LIFE IS NOT A WALK IN THE PARK
LIFE IS A SEA VOYAGE
The Parrish Art Museum, Southampton, NY, Gift of Robert Dunnigan, Dunnigan Collection
TO EACH OF US THERE WILL COME A TIME
WHEN WHAT WE THOUGHT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO US
HAPPENS
WHICH IS WHY WE DON’T NEED
JUST A TEACHER
BUT WE NEED
A SAVIOR
ONE WHO WILL RESCUE US
WHEN THE WAVES AND BILLOWS ARE GOING OVER OUR HEADS
A. W. TOZER SAID THAT GOD DOES NOT USE A MANICURE SET
WHEN WORKING WITH STONE
NO
HAMMERS, CHISELS
TOOLS THAT HURT
BUT THAT CAN SHAPE US INTO
WOMEN AND MEN OF BEAUTY
STORMS AND SUFFERING
ARE PART OF HIS MYSTERIOUS PLAN
Last week I was privileged to be part of a team that went into the prisons of Texas to minister to the inmates. This is always such an experience for me, for there is so much more life in the church in prison than in the church outside of prison. They hang on my every word, and afterward, in the small group times, they so want to understand how to be delivered from the power of sin. Everything has been taken from them, and yet I see a radiance in their faces. These are women who certainly know that life is a sea voyage, for many of them had their childhoods stolen from them, and have gone through one storm after another. They know as well about the darkness in their own souls and want to be transformed by the only One who can help them. Some have hurt others terribly, often passing on the sins of the fathers, and long with their whole hearts to be delivered from the beast prowling about within their hearts, holding them captive.
I am also so moved by the volunteers who are committed to these women. Often they too have been through enormous storms, and have experienced the reality of the Lord of the Storm. They are loving as Christ loved.
This time I met Grove Norwood. The moment he stood up to speak I sensed the presence of our holy God. God is using him mightily, but God has also taken him through a tremendous storm, something that seems to be so common for those He uses mightily.
Here is an excerpt of Grove’s story from Charisma magazine:
One day on his way home from church, he passes a church and sees a group of men standing outside. He senses that they have a problem, so he stops to see what he can do. Someone has stolen the church’s air conditioner, ripping a hole in the wall. Grover pays for the repairs.
Grover’s stop at the church leads to his meeting a member of the church, Ulice Parker. Ulice is also a well-respected, loving and kind man. He and Grover develop a friendship, and their families become family to each other. Grover always makes sure the Parkers have what they need, helping them however he can. He is especially concerned about the condition of their home, and knows he has to make it better, safer, livable.
But then tragedy strikes. The Norwoods’ daughter is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Authorities soon discover that it was Ulice who had unknowingly killed Joy.
Joy Norwood in her daddy’s plane
Grover’s response of love and forgiveness is overwhelming. When he finds out Ulice has caused his daughter’s death, his first response is compassion for his friend. He immediately calls the Parkers’ home. But he doesn’t stop there. He buys clothes for Ulice and his wife to wear to Joy’s funeral and makes sure they are seated on the front row—a place traditionally reserved for family.
Please watch this short video reflecting on Grove Norwood’s life, illuminated by comments from A. W. Tozer about how God molds us into men and women of beauty.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wy_mM2OLK0
In the prisons last week the video, “The Heart of Texas,” (worth purchasing!) was shown. At the end, when Grove walked out from behind the screen, one of the inmates cried, “Oh — he’s real! I didn’t think anyone could forgive something like that.”
The only way a person can forgive like that is if he knows His Savior deeply. If it is in Christ that he lives and breathes and has his being. And how can a person go on after he has suffered such a severe loss? Only if he believes God exists — that this life is not the end — that the One who spoke to the disciples in the midst of the storm, when He came to them, walking on the water, is who He claims to be.
THE GREAT I AM
Literally, He said the same words that God used to idenity Himself to Moses. It is the covenant name. Literally, Jesus said four words:
I AM: NO FEAR
We must all breathe in the significance of those four words.
When we do, we can become the kind of believers like Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Amy Carmichael, and Grove Norwood. Grove could forgive, go on, and trust that God would bring something good out of his little girl’s death and the suffering of his family and friend. And, indeed, God has. When Grove ministers in the prison, they hang on his words — for they have so much to forgive, and need so much forgiveness.
This next clip about Grove and his ongoing ministry is optional, but demonstrates the beauty that can come from suffering, when responded to with trust.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gd4q4a9pxw
How warmly we welcome the new women and the dear familiar friends to this seven week journey. I had the thought that the reason one usually wants to do a Lenten study is not to get something from God, but to get God. So I suspect those who have committed will be likely to stay with us. We may stumble and fall, but we will keep going.
Oh — I can hardly wait to see what God will do. Your first week was rich.
This week’s sermon by Tim Keller is amazing, and the Bible passage, though short, is as precious as gold. I do not take it lightly when I suggest a sermon that costs money. I listen to many and choose what I believe is the best. I realize some of you will have to fast a meal just to get the money, but believe me, this is the bread of life. Next week, a sermon directly addressing the name, I AM is free — but this week, you’ll need to pay.
Welcome, welcome!
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
Monday-Tuesday Bible Study
Read John 6:16-21 and watch this reenactment:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiHlJZfVBXk
4. Look carefully at this passage:
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as
representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover.
When Jesus says “It is I,” in the Greek it is Ego Eimi, or I AM — the exact same words that God spoke to Moses at the burning bush. It is a clear declaration of Deity. Last week, one of our newcomers, “Elizabeth from Oz” said she was always hiding behind her idols, hoping God wouldn’t find her — yet also hoping He will because she so needs to see Him. The ways of the human heart.”
When we encounter Jesus in His holiness, in His Deity, we are repelled and attracted. Repelled because we are so aware of our sinfulness. Attracted because we know we need Him. The disciples were terrified by His declaration of Deity and the proof of it. Yet they needed Him, so they took in to the boat — and immediately the boat was on the shore.
What does this mean?
I’m going to have you spend more time on the Keller sermon this week — listening to it the way Susan does. She makes copious notes, stopping and starting it. I’m not going to even apologize for the 2.50 it will cost you to get it — because it so worth it. (And remember, the money all goes to ministries Jesus cares about.)
Wednesday-Friday: Keller sermon. Here’s the link
5. Before you start on the sermon, give us a mid-week report on how you are doing on your Lenten discipline.
6. First Point: God is Sovereign over our Storms
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. What area of your life do you need to commit to God’s sovereignty?
6. Second Point: Jesus is the Ultimate — He is the GREAT I AM
It is huge to realize that Jesus keeps claiming to be the GREAT I AM. Whenever that happens his friends are in awe and his enemies want to stone him, for as R. C. Sproul says, “It is clear declaration of Deity.”
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. This week, in your “putting off and putting on” how will you surrender to Him as Lord?
7. Third Point: Jesus is Holy
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. Last week Alexandria said that as she received ashes on her forehead, she would remember that God was a consuming
fire. How might this be helpful to you also?
8. Fourth Point: I AM: NO FEAR
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. If you fear God, then you don’t need to fear anything else. How might you apply this?
Saturday:
9. Report on your week and your take-a-way.
561 comments
Oh Dee, This is amazing-amazing..
Oh ladies I wish that I could be a part of this this week but you will be in my prayers and please pray for me I get on the boat today at 12 and take off at 4 ! Thanks
praying! I loved the cruise I was on. Such amazing sights of HIS creation. May He refresh you!
Dee, this is fabulous! I am so excited about this week.
1. One thing that stood out to me is in the trailer. A man said that it was a time when God became visible in that town. I am sure that he was talking about the great tragedy and Grove’s response of forgiveness. I am so impressed with how acts of obedience can be used by God. I think that this is our time to practice this principle in small ways as we put off and put on during this Lent.
good morning friends! just had to thank you all for the prayers! last night I slept without pain–so far this morning, feeling good..going to try to be more careful and “ergonomic” on the computer 😉
Dee–I am amazed at how you bring us such new, rich, challenging studies EVERY week–He is so present here, thankful for the vessel you are!
Glad to know you had a pain free night Elizabeth!
Elizabeth, I am glad you are feeling better. I missed the part last week about what happened. I have the impression from other comments that it is your neck. Do you have one of those pillows with a hollowed out place for your head that has some support under the neck? They aren’t very expensive or very comfortable in my opinion but it has kept my neck symptoms at bay so far. I pray that you will continue to feel better.
thank you anne–i just ordered one after reading this–the u shaped kind? I have one of those microwaveable rice things around me right now–it is still a constant ache, but some of the pinched nerve tingling has stopped–learning a lot about my difficulty letting others help–today i made myself let my husband carry in the dog food–so maybe God is using it to break my stubborn and independent pride 😉
Glad you are better. Yes — I’m sure he wants to carry the dog food for you!
yeah glad you are feeling better!
Thanking Jesus you had a pain-free night.
Elizabeth so glad you are feeling better. Will be praying for continued healing.
Prayers are being answered for you, Elizabeth and Kim!
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
As I read the live about needing a Savior to Rescue us when we are in the storm, I thought of how hard it is to reconcile when in the midst of the storm that the one who rules the waves that terrify me, is also the one I must focus on to keep from being swept away. I thought about the analogy of a child being held down by its parent while it receives a painful injection. It does not understand and feels betrayed, but quickly turns to the same parent for comfort. It is hard to trust in the storm.
I felt compassion for the prisoners, and their families. They groan under the weight of sin, their own and those others have committed against them.I like to think that when Jesus wept when He was with Mary at Lazarus tomb, that he was weeping because He keenly felt the weight of the pain that sin has cost all of us.
I was moved by the little clip of the chaplain, the emotion he felt was just under the surface as he spoke, you could see the heart he has for the prisoners.
It is too hard for me to touch on the story of forgiveness, not knowing who caused our pain. I admire Grove very much and will watch the story.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
I feel lighter, more hopeful after last week. I had a tearful time of repentance over my stubbornness.
I have been looking forward to this weeks study & to todays service at church, today begins a 4 week sermon series on Counterfeit Gods.
This is will be my prayer for myself and for all of us this week
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
I will continue in my resolve not to purchase any wine, I didn’t drink any at all this past week. I will keep reading Cries of the Heart, and I am going to try to get moving physically. I used to exercise faithfully, but I have not since out tragedy. My blood pressure is high and I have gained 15 pounds. It is time to stop wishing that I will die and start moving again.
I am SO thankful for that last sentence, dear Chris!
This is all so beautiful, Chris S. Your new hope is so palpable and inspiring to me. Isn’t God amazing and tender? And thanks for the prayer! Lovely! I think I’ll use it too for intercessory prayer.
Sounds like a breakthrough Chris!
Great prayer — so powerful.
Chris, it is absolutely wonderful to hear how you have broken through to the Lord. I am so happy for you and for the Lord for I know He and the angels in heaven rejoice over you. We will keep praying too.
Chris I really liked the thought of a child getting a shot, that was good. I will be praying for you that you have the determination to exercise. I know how hard it can be to be motivated to do that, but knowing you will be giving yourself a healthier body is great. Also will be praying for your healing process in moving on.
thanks for that reference and pray from ephesians! i am going to incorporate that into my mornings this week! 🙂
Praise God, Chris….praying for you!
Chris,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, to let us see into your heart. I am especially thankful, too, that the wish to die is leaving you. You are very special to all of us!
Thank you EVERYONE! I feel grateful & humbled by your responses!
This is so good. What a powerful witness to God`s forgiveness in Grove Norwood.
I didn`t see the link to the sermon, Dee.
It isn’t as clear, Diane — but click on the word link
Right. Sorry. I got it now.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
STORMS AND SUFFERING ARE PART OF HIS MYSTERIOUS PLAN gives me strength to carry on and lean into Him.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
This has been a phenomenal week. What an amazing Ash Wednesday I had – God was so near! It was so easy to shut off the computer, t.v. and put on memorization. I am really enjoying memorizing the first chapter of James and hope I continue after Lent to memorize the book. Love love love Tozer!!!
