What to Do in Times of Trouble!

Deuteronomy 4:30 “When those bitter days have come upon you in the latter times, you will finally return to the Lord your God and listen to what he tells you. 31For the Lord your God is merciful—he will not abandon you…nor forget the promises he has made…”

Jesus said “…In the world you will have tribulation…” John 16:33 All around me I am hearing the heart cries of people whose lives are being torn apart through trials, tribulations, turmoil and distress. Don’t be surprised because Jesus told us that those things were inherent in the world we live in. Tribulation is part of the sin infested world in which we live.

What is a Christian to do when trouble or calamity strikes? May I just share a few simple truths with you today? Tonight I rehearsed what the Lord has trained me to do as I have uncovered various principles in His life giving Word.

1) Check Your Current Connectivity… John 15:3 Jesus said that “…apart from me, you can do nothing.” I have learned that when trouble comes my way it’s time to stop and listen to the Voice of the Lord. Tell me Lord what do I have to do? Where have I gone wrong? I know that fiery darts (trials) are going to come my way, but they don’t have to get through unless I have broken the hedge of God’s protection. Ecclesiastes 10:8 “He that…breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”

When they have broken through, I immediately go to him so that He can honestly assess my current connectivity. Isaiah 59:2 “…your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Herein lies a major key. When I am walking in un-confessed OR un-repented sin, I have been separated from the ability to hear His voice (His directives or plan of victory or escape) or receive of His Divine ability and power in my situation. That sin which has not been dealt with breaks my fellowship (intimacy) with God. 1John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth”

I allow Him to be honest with me…How’s my relationship? How’s my walk and my testimony? Letting God be honest with us is often very difficult, because His light exposes everything, and sometimes I look pretty ugly to myself.

2) Give Him Lordship Over All…Matthew 6:33 “Put God and His Kingdom first and everything else will be given to you.” Tell Him that you don’t want lordship over this situation or any situation in your life. Admit you aren’t able to handle it by yourself. Paul said that “…in my weakness, His strength is made perfect…” Proverbs 3:6 states “In all your ways acknowledge Him…”

3) Seek His Direction… Proverbs 3: 6 continues in stating that when you acknowledge Him, “He will direct your paths.” This is a difficult process which seems to take a lifetime of practice and submission to His Lordship, beginning with even the smallest of troubles. It’s also helpful to be connected with a Brother or Sister in the Lord, who is willing to remind us to seek the Lord and His directives. When He issues your directions, obey them, for without your loving obedience, you will be handling your trial on your own!

4) Rehearse His Names.. There is something in the makeup of God that causes Him to show up when His name is revered and proclaimed. David called on his deliverer when he faced and defeated the giant. Paul and Silas sang praises to His name in the prison and the walls fell down. Elijah called on His name on Mount Carmel and defeated the prophets of Baal. Jesus called on His name on the Cross and claimed victory over death, hell and the grave. Psalm 22:3 states that He “…inhabits the praises of Israel.” When His Name is called, He shows up on the scene and rescues His people.
Call on the Comforter, the Healer, the Deliverer, the Provider, the Champion, the Almighty, the Turner of Hearts, the Savior!

5) Expect His Victory… even in the appearance of defeat. Remember His Word! Romans 8:28 “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.” No matter what the source of your situation, (self, world, devil or the Lord) He will work it out for your good! You will get the ultimate victory and He will get glory! 2Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ…”

No one ever said that this life would be free from heartache and hardship, but rest assured that He will go through it with you, if you allow Him! You don’t need to go it alone.
If you know someone today who is under assault, please share these words with them! God will use you greatly!

IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER!

Exodus 14:9-10 “But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid:”

So oftentimes, we put limits on the abilities and desires of our God. We liken His character and His attributes to those of mere mortals and as a result we fall short of seeing His Glory on display. Israel was about to be miraculously delivered from 400 years of bondage and slavery at the hands of the wicked Pharoahs. Israel had obeyed the Word of the Lord and they were marching exactly as He had directed them, until they encountered their first obstacle. They had come upon the waters of the Red Sea. Mountains to the right and mountains to the left; the sea lay straight ahead and behind them were Pharoah and his army bent upon their total annihilation! And because they could see no way out, they “were sore afraid.” They were terrified and lost their faith. They reduced God down to their own capabilities. Somehow He had lost His capability for the miraculous in their minds eye.

So often in life we behave much in the same manner. We are total giants of faith until we run into our first major obstacle. God is in control and we believe in His Immensity as long as we remain somewhat in control. However, when we reach the place where we are no longer able to make a move (just in case God doesn’t) then we begin to lose confidence in His Word and His Abilities. WE forget those things that He has done in the past. Remember when David faced his giant, he began to rehearse those things which the Lord had previously done in his life. 1 Samuel 17: 36 “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Even though there appeared to be no way out for those Israelites, the Lord Who is our “WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY” made a way and miraculously opened a path into the sea. I would also remind you here that this same sea that was opened as a path of deliverance for the people of God, became the method of destruction for the enemies of those same people. Not one enemy remained! Exodus 14:28 “And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

Maybe you are currently facing an impossible situation; a situation of life and death; or something you’ve never encountered before. God wants you to know today that He is our POSSIBILITY! He becomes your possibility only in the midst of impossibility. The tougher the possibility, the greater He will shine on behalf of His people and the greater His Glory. Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle. Don’t ever quit! Refuse to agree with the world and those who are wavering in doubt and defeat.

