Calm in the Storm

When Jesus told Peter to come to Him on the water, He did not command the impossible. Peter walked on the water, Matt. 14:29.

Yes, he panicked. He traded cheer for fear because he looked at the waves instead of the Master. He looked at the water instead of the Man who made the water. He believed the outward, natural symptoms instead of the Word that created the sea. Peter was beginning to sink. He did not sink. He looked back to Jesus. He reached for the hand that controlled all circumstances.

Take your eyes off the circustances. Cast your fears aside. 'Though the storms are on every side, they do not need to be on the inside. Then you will hear His voice, "Peace, be still." You will see that behind the cloud, the "Son" still shines.

Isaiah 26:3, gives us the remedy for dealing with the storms of life.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.”

Storms are inevitable. But we also have the confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms. Do you want peace in the midst of your storm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the storm to shake your faith. Praise the Lord that He is greater than any storm we will encounter!

Sheltered in the Arms of God, Lynda Randle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxlcMfvSMqI&NR=1

Who Do You Serve?

Bottom line: don’t make a theater production out of your faith. “Watch me! Watch me!” is a call used on the playground, not in God’s kingdom. Silence the trumpets. Cancel the parade. Enough with the name-dropping. If accolades come, politely deflect them before you believe them. Slay the desire to be noticed. Stir the desire to serve God.


read more from Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life http://www.maxlucado.net/_product_107242/Outlive_Your_Life_%28Hardback%29

Is it to be Understood, or to Understand?

When we take our eyes off our fears, our doubts, our struggles and focus on someone else's needs, we somehow forget our own, for a little while. In believing the power of God's promises for others, our confidence in His promises for us seems to grow as well.

Lord, Thank you for the power of Your Words that give me courage to become who You've created me to be - to go to places You're calling me to go and climb spiritual heights that are out of my reach without Your help. Give me Your encouragement today, and help me encourage someone, too. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Encouragement from Renee Swoop

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards

Daniel O'Donnell says it very well,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q660KO2hTD0&feature=related

Wisdom from the Psalms
Psalm 110:1
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool
Prayer: Fill me with Your patience, Lord. When I see others receive rewards, help me to rejoice in their benefit rather than be bitter that I did not receive it. Amen.

Praise God in All Things

Would we appreciate Spring if we had never endured Winter?

Would we be in awe of the Butterfly if we didn't know of his struggle from the catepillar?

My ups and downs help me appreciate our Lord who never changes!



Often we need to have a terrible trial in order to remember what it means to be truly thankful. Our praise is from the heart when we have been in danger or discomfort. Bad situations help us to appreciate how good our lives can be. Even in trial, God reaches through to help us to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Praise the Lord for all the good things He has given, and know that He will rescue you from all perils.



Prayer:

In times of darkness, help me not to dwell on what is wrong, but turn my mind to all I have to be thankful for. Amen

Jesus Never Fails

A quote from Oz Hillman

Sometimes we need to be rescued by the Lord. When Peter walked on the
water, God was inviting him to a spacious place. He went beyond the
borders of his boat and ventured into a whole new world.

He didn't have complete success in his venturing out, but it was a process that
would lead him to the next victory in his faith walk with Jesus.

Sometimes failure is what is needed in order to move us to the next
level of faith with God. However, we must be willing to fail and let
God rescue us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-_jkYb1cc

Glory to God - Does Your Life Show It?

Follow my Example as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

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A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passer-by leaves a mark.

old chinese proverb

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I Want to be Just Like You, Lord

Lord I want to be just like you
'cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see
(learning from the father)Help me be a living Bible,
Lord that my little boy can read
I wanna be just like you
'cause he wants to be like me
http://artists.letssingit.com/phillips-craig-and-dean-lyrics-i-want-to-be-just-like-you-r6xf4l1

Thank you

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."

Psalm 66:16 (NIV)

This day, I will notice the abundance instead of the lack. I will see the fullness instead of the decrease. I will run my fingers across words that mark His goodness to me and whisper the most important prayer I can offer: "Thank You."

I need this reminder, to come and see what God has done; to take notes on His goodness to me. I am so forgetful.

Read more at: http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/

I also need to be reminded of the people around me that contribute to my wonderful life and never expect a Thank you. The Lord has put them in my life, He knows what I need.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzhFyNp3Ja8

Ray Boltz