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
I will continue the same except I want to also get back on my health program of doing exercise 5 days a week.
I absolutely hate asking for prayer but I must. I am down with a very nasty head cold, sinus pain. I want to be well by Tuesday to go take care of my precious two’s class so the mommies can have a break and Bible study.
Oh Kim. It is ok and a blessing to pray for you! May God quickly heal you so you can serve in this way according to His will for you this week! HUGS!
oh kim–praying for you–Lord, please come in and heal kim of her sinus pain and cold. Give her the rest she needs and please restore her. In Your Name~
Kim–can I also just tell you what a tremendous blessing you are to those women? I read this and thought “oh, she’s one of THEM”–meaning those dear ladies with grown children who work in the child care at Church so that women like me could go to weekly Bible study and know my child was being loved, read to, played with…I just want to thank you for the ministry you are to the women in your church. Blessings friend~
You have my prayers. I agree with Elizabeth about the blessing you must be to these women; I speak as one who is terrible in kids ministry. 🙂 I’m so thankful for those that love and excel at it. Bless you.
Amen. I hear so many praises about Kim from my dear friends for exactly this reason.
Kim will be praying for your cold and sinus issues to be gone. Thanks too you for your willingness to serve.
Thank you so much for the prayers and encouragement.
I want to share honestly that when my friend called and asked if I would help in childcare my flesh did not want to do it but I was in a good place with God and wanted to please Him. A couple of weeks into it I realized I almost missed a huge blessing. This has taught me a lesson that I must seek Him before turning down something I don’t feel gifted to do.
Kim I thought about you plans for Lent including blessing others, sounds like you have some practice in that area!
I echo Elizabeth, how I appreciated the dear ladies who watched my children when I was a young mom so I could concentrate on the sermon or in a bible study. It was so wonderful to step away and know that my kids would be well cared for.
You are so precious Kim to give of yourself like that. I pray you will get better by then. Bless your heart!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? Really liked the Tozer quote. Wondering about the story, was it used in the movie titled, Grace Card? There were themes like it and biracial stuff going on.
2. Report on how you are doing so far! Pretty good. I was off Facebook for a week and it is really freeing. I may do it again this week. still not sure. I did use the time I had to read more of Prayer by Yancey and it was really encouraging.
3. What will you put off and put on this week? not sure. I think it will have something to do with food though.
I really loved prison ministry too. I hope I get to get back into it again some day. I am praying that our little guys mom goes to jail. She does have some charges she is running from. She has not hit the bottom yet but I think in jail it might and we have a wonderful prison ministry here. It is hard to reach someone who does not want to be reached or helped or cannot even see or own up to the bad she has done. Maybe if she was locked up she would finally see then be able to be ministered too. Women in prison who really know the Savior are so authentic.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I was really struck by the smile of little Joy and her grave with the tire swing. To know she is with Jesus now. It brought tears; I prayed a lot last year for a little girl with leukemia that I got to interview for a local Christian e-magazine when she seemed to have recovered. I became very fond of her. She was a light, but ended up succombing to leukemia. So this brought back some strong feelings of grief. But it helps to know both these girls are with Jesus in Paradise.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
I really feel this Lenten season is one I can really sit at the feet of Jesus. I just ended a job and have 3 bible studies to fill my time (this one, Beth Moore’s James study I’m doing on my own, and one at our church that will start in several weeks) to help me really focus on Him. Thankful for this group of women.
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
I am giving up most sugar and facebook (except to check messages). I need more of Him.
Welcome Anne Meredith. I’m sorry for your loss in this little girl. Such things are so very hard. It is good that you are thinking about eternity and seeing her again.
Thank you. Yes, an eternal perspective brings hope!
Welcome Anne, hope you enjoy your time here.
Thank you Julie.
2. I think I am doing well so far. I am continuing with my morning meditation. I have some difficulty with focus but I have been able to stay awake (I don’t close my eyes, which I have always done for prayer-hence my problem) I usually have a glass of wine in the evening with diner (and maybe again before bed) and have given that up. Today there was a suggestion at church to give the money saved on what is given to the Lord (our youth minister is planting a church in Berlin). I had not thought of that so it was good.
But I don’t think that is what this question is about. Is the Lord showing up in my life? That is the question. I have not experienced anything really profound like Blaise Pascal but I am experiencing Him. He is teaching me things and answering prayer like never before. He has opened up the floodgates with friends, which has been happening for the last few months. Superficial friendships are deepening. Friends are speaking into my life and I into theirs. Old friends who are unsaved are coming back into my radar so that I have some influence with them. Work relationships are pleasant. I think some of this may be happening because He is changing my heart. But most of all I have this deep abiding joy and I am learning how to keep it. I mean noticing the things that take it away.
God is at work in you Anne!
this last week has kicked my butt! we leave for florida (me and the 4 girls by ourselves….a 3 day trip) Abby was diagnosed with ciliac disease on tuesday, Ellie hurt her hip on wed, pauls mom was told she may have liver cancer (she does not praise God!) on monday and Abbys boyfriend hit our van last night destroying the bumper…did I mention that im driving it to florida on wed:)
I am tired, I have not spent an hour every morning (some it was only 20min) with God and we missed bible reading as a family last night and im not feeling very “succesful” in this whole Lent thing…..but that is the enemy and not me sweet saviour….I will start again tomorrow and trust that He will be enough.
I think Adams family did not know what to do with us, we told them not to worry and he could work it off this summer…when you hear the story of “the heart of texas” you realize what a very little thing a crushed fender is:)
I have heard the “heart of texas” story before, and in some ways it reminds me of the story of Dees stolen jewels…forgivness always costs but it is worth the investment.
since i will be finding a bumper and preparing to leave this week this will be my last post but i will be thinking of you all…thanks joyce for your kindness in sending me the cookbook. what a sweet woman you are to think of me with all kendras stuff this last week!
Praying for you Cyndi, for your quiet times, Ellie’s hip and Abby’s ciliac disease. Also for the van and the trip. Wow, that’s a lot of stuff girl! Good that Paul’s mother does not have cancer. Sorry things have been so difficult.
I thought Cyndi’s mother in law did have liver cancer? Which why is it Cyndi…so we can pray for her?
Praying, cyndi. You have so much in your lap right now! Does Paul`s mom have cancer or not? I can’t tell. Is it “she does NOT, praise God” or “she does not praise GOD”? The comma makes the difference.
And have a great trip!
im sorry, not a grammer person:) she does NOT have cancer….
Wonderful! Praise God!
I am so glad she does not have cancer. Hope you have a great trip and that all that other stuff you are dealing with works out OK. Praying that your trip is relaxing, or at least relatively so, and that God guards you from further assaults from Satan.
Praying for safe travels for you Cyndi. Have a great time.
Your Welcome Cyndi…hope it helps Abby with having to eat, no gluton now. Praying the Lord gives you peace and comfort during this vacation…you definatly need it:
That is a lot of stuff to deal with, Cyndi! You are in character to take four girls to Florida by yourself — may His angels go before you and behind you! There’s something in me that always wants to take you to a room with candles and soft music and an overstuffed chair and tell you to slow down!
there is something in me that wants that too:) I did lay in the sun on my loveseat for over an hour yesterday….and am making a point to have quiet mornings…I figure I can slow down in heaven:) but I do find time for peace, its just not what I tend to write about!!
please pray for my cousins child who is pregnant and found out her boyfriend who she is living with is adicted to porn, she saw that i have a background in mental health and has been confiding in my and asking for my advice! big responsability, I just want to represent HIM well!
off to find a bumper, OT, PT…well if i went on you would come kidnap me and lock me in a room with candles and soft chairs:) LOL
Cyndi,
You are funny! All I can say is “breathe, breathe,” deeply…..God is near and He loves you and all your busy-ness!
Cyndi, ‘forgiveness always costs but it is worth the investment’…great perspective. Sorry for your stressful week – I’m always grateful in times like these that ‘His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.’
3. I plan to continue this week as last and add another thing. I have never spent a lot of time on facebook until recently. For the last couple of months I have spent too much time on words with friends so I am letting that go at least for Lent and maybe longer. In addition I want to do my studies on the correct days rather than catching up with all of it on the weekend. Today as I was doing what I should have done last Thursday I found a very profound connection with what we were studying here last week. I really need help from the Lord on that because I come home so tired in the afternoons that I am very distracted.
Your in my prayer’s Anne.
Will pray for you Anne. Lord, Thank you that you have given Anne so many wonderful opportunities in Bible Study to meet with you-You are the Word-Lord press in on her heart when distractions come-help her to see you and sense your presence this week. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you Joyce and Rebecca!
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? – For me the thing that most stood out was how forgiving Grover Norwood was to Ulice. He did not blame him, he did not ignore him or his family, but he made sure they were right there with them. He forgave like Jesus forgives us without anything in return. Also how the women in the prisons just cling to what is spoken to them, it’s their hope to go on. Their hope to know that they can be forgiven by the One Holy Father that loves them, he may hate the sin they’ve done, but he loves them unconditionally and knowing this can help them get thru their time in prison.
2. Report on how you are doing so far! – started out good, but then was having Internet Wi Fi problems and could not get on my IPad at home, so got behind last week in doing the lesson. I was able to listen to the sermon and read some of the comments while at lunch at the office. Will try and go back and catch up but will continue on with this weeks study.
3. What will you put off and put on this week? – I am again going to try and get up when the alarm goes off at 4:4 and read a devotion or do part of the reading of the comments from the blog.
Glad to see you back. I know this study is dependent on the internet!
What stood out to you from the above and why?
The amazing power of forgiveness from Grove. So many times I feel that I have left the past hurts and disapointments behind, and then something triggers my memory. The anger and resentment stirs up and I find myself losing ground I thought I conquered. I truly desire this Lent to be the woman of God He wants me to be and not the woman I “think” I could be.
And for me it starts with forgiveness.
Report on how you are doing so far! Could do better.
What will you put off and put on this week?
Put off pride, put on humility.
Laura Marie, funny you should say that. I’ve been thinking the same thing all day today, for me…”Put off Pride and Put on Humility.” I’m with you on that:)
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I didn’t like the water clip at first, it is hard for me to watch. I feel it. The drowning, the wanting to be rescued—to be pulled up out of it, taken in and wrapped up warm and dry in His arms. So I watched again and spoke this to myself “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;”–Isaiah 43:1-2, I can cling to that truth!
Oh, I am so drawn to this man Grove and the outpouring of grace in his life. I’ve watched a few other clips from his website, and am just humbled to my core. I love the Tozer quote—“…He will take from your heart everything you love most…”, it is hard to swallow, and yet we see here the way He works—always motivated by love to shape us, chisel us, that we might be a vessel that pours out His grace. Grove said “be willing to pass on the divine act of grace” we have received—this is forgiveness. Forgiveness can be so hard for me. I know it is only possible by remembering this divine grace I have received…and His power in me fuels… Loved too on the first clip—when one of the pastors says “I saw an invisible God become visible in this time—that’s what I saw..”—THAT is the Power of the Gospel! What an opportunity I have to really live out the Gospel—really let Him shine, by laying down my grudge, my scars, my hurting heart, and wrap my arms around my offender in forgiveness. Sometimes the smallest acts are so hard for me, to just take the first step. Oh let that ice drip off those frozen leaves of my heart…
So often what resonates with you resonates with me.
Somehow that Tozer quote belongs in The Stonecutter, or whatever it is called.
Like how you handled the water picture…
My (former) pastor’s wife died of cancer this morning after a very brief battle with cancer, she was only in her 3rd week of radiation. My pastor (Jim) just retired this summer, his wife (Nancy) was in her mid sixties and they are such sweet loving people. Nancy was my life group leader and I cherished her. Please pray for her husband, their 2 daughters and 2 very young and sweet grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
I’m sorry for the loss of your special friend, Nancy. Will pray for her family.