I stated above that “It ain’t over until it’s over!” Now here’s the real awesome revelation about God’s Kingdom. Even when it appears to be over, it is only just beginning. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died and been entombed for four days. John 11:14 “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” All hope was lost. Everyone had lost hope in the face of the impossible. But God said “This ain’t over!” Jesus “…cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43 The God of Possibility stepped in when all hope was gone. The people had given up and had committed him to the grave. They stopped believing and chided Jesus for delaying his arrival.

Whatever way God had chosen to respond to their heart cries, He would have displayed His glory. With God’s divine direction and orchestration, there would be no wrong choice. Either way God had chosen would have been just the beginning! Risen from the dead, Lazarus was given a new lease on life and an opportunity to give Him glory in the earth. If God had chosen to leave his body in the grave, it still would have been the most incredible day of his life. I’m not so sure that Lazarus had not struggled somewhat having to return to his old life, knowing what lie ahead just a few short days later bursting forth in Resurrection Power! Face to Face with God the Father or back to the dirt bowl we call life.

Let me ask you one last question. “If you were Lazarus, and God had given you the decision, what choice would you have made?” The Glory of God OR back here? I don’t think that would be too hard to decide!

If today you are staring impossibility right in the face, then be encouraged because your POSSIBILITY is in control! EVEN IF IT IS OVER, IT IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING! We are Kingdom people and we live by different rules!
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Joseph from the pit to the Palace.
Moses from a decree of death to leading Israel out of Bondage.
The widow of Nain receiving her only son raised to life.
Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho.
Gideon and his three hundred men.
Noah saving his entire household.
Abraham becoming a Father of many Nations.

Now what about you? What will be your testimony to His Glory?

IN THE FIRE!

Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Are you feeling the heat? Is the firey trial, situation or circumstance all around you? Do you feel like you're going down for the last time? If so, I have some good news for you!

First, we need to be truthful concerning fire. Fire is hot and causes pain. You should not be surprised or caught off guard when you enter into the fiery furnaces of life. Jesus warned us with these words in John 16:33..."These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation(pressure, stress,squashing,squeezing): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Everyone in this world goes through the fire at one stage or another, and oftentimes it seems that we go from one fire to another. Because He has overcome, we can walk in a place of peace no matter how immense the pressure!

Find His purposes in the fire and set your focus on Him. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 Those who set their minds on matters of the Holy Spirit, experience life and peace no matter what the circumstances.

I was going through some pretty wild times a few years back and I cried out to the Lord saying "When will this end?" He simply spoke back in that still, small voice and said "It won't!" I have learned that as a Disciple (Not just a Believer) the heat is usually always on! As younger, immature Christians we sometimes enter in to a time of complaining, resisting and looking constantly for ways to escape the pressure.

I have learned that pressure is a good thing and that God will use the fires of life, no matter what the origin (Himself, Ourself or the devil) to mold, shape and conform us closer to the image of Christ in us, He desires.

I discovered and meditated on a very unusual Scripture in James 2:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

What? You want me to be joyful when troubles come my way? Am I to be a glutton for punishment? Isn't that crazy? Not when you begin to comprehend that in the midst of the fire, your faith is tested and grown. Going through the fires of life can equip you and get you "ready for anything!" Everyone in the Bible who became what God wanted them to become went through times of testing. Joseph in prison; Daniel in the lion's den; Paul imprisoned and beaten; Jesus in the Garden; Shadrach, Meshack & Abednego in the fiery furnace.

In reading the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel Chapter three we discover...
How to make it through the fire...

1) Know that everyone is currently going through some kind of fire, whether spiritually, financially, family, sickness, relational. You are not the only one in the fire! "But remember that the temptations (trials)that come into your life are no different from what others experience." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Personally, I believe that pressure is designed to create intimacy with God. Think about how distant we seem to wander when everything is going well. Hopefully, as soon as it gets a little rough we are smart enough to turn to God. Eventually, we learn to stay with Him and remain connected with Him in fellowship, praise, prayer and obedience. Daniel 3:21 "So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace..." Because of the sin nature of this fallen world, everyone goes through the fire at one time or another!

If you feel bad about the fire you're in, take a look at what the Apostle Paul had to endure; you'll feel better immediately. "They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled many weary miles. I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Now stop whining...it could be worse!

2) Know that you are not alone God is with you! Psalm 118:6 states that "The Lord God is on my side; I will not fear what man can do..." He has promised He will be with us no matter what we do or what we feel. Even when you FEEL alone, He is with us! Heb 13:5 "…he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

3) You will be tempted to give up and succumb to the effects of the flames. The enemy of your soul will speak these words to you in the midst of your fire, attempting to have you give up and quit. "I will give you one more chance. If you bow down...all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?” Daniel 3:15

Remember that "...God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13” You don't have to bow!

