God In The Midst Of A Storm

April 3, 2019 Gracie

God in the midst of a storm

My husband and I laugh whenever we think of how our puppy acted during a severe storm we had a few years ago.

Tornadoes are nothing to take lightly so when the meteorologist predicted a big one was heading our way, we took cover at our house.

We gathered in our safe room with our dogs.

Our youngest one loved every minute of it.

I’m not kidding!

We could hear the tornadic winds racing outside and large hail pounding the roof.

Intense rain pelted all our windows.

It was loud and scary at the same time.

Mr. Contentment

Our puppy, however, liked this new “game.”

We reassured both our dogs over and over that we would be okay.

Our puppy’s look of contentment was priceless.

“I don’t know what we’re doing here, but I like this.”

He was so cute.

I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck and doing some serious praying until it was over.

Even in the Storm God is There

When the storms of life hit, whether it’s a literal tornado barrelling through or something else like a health concern, “contentment” is not a first reaction.

But, once the initial shock has faded a little, do we let stress completely take over?

I do know that no matter what kind of storm you’re facing, God is there with you.

Peace in the Midst of the Storm

Do you remember hearing on the news about the ferocious winter storm that ravaged much of the Midwest back in late February?

Freelance writer, Lupe Riley, was in that storm.

I’ll let her describe for you the emotions she experienced as the strong winter blast roared through her state.

I hope her encouraging words give you comfort the next time that you face an overwhelming storm, or “storm of life.”

by Lupie Riley

03/20/19

Thought: Colorado was hit recently with what the weatherman called a bomb cyclone with 100 mile an hour winds, rain and snow. It caught many people unprepared for the damage it left behind. I was one of those off guard people. I live on 40 acres out in the country. I found myself alone without power and heat for two days, running out of water, a propane oven that didn’t work and three minutes of power left on my cell phone. In the meantime 85-90 mile an hour winds were howling outside my windows. The next morning I found myself blocked in with 7′ drifts along my driveway.

I can imagine how the apostle Paul felt on his 14 day journey through a northeaster on a ship that eventual fell apart as they neared the island shore of Malta. However, his faith was secure in the Lord and he ended up saving the lives of everyone on board. How do we face the storms that come in our lives? It could be the loss of a loved one, our children making bad decision, loss of income or divorce and any one of many things. Do we seek the Lord for comfort, wisdom and peace?

It reminds me of the story when Jesus was on the boat with his disciples asleep on a pillow. A sudden, violent storm came up. The disciples were beside themselves with fear as the waves grew higher then the boat. They awoke Jesus and he spoke three words “PEACE, BE STILL” and a calm settled upon the waters. He rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. Little did they realize they had the creator of those waters on board who had the power to calm them.

When we pray in times of a crises do we really realize who were praying to? He is the God of all creation, the great I AM, who dwells in eternity and see’s the picture of our life completed. He knows the future and how it all will end, GOD IS IN CONTROL. I came through the storm without any major damage because the Lord was with me and I claimed the promise that he would never leave me alone. He is my strength, my shield and my heart will trust in him. Maranatha

Prayer:

Father God thank you for the calm you gave my spirit as I went through the storm. It was a threatening situation but I knew in my heart that no matter what the outcome your strength would see me through it. I praise you Jesus for this confidence I have in you. Amen.

Verse: 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.”

# # #

*Faithwriters article shared courtesy url: https://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=185177

Trending Topics and God’s Reminders

October 26, 2016 Gracie

Trending Topics

God’s Reminders

How about some briefs that reflect something good for a change?

These are some of God’s reminders I like to think about and want to share with you. Take a look at these truths and remind the other believers in your life what we have to look forward to, no matter who wins the election. There’s an ending to all of this global junk and it’s a Good Ending. There’s no cliffhanger to keep us guessing. The Bible tells us how it ends.