Father, I lift up Dawn’s former pastor Jim, and ask that You hold him. Be with all who loved Nancy including Dawn. I ask this in Your name.
praying for your Jim and family this morning
Praying for Nancy`s family and for you in this time of grief.
Dawn,I love that you said cherished her. In the weeks and months to come you memories of her could be such a comfort to her husband. I am so sorry for your loss and her families.
oh Dawn, I am so sorry for your loss, and her dear family–praying for you all
I’m so sorry for the passing of your friend. I will be praying for comfort, peace and strength for all of you at this time
Dear Lord, thank you for our friends. Thank you that we have time to spend enjoying your creations on this earth. Please help us to know how to help them in their time of need. In your Holy name, amen.
Pastor Jim gave the message at my niece’s funeral.
Dawn, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend and Pastor’s wife, Nancy. Pastor Jim and his daughter’s and sweet grandchildren, will be in my prayer’s. How sad, just as they were retiring to have time together. I am so very sorry.
Welcome to the news gals here! This is the only place to be. Dee is my mentor and the one I look up to:-) Of course you already knew that Anne Meridith, didn’t you? Lucky you to have a Aunt like Dee! I’m jealous!
Just finished listening to last week’s sermon – wonderful…I wont post my notes since everyone did a great job of that last week!
I loved this – (God says) “I am the God who works with very unpromising material”.
For some reason…that gives me some hope!
Wonderful to reflect the lengths our God went to to be near us, yet not have us be consumed by His holy presence.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Grove’s life and how God used his suffering-turned it into something beautiful. Grove is a living example that Jesus’ Grace toward us is the only way we can extend it to others. When His Grace sears our hearts we can extend forgiveness toward others.
I don’t know, this whole post has touched me deeply, really beyond words, especially now that I have watched both videos. This is an amazing study week and we are just at the icebreaker!
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
What I have noticed the past few days is the closer God draws me to Him, and perhaps even some other sisters here have noticed this, Satan schemes. When my eyes are on Jesus-in the midst of exchanging a lie with Truth-putting on and putting off which is a tender vulnerable time for me before the Lord, Satan tends to ratchet up the pressure with distractions whether it be through physical illness or whatever. I sang yesterday morning and really felt under attack prior. Thankfully I had two special sisters who were lifting me up in prayer. I was in our Bible Study class and prayed through the whole class! It overwhelmed me how all the old fear lies popped up in my head. God is greater and God uses what Satan does to His glory, but I must keep my eyes on Him. God helped me overcome those lies and when I got up on stage and started singing I disappeared into Him.
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
Put off selfishness and put on His humility and love.
O.K. I am adding something to #2. 🙂 I also wanted to share that when I was singing Sunday-I was reminded as to ‘why’ I sing. I sing for HIS PLEASURE-not for adoration or performance, or what He can give me. It is for His pleasure-he is Beautiful, Holy and Worthy of praise whether I sing in my closet or on stage. I want this seared so deeply into my heart-in how I pray, in everything I do. I think this also will help me with #3. My life is Him-to want Him, not want Him for what He can give me.
If you get a link to your singing, we’d all love it Rebecca — seeing you sing for His pleasure.
I do have two links to two videos up on You Tube. One is the practice/Sound check before church and the other is when I sing it live. I will see if the more professional one done by our friend turns out any better as far as the sound. On the ones I put up-the sound wasn’t like it was live-it is kind of drowned out by the music. I think our friend’s mike might have picked it up better. I will let you know! 🙂 OH, and it is a song our worship team leader picked-great pick and I love the song, but musically it is geared toward the youth-so just to warn you. 🙂
OOOH Rebecca!! Tears! EVERYONE go listen–wow this blessed me–oh, my little one (who LOVED hearing you before, and asked if you could come to our church and sing) just came to listen with me–the Spirit is so evident in you–He just flows, calls out…thank you for this Rebecca!
When you can please let me know where you found Rebecca singing. I would love to listen.
here you go Julie–grab the kleenex 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKW3R6U255U&list=UUPkPXOIBk2R0SBbEVQo3TxQ&index=3&feature=plcp
Thanks Elizabeth. What a great song and a lovely voice Rebecca has.
WOW!
Beautiful beautiful voice.
I really enjoyed seeing you sing, all the more for knowing of your struggles. You certainly do not look your age & I bet your kids must think your a really cool mom!
Rebecca what are the links, not sure if I missed them.
I loved your singing, you have such a rich voice to listen to. I could have listened for much longer. What a gift!
Here is the song I sang Sunday-our friend didn’t put words underneath videos-not sure he can with Vimeo or not. Anyway, here it is: http://vimeo.com/37640871
Hope it encourages you! 🙂
Here are the words:
Like a flame, love burned in Your eyes
Driving You to pay the greatest price
You bought my life, so I could be a light, Reflecting You, reflecting love
Everything good comes from You, Father of Lights
Your love will always, pierce through, the darkest night
Love has a voice, love has a name, Jesus, Jesus
Your love is a light, filling my eyes, Jesus, Jesus
You bore the weight of death upon your heart
And Your last breath tore the veil apart
You made a way, for me to walk in Grace
So I could love you, face to face
Everything good comes from You, Father of Lights
Your love will always, pierce through, the darkest night
Love has a voice, love has a name, Jesus, Jesus
Your love is a light, filling my eyes, Jesus, Jesus
I will never be the same, Love has called my name—From the ashes, I rise to proclaim
Your love is undefeated, Forever You will reign
Justice has won again.
Rebecca, thanks for sharing this,
I have at times placed too much weight on the response, or lack of response to what I have posted on this blog.
When I returned, I decided it must be for drawing close to Him, not feeding my ego or my wounds. It is very freeing, though I do need to remind myself of it and probably will continue to need to bring it to memory, to ‘sear it deeply into my heart’!
Oh Chris, I can so relate! I think all of us have struggled with that too and it is good because I am learning in that struggle or any other what comes out is what God wants me to see-as you said what I put as more weightier than Him-and on this blog we can be honest about it for which one of us can cast the first stone-yet I haven’t seen that here. I see a well of encouragement instead!
Chris, I think that you missed the week when someone was talking about leaving the blog because they were too concerned with people’s responses to their posts. Many of us admitted that we look to see if there are comments to our posts before we do anything else and that we were disappointed if there aren’t any. Most of the time, I pray for the person and don’t respond.
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Well, what initially stood out was probably not what you would expect. I am somewhat tentative with what I am going to say, but I really can’t help how I feel. I struggle with the prison issue. There are people in the world who do very bad things. In their doing so, there are victims. I do believe everyone deserves to know Jesus. I am sad these folks made a wrong choice in their actions, one that sometimes can’t be reversed, but once again there are scars on the people’s lives that are affected by the act.
Here’s an analogy; I am a public high school teacher. Many of our meetings revolve around the “bad” students. We spend a lot of time and effort trying to change their behaviors, which mostly doesn’t do anything. Programs, special classroom procedures, etc. We forget there are many “good” students who deserve out time and attention (and money) who will really benefit and most likely turn around and do something with our gifts. Each year I make a “gajillion” phone calls to parent of the bads, to no avail. I challenge myself to call at least 1 parent of the “goods,” and what happens? An email of thanks and how I made their day, then an email to my boss and my bosses boss, etc. Not that I wanted or expected ANY of that. I just wanted to make a good phone call because they are overlooked so often.
I don’t know the answer.
Here’s the point; who is helping the victims and the victims families if the victim is now deceased? Grove is a wonderful man and I don’t think I could be as forgiving. He is helping the victim of the prisoners (their kids), which is awesome! But who helps the victims of the crimes? My gut feeling is the answer is no one.
Hate to be a downer, but I have trouble feeling compassionate for the prisoners when they have hurt (potentially) so many people. My husband, who grew up Catholic wonders how someone can be so bad their whole life, but on their deathbed receives Jesus and then is afforded the same Heaven that he is, when be has worked so hard and lived a good life. It is hard to explain that to someone who believes as he does. He has trouble with “grace.” I don’t have too much trouble with grace, although I try to be a “good” Christian 🙂 I do agree somewhat with him on the receiving Christ on your deathbed though. This is an argument that can go round and round I suppose. If you live a decent life you are afforded joy on earth, as I have experienced through the pain and suffering as well. Living a life of crime means much pain and sorrow on earth.
I don’t know the answer.
Once again Dee, thought provoking stuff here (and I get 30 minutes of not having to study for the 2 major tests I will be taking today and tomorrow!).
Laura-dancer
Do you know how thankful I am for your honest response and questions?
I am looking to this group for loving, honest, and helpful responses to your question.
I appreciate your honesty, too, Laura, and that you feel safe to share. These are really good questions, and I’m not sure I have an answer, either. It is easy for me to watch the prison ministry videos, and to be encouraged and glad that many in the prisons are turning to Christ. It’s another to think how would I feel about a particular individual who had taken the life of one of MY loved ones?
Yet, I will tell you this. Recently, someone told me (and I don’t know if it is really true or not), that the person who mixed, or prepared, the drugs that were injected into my nephew the night he died, has also died; and that a person who knew my nephew “watched this drug-dealer take his last breath” due to taking the same drugs he had mixed for my nephew. This said with an air of that this was “justice” – it gave me a mental picture of the person who watched being some kind of a vigilante.
Did it make me feel better? No, it rather sickened me, and I knew it was wrong because I immediately thought of how did God feel when this person, evil or not, died? Did He take any pleasure in it – I don’t think so.
I only know that if I were to give in to those kinds of feelings of revenge, I might as well be in prison myself, and I would live a life imprisoned by bitterness and brooding.
I look also to the powerful example of the life of Joseph. Joseph was certainly a “victim” of his brothers’ wicked schemes. He was cut-off from anyone who could help him – his family, friends, community; sold as a slave into a foreign land where at first he couldn’t even communicate with anyone until he learned the language; imprisoned unjustly. He didn’t have a support network to reach out to him, yet his God was able. To those who know Christ, He is able to heal the wounds of victims of crimes. Yet part of Joseph’s healing seems to be that he forgave and ministered to the needs of those who offended him and hurt him the most – we see him weeping over, feeding, providing, caring for, and comforting his brothers. So perhaps this is the path God provides for those victims who are willing to turn to Him – the ones who do set an example for all of us on how to overcome the same things.
Thanks for your perspective Susan. That is a sickening thought of the drug dealer, and inthink I would feel as you felt also. Great Biblical example of Joseph! I do think forgiving is the way out of a personal hell that can be created by our very intelligent minds. I just don’t think everyone knows how, or knows Jesus to learn to know how to forgive. Heck, I just heard we are no longer a nation who cares about religion (on the news)! How horrible is that? We are lucky to have God, aren’t we ?
Laura, first off, thank you for your honesty, and for prompting all of us to think deeply about these issues, we would all do well I think to wrestle with them.
Some of you will remember a horrible story in the news some years ago when two 10 year old boys abducted and murdered a two year old boy. I was hit so hard by the story. My oldest son was 10 at that time and my third son was 2.
The whole world was shocked. The little one looked very much like my 2 year old Zach. My 10 year old Josh was the epitome of a strong willed child, strong will laced with anger. It wasn’t too hard to put myself in the shoes of the parents on both sides.
I felt the same after the Columbine shooting. I had “good” kids and “bad” kids the same ages as the victims and the shooters. I felt compassion for all of them. But I felt the heavier burden was left with the parents of the shooters, they all lost their children, but love and support were poured out on the victims’ families, while shame and a search for blame rested on the shooters parents. They won’t escape it in this lifetime.
As I write this there are news reports of a school shooting in Chardon a community 15 minutes from us. There is another family nearby whose son had been a star student but began selling drugs and was shot and killed one year ago who lost another son last week to a car accident.