4) Make a declaration of God's willingness & ability. Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power..." Stop your mind from being overwhelmed with facts. God's Truth always over-rides fact! Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believes...and with the mouth confession is made..."

When David faced his giant, he prophesied the fall of the giant even before he engaged in combat. 1 Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou have defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite you, and take your head from you; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” Begin to prophesy your emergence from the fire and your ultimate victory!

5) Know that it may get a little hotter before it gets better! Daniel 3:19 "Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual." In the Kingdom of God, there are processes that we must endure in order for him to fulfill His purposes, maybe even in the lives of others. Have you noticed that our trials usually involve other people, as well ? He doesn’t always answer the way you think He should. He is God and He knows best. His timing is always perfect.

6) Connect with others in the midst of your fire. You are not designed to ever go it alone. We are the members of the Body of Christ. If you go it alone you will be burned. 1Corinthians 12:21 “…the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” You cannot state this either by your words or your actions; the way you live your life in relation one to another. If you disconnect and enter the fires of life by yourself, the odds remain against your survival. Daniel 3:23 23 “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

7) Know that the power of God is with you! Daniel 3:25 “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. His presence, His ability, His Companionship, His strength, His wisdom, His power, His destiny for you will all be present in the heart of the fiery trials of your life. Ask Him what good can come out of this trial. Romans 8:28 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.” Its refreshing to know that God has a plan that determines the final outcome of your trail.

8) You are destined to go through the fire and you will come out on the other side and people will see that “the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!.” 1 Samuel 3:27 You will not be consumed by your trial. The experience will not slow you down or defeat you. It will empower you to trust further in His ability.

9) God will receive praise for your personal victory. You will stand as an eternal memorial to the goodness and faithfulness of God as you rely on Him. The world needs to see His movement in your circumstances so they too can come into relationship with Him! Daniel 3:29 “Therefore I make a decree, That …. there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”

10) Here is the best news yet. On the other side of your fiery furnace there is a promotion from the king for YOU! Daniel 3:30 “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego…”

TOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH HEAT?

Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

If you are in the midst of the fire; the heat is being turned up and you feel like you're going to burst, then the Lord has given me a word to share with you!

First, we need to be truthful concerning fire. Fire is hot and causes pain. You should not be surprised or caught off guard when you enter into the fiery furnaces of life. Jesus warned us with these words in John 16:33..."These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation(pressure, stress,squashing,squeezing): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Everyone in this world goes through the fire at one stage or another, and oftentimes it seems that we go from one fire to another. Because He has overcome, we can walk in a place of peace no matter how immense the pressure!

Find His purposes in the fire and set your focus on Him. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 Those who set their minds on matters of the Holy Spirit, experience life and peace no matter what the circumstances.

I was going through some pretty wild times a few years back and I cried out to the Lord saying "When will this end?" He simply spoke back in that still, small voice and said "It won't!" I have learned that as a Disciple (Not just a Believer) the heat is usually always on! As younger, immature Christians we sometimes enter in to a time of complaining, resisting and looking constantly for ways to escape the pressure. I have learned that pressure is a good thing and that God will use the fires of life, no matter what the origin (Himself, Ourself or the devil) to mold, shape and conform us closer to the image of Christ in us, He desires.

I discovered and meditated on a very unusual Scripture in James 2:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

What? You want me to be joyful when troubles come my way? Am I to be a glutton for punishment? Isn't that crazy? Not when you begin to comprehend that in the midst of the fire, your faith is tested and grown. Going through the fires of life can equip you and get you "ready for anything!" Everyone in the Bible who became what God wanted them to become went through times of testing. Joseph in prison; Daniel in the lion's den; Paul imprisoned and beaten; Jesus in the Garden; Shadrach, Meshack & Abednego in the fiery furnace.

In reading the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel Chapter three we discover...
How to make it through the fire...

1) Know that everyone is currently going through some kind of fire, whether spiritually, financially, family, sickness, relational. You are not the only one in the fire! "But remember that the temptations (trials)that come into your life are no different from what others experience." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Personally, I believe that pressure is designed to create intimacy with God. Think about how distant we seem to wander when everything is going well. Hopefully, as soon as it gets a little rough we are smart enough to turn to God. Eventually, we learn to stay with Him and remain connected with Him in fellowship, praise, prayer and obedience. Daniel 3:21 "So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace..." Because of the sin nature of this fallen world, everyone goes through the fire at one time or another!

If you feel bad about the fire you're in, take a look at what the Apostle Paul had to endure; you'll feel better immediately. "They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled many weary miles. I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Now stop whining...it could be worse!

2) Know that you are not alone God is with you! Psalm 118:6 states that "The Lord God is on my side; I will not fear what man can do..." He has promised He will be with us no matter what we do or what we feel. Even when you FEEL alone, He is with us! Heb 13:5 "…he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

3) You will be tempted to give up and succumb to the effects of the flames. The enemy of your soul will speak these words to you in the midst of your fire, attempting to have you give up and quit. "I will give you one more chance. If you bow down...all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?” Daniel 3:15

Remember that "...God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13” You don't have to bow!

