15 Aug 2025
There is also the benefit of intercession. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will, for He knows the mind of God. May we purpose to allow Him room to operate in us. May we nurture our relationship with Him. Romans 8:26-27.
Courage! I AM! Quit Fearing!
3309-large.jpg”> Can we see the LORD in middle of our storms? 0″ /> Sometimes the most powerful things come in small packages. Last week, we looked at the book of Jonah with four chapters. Today, we look at only twelve verses in the gospel of Matthew and will focus on five specific words: “Courage. I AM. Quit Fearing!” Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” [The five words in Greek here could be literally translated: “Courage! I AM! Quit Fearing!”] “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. 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!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down (Matthew 14:22-32) 570″ border=”0” /> This little stick of dynamite made up of these five simple words 8212; “Courage! I AM! Quit fearing!” 8212; lets Jesus speak to us on two different levels as his disciples. In this short event, Matthew gives us a message as individual disciples. This message is given to help us in those times when we are caught in our own personal LIFE-STORMS. Matthew also gives us another message for leaders. Through the lens of the apostle Peter, Jesus reminds us how to lead others as we try to serve others through our shared LIFE-STORMS. Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail. As we do, let’s ask, “What can I do and what should I know as we face our LIFE-STORMS?” We’re all going to have LIFE-STORMS. We live in a broken world where bad things happen to good people. We are regularly confronted with all sorts of unfair challenges that can be caused by health problems, unfairness, world economic issues, unscrupulous people, betrayal by those close to us, natural disasters, and a host of other things. So we need to be prepared for these unwanted storms. We will focus first on Jesus’ message to us as individuals. What is Jesus saying to each of us personally in our own individual LIFE-STORMS? What do Jesus’ five words 8212; “Courage. I AM. Quit fearing!” 8212; really mean for us? 570″ border=”0” /> Jesus’ words powerfully echo God’s words to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15). God revealed himself to Moses and called him to redeem the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The LORD revealed himself through the name “I AM,” the God who is and was and always will be. He also identifies himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then, God reveals himself as the LORD (YHWH) and tells Moses that he is about to act powerfully for his people: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people… I have heard them crying out… I am concerned about their suffering… So I have come down to rescue them…” (Exodus 3:7-8). Jesus is reminding us that he is “I AM.” HE is our God. He is our LORD, who worked through the history of Israel to bring deliverance, redemption, and salvation. This God preserved his people through all sorts of “impossible” challenges over the course of centuries and generation-upon-generation. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He will allow nothing to separate us from his love for us (Romans 8:38-39). So in the storm, let’s look for our LORD. Let’s ask him to reveal his presence to us and guide us to where he wants us to be. Let’s trust that Jesus is with us and that Jesus is the great “I AM”! No matter what our circumstances are at the moment, no matter our doubts, no matter what Satan is trying to do to make us ashamed or afraid, we can choose to believe the promises of Jesus as the great “I AM”! He will not abandon us or leave us. He is working in our LIFE-STORM to bring us deliverance. He is there with us in the roiling waves and the fearsome winds and the driving rain. We can choose to believe he is there, but it is hard to do on our own. So we must choose to stay connected to the Lord’s people and not be too proud to admit our fears and our doubts. 570″ border=”0” /> Sometimes, however, we need help remembering that the LORD is tangibly with us. Rather than seeing ourselves as fellow disciples of Jesus caught in a LIFE-STORM with other disciples in the same boat, we often feel alone and vulnerable as we face our LIFE-STORMS. I am reminded of the often-told story about the little boy in a new house who is scared of the lightning and thunder. He repeatedly ran into his mom and dad’s room seeking comfort and reassurance during the storm. Each time the boy hopped in bed with them, they let him stay for a few minutes. Then, his daddy would tuck him back into bed. Finally, as the dad could hear the storm moving off in the other direction, he tucked his son in bed and said, “You know God will take care of you. You don’t
14 Aug 2025
Have you ever been told that you behave differently or well? That is the impact that the Holy Spirit has on us. And people get puzzled because they cannot see Him and do not know Him. May we allow Him to guide us by following His lead. May His voice get clearer as we get older. John 14:15-18.