It is Satan who deserves our anger, Sin is the enemy. Left without the restraint that the Spirit of the Lord provides in the world, we are all capable of horrible things, all of our hearts are desperately wicked, as the old saying goes, there but by the Grace of God go I. It is my wretched pride that sees someone else as less righteous than me, less deserving of grace, none of us deserves grace, thanks be to God he loves us in spite of ourselves and has made a way.
Some of those in prison are given over to wickedness no doubt which is hard to understand, but there are those whose stories are tragic, and I must recognize that had lived them out I might have committed worse crimes than theirs.
There is a description of our sinfulness in comparison to say Hitler’s as being the difference say of a small building to a skyscraper were it held up against the perfection of Christ which stretches into the heavens, we are all wretched sinners. It is perfection we must measure our characters against not one another, and be grateful that God is merciful, not willing that any should perish.
“It is Satan who deserves our anger, Sin is the enemy.” Chris, I so appreciate all you have said here, and the way you have said it. Oh, how your pain has given you such depth, wisdom…oh, how He is using you. I do pray you are keeping journals of your writings–there is just so much there, so much more I want to read and hear from you–you teach me so much here
This is an interesting discussion. There is a man in this city who was convicted of murdering his wife. Descriptions of the crime scene are horrible and the jurors had no doubt that he did it. He went to prison but is now out on some sort of legal wheeling and dealing. I don’t follow the news but I think the crime scene investigators were somehow held in question so their evidence was disqualified. Saturday he sat at the table next to us in Starbucks. My father used to describe behavior (sometimes us kids) as squirrely. That is the best word I can think of to describe him and the woman he was with. He may have committed his crime in anger but I think the act itself did something to his soul. Then to escape justice compounded it. He is pathetic and totally unaware of that fact. He needs to be in prison, not only for the public’s sake but for his own sake I think.
It was a good example to me of the power of sin. Only God can deliver as He did Carla Faye Tucker.
I heard about the shooting on the news tonight. I am so sorry for all involved. I didn’t get the details. I will pray.
Chris, I about leaped out of my chair when you said this: “It is Satan who deserves our anger, Sin is the enemy. Left without the restraint that the Spirit of the Lord provides in the world, we are all capable of horrible things, all of our hearts are desperately wicked, as the old saying goes, there but by the Grace of God go I. It is my wretched pride that sees someone else as less righteous than me, less deserving of grace, none of us deserves grace, thanks be to God he loves us in spite of ourselves and has made a way.”
and this: “There is a description of our sinfulness in comparison to say Hitler’s as being the difference say of a small building to a skyscraper were it held up against the perfection of Christ which stretches into the heavens, we are all wretched sinners.”
One of the reasons I love this also is I know your story. Elizabeth is right-God has taken your suffering and is moving you higher up and closer in. God is being glorified by you-it is only HE who can do this in a suffering mother’s heart.
Oh Laura, I SO LOVE YOUR HONESTY ALWAYS. You make me think so much and seeing God move in you in your answers when He turns the light on, is so sweet. I learn so much from you.
I have thought through this and I am afraid I could write a book-thanks for helping me think through this. I agree with you on several points-especially there not being enough support in school for the achievers. They do get lost among the frey.
I think I have changed these past two years on the other issues-as I contemplate the faith dorms and the prison ministry reports from Dee-just seeing lives changed. I also think of Paul and how he murdered Christians, yet God redeemed him. I think of the awful things David did too. I agree how often the victims and their families aren’t focused on at least in the news as far as I know. I do know families are ministered to in their time of need, but I also think the church-not all churches perhaps-falls short in ongoing truly loving those who are grieving a loss. These losses can affect families in the deepest ways-siblings, marriages etc..
I am writing a book and veered off topic..sorry..need to get off line now.
Laura thanks for your honest question. The way you ask and respond shows your desire to learn and not looking to argue. I was thinking about how I wanted to answer, but when I read everyone’s response there really isn’t much more that I can add other than I have seen the issue from many sides, being the victim of a crime, and being the relative of many criminals. I have uncles and cousins in prison for murder, rape, kidnapping, some for life. Believe me, the families of the criminals never stop suffering, especially if it is a highly publicized case.
I have always prayed for the victims and their families and totally understand their refusal to forgive and while I don’t feel sorry that my relatives are in prison, they need to be there, I still pray for them, sometimes write to them and know that I will rejoice with the Lord if they accept salvation. One of them has. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1973 with no possibility of parole, so while his life here seems to be wasted, he ministers to others and tries to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
You know, Rebecca, you bring up a great point about churches. In the many churches I have attended in my life I don’t recall a mission to help families of victims. Maybe women’s shelters? I wonder if that is something we should all look into at our local churches…..how to reach out to those in situations of pain due to some horrific loss due to crime? Someone said they lived near the school shooting this week….I wonder if those parents (of the suspect; is he or she still alive?) have a church? I’m kind of tearing up as I write this. I’m so sad for those who are in the hospital fighting for their lives and SO sad for the parents of the person who did this. My heart is breaking 🙁 I am also very sad for the suspect. It must be awful to be in his/her shoes; to not feel wanted or accepted, and feeling like there is no other way to handle the problem.
I looked back and saw it was Chris who lives near this incident. Thank you Chris for going to the prayer vigil. I still haven’t seen anything on the news. Are they just ignoring this or are they not wanting to give the shooter the attention?
Hi Laura_Dancer!
I agree with you on that question, “what about the victim?” I to find myself feeling there is no justice in this.
However, I also believe this. When someone comes to Christ and truly seek forgiveness, I believe when they receive that Gift ( His Holy Spirit), they also receive a type of “conscience”, in other words they receive those attributes of holiness ,an understanding of how destructive sin can be, seeking to live a pure life. And when that person receives that Spirit, then comes the true realization of what they did ” full circle” and with that comes tremendous remorse knowing they can not change that. And sometimes living with true regret can be consuming and then comes the task of forgiving yourself and letting go…which can take a lifetime.
As for dying and asking God for forgiveness, I am thankful for His Grace knowing He will show that Compassion for me as well.
I don’t think any of us are going to fully comprehend what it will be like to stand before The Living God. His Presence alone will stop our hearts, if Moses had to be hid in the cleft of a rock because his body could not contain God’s presecence, who are we to think we can stand and reason with Him?
Personallly, I will be grateful He lets me in.
There is no justice when it pertains to man, but God is just and He never changes.
Great last statement: “There is no justice when it pertains to man, but God is just and He never changes.”
I do agree that victims/their families often are ignored. I like the idea of restitution (or programs that help to promote justice) in property crimes (or when it is possible).
Funny you should say that Renee. It reminds me of my son who was “sucker-punched” in the mouth when he was 17. The man (21) who did it was caught and we pressed charges on him. My son’s just out of 5000 dollar braces teeth were hanging down in his mouth and had to be shoved back into his gum. The court system here actually asked us what we thought would be a good punishment. They proposed 3 years in jail. We decided it would be more painful for him to have his wages garnished every paycheck until he paid for the new teeth my son would eventually need. We have actually gotten checks! I live that every time he gets paid he must remember his stupidity. We haven’t gotten any recently; I wonder if he’s back in jail? Unfortunately, I can’t get my son to agree to go back to the dentist 🙁 he said that was the worst pain of his life.
That’s a very sad story. You have had so many hard things to go through.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
This is a rich picture/mental image (like we talked about using art, music, Scripture…) to get comfort from: God needs more than a manicure set to chisel away at our stones. It’s ridiculous to imagine a great sculptor approaching a block of stone with nail clippers.
Going back to last week, it would’ve been just as “small” and ineffective for the burning bush to be no more of a flame than a tiny match. God as a consuming fire is that – a blaze – His refining fire for us must be hot enough to sear our consciences and to burn away the dross.
When I am ‘going under’ those giant waves and billows, don’t throw me one of those little rings, I need a rescue, Someone to dive in and pull me out.
What I am seeing is I have a “large” sin-problem and I need a “larger than life God” with very large tools and very hot fire – yet, with a very large heart of love for me – to help me.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? The response of compassion that Grove had toward his friend. I think it would have been more of a struggle for him to respond that way if Ulice had intentionally (or as a result of criminal behavior) killed Joy. We have had to deal with the same thing. My nieces were on there way to school on somewhat icy roads when 2 deer darted out in front of them. They slid into a ditch and were a little bruised, but not too badly. They got out to check the damage to the car and the next person to come over the hill slid on the same patch of ice and hit both of my nieces, instantly killing one. There was also a third driver in an SUV who rolled over in an attempt to avoid the pile up but hit both cars (so the issue of my nieces getting out of the car is mute since the car was totaled when everything was over). All of this happened less than 1/2 mile from my house. The driver of the car that killed my niece was a classmate of hers. Her mom called my sister and asked how we would respond to them coming to the visitation, they wanted to be there, but also didn’t want to be attacked. My sister said that everything would be fine, that we know that it was an accident. Everyone in my family who was able spoke to them and tried to reassure them (we felt so sorry for the girl, to say she was distraught is an understatement). My mom cried with the girl’s grandma. It was sad, but tremendously touching and necessary.
2. Report on how you are doing so far! Not smoking 🙂
3. What will you put off and put on this week? Putting off: analyzing everyone words and action and trying to assess their motives. Putting on: dwelling on the truth, taking what is said and done at face value, not imagining what they really meant, but knowing that God will reveal to me any thing deeper that I need to know.
Dawn, good question re: wondering how Grove would have responded if the accident had been intentional (or DUI).
My heart goes out both to your family and the girl driving the car and her family.
Oh Dawn, such pain, I am so very sorry. Lord Jesus, I thank you for Dawn, thank you she is here with us. I pray you would continue the healing process for all. May she feel your presence surround her in a special way. Help her to take her refuge in you when she feels the waves of sadness. Amen.
Dawn, thank you for sharing this with us, it was brave of the girls family to want to come, and brave of your family to try and reassure them.
There is a John Piper message on Colossians 1:24 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church”
He said that what is lacking is that people can’t see Christ suffering, but as they watch us, his children bear our sufferings, we show them something they need to see.
I am glad you have not smoked, and your putting on and putting off is wonderful!
Dawn,
This was such a painful tragedy and loss for your family, and it speaks volumes that your family reached out to your niece’s classmate who was the driver of the car.
You do identify with this so well. So sad. Yet also so beautiful, Dawn.
should have written “moot” not “mute”
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
What stands out to me now is that it would have been easier for me to post yesterday when I first read this — too many nuances now.
What stands out to me now is that I’d like to know more of the context — about the prisoners, the situation in which Grove Norwood’s daughter was killed…and even the waves. The video clip of the waves made me sea-sick when I watched it when it was posted earlier. I was hesitant to watch it again, especially when being on the computer is leading to nausea. But I did 🙂 This time of thought of summer, the lake, and that sometimes waves are an adventure.
Yesterday, I checked out the video about Norwood on Amazon. Of course, when I was there looking up the price, I read the reviews. One person raised the question of why Ulice needed to be forgiven, because he didn’t do anything wrong, and said that the person who needed to be forgiven was the parent who pulled over alongside the road and let the child run into traffic. I would like to know the story from Ulice’s perspective; he obviously had to do some forgiving too.
As Dee mentioned earlier, many of those in prison were robbed in their childhood. Recently I read that 70 to 80% of children of prisoners will end up in prison if the cycle isn’t broken. Laura_dancer’s good questions got me thinking further. One reason people in prison (long-term, especially in state-prisons) may be open is that they’ve been caught — and humbled. (also, I’ve heard from relatives who work in prisons that there are some very good actors there). My problem with prisons is that some are unjustly imprisoned, that sentences often are dependent on family resources, and disproportionate sentences often are racially related.