4) Make a declaration of God's willingness & ability. Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power..." Stop your mind from being overwhelmed with facts. God's Truth always over-rides fact! Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believes...and with the mouth confession is made..."

When David faced his giant, he prophesied the fall of the giant even before he engaged in combat. 1 Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou have defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite you, and take your head from you; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” Begin to prophesy your emergence from the fire and your ultimate victory!

5) Know that it may get a little hotter before it gets better! Daniel 3:19 "Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual." In the Kingdom of God, there are processes that we must endure in order for him to fulfill His purposes, maybe even in the lives of others. Have you noticed that our trials usually involve other people, as well ? He doesn’t always answer the way you think He should. He is God and He knows best. His timing is always perfect.

6) Connect with others in the midst of your fire. You are not designed to ever go it alone. We are the members of the Body of Christ. If you go it alone you will be burned. 1Corinthians 12:21 “…the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” You cannot state this either by your words or your actions; the way you live your life in relation one to another. If you disconnect and enter the fires of life by yourself, the odds remain against your survival. Daniel 3:23 23 “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

7) Know that the power of God is with you! Daniel 3:25 “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. His presence, His ability, His Companionship, His strength, His wisdom, His power, His destiny for you will all be present in the heart of the fiery trials of your life. Ask Him what good can come out of this trial. "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 ” Its refreshing to know that God has a plan that determines the final outcome of your trail.

8) You are destined to go through the fire and you will come out on the other side and people will see that “the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!.” 1 Samuel 3:27 You will not be consumed by your trial. The experience will not slow you down or defeat you. It will empower you to trust further in His ability.

9) God will receive praise for your personal victory. You will stand as an eternal memorial to the goodness and faithfulness of God as you rely on Him. The world needs to see His movement in your circumstances so they too can come into relationship with Him! Daniel 3:29 “Therefore I make a decree, That …. there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”

10) Here is the best news yet. On the other side of your fiery furnace there is a promotion from the king for YOU! Daniel 3:30 “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

WATER WALKING

Matthew 14:24-27 “…the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water….But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

One thing I know for sure, is that whenever I am caught up in one of life’s storms, I want to make sure my eyes are on Jesus and that I am close enough to get a good look at Him! The disciples never expected Jesus to handle the storm in this manner. It appears that they didn’t expect him at all, much less come walking across the water! Matthew 14:26 “…when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.”

We expect Him to show up at Church, or praise and worship; perhaps in our own private time with him, but in the middle of a storm? We never expect to see Him in the middle of marital stress, wayward children, financial problems, or sickness and disease. It’s extremely important for us to remain close to Jesus through fellowship with Him and obedience to His commands and promptings. Let me make it simple for all of us. The closer we stay to Him, the easier it is to take our eyes off the storm and to clearly focus on Jesus, the One Who stills the most violent storms.

Peter took his eyes off of the One who commands peace to the storms of life, or at the very least , He commands peace to us in the midst of the storm! Matthew 14:30 “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Let these words of Jesus resound in your inner being! “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” Perhaps the main theme of this passage is where we are to look in the middle of the storms of life. If you are giving the storm more attention than the One who calms them, then you too like Peter, will be overwhelmed with the strength of the storm! Read these words very carefully!

Psalm 121: 2-8 “My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep…The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade…The LORD keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” David knew!

Remember that storms often cause us to embark on expeditions we would never have ventured into without the storm. For a few brief moments Peter was thrust into the midst of the miraculous! “So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:29 Imagine his conversations after they reached the other side. How many times do you believe that Peter rehearsed that experience? Perhaps he even embellished the scenario each time he repeated the event! In the midst of his personal storm, He was graced by God to experience the Supernatural movement of the Hand of God!

Think back over the storms in your life. Reflect on the Goodness and faithfulness of God! Command your mind to rehearse the Goodness of God like David. Psalm 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The most efficient way to prepare for a storm in life is….

1) Know that they will come. It happens to everyone!
2) Stay connected in intimate fellowship with Jesus (Before the storm approaches) through loving obedience.
3) Keep your eyes fixed on Him, He will guide you through the storm.
4) Know Him as your Help in the Time of trouble! (Psalm 27:5)
5) Be filled with anticipation and expectancy. Listen for His Word as He directs your path in the middle of the tempest. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
6) Do whatever He tells you when He tells you.
7) Focus on His promise! “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

Suddenly my heart finds peace, no matter what life throws at me! I am no longer afraid and I know it will be alright! Remember, some of Jesus' greatest moments have come in the midst of the storm! Now that I think of it. so have mine!

Do Not Be Afraid!

Matthew 17:7 "And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and do not be afraid.”

Jesus said that the greatest commandment is “You shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 According to His Words these are the two single greatest commandments.