In the meantime, when fear and doubts come, dear ones, please remember:

1. God does not abandon Us

He hasn’t gone anywhere. God will never break His triumphant promise. He never violates His Word. Regenerate believers – He’s right there with you. Talk to Him when the fears come.

God will listen I’ve done that myself. I’ve walked outside during a beautiful sunset and silently prayed to God about my concerns. I know He is listening. I feel a sense of peace I can’t even adequately describe and His peace eventually takes over any fearful thoughts. Try it sometime.

**Even so, the cross we carry is only for a little while at most, and then we shall receive the crown, the glory. Surely we should love the cross and, instead of shrinking from it, count it very dear, for it works out for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. – Alistair Begg, Christian Pastor.

2. God continues to bless us individually according to His Will

Christians have the blessing of eternal life. But, in addition to that beautiful assurance, God will also continue to pour out His blessings on us as individuals. Don’t miss those blessings.

Let’s start with this morning. You’re up and breathing, right? Have you thanked Him yet? God didn’t create you just to go through life, work yourself to the bone, retire someday, and then breathe your last breath. Poof! It’s all over. That’s a defeating premise for someone like you and me who God is holding in His grip.

God's reminders

God created you and me for so much more. We can’t waste our lives on the trivial stuff. If there’s something you can do to bring glory to Him, do it! Acknowledge Him. You may never know in this life whose lives you may have touched by doing so, but some day you will know. Your witness may help plant the seed that leads someone else to eternal life with Christ, and it’s all worth it.

3. There is one way to eternal life, and that is through the saving grace of Jesus Christ

One way. Not ten ways, not a thousand, not even a trillion. (How many zeroes is that?) There is one way, praise the Lord!

Why does the Bible refer to us like sheep? It’s not flattering. Sheep play “follow the leader” and will blindly follow the herd off a cliff.

*⁶All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

– Isaiah 53:6, ESV

Christ took the fall for all of yours and my sins and gave us His saving grace. Praise the Lord we have a Shepherd to guide us and protect us until He calls us home.

4. God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our Advocate. The Holy Spirit convicts us. Take the hint 🙂

Cherish the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. If you mess up, apologize sincerely to God, and He will forgive you.

5. Everything in life is working out according to His Will

Life may feel like it’s going to hell in a hand basket, but God’s Will is done every day, behind the scenes. His will is at work and we can’t fully understand it.

I’ve asked that question myself, “How can this be right for our country? How can that even be happening?”

Remember that sheep analogy earlier?

As sad and as tragic as events in this world will get (a fact of life), all circumstances are following God’s timeline.

God is all-knowing. Nothing surprises Him. And the good news is that His Light will always win out over darkness. The trials and sufferings we have experienced (and will experience) during our lifetimes are gone in a flash when Jesus returns for His Church. Remember, God’s timing is very different from our concept of time.

To God, a year or more is nothing

As an example, a year can seem like forever to us. To God, a year or more is nothing.

Everything that happens to us as believers is leading to a spectacular and very real event in our future.

6. Everyone who should be saved will be

It’s comforting for me to know that no true Christian will be left behind. That’s why we must take it to heart to share our stories of how our lives changed once we started following Him.

God doesn’t want anyone to perish. We must humble ourselves as a child, and seek His forgiveness. In the final chapter of our lives on this planet, earthly power, riches, success, and status mean nothing. The only thing with eternal meaning is our relationship with Him.

As I was leaving a morning Bible study recently, I had this song playing on my iPod. I always liked the melody, but intently listened to the lyrics this time and thought how foretelling they are. It’s a song by MercyMe called, “Finally Home.”

If you get a chance, please listen to the lyrics. Think about meeting God face to face. Imagine reflecting on your life with the One who gave you life. He loves you that much!

God bless!

###

**Begg, Alistair, “Your Cross.” Crosswalk.com. 5 April 2017, Web Access 05 April 2017. Copyright Truth For Life. Used with Permission.

Our Exceptional God