My first reaction is compassion; and I’m overly gullible when people seem nice. But the ones who seem hardest might be the ones who are most honest?? I’ve been pulled away from talking to dangerous criminals (a long time ago) because I was too naive. They seemed nice! I also quickly learned (from staff) what my “cute” keychain was a dangerous weapon. My biggest challenge is people who are just as bad (or worse) but haven’t been caught — or got off.
I thought a lot about forgiveness and yesterday, partly because of this post, and also because of a couple things I saw in the NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/business/in-amish-country-accusations-of-a-ponzi-scheme.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha25 and also a video/article on prisoners caring for other prisoner’s with dementia.
So much to ponder, but what’s even more important is that I forgive… and I do have an opportunity. My natural response is to wait for the person to acknowledge she did something wrong — and try to convince her she did something wrong! I don’t think that’s gonna happen. By God’s grace, I’m giving up control and forgiving.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
Doing ok .. more silent time and more time away from the computer. I’m definitely more rested. But I intersperse work and wasted time online… so I’m also behind with work.
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
More of the same. I’ll still be online, will try to waste less time, and focus on doing tasks that arent’ on the computer — will put on more silent time with Him.
I read the article, it seemed unfair to me to compare him to Madoff, he ought to have sought councel and revealed his problem sooner, that part compares, but he does not seem to be accused of having done this for personal gain. I suspect pride played a large part.
It is too bad the court couldn’t let the amish church handle the matter.
Dawn I am praying for you…How terrible to loss your niece that way. I knew you had lost her both had forgotten how. I’m so sorry.
Please pray for me as I have to have an epidural in my spine in about 2 hours (a shot in out patient and can’t drive home) I’m alittle scard but trusting in God, as I can’t walk..I’m bent over with pain all the time and hurt to sit very long too. I pray this helps as I need to help take care of Kendra. Maurice and I have some help come in, but the most is on us. He hurts too..in his hips. I am 61 and Maurice is 64 yrs.old. Just pray this gives me some relief and can feel much better. Will get a shot in my knee next week but that,s not near as bad. Thank you…praying for all of you sweet sister of mine:)
oh sweet Joyce, praying for you right now–and will continue! SO wish I could be there to help, but I will pray–much love to you dear friend~
Praying for your back, Joyce, and that you will have the support you need to care for Kendra. You have had so much put on you recently.
Dear Jesus I lift Joyce to you and ask for calmness during this procedure and that it would bring relief that is needed. Continue to help Kendra heal and touch Maurice too. Send all the help needed for Kendra’s care. Encourage and strengthen this family. Amen.
Joyce I so wish I was well and could bring you some supper. Maybe in a few days. I can’t even offer to help with Kendra because I am terribly allergic to house pets. But, I can pray and will continue to do so. Love and hugs.
Amen Kim!
Praying now Joyce!
Oh Joyce, praying for you and Maurice.
I did not see the post in time to pray while you were having the epidural but will continue to pray for your back and knee to be healed. Hoping Kendra is getting better I’ve been praying will now also pray for your husband.
Joyce, have prayed and will continue to: Lord, how you know the suffering Joyce is going through for you went through it and more on the cross-thank you that because of your sacrifice, you can identify with her, and you gave up your comfort so that Joyce could be comforted by you. Thank you Lord that you are Joyce’s comfort and in the midst of her storm you are saying-don’t be afraid.
Let us know how you are, Joyce.
praying for you! how are you doing!
Sisters, While I am waiting to post the video of the song I sang at church yesterday, I would love to share an older one that might encourage you! http://youtu.be/dKW3R6U255U (This video is the one of us doing a sound check and warm up). I think this one might apply to our study. 🙂
oops–posted my reply way above, but OHHH–LOVE IT!!! love you! 😉
Rebecca, that was beautiful! Thanks 🙂
Beautiful, Rebecca.
Rebecca,
Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this! Beautiful — gave me goose bumps 🙂
Thanks Rebecca for posting this link, very pretty song and what a great voice you have.
Rebecca, your are beautiful and you sang that so beautiful!!!!!!!
It has been a tough day. The school shooting in Chardon is very close by, I do most of my shopping there, we attended church for a while in that same cafeteria some years ago.
This has opened wounds for me. One of the students has died, he was the cousin of one of the girls in Bills youth group. We are going to church tonight for a prayer vigil. I feel sick about it.
Seems somewhat surreal given the topics I was contemplating as the day began.
Praying for you continued healing, Chris, and for strength during the days ahead.
Oh Lord God I pray for Chris and Bill tonight, and these families who have also lost children. Lord, be her refuge and strength, be a very present help to her. Lord, let her feel Your arms around her, stabling her, holding her, I pray she will not fear–though the earth gives way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling…may she hold fast to the faith she professes and find comfort in You Jesus.
Amen to Elizabeth’s prayer. Bless your heart, Chris.
Chris I’m so sorry for all involved. What a nightmare. I know when my oldest son was a sophomore or junior in high school there was a stabbing and the school went in lock down until the officials could work thru everything. I know how those parents felt. I tried getting a hold of my son, but could not. No one knew anything and I could not even get thru to the hospital for a while to see if he was there. What an awful couple of hours it was. Kyle ended up being ok, but his good friend was slashed in the face. The family is a good Christian family and was interviewed a few times, but continued to forgive the boy that did the slashing and his family. What an example to me they were of how they got thru that time of their life.
Oh Chris I am so sorry. I haven’t seen the news today. so much pain in the world. I will be praying for all of them.
Chris, I haven’t had a lot of time to comment on your posts, but I read them. I have seen a huge jump in maturity in you-God is indeed loving you, enlarging your soul and maturing you through this long term trial. Your posts are so rich. I am so glad you came back!
Lord, Thank you for how you are loving Chris through this long term trial and the mystery Lord-oh..we don’t understand the mystery of suffering. Lord thank you that you are grieving too, Oh thank you Lord for being our comfort. Thank you that you can identify with both kinds of suffering. Lord thank you that we don’t need to figure out the why’s of suffering, rather all you ask is we trust you in and through it-help us to remember who you are and that you are trustworthy. Help us to cling to the truth that your justice will reign in the future. Oh Lord, help us to cling to you.
Thank you all for your prayers, Julie I hope for such testimonies to spring from this tragedy. I suppose it is fear that brings out the worst possible reactions from some people in times like this, there were facebook posts praising the shooter for meting out vengeance on bullies, others want the shooter to suffer in horrible ways. Many are demonizing the adults in shooters life for missing warning signs. I hate this, perhaps they saw the signs and did all they knew how to do.
Times like this bring out the best and the worst in human behavior. I was encouraged by the prayer vigil at church. Especially by the brave teens who prayed out loud into a microphone front of everyone, I have no doubt that for some of them this emotional time was their first time praying out loud. One girl in the small group we were in praised God that the shooter had not entered hell today, and prayed for his repentance. It was an emotional time. I felt apprehensive about going, but was so glad we did. On the way home bill and I prayed for wisdom concerning Brian.
I keep thinking about one of Kellers Job sermons we listened to about how God only gave Satan enough rope to hang himself, about how Jobs afflictions had the opposite effect Satan had wanted. Satan wanted Job to turn away from God when his blessings were removed, he didn’t, he humbled himself and God was glorified. I think I need to listen to that one again.
My heart is with those parents, the drive to the hospital, the helpless wait, coming home without your child. Ohhhh
I woke this morning hoping that I can treasure my blessings but remember from whence they have come to hold them in open hands
I think we definitely need to pray for the victims and their families and friends, for peace, comfort and strength to get thru these times and what may lie ahead, but like it’s been said we also need to pray for the accused. For once the realization hits, they will be living in a kind of hell the rest of their lives, especially if they repent of what they’ve done. None of the circumstances can be changed, but the outcome for some can. It can bring some closer to God if they already know Him or for others it can begin the relationship with God that they’ve missed out on up until this time of their lives. This world is becoming so hard to live in, not sure how it would be for me if I did not know the Lord.
Exactly Julie, Praying for them too 🙁
Chris. Chris.
Oh.
It does seem the beautiful truths you articulated yesterday morning are all wrapped up in this somehow.
Life is not a walk in the park, it is a sea voyage.
So true. The earlier a believer learns to train their eyes and thoughts on Jesus, and develop an eternal perspective for all of life, the better prepared they are for the rough seas. Being sailors, my husband and I can well identify with the metaphor.
Right now the things of earth are growing strangely dim, which has led me to not spend much time at all on something I, more naturally, like: a particular news station and public policy (politics!). With the Lord’s help, this will be something I put off for Lent. I am spending more time in the Bible (putting on), not just getting through my study lessons, but allowing the Word to wash over me more deeply. This change has been enhanced from, first, losing my mom-in-law in November, but now experiencing my husband’s younger brother in his last hours of life on this earth, due to his Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He has been a surgeon, as was his father, at the hospital he will now die in, and has just today put in the order for a morphine-drip — no more medical intervention. Yesterday, my husband I visited him, and I was able to say I loved him very much — he showed much emotion to me. Then, looking around the room, struggling to breathe, with oxygen mask on, he said and pointed to each one of us, and said “I love (our name)”. I now know that was our good-bye on this earth. This encounter is even more meaningful because he has led a very, very rough life with poor choices that have hurt many acutely. And, truthfully, I never really accepted him. But God gave me a love for him more recently, and what a difference it has made. Shortly after his diagnosis, while he was receiving very intensive chemo, members of Motorcycles for Christ began to visit him. He had been riding with them! Through my husband’s discussions with him during the weeks of chemo, we learned that he had turned to God with a saving faith.
Sorry to post such a long comment. It is where I am right now. I am so encouraged by Dee’s time with those behind bars, and the account of Grove, and the prisoners hungry for God — this is what life on earth is for, serious growth in our relationship with our Living Savior, not those temporal things that would grab at our eyes and ears and minds. But you all know this. Thank you for listening to me. God bless you. I look forward to Tim Keller’s message.
Oh Jean — what a tender time with your husband’s younger brother. Such a parting, to always always be remembered. Thanks for sharing.
This was a beautiful post, Jean, and I am so moved that your husband’s brother has turned to Jesus, that he was able to voice his love to all of you, and God gave you love for him, too.
Jean, I almost missed this beautiful post. Thank you for the sweet testimony. I agree wholeheartedly with your statement on training our eyes and thoughts. I will pray for comfort as you grieve these losses. So sorry.
Jean thank you for sharing. I LOVE and admire the people in motorcycle ministries. Some very dear friends are members of H.I.M (Hogs (Harleys) in Ministry) the work is hard but rewarding.
Welcome Jean
Welcome Jean–oh, thank you-I am blessed by your honesty and depth. So glad you are here
Jean it is so good to have you ride the rough seas with us. Thank you too for sharing. No post is too long, it shows the passion that we have for Christ. Will be praying for you and your family.
Oh Jean, I feel your love for the Lord and your heart breaking so. Please know We will all be praying for you and your family and especially your husbands brother. I’m so sorry.
I appreciate the thoughtful answers to Laura – dancer’s question. Such wisdom in this group. It occurred to me that I wouldn’t be able to serve a God who wasn’t just and accepted only some of those who come to Him.
Rebecca, love your song – one of my favorites. I am coming to KCMO April 13-15 for a fireworks demonstration and Beth Moore just happens to be speaking that weekend. It would be great to see you and Dee and any others who live in the area.
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
It was just evening and dark when a strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
They were terrified. I love how Dee describes it as them coming face to face with His deity – so cool.
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
That Jesus was walking on water and although they were 3-4 miles out they were on land as soon as He came into the boat.
Wow Kim, glad to hear you will be in town. Remind me a couple of weeks earlier and perhaps we can meet for coffee or something? It would be awesome to meet with you! 🙂
Will do. I was thinking all the sisters could fly into Kansas City for the weekend and what a time together we would have!
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as
representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover.