Do you know what ranks a close number three? If we can judge by the number of times in the four gospels that He addressed individual issues with specific commands, the answer is clear. The Gospels list some one hundred twenty plus commands from the lips of Jesus. The two Great Commandments listed above are mentioned only eight times, while the Commands related to fear appear twenty one times. (Not be afraid, not fear, have courage, take heart, be of good cheer) If the number of times a topic is mentioned by Jesus is any indication then Jesus takes the “fear issue very seriously!

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life,
Matthew 9:2 “Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 10:28 “…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
Matthew 10:31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 14:27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.”
John 14:1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled: you believe in God, also believe in me.”
John 14:27 “Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The List goes on!

Jesus does not wish for us to live a life dominated by fear! Jesus was in the boat with His disciples on a storm tossed sea, when he was awakened from a deep sleep. Waves were crashing over the boat and He was asleep. Oh to know that intimacy with God that we can endure peaceful sleep in the midst of the storm. Before He sprung into action and calmed the turbulence He posed this question. “…Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Matthew 8:26

Occasion to fear may surround us day to day. It may be attacking our minds on a daily basis, or even moment to moment, BUT it does not have to be able to fill our hearts. Remember that “…God has not given us a spirit of fear” 2 Timothy 1:7 Recognize that fear is a “spirit” and it is attacking you and your very spiritual foundation. Fear is the reciprocal (opposite) of faith. If your enemy can get you to operate in fear instead of faith, your boat may go under in the middle of the tempests of life!

Whenever you entertain fear filled thoughts, “take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17 and begin to swing your sword. Do you believe that it is possible to control your own thoughts? Our Creator certainly knew what He was doing when He made these incredible houses that we live in.

Try this simple illustration! Begin to count silently in your mind backwards from 100 to 1. When you get to 90 say “Jesus!” three times out loud. What happened to your counting? Amazing, that God has given us a very simple tool to combat stinking thinking, the power of speech. Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”

The Word of God is your weapon. Fear is a temptation. How did Jesus combat temptation in the desert? “It is written…” (Matthew 4) Jesus took the Sword of the Spirit and thwarted the attack of the enemy. The power is in the Word of God when it is spoken by you lips! My favorite is Psalm 118:6 “…the Lord God is on my side, I will not fear…”

Remember, Jesus commanded “Do not fear…” Isn’t today a good day to obey! Speak His Word and walk in victory. How long do I speak the Word? Speak the Word until the fear subsides. If it raises it’s ugly head again, start swinging your Sword again!

STANDING IN THE STORM!

Matthew 7:27 “When a storm rolled in and the waves came up…” MSG


Thunder Storms…awesome, troublesome, and with the accompanying rain sometimes just bothersome. Ask anyone who has been struck by lightning and it’s also shockingly painful, as well. I can remember one evening in my younger years when I sat in a four wheel drive vehicle on Assateague Island and watched the most intense display of lightning for hours.

Lightening and storms can be beautiful, but they can also be devastating. It's always better to watch the storm as it happens somewhere else!

Most of us remember Hurricane Katrina which pounded the Gulf Coast and took 1836 lives. We have watched pictures of the 2004 Tsunami launched in the Indian Ocean killing over 230,000 people in fourteen countries. That storm generated waves up to one hundred feet high and devastated many lives! Storms are not always beautiful or fun!

We’ve had a lot of lightening and rain the last couple of days and I was driving home late last evening from Church watching the awesome display of God’s majesty in the heavens. Job 37:3 “He directs…His lightning unto the ends of the earth.”Jesus had a lot to say concerning storms too! Jesus said that in this life you can not avoid the storms.

Matthew 7:27 “When a storm rolled in and the waves came up…” There is no way to avoid storms or trials and tribulations in this life. Jesus also stated in John 16:33 that “…In the world you will have tribulation…” That Greek word for tribulation means “pressure, squeezing, squashing, stress, etc.” Experienced any of that recently?

It seems to me that in the Gospels Jesus knew exactly how to still the storms of life. Mark 4:39 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” He is still in the storm business today. He will either calm the storm in you, calm the storm itself, or calm you in the storm!

Here is His advice direct from the Manufacturer’s handbook (Bible.) Translated from the message it goes like this concerning the Word of God. Matthew 7:24-27 “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”


So here’s the wrap-up! Jesus simply says that those who discover His Principles written in the Word of God and APPLY (obey) them will stand in the middle of the storms of life! Perhaps He will speak a simple directive (word) into your spirit in a time of prayer. If you apply (obey) that Word, again you will stand in the midst of the storms of this life or “you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock!”


Soldiers are not thrust right into the fray without extensive training and rehearsal in advance. Isn't it time that you practiced for the next storm! get into God's Word and discover His Principles of Life. Immediately apply them in your life through His Ability. Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Somebody you know needs to hear this message today. Who do you know that is currently suffering a collapse in the midst of the storm? Pass the site on today! Get involved in someone else's life!

Encourage Yourself!

1 Samuel 30:6 “…David encouraged (strengthened) himself in the LORD his God.”

I like to sing (Make noise) in the shower and sometimes I have bad days! There, you now have two new personal revelations about me. King David had these same days and so do each of us. Listen to his words in Psalm 42:5 “Why art you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted in me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” It is a good thing to sing in the shower, especially if you are singing the song of the Lord.

