Don’t Let the Wind Win

Boaters in the Central Valley are somewhat rare. Yet there are a few people who own a ski or a fishing boat, but not ocean traveling vessels as the story from the Bible. In the book of Mark it describes a moment when Jesus was in a ship during a storm, “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?’” Mark 4:35-38

When the storm hit, the disciples were afraid and asked if Jesus cared about their safety. As we continue reading it says, “He (Jesus) 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 the disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” Mark 4:39-40

No matter what, we should always be trusting in Him. Through the various storms in our lives we need to learn to always look to Jesus. Another example is when Paul was crossing the ocean and a giant storm came about. Acts 27:14 “Before very long, a wind of hurricane force called the Northeaster, swept down from the island.” Paul approaches the storm differently than the disciples by saying to the other people on the boat, “But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” Acts 27:22 He came at the trial knowing that it was in God’s control. In other words, there is still hope when the spontaneous storms blow into our lives, for God is always reliable and will be faithful to give us courage. 

Will you withstand the gusts of wind with Jesus on your side, or will you allow the wind win?

Spiritual Awakening

Whether rich poor young old, we all can relate in needing transformation. Such as Saul, who had an extremely hard heart, who eventually had an awakening and transformed to Paul. 

The dedicated believer Paul was speaking about himself before he trusted in Christ in Acts 22:4. He wrote, “and I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering them into prison both men and women.”  In his former life he was completely anti Christian, fighting against them and putting them to death. Before becoming one of the greatest saints in the Bible, Saul had to be completely transformed to Paul. 

We all have the opportunity to be transformed from our old ways to new, no matter your past sins. Paul is a beautiful example of how God can awaken us. Despite his old ways, Paul became a man who God used to write many spectacular books in the Bible and to reach out to the gentiles. “Of this gospel I was made minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given to me by the working of His power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:7-9 Isn’t it nice to know that God can use you, in spite of your sins?

So how can you go from being a Saul to a Paul? Turn away from your old sinful ways and believe in Christ. Sin will still be a struggle, but with Jesus as your guide, He will open your eyes and illuminate the correct path. Read the Bible, find a church, fellowship with other Christians, and pray. Stay strong, and don’t fall back to your old ways. As Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

 

Debunking the Hoodwinker

We humans are much more sophisticated in comparison to animals who have collars and leashes. While animals are lead around by their owners (well…except for cats), we humans should not allow ourselves to be directed by the whims of the world, instead by the Holy Spirit. 

The Bible warns us not to become so easily coaxed by mankind, instead, follow God’s guidance. As it says in Psalm 32:9, ”Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” This is where we can use our spiritual maturity and listen to God. To attain wisdom we need to be reading the Bible daily so we are not lead into the devil’s snares.  

Paul warns us about these tricks in Acts 13:10 speaking about Elymas the magician, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is not right! You are full of all kinds of trickery.” We need to always be ready so we aren’t hoodwinked by satan, instead, open our hearts, ears, and mind to Christ. He will debunk the devil and not allow us to fall into his deception.

Holy Healing Hands

Being spiritually healed through Jesus is the only rational answer opposed too just being healed by chance. 

There is no wisdom in simply wishing for the best and believing in luck of the draw while knowing Jesus is the only logical answer of being healed. It is by the holy hand of Jesus Christ we are made well, as in the aw-stunning moment when the sick fellows back in Jesus’ day were looking for help. Acts 5:15-16 says, “insomuch that they were brought forth sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude of cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed every one.” 

Jesus is perpetually saving the day, no need to look up down or all around. Simply trust in His Spirit, let it work through His hands. This not only pertains to the physical, but most importantly to the mental. My life is proof of both physical and mental spiritual healing. At the beginning I only looked to my own power, with the goal of getting out of the wheel chair and feeding tube by myself. Then the transition happened where I leaned on God’s power and not only did He make me physically better but spiritually as well. God is still helping me out today. 

I thank Christ for my continued recovery, to wake up every morning and say, “God has given me another day to put my ankle brace on, have a few cups of coffee, and see how the Spirit wants to use me today. I wonder who God will lead me to help today?” 

Don’t Be a Dumbo, Follow Christ’s Lead

Insulting someone by calling them a dumbo wouldn’t show the love of Christ. Instead, living by example, we should always speak in love and exemplify them. The Bible encourages us to be good examples to nonbelievers, showing the love of Christ through our actions and words. As Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Hence, making our likeness to Jesus, who loved everyone though they didn’t quite care for him, we too should follow his example.

“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16