When I come face to face with Christs deity it has a profound affect on me. My sinfulness pains me to the core and I am bowed low but that is only the beginning for as I see myself in light of His deity I see the gospel – His covering of my sins and therefore I am raised to the sky with gratefulness! And, that gratefulness brings desire afresh to tap into His deity, the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome my sin and live to Him.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
Last week, I committed to putting of impatience—and between the stomach bug and this ongoing nerve pain—I’ve been tested! But I have changed my mindset in that for the first time I am choosing to believe my impatience is not just “part of being a mom/wife/human”, it is sin. Patience is a gift of the Spirit, it is love worked out. I am daily trying to remind myself of this truth and claim it.
This week, I want to put off fear. It is another big one for me. Our church sings this beautiful song based on Isaiah 43, my long time favorite passage. God’s Word continually gives me the command to not fear. I don’t need to give details of why this is so hard for me, but fear has been a stronghold in the past. I am still meditating ( I was close to memorized in NIV, but our church just switched to ESV, so I’m starting over!) on Psalm 27—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?…”
Father, I lift up Elizabeth ans ask for Your mercy on her body — and for her to know in her deepest soul that You indeed are her light and her salvation and that she has nothing to fear.
In your name I pray
4. Look carefully at this passage:
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
It was night and the sky was dark, the Matthew and Mk. accounts say the “4th watch”—between 3 and 6am. A strong wind was blowing and the waters were rough. “against them”.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
They were terrified! Matthew’s account says they though He was a ghost. As I watched the video, I thought how gracious of God to give the disciples one another in times like this—this is an experience I would want to have with my loved ones in it with me!
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
I kind of pulled it apart, but I see three:
1. Jesus appeared to them—the boat had left land long before.
2. He walked on water to the boat.
3. Immediately upon Jesus entering the boat, they were taken from the story seas to the land
Thank you so much for your prayers. I was thinking of scriptures and of my Lord and of all of you. I did feel a peace over me. They gave me two shoots, then I got to rest for a hour and was reading my favorite daily devotion book (“Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young),pg 42, and love this one…”Seek my Face more and more. You are really just beginning your journey of itimacy with me. It is not an easy road, but it is a delightful and privileged way: A treasure hunt. I am the Treasure, and the Glory of My Presence glistens and shimmers along the way. Hardships are part of the journey too. I mete (measure) them out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage, with a tenderness you can hardly imagine. Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among My most favored gifts. TRUST ME AND DON’T BE AFRAID, FOR I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND SONG.
Psalm 27:8 2 Corinthians 4:7 Isaiah 12:2
Sorry I wasn’t quicker getting back to you but had company come.
I don’t feel any relief yet, but they said it could take up to three days maybe. Kendra has a very bad cold now. She was sick to the stomach the other day. I feel her pain so bad. Please don’t come over Kim, untill you are better and Kendra is better. Don’t need to bring anything to eat, as my husband is a fantastic cook. I bake on a stool that rolls in the kitchen, but he is the meal guy! Beside’s we have a small dog and a cat that comes in and out. UGH for you! We will have to get together soon. I go to the thursday study (Dee started) and you tuesdays to help with the kiddos. We will make a lunch date tho. I am so blessed to have Kim here in my hometown!!! She is such a joy! Wish we would hear from Tracy again that lives here too…she use to be on Dee’s blog study. Don’t know her number. I am so very blessed to have my family and friends and all of you here. I’m addicted to you. Love you comments and I learn so much from all of you, even tho I don’t get to comment back very much I pray for all of you everyday. Thanks so much.
I love that devotional Joyce! Praying for you still. Wish I was in your hometown.
I love the devotion too Joyce, it spoke to me. I am glad to know you are blessed with a husband who cooks! Praying still that you shots bring relief.
Sweet Joyce. We’re glad you are addicted to us.
Praying for you. Thankful for Maury.
Joyce,
Praying for you, for relief from your back pain, and the physical and emotional strength you need to care for Kendra, and for Kendra, for healing. Bless you, Joyce; you endure trials with such grace; I’ve never “heard” you complain – ever.
Thanks for the devotional thought, Joyce. Can I use it for a little talk I have to give at a women’s tea party at church in a few weeks?
Sorry you are still in pain, but even in pain you are such an encouragement to us.
Sure! Love for you to use it! It’s not mine…it’s Sarah Young’s anyway and she published the book, so it’s for anyone to read and use!
I feel like my pain is a sacrifice for the Lord to use me somehow. He chose me to be Kendra’s mommy so I feel privileged that he would use me in that way. He said hardships are a part of the treasure and he measures them every so carefully. I am so blessed he would use me in a hardships, that means he is carving and sculpturing me to be like Jesus.
Thanks, Joyce. And your thoughts really encourage and challenge me, “my pain is a sacrifice for the Lord to use me somehow. He chose me to be Kendra’s mommy so I feel privileged that he would use me in that way. He said hardships are a part of the treasure and he measures them every so carefully. I am so blessed he would use me in a hardships, that means he is carving and sculpturing me to be like Jesus.”
Praying for you dear friend, so sorry for all you have on your plate right now–but thankful you can still be “here” with us
Ok I’m having trouble posting my answers to question 4. When I try to post after many tries it is telling me I’ve already said that and it’s a duplicate post, but I’m not seeing where I posted it. Anyone else having problems. I feel the enemy is working hard on me not getting thru this Lenten series.
That happen to me one time, when I clicked too many times on SUBMIT COMMENT. Wait and try again…don’t give up!
Thanks Joyce. I will try again.
I’m hoping this posts, not sure why I can’t get this tostsy, I will keep trying.
4. Read the passage John 6:16-21 and watch this reenactment
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18) – It was early evening and already dark, the wind was strong and the sea was rough.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus? – they were afraid, I’m thinking with the storm raging and it being dark they didn’t know who or what was coming toward them until Jesus got close to the boat.
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both. – One was Jesus walking on water and the second was that once Jesus got in the boat they were instantly at land. And for me the third would be that the boat did not tip over with all those people in it with the sea so rough.
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover. – the sin of not trusting Jesus that He will be there for me and take care of me and fear of the boat tipping over. I’m not much of a water person, so anything like that scene in the boat would have scared me some I think. So I believe this is teaching us about our idols of trust and fear. Which can come so easily and without warning, just like the storm came and just like Jesus appearing to them on the raging sea.
Thanks Susan and Kim, I will keep fighting the enemy on this. There must be something really good that I’m meant to learn and Satan doesn’t want me to, but he will lose in the end.
That was worth waiting for, Julie!
Julie – well we will just pray for the enemy to be foiled in his plans to keep you from this Lenten study! Praying for you now!
Praying His power will sustain you through Lent. He must be up to something big for you to struggle so. Hugs.
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
It was in the evening when the Disciples went down to the sea and it was calm. They went out a few miles in calm water as it grew darker out-from what I recall it was 3:00 a.m. or close to that time when all of a sudden out of nowhere a storm hit-the winds grew and the seas started raging.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
They were frightened when they saw him walking on water. Probably more frightened of Him than the roaring sea!
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
1. Jesus walking on the water
2. As soon as Jesus was welcomed in the boat it immediately reached shore, or ‘home’ to the disciples..Ooooh I am seeing something here-maybe..(i’m seeing the Gospel but perhaps it starts earlier when they were eating with him..oh my, they wanted to make him King yet he retreated-then he walks on water-water symbol again-they invite him in and immediately are home-perhaps the future, or present intimacy with Christ we can have here on Earth-oh! Not sure-haven’t put it together yet. Never saw this!)
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
It was near dark and the sea was wild due to a strong wind.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
When they saw Him they were afraid.
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
Well, one might be that He walked on water. The other is how when He entered the boat they immediately were on the shore where they were going (I think).
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as
representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover.
Oooh, O.K. here we go! Dee is so good at challenging us. 😉
What does this mean?
I will harken back to the moments before I invited Him into my boat. My world was shaken-I made a mess out of my life. I knew in my state of sin I couldn’t stand before Him-I felt dirty measured up to Him. I knew He was Holy-yet I knew I needed Him at the same time, but I knew I couldn’t make myself Holy and that is why God sent Jesus to die on the Cross-to pay for and cover that sin so I could be in the presence of God-to have a walking, talking relationship with Him-I needed and so wanted Him to take control of my life and wanted a relationship with Him. You know, no one told me he was Holy. I had a reverence of Him and the acknowledgment of how short I fell compared to Him was strong in me at the point of salvation. I think when I was younger and wanted to know Him, I wasn’t aware of His Holiness or my sin yet. It wasn’t until later. You know, I think that knowledge came from the Holy Spirit!! Wow!! Part of God drawing me to Him..The perfect timing of “I Am Who I Am”! I am going to cry..sorry…oh yeah, you can’t see me. 🙂 It’s just that His love overwhelms me-I didn’t deserve to be saved-to be brought home-yet He did.
As His beloved, now I can look back to see how He rescued me from the penalty of sin and apply that same Gospel power to the storms in my life knowing they are tools God uses to rescue me from the power of sin in my life-to take me higher up and further in to Him.
I totally went off the trail I had in my mind in putting this together-I think Dee’s question above in regard to looking at this as being saved from the penalty of sin-hit me. I know there is more there we can draw from-tons of more layers of Truth.
this is beautiful Rebecca–I always feel like your here in real life–your love for Him pours out of you, off the screen!
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18) It became dark. Windy
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus? Terrified
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both. Jesus walking on water, arriving instantly to their destination.
D.What does this mean? I guess literally as soon as Jesus was welcomed in He made the boat miraculously arrive. It is interesting to me because I wonder if them leaving before He came was sin by getting ahead of God. If they waited for Him the big winds may not have been there…Either way God works it all out for our good because they got to see two miracles. Yet sometimes we jump ahead of God when we should just be waiting on Him. Then again He uses every bit of it for His glory. Amazing.
really good application Angela “sometimes we jump ahead of God when we should just be waiting on Him”
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. It was dark, the sea was likely calm at first, but a strong wind came up and the sea became rough.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus? They were frightened, the Message says they were ‘scared senseless’.
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both. Jesus walking on the water and the boat being at once at their destination.
D. What does this mean?
Perhaps that the thought that we are face to face with God rightly strikes terror into our hearts, The disciples must have wished that Jesus were with them but seeing Him very near the boat approaching them was petrifying, I wonder if they tried to row away from Him, but as they/we accept Him, allow Him to calm our fears, drawing near to Him inspite of our sin, He instantly, graciously takes us just where we need to be?
The shame of my sin being visible, being terror of being found out, the liberation as I see He’s not there to consume, but to save me, that he loves me. Oh it is hard to take it in.
Chris, this was soooooo good: “The shame of my sin being visible, being terror of being found out, the liberation as I see He’s not there to consume, but to save me, that he loves me. Oh it is hard to take it in.”
This reminds me of the garden of Eden and how Adam and Eve felt ashamed and hid. How they were suddenly ashamed at being naked, being known completely with nowhere to hide their sin. Bare before Him. It also makes me glad He didn’t destroy them but had a plan B.
+ Thank you Rebecca, I should re-read before posting! being IN terrror
Such rich sharing again.
Discussions amazing — on forgiveness.
I won’t show that water video again (I’ll try to remember) since it is making you seasick!
On Grove’s story, if you buy the video, you’ll understand more. And the proceeds go to the ministry. Truly, it was all a horrible accident. The little girl was pleading to go to the bathroom immediately, then she and her brother were fighting about a toy, and when the mom pulled off, before she knew, Joy had bounded out of the car…
It could happen to any of us. We are all in desperate need of grace. .
As far as forgiving terrible crimes, I know it is hard. I do not mean to diminish the pain many of you have felt by being so wronged.
Yet I wish I could take each of you with me into the prisons. There are those who are truly truly repentant. I wish each of you could meet them.
And Christ forgave us when we were still sinners. He forgave those who nailed him to the cross, saying, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.”
Amazing love.
The Gospel.