1 Samuel 30 tells us a story about when David was having a particularly bad day. David and all of his fighting men had returned home from a brief excursion against the Philistines when they discovered that the Amalekites had come against their own hometown of Ziklag. They discovered that all of their women and children had been captured and taken away. The Bible tells us in verse 6 that “David was in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their women and children.

Each of us in the very recent past has found ourselves in “serious trouble,” as well. Perhaps it’s your children, your spouse, finances, health, emotions, relationships, church, employment, etc.. No matter what the situation or circumstance, we would do well to see how David responded and found himself recovering all that had been taken from him, destroyed his enemies, and also took their herds and flocks as the spoils of war!

David did not sit on a log and cry out in despair, “Oh woe is me!” He did not call on his friends to have a group pity party. He did not run from his situation or drown his sorrows in the medication of the day. He did not allow himself to get depressed. 1 Samuel 30:6 “…David encouraged (strengthened) himself in the LORD his God.”

It doesn’t address in 1 Samuel what exactly David did, but we do have and entire Book of Psalms (Songs) that demonstrates quite clearly how David reacted when things went from bad to worse. David began to sing to himself and to the Lord. Feast on these words:

Psalm 103: 1-5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” David started singing to HIMSELF words inspired by the Spirit of God!

Anyway…back to me singing in the shower! I was having a bad day and headed downward. (Instead of looking upward) The Lord brought David’s experiences at Ziklag to my heart and I heard Him say to me, “…David encouraged (strengthened) himself in the LORD his God.” I’m smarter than I look, so I began to ask the Lord to give me not just any song, BUT a Song of the Lord! This is what He gave me…

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things His Strength has set me free!

When I get up in the morning
And I face a brand new day,
I lift my hands unto the sky,
These are the words I say

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things His Strength has set me free!

Then I dive into my Bible
And I feast on Words of Life.
No matter what the day may bring,
My strength comes from on High!

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!
I can do all things His Strength has set me free!

As I began to sing, the words came alive in my spirit and Victory for the day and following week burst forth! Just like David, I recovered all that had been taken from me, I saw my enemies destroyed right in front of my face, and I was given some spoils of war, as well!

Maybe you ought to try singing the Song of the Lord in the face of your enemy. Encourage yourself in the Lord right now! When you praise, He shows up on the scene! Psalm 22:3 “But YOU are holy, O You Who inhabits the praises of Israel.”

When he shows up…your enemies scatter!

HELP IS IN THE WAY!

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 “As God’s partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God’s great kindness. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.”

So many people think that God is too busy ruling the affairs of the Universe to be involved in our daily situations, circumstances, trials and troubles. Don’t be fooled by this kind of thinking. It doesn’t take much of God’s attention or energy to rule the affairs of the Universe.

The Bible states that “The Son reflects God’s own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command.” Hebrews 1:3 The entire Universe is being ruled by the Power of the words God has spoken. By each command He has given, the order of all things from galaxies to governments has been established and continues to govern their course unless God speaks a different command. That means that God has plenty of Himself (Time and Ability) left to be personally involved in your life!

2 Corinthians tells us that there is a “marvelous message of God’s great kindness” and that “God is ready to help you right now. TODAY is the day of salvation.” If you need help right now…TODAY then discover what the Bible has to say…

1) God is interested in you and the life you are living. 1Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon him; for he cares for you.” Romans 5:8 “God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. John 10:10 “…I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.”

2) God is interested in Today. The Past is history and Tomorrow will never arrive! Jesus taught us to pray “Give us this day our daily bread.” He told us “Sufficient for the day are the evils thereof.” The psalmist declares that “each and every morning His tender mercies and compassions are renewed” and that “daily He loads us down with His benefits.”

3) Recognize that even though matters have been handled by God, the manifestations may take time to be seen. In Mark chapter 11 we see the story of the fig tree that Jesus commanded to be fruitless. It wasn’t until the next day when they passed by again, that the disciples saw the manifestation of His command. Even though the leaves had not fallen off the first day, the roots of the tree were dead immediately upon His command.

4) Believe that He will rescue you today! Mark 9:23 “ Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.”

5) Walk in loving obedience with God. John 14:21 “He that has my commandments, and keeps them…I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

6) Confess your own inability and boast of His deliverance. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says when we do, the Power of Christ will be our portion.

7) Give God the praise. Psalm 22:3 “You are holy, O you Who inhabits the praises of Israel.” When you praise Him, He shows up on the scene. When He shows up on the scene, He brings forth His Salvation.

If you need His help today…pursue Him and discover Who He is. Tug on His heart strings today and watch His mercy flow toward you! You are His Child! He is your Father, and He wants to rescue you today!

DEFEATING TEMPTATION

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

This is the infamous Wye Oak Tree, which until its recent demise was the largest white oak tree in the U.S. The mighty Oak Tree is a tree that exerts much influence over a very large portion of ground. It sends its roots deep and across the ground desperately seeking water to insure its survival. It is a very difficult tree to cut down and chop into fireplace sizes, because the wood is very hard. Oak trees are a lot like temptations in that they literally devour the ground in which they are planted.

