Manna for Your Morning

“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ — Matthew 7:21-23 (MSG) Don’t miss the boat. Jesus said, “ Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. ” (Matthew 7:21 NLT)  O Lord, Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 NKJV)

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” — Mark 4:37-38 (NKJV) Jesus was able to sleep in the midst of the storm because He trusted the Father. Jesus is fully aware of all that concerns you. Know for a fact, that Jesus cares about you so much, He gave His life to save you. And God has not forgotten about you or your situation. You are continually on His mind and He constantly lavishes His love on you. He is so intimately involved with you, on a moment by moment basis, that the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Luke 12:7a) When the winds of adversity arise in your life, know that God is working for your good. As the stormy waves hit, remember that nothing is too difficult for our wonder-working God.

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” — Mark 4:37-38 (NKJV) Jesus loved us so much, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. (Philippians 2:7 NLT). He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The punishment required for our well-being fell on Him… (Isaiah 53:5). The Message Bible says, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. (Philippians 2:8). He did it all for you. Have no doubt. JESUS CARES about you. No matter what storms come, He is in your boat and He is not asleep. … casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV)

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. — Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT) God can work miracles in our lives as long as we keep our eyes on Him. When we look at the external circumstances and conditions around us, fear grips us and we begin to sink. As you get out of your boat and walk toward Jesus, remember to keep your eyes on Him. He is our fortress, our life preserver, and the calm in the middle of any storm.

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. — Mark 4:38-39 (NKJV) When our wind-beaten boat is being tossed to and fro by the stormy waves of life, and we can’t see anything good happening, with our natural eyes, it may seem that Jesus has fallen asleep on the boat. But rest assured that He is awake, He cares and He is at work in your life. Instead of panicking, exercise great faith and speak the Word of God over your circumstances. Be still and know that He is God and He has given you peace that can endure throughout all situations.

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. — Matthew 14:29 (NKJV) Stop lingering in the boat of yesterday, full of pain, disappointments, and regrets. We like to hide in the boat because that is where things are familiar and comfortable. Beloved friends, let’s follow Jesus! When He says “Come,” its time to stop playing it safe and venture out into the deep with Jesus. This allows space for our mighty God to do BIG things in your life. And even in the midst of contrary winds, remember to keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. — Psalm 107:28-30 (NKJV) In the midst of any trouble call out to Almighty God. He always hears our, “LORD, help me!” prayers. As we journey through life, the storms will come, but praise God, He faithfully bring us through each and every one. Eventually, the raging waters that threatened to knock our boat over will be stilled. And the LORD will lead and guide us to our desired haven.

When Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, to go to the other side, a windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke Him up and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. — Mark 4:39 (NKJV) No matter what storms come into our lives, we can be sure Jesus is not sleeping and He does care. He is well aware of all that we are going through. When we bring Jesus into our situation, He will bring a great calm. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. My peace I give to you.”

...they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. — John 6:19-21 (NKJV) May we eagerly receive Jesus, just as the disciples willing received Him into their boat. Let us receive Him in our hearts, and in our homes. May we take Him into our workplace and everywhere we go. With Jesus in our boat we can be certain that we will ENDURE the storms of life and arrive safely at our desired destination. With Jesus near, there is no reason to fear. Amen!

Jesus said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”     — Matthew 14:29-30 (GW) Jesus calls us out of the boat, out of our normal ways of doing things. He calls us out to do EXTRAORDINARY things. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't allow yourself to get distracted by the circumstances. Once Peter looked at the adverse circumstances, he began to sink. Get out of the boat! God has wonderful plans for you. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).