In Matthew 8:23 - 27, Jesus' disciples caught in a horrific tempest, fighting for their lives. We have learned to expect storms, even when we are following Jesus, and to trust the power of God when they come.
You are proof of that power today. For instance, consider the ears with which you will listen to your next conversation. The average piano has 88 keys; each of your ears has a "keyboard" so advanced that it is capable of catching 73,700 vibrations a second. Your heart is no larger than your fist, but it will beat 40 million times this year. 96560 kilometres of arteries run through your body. More than 9,000 taste buds are resident on your tongue. More than 220 bones make up your frame; some 600 muscles cover those bones. You are special. And you were created by the power of God. Trust that power today. Now go to God first.
The syntax of Matthew's gospel seems to indicate that the disciples fought the storms for a while before waking Jesus. Isn't that like most of us? Self-sufficiency is the mantra of our culture. You are told that there is no such thing as absolute truth or objective ethics, that "your personal truth" is what matters. "Religion" is private, personal, subjective, a hobby, something to do with your discretionary time. These are lies from the enemy.
Seek God first every morning. Seek his guidance all through the day:
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" James 1:5.
- Trust his power when you need it, knowing that his grace is sufficient for you and that his power is made perfect in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9.
- Then you will say, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13.
So, what storms have found you this morning? Do you believe that God is powerful enough for all you are facing? When last did you give your day, your problem, your decision to him? When will you next?
-james c. denison
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