Do you know the easiest way to kill a Giant Oak tree?

Crush it while it’s still an acorn. It hasn’t taken root or broken the surface of the life sustaining ground. The same principle works wonders with temptations! Kill them before they take root. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” We are told in this Scripture to get rid of any thought that is contrary to Christ or the Word of God. (Jesus is the Word of God, John 1:1)

Here’s how to defeat any temptation that comes against you! At the first sign of any thought contrary to the Word of God…implement the following immediately…

1) Turn to God for the way out as described in 1 Corinthians 10:13. He will direct your paths. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Ask Him “What do I do?” Listen and respond to what He says.

2) Speak the Word of God like Jesus did when he was tempted. (Luke 4:1-13) “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17

3) Turn on Praise and Worship music or begin to sing praises to Him. Psalm 8: 1-2 “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who has set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth(praise) of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that thou might still the enemy and the avenger.”

4) Read your Bible out loud! James 3:4-5 tells us that our tongue is that which literally steers the course of our lives. Re-direct your thoughts with the sound of His Word breaking through those tempting thoughts.

5) Pray and ask God for His willpower and His ability to be victorious. Phillipians 2:13 “For it is God who works within you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

6) Call a spiritual partner and tell them of the temptation. Pray together until the temptation passes! 1 Corinthians 12:21 “…the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” Ephesians 2:22 “In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 4:16 “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

7) Thank God with the words of your mouth! 1Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

YOU CAN NOT FAIL WHEN YOU APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF GOD! CRUSH THE THOUGHT BEFORE IT TAKES ROOT!

EAGER TO LET HIM IN!

John 6 20-21 “…he called out to them, “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” Then they were eager to let Him in, and immediately the boat arrived at their destination.”

Jesus had just healed a lame man who had been infirmed thirty eight years, proclaimed to the Jewish leaders that He was the Son of God, and fed five thousand men, plus women and children, from a few loaves and fishes. That evening Jesus’ disciples had gotten into a boat and began to sail to the other side of the lake without Jesus. Let me add right here. Don’t go anywhere without Jesus! You never know when you may encounter a storm!

These disciples had seen the healings, heard the proclamations and actually distributed the fish and bread to the multitudes. They knew from whence the power had flowed, yet they were determined to go it alone in the boat. In the very midst of gale force winds, (their troubles) Jesus approached them. They weren’t even calling out for His help, but He showed up on the scene with the end result that “immediately their boat arrived at their destination.”

1 Peter 5:7 says that “…He cares for you!” With Jesus on the scene and obedience to His command, nothing could stop that boat from reaching the other side in a hurry!

When all is hopeless and reliable means are failing you, you can trust in this fact: He cares for you and He will show up on the scene! There is however, a role for you to play!

You must place yourself in a position to hear His voice, His command. In this particular situation He commanded them “Don’t be afraid!” If the disciples had continued shouting and calling for help, they never would have heard His soothing and peaceful command. When you are in the middle of a stormy situation, you need to position yourself in a place where you can hear His call.

That means to calm down your fearful mind by reading His Word out loud, by singing praises or just shouting His Name. David called on his Deliverer while facing the giant. David “encouraged himself in the Lord” while everyone in Ziklag wanted to kill him. Paul and Silas shouted praise at midnight while stuck on prison. Then hear what He has to speak into your heart!

Do what He says. Apparently in this situation He told the disciples to let Him into the boat, because the Bible says “…they were eager to let Him in the boat." In John 15, Jesus tells us that, if we obey Him, we will remain connected with him, and that nothing will be impossible. Remember that there is always a way out, or through, or around, your situation or circumstance. 1Corinthians 10:13 “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (troubled) above that which you can handle; but will with the temptation (trouble) also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Sometimes He shows the way out, or around the trouble. Sometime He allows you to go through the fiery trail. Father knows best! Whatever way He chooses, even if it’s through it, He will be with you, speaking to you, encouraging you and empowering you. Daniel 3:27 says that the fire could not harm the three Hebrew young men and that even the smell of smoke was not allowed upon their garments. In Daniel 3:30 we are told that they received a “promotion” after having gone through their fire!

Are you eager to “let Him in” today? If He wants to come in your boat, let Him in. If He wishes to row, let Him row. If He wants to steer let Him steer. If He wants you to row or steer, row or steer. Your boat is soon to arrive at its destination, if you will hear and obey! Let HIM in the Boat!

TODAY!

Time once spent, cannot be reclaimed, so invest it wisely! 2 Corinthians 6:1 "Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us." The Message

How was your day? Was it filled with the same old routine stuff, meandering throughout the obstacles of the day? Perhaps you floated all the way through, just holding your breath that nothing out of the ordinary would throw you off course. Maybe it was a day full of bitterness, pain, and heartache, and your head throbbed and your heart pounded to the rhythm of the hurt. Perhaps the deep depression got even darker today and those nagging, desperate thoughts plagued your mind once again. Sometimes you just can’t feel, find, or see the Hand of God upon your life.

