Lent 2011: Week 3
Walking-Without Warning
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-40
Objective: To Learn to "walk with Jesus" when storms come without warning
During this third week of Lent, I invite you to examine your development on this journey with Jesus. When preparing for a competition or athletic venture, an individual must train. During this training process, one may catch a "charley horse" or wake up the next day experiencing soreness. No matter what type of journey we are on, everything does not come with a warning! In fact, I must admit that I learn the most from my experiences that come without warning.
Just as life may bring us experiences without warning, our "walk with Jesus" may do the same. Our "without warning" moments bring opportunity for us to develop a more solid relationship with God. It's easy to "lay Jesus down" when something comes unexpectedly...you know when something gets under our skin...when we become frustrated...BUT I believe that these moments are actually God's gift to us. His gift of faith!
In this week's scripture focus, we find Jesus and His disciples on the water again. This time they are all in the boat together after a long journey of ministering, healing, and teaching. One would think that when you "walk with Jesus" your faith is TIGHT! Right? Well, not exactly...but it can be!
When examining this text, I believe that we can find key points to apply to our lives in order to aid in our development on our "walk with Jesus":
1-Don't forget what JESUS said (v.35)- Before ever getting in the boat, Jesus declared "Let us go to the other side". Prior to ever experiencing a "without warning" moment, Jesus told the disciples what would happen. "We will get to the other side". On your walk with Jesus, there may be challenges that you face and trials that come up that have the potential to wipe out your faith. However, we can't forget that Jesus declared at the beginning of our walk "Let us go to the other side". Wherever you are and whatever you are experiencing...there is ANOTHER SIDE, and you ARE going to get there!
2-Storms will come WITHOUT WARNING (v.37/Matthew 8:24) Our decision to "walk with Jesus" does not exempt us from hard times, trials, or surprise attacks. In reality, it makes us more prone to them. I heard a story from an athlete before. He and his teammates were angry that the coaches made them practice "hard" on "easy" weeks. However, they soon realized that the wins came "easy" the harder they practiced! Sometimes God will allow storms to come to put our faith into practice. So, we must be prepared for the unexpected. And when the "without warning" storms come in our life...
3-Check the Stern (v.38) When the storm arose without warning, the disciples found Jesus asleep in the "stern". The stern is the back of the ship, but it is also the "captain's quarters". When we "walk with Jesus," we have to always be mindful of the captain's quarters. Are we attempting to be in control or is Jesus in the Stern? If Jesus is in the stern of our "boat" then we have no need for fear, frustration, doubt, or insecurity. No matter how bleak it may look, as long as we are walking WITH JESUS we will be alright...remember what He said "Let US go to the other side".
I believe that Jesus desires for us to not simply sacrifice our habits, hobbies, or desires during the Lenten season. He is looking for those of us who will seek to actually develop our relationship with Him. It takes a "without warning" moment to cause us to realize that we never should have doubted God in the beginning. For after Jesus calmed the storm, He had a very simple question "Why are you afraid and where is your faith?"
In the midst of this third week of the Lenten season, take a pen and some paper and write down all of the promises God has made to you. Then when unexpected storms/without warning moments come, review your promise and check the stern! Jesus is there, and so everything is going to be alright!
PRAYER:
Most Amazing Father-we thank you for another week during this Lenten season. In the midst of "without warning" moments, we thank you for being ever-present! We are grateful for your love and protection in our lives. We ask that you empower us with your Spirit that is able to sustain us during our weakest moments, encourage us during our inconsolable times, and comfort us when we feel by ourselves. We seek to develop a stronger walk with you not just now, but always! In Jesus' name-Amen.
May the Lord Bless you REAL GOOD!
With Love,
Pastor C
Walking-Without Warning
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-40
Objective: To Learn to "walk with Jesus" when storms come without warning
During this third week of Lent, I invite you to examine your development on this journey with Jesus. When preparing for a competition or athletic venture, an individual must train. During this training process, one may catch a "charley horse" or wake up the next day experiencing soreness. No matter what type of journey we are on, everything does not come with a warning! In fact, I must admit that I learn the most from my experiences that come without warning.
Just as life may bring us experiences without warning, our "walk with Jesus" may do the same. Our "without warning" moments bring opportunity for us to develop a more solid relationship with God. It's easy to "lay Jesus down" when something comes unexpectedly...you know when something gets under our skin...when we become frustrated...BUT I believe that these moments are actually God's gift to us. His gift of faith!
In this week's scripture focus, we find Jesus and His disciples on the water again. This time they are all in the boat together after a long journey of ministering, healing, and teaching. One would think that when you "walk with Jesus" your faith is TIGHT! Right? Well, not exactly...but it can be!
When examining this text, I believe that we can find key points to apply to our lives in order to aid in our development on our "walk with Jesus":
1-Don't forget what JESUS said (v.35)- Before ever getting in the boat, Jesus declared "Let us go to the other side". Prior to ever experiencing a "without warning" moment, Jesus told the disciples what would happen. "We will get to the other side". On your walk with Jesus, there may be challenges that you face and trials that come up that have the potential to wipe out your faith. However, we can't forget that Jesus declared at the beginning of our walk "Let us go to the other side". Wherever you are and whatever you are experiencing...there is ANOTHER SIDE, and you ARE going to get there!
2-Storms will come WITHOUT WARNING (v.37/Matthew 8:24) Our decision to "walk with Jesus" does not exempt us from hard times, trials, or surprise attacks. In reality, it makes us more prone to them. I heard a story from an athlete before. He and his teammates were angry that the coaches made them practice "hard" on "easy" weeks. However, they soon realized that the wins came "easy" the harder they practiced! Sometimes God will allow storms to come to put our faith into practice. So, we must be prepared for the unexpected. And when the "without warning" storms come in our life...
3-Check the Stern (v.38) When the storm arose without warning, the disciples found Jesus asleep in the "stern". The stern is the back of the ship, but it is also the "captain's quarters". When we "walk with Jesus," we have to always be mindful of the captain's quarters. Are we attempting to be in control or is Jesus in the Stern? If Jesus is in the stern of our "boat" then we have no need for fear, frustration, doubt, or insecurity. No matter how bleak it may look, as long as we are walking WITH JESUS we will be alright...remember what He said "Let US go to the other side".
I believe that Jesus desires for us to not simply sacrifice our habits, hobbies, or desires during the Lenten season. He is looking for those of us who will seek to actually develop our relationship with Him. It takes a "without warning" moment to cause us to realize that we never should have doubted God in the beginning. For after Jesus calmed the storm, He had a very simple question "Why are you afraid and where is your faith?"
In the midst of this third week of the Lenten season, take a pen and some paper and write down all of the promises God has made to you. Then when unexpected storms/without warning moments come, review your promise and check the stern! Jesus is there, and so everything is going to be alright!
PRAYER:
Most Amazing Father-we thank you for another week during this Lenten season. In the midst of "without warning" moments, we thank you for being ever-present! We are grateful for your love and protection in our lives. We ask that you empower us with your Spirit that is able to sustain us during our weakest moments, encourage us during our inconsolable times, and comfort us when we feel by ourselves. We seek to develop a stronger walk with you not just now, but always! In Jesus' name-Amen.
May the Lord Bless you REAL GOOD!
With Love,
Pastor C
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