Hard to believe.
Hard for many to accept.
We are so steeped in works righteousness.
May the Lord help us all understand what the gospel means.
This discussion we’ve had on forgiveness is so relevant; a second student has now died in the Chardon High School shooting. Chris said above that many comment on the news articles online; some actually justifying the shooter for giving bullies what they deserve; others wanting terrible things done to the shooter. I try to put myself in the place of these parents; what if it were my son whose life had been stolen from him? Yet, those who speak out in their opinions forget – those who say the bullies got what they deserved are not thinking; have they ever hurt or offended someone? What do they “deserve” as punishment? What, in fact, do we all deserve in regards to punishment from God? We all deserve His wrath, but each person is given the opportunity to receive His mercy instead. The shooter was “playing god”, those who agree with him are playing god, those who would take vengeance on the shooter are playing god.
These senseless tragedies that leave people broken and shattered are happening more and more in our nation, where people have lost their fear of the true living God.
I don’t know how the parents of the victims would feel in having a face & a name, an actual person to blame. We didn’t have that. A target for the blame. I thought by now we would know. Then I wonder if God has been merciful to us that we don’t. I don’t know.
Chris, do you think he spared you for that, maybe? It would be so much harder I would think, if you had someone to blame and then to forgive them.
Susan, I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for that. Praying for all of the ones involved in this horrible tragedy.
Amen to that! I think I am just beginning to understand what grace is. It’s easy in our world to live under the law. It’s harder for me to receive His love, than to give it. But I’m getting better at it.
Last evening I was prompted to watch the movie, “Forevermore – the Karla Faye Tucker story” free on Netflix. I was amazed that she felt nothing, absolutely no remorse, regret, only superiority until God came to her lovingly revealing her horrible crimes and washed her with His blood. He allowed her to feel and see what satan had kept her blinded from seeing – the horrific crimes. It is a must see for those who say pot is not a gateway drug. She clearly testifies that it is how it all began for her. I’ve heard christian kids say pot is not addictive and won’t lead to harder drugs and it is a lie of the enemy!
So true, Kim. My nephew began with marijuana, then about every drug out there from ecstasy to crack and finally to heroin. When my niece was about 16, we got in a discussion and she was defending smoking pot b/c lots of her friend’s PARENTS smoked it to “relax”, and, according to her, they were “good people who have jobs and aren’t divorced…” It is a deception, for sure. What’s really killing people now are the deaths from prescription drugs.
So true, Susan
2. Report on how you are doing so far.
I’m continuing to read Nouwen’s book on the Return of the Prodigal, taking my time, re-reading. I’m still on the part about the younger son. So much of what he writes, tho’ he doesn’t use the word “idolatry” – you could insert it. He writes of “leaving home for a far country”, to seek after what the world says we must be or have or do to be worthwhile.
But, I like how Anne said it above, “But I don’t think that is what this question is about. Is the Lord showing up in my life? That is the question.”
The past couple of days, I felt God impressing this thought on me: Life is not a game.
Most of you know, as I’ve shared, that I have a difficult marriage. My husband is not a believer. He works long hours, often on weekends, and frankly, has not much left for me or the kids when he gets home from work. The stress from his job makes him very impatient, angry, and easily irritated. For my part, being “in-love” with him died a long time ago. We’ll have a day when we really get along, then it goes right back to the way it was, and I am let-down again. I haven’t reacted, either, as a godly wife should. I have withdrawn, been full of resentment, and have often returned insult for insult. We live more like two roommates sharing a house than husband and wife.
Last week, I sent him to the doctor b/c his hair is really thinning and he has a bald spot on the back of his head. He was told he has alopecia aretis, and probably caused by stress. It’s an autoimmune disorder where your body attacks the hair follicles. We were watching TV one night, and he started saying that he is going to get more life insurance b/c he doesn’t think he’s going to live very long. That rather shocked me. He didn’t want to talk about it any further. Even a deeper type of conversation seems to stress him out, so we have a very hard time communicating.
Going into #3. What will you put off and put on this week? It’s not simple for me. I could say I need to put off my impatient reaction to him and put on patience and understanding. But God is telling me to “get in the game”. Moses had been in the desert a really long time; hardly the place for a man with his upbringing. When God appeared to him in the burning bush, He told Moses it was time to get in the game. He was being sent to Egypt. Moses didn’t have a plan. God gave him the plan. I am asking God to give me a plan because I don’t know how to solve this on my own. Oh, I started thinking, at first – maybe he needs more sex, vitamins, exercise, a healthier diet….. Those are bandaids. I need God to give me a game plan. I’m asking Him to show me just day by day.
Moses was given a plan, he obeyed God, yet it all didn’t work out perfectly for him. Many people turned against Moses, even wanting to stone him. Moses was changed, but it didn’t guarantee everyone around him would change for the better. Moses never got to enter the promised land, the same punishment of wandering in the desert fell upon him, too. I am praying for God to change me, but I know it doesn’t guarantee my husband will change. But Moses received the privilege of knowing God face-to-face, knowing Him in a way no one else around him did. He didn’t get the “stuff”, but he got God.
I always thought of the furnace of trials as being like I am in the furnace, and God is on the outside adjusting the thermostat. Now I see it more like the passage in Daniel that Dee referenced last week – One like the Son of God walking around in the furnace with them. God isn’t on the outside, He is right in the furnace with me. Not only that, He is the fire that needs no fuel – He is the source of the heat, the refining fire, but at the same time, He is my heatshield. He produces the heat yet protects me from being consumed by it. One thing especially I am putting on, is to pray daily for my husband.
Certainly is a huge switch Susan from God turning up the thermostat to being in there with you.
Good post.
Susan, I love the evidence of trust and deep faith in you–“I am praying for God to change me, but I know it doesn’t guarantee my husband will change”, and yet you are committing to pray daily for your him–there is a beautiful, humble obedience in you that inspires me.
Susan, your hardship is your marriage…it’s your sacrific for the Lord and he will use you in a mighty way, sculturing you perfectly. There is nothing God can’t do. I pray for God to change me, even if I feel I was right when we argue and I feel that’s what your doing. You are precious and God will use both of you somehow, someway, only he knows what is best. Praying for you and your husband.
Joyce,
I also read what you posted above about how God chose you to be Kendra’s mommy, and you consider it a privilege. That He is sculpting you to be more like Jesus. That encouraged me because I would often lament “why did I marry this man?!” but it has helped me see that perhaps God hand-picked me for my husband and hardships are part of the treasure, and He measures them out.
Exactly!!
Wow Susan, your post resonates with me. You basically explained my life with my husband exactly. Two points differ: my husband is a believer, he just doesn’t practice that often. He goes to church, helps with cooking on family nights, etc. When it comes to actually putting all his religion to work, he forgets. It’s like he compartmentalizes each part of his life. I too, lost my love for him a long time ago. He equates love with sex and I equate love with actions or kindness. I don’t know how to change our situation; I have tried not arguing, being kind, etc. All the things God would want me to be. It never seems to work. I am committed for life though, and I hope things will change with time. It doesn’t help with my children who always seem to have issues. Money isn’t our argument, it is the kids.
A question for all: is this a time in my and susan’s lives? Do others/ have others had this same struggle with their husbands?
Yes, I do. Maurice (pronounced Morris) is a believer but isn’t a spiritual leader in our home. He doesn’t want to go to church. But he is such a wonderful Daddy to Kendra and treats “his girls” very well and has never been mean, but does have a controll issue and gets upset easily and argues with me. He never wants to talk when we have a problem with our marriage. So I have learnt NOT to EVER pray God would change HIM. I pray God would change ME to be the wife he needs. I have many faults and need help, as I tend to put Kendra before him…I know that is wrong, but she is so needy, and is very hard not to. We sleep in separate rooms, because I need to be with Kendra as she siezures, but the Love part fell along side the wayside somewhere over the last 22 yrs! But I admire him and respect him very much for the good man he is and I am committed for life. It’s just that we don’t communicate and take time for each other…it’s all about Kendra, I’m ashamed to say. I’m afraid if it was just the two of us, we would have nothing there. There has never been any adultry or anything like that. But he is like Proverbs 26:21 “so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” I pray for him because he is not growing in the word at all and I’m scard for him to have a terrible tragedy and suffering hardships in order for the Lord to get his attention. My brother had to go through that, loosing his wife through that horrible desease, suffering so, but brought him to be a God fearing man. Maurice doesn’t tithe anywhere, but I do from my disablity I get and don’t know if I should without him or not. So that is the honest truth about us…we have our problems like everyone else does. I am on my own here, serving the Lord and trusting him and focusing on him minute by minute. That is why I need you all so much..to help me grow and learn and keep focused on God.
Joyce, thanks so much for your honest sharing. As I pray for you, I will pray about Maurice too.
Joyce, I will be praying for you all. It’s so hard to see the good in people when issues are abundant, but you truly do find the good in people and situations. it would be so great to have our own bible conference with the ladies from the blog. I would love to get to meet you all. You all have brought so much to this blog, have helped me see things in new ways and are helping me grow in my walk. I will be praying for all of you and your families.
Wow…I totally get the part about Kendra before maurice. That is how it is with my kids too. I know it
wasn’t supposed to be that way but there are 4 of the and only 1 of me! I didn’t know how to put him before 4 kids when they were little and I’m sure that’s why I struggle with them now. I thought I was raising them the right way; being available all the time when they need me. One day I will write a book about all the strange things that have gone on in my raising my kids!” I am a testimony to staying in the game! sarah is kind of like your Kendra, always needing something and not too intelligent. Everything was hard about raising her.
Have you been married 22 yrs? We have too! That’s why I wonder if it is season and we should all be patient. Susan, how long have you been married?
Please forgive on the comparison between Sarah and Kendra. I was only referring to Sarah, not Kendra. I tried to go back to edit and couldn’t. Pardon me please – sometimes I have foot in mouth disease 🙁
Sometimes i ask God to “hit me over the head with his suggestions to help my life because I’m not really that smart and can’t read His thoughts!”
This year we will be married 23 years.
Joyce, this is a wonderfully honest and helpful testimony. What you said about not ever praying that God would change him but that He would change you really caught my attention. How merciful that is. When you said that the love part fell away I thought that you must mean the romance. I see love for Maurice in the things you share with us.
I have shared before that I was separated from my husband for a time. In the counseling I went through at the time I learned that most men have no idea that their wives are unhappy or needing anything from them. I think it is some combination of not knowing and not knowing what to do about it. It may have a great deal to do with boundaries. It is possible to learn how to show them how to love us. When the walls go away and we begin to communicate. It may not always be sweet when we have to stand our ground but if we can do it in love, the result can be intimacy.
It is hard when they are nominal in their faith and really hard when they are unbelievers. I do believe that we sanctify our homes and families. God is at work in us and in them.
Laura-dancer, my answer to your question:”A question for all: is this a time in my and susan’s lives? Do others/ have others had this same struggle with their husbands?”.
We’ve been married almost 20 years, and we both came with a ton of “baggage”. We spent years in counseling, but I wouldn’t say that was the “fix”. In a nutshell (!), “on paper”, it was very, very easy for all our problems to point at my husband. I don’t mean that to sound awful–but just “on paper”, it was easy for me to list all the things he was doing, compared to all my good works of trying so hard to be prov 31 wife…but all of that only fed our fires, he resented me for it…anyway, my point is just to piggy-back on what Joyce said, the breakthrough began for me when I stopped waiting for him to change, and I opened my eyes to see my own sin. One excellent counselor we had talked to us about being the first one to “go down into the pit”–what he meant was, being the first to be humble before the other. OH how hard that was at first. But as I tried it, the iciness between us began to melt. It’s been a long process. But I can honestly say, I never knew marriage could be what I have today. I truly love my husband more than I ever have, ever imagined, and it just grows–I could go on, but that’s probably not helpful. I pray maybe something above will give hope. Praying for you all~
Susan, when you said, “get in the game” it reminds me of what Chris said earlier in the week that she needs to stop wishing she would die and start moving again. God is on the move among us!