Today I want you to take a deep breath and reflect on what the Holy Spirit has to say to you! He says “please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given you!” In other words, don’t waste the opportunities to enjoy what God has set before you in each and every day. It is indeed a marvelous life if we stop to reflect on Who Jesus is in our lives and What He’s done for us! This could be the day of your Victory if you would begin to praise him in the midst of your dungeon experience. He “always causes us to triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 He has defeated death and there isn't anything left that that He has not conquered!

Let me ask you this question. Are you aware of anyone who is not under some sort of pressure, trauma, trial or testing? Everybody I know is going through something. Everyone has issues! The good news is that you have someone to go through the fire with you! Listen as Jesus’ Words come alive in Matthew 28::20 “…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Sometimes it seems impossible, but you need to know miracles usually aren’t necessary when things are still under our control. Jesus is the God of Possibility when He is invited into the midst of your impossibilities!

Acts 16:23-ff states that after Paul and Silas had been beaten many times and were thrown into a deep, dark dungeon, in the darkest hour of night, they began to remember Who was with them. They began to praise Him, because they understood that God shows up on the scene when He hears His Name being lifted up. I believe that the darker it is, the quicker He appears and the brighter He shines. God showed up on the scene and broke them out of the place of bondage. The same God, Who moved Joseph from the Prison to the Palace; Who walked with Daniel in the lion’s den and delivered Him from certain doom; The same Jesus Who was the “Fourth Man” in the fire with Shadrach, Meshak and Abednigo and brought them through the fire “without even the smell of smoke upon their garments;” He is with you right now and He has come to deliver you and set you free!

Stop pursuing liberty and freedom and begin to pursue the “Way, Truth and the Life!” We are not speaking of the pursuit of a place; but the pursuit of a Person! He will set you free! Stop looking for the way out of your situation and circumstances, and begin to look for the way into “abiding” with Him where He can fill you with His Presence and His Power. Listen very carefully.

Evil can not and will not stay in His Presence. His Word declares to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 The Word of God declares concerning today… "This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 Psalm 118:6 also states that “…the Lord God is on my side, I will not fear what man can do to me!”

God is on your side!
You can not lose.
Just don’t quit!
Start praising Him right now and see if He doesn’t show up.
Make a sacrifice of praise! It’s easy to praise Him when everything is going along fine. Lift up your hands and voices and call on His Name. God is waiting on you!

Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” I can see Him right now!

WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

The disciples were in a tizzy. The storm was raging and the waves were crashing over the sides of the boat. Sometimes life seems that way. Things are happening all around and it seems like we’re about to go under. At least the disciples knew that Jesus needed to be involved in their crisis and they awakened Him. Then He came to their rescue! (By the way, HE IS NOT SLEEPING NOW!) If you come to Jesus in the midst of your storm, you will not go under!

There is a better way than coming to Jesus for help in the middle of your trials and tribulations. That is STAYING with Jesus. If you’re already with Him, you won’t need to come to Him in order to use HIS faith. If you are connected with Jesus and have been in intimate Fellowship with Him, your Faith will be sufficient. He asked the disciples and He asks us today the same question. “Where is your faith?” Luke 8:25

HIGH LEVEL FAITH IS A DIRECT RESULT OF HIGH LEVEL FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM! He said in John 15:7 “If you stay joined to Me, and My words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted.” In verse 5 He also stated that “apart from Me you can do nothing.”

After Jesus had calmed the storm and He turned to the disciples and asked them the question that implied that the Faith that they had, should have been sufficient to rebuke the storm and cause them to pass safely through the storm. Remember Shadrach, Mishak and Abednigo, that all the time they were in danger of being consumed by the fiery furnace (trials in your life), Jesus was right there with them. These boys spoke out in simple Faith and Jesus showed up in the middle of the fire. “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:25 They spoke directly to the source of the storm and the result …“I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” When Jesus goes through the fire with you, you will come out on the other side without a “hair of your head being singed…and not even the smell of smoke upon your garments.” Verse 27

“Where is your Faith?” The Bible says that “Faith comes by hearing…the Word of God.” Romans 10:17 This kind of “hearing” requires intimacy and fellowship with God. It requires time and effort in developing our relationship with Him. In James 4:8 the Word declares “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God rewards those who work on developing Relationship with Him. “…He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” When you allow “…the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts (Putting other things first-idols..Matthew 6:33) of other things, to enter in, they choke the word (Faith building Word of God), and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:19 Where are you spending your time? What things are you pondering; the worries of the world or the Promises and Power of God?

Remember Great faith stills the Greatest Storms! “…Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is your faith: be it done to you, even as you desire. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Mt 15:28

Your Faith will be developed and Increased only in the Presence of God. Spend time today in Fellowship with Him, so that when the next storm arises in your life, you are already connected to Jesus. You will then be given the exact words to speak and they will come forth out of your mouth filled with Great Faith and Great Power, and watch the Storms be stilled!