‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭41‬ ‭MSG — Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?” Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked. “Wind and sea at his beck and call!‬‬

The Message version of this passage is titled “The Wind Ran Out of Breath.” It all happened because Jesus came to His disciples’ rescue. They were dependent on Jesus to save them and calm their fears. According to Merriam-Webster, dependent means to rely on another for support. This definition reminds me of church. Recently at our church, we had Youth Sunday. Our youth shared what the church means to them. They used words like family, faith, strength, happiness, community, refuge, peace, support, love, fellowship, prayer, altar, and reverence. What does church mean to you? 

Church for me is a time to come to God’s house, be reminded of my awe of God and worship Him with my family and friends. Mark tells us the disciples were in absolute awe of Jesus. They still managed to let worry overtake them. Interestingly, to be in awe can be a reverence mixed with fear and wonder. Take a moment to think about your awe of God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I am in awe of You. I come to You today with reverence. I lay down my fears to You! I pray for my fellow church members, and all those who do not know You. Use me today to show them Your wonder. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭41‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!

‭‭Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭35‬-‭41‬ ‭MSG — Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?” Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked. “Wind and sea at his beck and call!‬‬”

Take some time today to worship!

Oceans by Hillsong United

Goodness of God by Bethel Music

Sufficient For Today by Maverick City, TRIBL, featuring Maryanne J. George.

Pause: Isaiah 40:31 MSG — But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.

Seek: Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Listen: Romans 10:17 MSG — The point is, Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. 

Join us on our YouTube channel as we reflect on 2024.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

As we end our week of reflecting and refocusing, spend a few moments reading 22 of the Funniest Tweets About New Year’s Resolutions. Enjoy a good laugh and then apply the lessons we have learned together this week. 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, Thank You for doing new things and making a way. As I embark on the remainder of 2024 with Your guidance and help, may I make You proud of the steps I take. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

This year we have started Funny Friday videos. Enjoy two of our favorites and a behind the scenes look at our shenanigans by clicking the links below. Laugh with us and stay tuned for future funny Fridays.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Today, let’s spend some time thinking and setting goals so we will have God-driven, positive results at the end of 2024. Take a moment now to read this article Ten Steps to setting God-Ordained Goals which is an excerpt from The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

I encourage you to spend time today in prayer and planning. If you don’t have the time to commit to it today, then plan a time for goal setting soon. Take some time alone to sit with God and set goals for the remainder of the year. Keep in mind Proverbs 16:3 — Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I commit to You the remainder of 2024. Lay upon my heart Your goals for me and I will give You all the glory for the results we accomplish together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Click the link below to watch today’s YouTube video.

Matthew 14:29-30 NIV — Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

As you reflected on the first half of 2024, did you discover that perhaps you have lost your focus on Christ? Have you been focusing on the wind around you instead of the eyes of Christ? 

Take some time to imagine being in the boat with Peter when Jesus called him out onto the water. Peter took a bold step out of the boat and onto the water. As long as he was focused on Christ, he was able to walk on water. However, he began to sink the moment he focused on the wind instead of Jesus. Today, let’s refocus our attention. We have spent time looking back at the first half of 2024. Now let’s move forward. Let’s step out of the boat with laser-like focus on Christ. Focused on Him we can move forward in the remainder of 2024 with renewed strength and courage.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to refocus my attention and move out of my boat toward Your path for me the rest of 2024. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Click the link below to watch today’s YouTube video.