Today’s Verse – John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:13 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Words can communicate and explain some of how we feel about others. We can even tell someone we love them. We can explain how precious they are to us. However, our actions will either validate and confirm our love or reveal that our words are false. When we sacrifice ourselves, however, and give up our wishes, our preferences, and our lives for our friends, we give the greatest of all gifts and prove our love beyond any doubt. I had an outstanding professor who loved to say, “We must put our lives where our mouths are.” Jesus did just that for us on the cross: he called us his friends (John 15:14-15), then he showed his love for us. Now, Jesus calls us to love each other as Jesus has loved us – not just with our words but also with our deeds (1 John 3:16,18). My Prayer… Father, thank you for loving me enough to send Jesus as a ransom for my sins. Jesus, thank you for your loving sacrifice that not only saves me, but shows me the full extent of your love. Now I ask the Holy Spirit to pour that love into my heart* so I can love others as Jesus has loved me. In the name of my LORD Jesus, I thank you. Amen. * Romans 5:5.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
13 Aug 2025
If we are going to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, there are a few things we need to consider. The church in Corinth was having a challenge with lifestyle and Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 hopefully helped them. May we try and honour the Lord by the way we live.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. —Proverbs 3:11-12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Discipline is considered onerous, irritating, and unnecessary. The lazy and sinful parts of us want no boundaries, even if they are good. We resist any guardrails to our behavior because we do not wish to receive any direction that might conflict with what we want to do. But the LORD disciplines out of love to bless us. It is a sign of his delight in us. Why? Because he is not content to leave us unchanged, unmotivated, and disinterested in what real life is. He does not want to see us deceived, misled, or captured by the evil one’s lying ways. He wants to move us closer to our goal: Jesus, and our eternal destiny with our LORD! My Prayer… I confess, Righteous Father, that I don’t like discipline. However, Father, deep down, I know that your discipline is for my spiritual good and eternal blessing. Please help me better understand and use the situations in my life that you use to discipline me, so that I can become more like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
12 Aug 2025
The Father’s plan was to bestow the Holy Spirit upon His children after the resurrection of Christ. After the amazing ministry of Jesus on earth, the body of Christ needed a Helper to teach us all things and remind us of what Christ had done and taught. We need the Holy Spirit to thrive and be effective in our kingdom assignment. John 14:26.
11 Aug 2025
May the Spirit of the Lord rest upon us and give us wisdom and understanding. May He empower us to do the will of God every moment. May He help us to grow in our knowledge of God and cause us to revere Him always. May our lives reflect the presence of God. Isaiah 11:2.
Daily Prayer for August 11
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Isaiah 52:7–8, NIV Lord our God, grant that we may be your watchmen, who can understand what you mean for our time. We thank you for all you have already done, for every change to the good among the nations. For the nations must bow to your will so that nothing happens unless accomplished by you. Judge us wherever necessary. Open our eyes to see where we are wrong and where something does not go according to your Spirit. Be with us and give us strength. Raise up more watchmen everywhere, in every place and in every home. Wherever something happens to move people’s hearts, let the watchmen proclaim, “This comes from God. It does not matter how much we suffer. This comes from Jesus Christ, who suffered and died, but who rose again.” Raise up such watchmen among young and old everywhere on earth, to the glory of your name. Let there be a people who go to meet you with shouts of joy and thanksgiving. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Artist Not for Hire Daniel Domig A contemporary painter describes how he balances his artistry with earning a living and parenting. Read now Should Disabled Parents Have Kids? Jenna Klaassen What should I make of online comments advising me not to pass on my genetic condition? Read now What I Learned at Ravensbruck Corrie ten Boom A concentration camp prisoner turns to prayer. Read now Growing Roots in Portugal Claudio Oliver A small intentional community moves continents and finds new neighbors. Read now Christian Nonviolence and Church History Ronald J. Sider What would happen if all the Christians in the world refused to kill? Read now
Today’s Verse – Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. —Psalm 84:11-12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… These promises are made to the true worshiper of God (Psalm 84:1-10). This worshiper delights to be in the presence of God and yearns to be with God in worship. This worshiper trusts fully in God as the source of strength, hope, victory, and joy. For this kind of worshiper, God has left an incredible set of promises! Very similar to Romans 8:32-39, and its hallmark passage in Romans 8:28, God promises to work out things for good and bless those who “love him and are called according to his purpose”. Paul goes on to say that God will “graciously give us all things” in Christ (Romans 8:32). Notice how this is very similar to our Psalm today: “…no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Why these lavish promises? Because God is for us! He is our sun and shield. He lavishes his grace and glory upon us. He will not withhold any good thing from us as we seek to have a walk that is blameless. My Prayer… O dear Father, how can I thank you? You have lavished your grace upon me in Jesus. You have promised me victory and heaven. I praise you for your grace. I thank you for sharing your glory with me. I rejoice knowing that you long to bless me. Now, dear Father, help me through your Holy Spirit to be the faithful person you long for me to be. “Make my life a holy praise unto you.”* In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. * From the song, “On Bended Knee” by Robert Gay and Jimmy Orr. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.