conversions that began with a dream. Every day this month please join me in praying for more Jesus encounters and that you can be used to help others solidify their faith in Christ. Amen.

cinco de mayo

I bet most don’t know what this annual celebration observed all over the world mostly by Mexicans and Americans is even for except knowing Mexican food is going to be eaten or Latin culture celebrated. Some think it is Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s not.

This day commemorates a battle in 1862 where the small Mexican army defeated the French empire. Even though a year later they fell, it was a great victory down in the books. Parades, battle re-enactments, and folk dancing all may be seen in Mexico and California on this day. But for the rest of the world, thanks in part to clever marketing ads in the 1980s, this day has become more of a reason to party with beer sales rivaling the Super Bowl. I am in no way suggesting you do that. So, let’s think for a moment…

What can we do different on this day?

Sure, it is fine to have some Mexican food and enjoy listening to a mariachi band, but as Christians, how can we be countercultural?

Just like that small band of Mexican brothers who defeated the French force, we too can be fighting battle for what might seem like an insurmountable spiritual army lurking in the four corners of the globe. Many a soul weigh in the balance and we need to fight on their behalves.

Get on your knees 3 times a day like Daniel and his friends of old did so long ago (Daniel 6.10). But since it is Cinco de Mayo how about make it 5!

Prayer changes everything –

our perspective,

our outlook,

and our attitudes.

When we let it, we will…

be.the.church

Having a heart of gratitude and praising God regardless of circumstance helps too.

So, put on the garments of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61.3) to withstand the tricks the enemy may throw towards you (Ephesians 6.11).

And get down on your knees to fight the battle.

*I remember this being sung often in church 4 or 5 decades ago. “This song of Praise was sung extensively in Pentecostal Church services during the Charismatic Renewal of the late 1970s and 1980s. ….. It was written by David Ingles and first published in 1976. This recording was taken during a worship service at the Klemzig Assembly of God in 1976/77 and is sung by its congregation.”

may the fourth be with you

I am sure you have heard the Star Wars references for this date before. A punny way to say “May the force be with you.” Not sure how or when it became a craze but it got me thinking how we need to have The Force on our side.

Yes, the prince of darkness rules this world, but we don’t have to fear as God wins the battle in the end.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31.6

Happy Star Wars day, but don’t worry about the force. Look to The Creator of the stars not fear the one lurking in the darkness.

Besides, read the back of The Book; it says we win.

May you carry God’s supernatural, divine light inside you to shine for others to see you…

be.the.church