I am moved by your post and wisdom. I commit to pray hard for you and your husband that God gives you a plan and that you will obey and see great fruit from it.
Your last paragraph is wonderful.
Thank you for praying, Kim. I have so struggled in consistency in prayer, for so long. I can be so undisciplined. I want to be held accountable to am I praying daily for him.
Wonderful Susan, I will pray for you & your husband and your marriage too.
Our marriage was very troubled in the past. There was a marriage prayer I had a photo copy of in my bible that I prayed daily for a long time, my heart really softened over time, I couldn’t find the very same prayer, but I found this one and thought perhaps you might find it helpful;
Lord, nothing in me wants to pray for this man. I confess my anger, hurt, unforgiveness, disappointment, resentment, and hardness of heart toward him. Forgive me and create in me a clean heart and right spirit before You. Give me a new, positive, joyful, loving, forgiving attitude toward him. Where he has erred, reveal it to him and convict his heart about it. Lead him through the paths of repentance and deliverance. Help me not to hold myself apart from him emotionally, mentally, or physically because of unforgiveness. Where either of us needs to ask forgiveness of the other, help us to do so.
If there is something I’m not seeing that’s adding to this problem, reveal it to me and help me to understand it. Remove any wedge of confusion that has created misunderstanding or miscommunication. Where there is behavior that needs to change in either of us, I pray You would enable that change to happen. As much as I want to hang on to my anger toward him because I feel it’s justified, I want to do what You want. I release all those feelings to You. Give me a renewed sense of love for him and words to heal this situation.”
This is from Power of a Praying Wife.
So glad you mentioned that book, Chris–it was a tremendous help to me also when we were in the worst years of trials–I highly recommend it also.
I love that book!
Three recommendations from women I respect! Do you like her other books too?
I like the power of a praying parent.
I have the power of a praying parent as a flip calendar I keep in my bathroom. I like her combination of the Word with spiritual warfare.
Chris, That is great…I copied it to read it everyday..thank you, I needed it so bad!!
Thanks chris!
Yes, I need to pray daily for my husband too. I get so busy praying for other’s I forget him! Isn’t that awful! Thank you, Susan and Kim for reminding me!
Hello ladies, so much of your discussion is thought provoking and meaningful to me. I am new to Dee’s study on line, but have done many of the books, Friendship of women and a Women of Moderation, even before they were on Midday connection. I found them both so valuable in my life. Dee, 3 years ago my best friend’s husband died from cancer and in many respects very similar to your husband Steve’s death. We walked through the valley of the shadow of death together and I was saddened but looking forward to what God would do in her life post his death. Your book just came out. I gave it to her, as we had done your studies together. I should have known something was up because she said it was not helpful to her,she did nor grieve that way. Unfortunately, 6 months later she told me she was in love with another man, who at the time was married, albeit the marriage was struggling. He happened to be her husbands cousin. So much trauma…church discipline, loss of a lifelong friendship. It is still very hard for me, especially in relationships with women. I have had to start over again. We changed churches but it is hard to develop those intimate friendships. Thank your for you thought provoking studies and books.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
As so many before have shared their losses, this story of Grove and Ulice rings dear to my heart. Except the situation is reversed, in many many ways. My son Kyle is a music teacher in an inner city school. He frequently told us of tragic broken family situations, leaving his students very little chance of success in life, many with parents in prison, being raised by other family members. He went above and beyond and treated many of his students like they were his children. He fed them after school, took them to concerts. He even took one on a college visit. His band program went from 11 kids to now over 100. A year ago this Friday my son was involved in a very tragic car accident. He was hit broadside by a semi trailer, and one of his students, died, another injured and my son was injured as well. A large chunk of glass lodged in his eye. Recovery of site,if ever will take years. It was determined to be his fault. He was 3rd in line in a left turn lane, the 2 cars ahead went and as accidents so many times happen, he just followed the car ahead of him. So so painful, for all involved. Pastor Keller is so right, God comes near in suffering.
Thankfully, above all odds he kept his job, his wife Katie was absolutely an amazing example of grace to her husband. His school family and principal went to bat for him. Kyle was asked not to be at the funeral. The mother of the student who died has connected with Kyle and has forgiven him.Others, have not.This past month he was delivered 2 very large lawsuits. We have to rely on the sovereignty of God, because otherwise this makes no sense. As Pastor Tim said, in suffering we have to rely on God…we are helpless. Storms have a way of doing that. Since my son was served these 2 lawsuits, one right after the other, there is some hardening of his heart with respect to his students. Forgiveness is very messy here…extending across racial lines, but reverse from Ulice and Grove. Please pray for continuing mercy and forgiveness, taking each new trial as it comes, and for worry not to consume my son, or me over the lawsuits.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
This past year has been a struggle. So, this study is good for me. Fear and worry have been my companions this year. Pastor Tim is right, in anger and pride, we are forgetting who God is! I think self pity is a trap, to get our eyes off Jesus and on to ourself. This week I have been concentrating on fixing my eyes, being on guard against anger and self pity, and focusing on my Savior.
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
Well, I too have put on 15 pounds this year, affecting my blood pressure and health in general. I am a pharmacist working sometimes long hours and its easy to grab the wrong stuff. I am trying to put off unhealthy eating, and drinking pop. Also no eating after dinner. I am trying to be mentally, spiritually and emotionally on guard! Fixing my eyes on Jesus. This week was a positive step in the right direction.
Welcome, Carol B. Thanks for your thoughtful and honest answers. Wow, your family is going through quite a struggle too. So sad that your nephew was doing the right thing with these kids and that things seems to have gone so terribly. It must be hard to see God’s purpose in this. This reminds me of a song, by Steve Green I think, a portion of which says,
Only You can break the chains that have held me for so long
You’re my hope, my only hope, teach me to love.
Carol B.
So very glad to have you here. It does seem that He takes His beloved through the fire, as He has you.
As mothers we feel our children’s pain as much as they do. Kyle sounds like a wonderful young man who wisely chose a good wife, though I do know a good wife is from the Lord.
Welcome welcome. You will find love and wisdom here.
welcome Carol B., thank you for sharing your story with us–and so thankful you are here
Hello Carol, there are wonderful women here to build friendships with, welcome!
Welcome Carol B. Thank you for sharing, it helps to know what is needed by you and your family when I pray. Stay strong and keep the faith.
thank you women of faith, what a blessing.
Dear Carol,
Welcome, I am glad you are here! My heart just sank as I read about your son and his heart for his students, and then the tragedy that befell him. Will be praying for you.
Welcome, Carol B. Praying for your son and family during this storm. Praying for His peace for you.
Dear Carol, I’m so thankful you joined us here and shared your heart. Your son, Kyle has been given a mountain, like the song. I’m so very sorry, for how your friend turned out and the pain your going through with Kyle. We have two Kyle’s now to pray for! And you can be assured I will be praying for you and Kyle and his wife, and your whole family.
Carol, I am so sorry. Dee taught us that sometimes we need to just sit “shiva”‘ with each other because there is nothing we can say or do. I am a public school teacher and I know how your son feels about his students, although i am not in his situation. As I type, I am crying for him and you. I am so sorry. What a good person he is, the kids are lucky to have him. Unfortunately, these days are not the say as they were in teaching years ago. We have no real authority as teachers any more; it is more like the inmates running the asylum.’you want to be kind but are forced to watch your back first. My favorite (sarcastic) phrase is “no good deed goes unpunished.” I will pray for you and your son.
Carol B. Please, please, please tell your son that a lot of this lawsuit mess is out of the hands of the beneficiaries. I can tell you first hand that in order to collect more than a mere pittance for my niece’s death, my sister’s lawyer has to bring everyone into the lawsuit including the family of the poor girl that hit her. There was absolutely nothing that she could have done differently however, if that isn’t proven in court and on the record it stops the whole case. My sister asked me if I thought that she should call the girl’s mom and explain it and I told her that I was pretty sure that everyone knows this is how the system works. Perhaps I was wrong and I will need to tell her differently. Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of my niece’s death.
Dawn–will keep you especially in my prayers tomorrow on the anniversary–so sorry,
Dee–not sure if I am answering this as you meant, but here’s what came to me–
D. What does this mean?
The disciples were caught in the storm. But what terrified them more than the waves, was seeing Jesus, walk on water—wondering if it was a ghost, their imaginations creating a fear greater than the circumstances—something I can relate to! Jesus in His Power, able to overcome the laws of nature, walks on the water. And while they were terrified, He calms them with the Truth of Who He is.
Relief came to them only AFTER they trusted in Him, IN the midst, despite of, their fear. He asks us to trust Him IN IT—while it is still going on, while we are still struggling with our attachment to our idol—He says, “It is I”, trust Me. When they, when I, receive Him, in faith, in the midst of my pain, my fear, my grasping of approval or comfort…when I let it go, let it fall into the waves, and instead reach to Him, and let Him into the boat—I am safe. I am FREE.
I have more to say, I may come back—but off to get little one!
Wonderful, Elizabeth!
I know there are other parallels, but this is a wonderful one.
Elizabeth, this was really good-especially the point you made about how He is with them while they are in the process of letting go of fear and trusting Him. It is easy to think that He will leave us alone in our fear-so good!
This is so good, “creating a fear greater than the circumstances”
I do this ALL the time! I have learned to NOT do this and life has been so much better 🙂 I am trying to teach my 21 year old son this too. He is definitely in a “pickle” right now and I am trying to remain calm and hope that he is telling the truth to the authorities, and it will all turn out alright. He is in involved in an incident at our bank; someone left a deposit in the ATM when he got there and he says he took it, drove off to see if he could catch them and couldn’t, so he kept the money with full intuition of taking it back to the bank in the morning. It happened at 9 at night. For what ever reason, he didn’t do it (he said he had to work and had school and forgot about it). Now they are after him saying he stole the money, and that it is a much larger sum than he actually took. He says they are trying to get money out of him and he will only give the cash to the police. He is stubborn and won’t listen to me and my husband. Hopefully this situation will work itself out. I told him he really needs to just tell the truth. He says he is and they are trying to scam him. People are like that these days. Please pray for him. He has a good heart and I can see him doing something kind like that, but he hasn’t been the most trustworthy kid for the past 5 years and it is hard. I have seen him change this year though and want him to turn himself around and this will just set him back again if it doesn’t go well. Thanks for prayers.
Praying Laura…so sorry
Oh wow, that is terrible. I will be praying. I know for my oldest son, I tried steering him in the right direction, but he just veered off. I gave him and his life to the Lord to take care him because there was no more I could do. It somewhat worked. It’s made him a stronger person, but still has his ways about him.
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
As far as my putting off correcting others or pointing out their flaws, this has been an interesting week. There have been times when I have been quiet, but then I seem to stew and get grumpy. It is amazing how I think I know best, even better than God when it comes to fixing others’ flaws. What pride. I’m wondering if I have a very deep root of “control” here.
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
I will continue to work at biting my tongue this week and also at confessing and asking God to root out my pride and control idol.
Diane, can I bit my tongue with you?! I’m trying so hard to be humble!
Count me in on the tongue biting!
4. Look carefully at this passage:
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
It was dark — strong wind, rough waters.
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
They were terrified. I would have been, too. They would have been exhausted from all that rowing, possibly nervous about the storm and wondering what happened to Jesus. It’s not surprising they were terrified when they saw Him walking on water In addition, they may have come face to face with His holiness, especially when he said “It is I.” So in addition to their fear related to their situation, they may have been in shock because of their own sinfulness.
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
-Jesus walking on water
-“immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading”
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as
representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover.
Jesus walking on water — He can get to us even when it might seem as if we are beyond His reach.
Deliverance from the penalty of sin is immediate (unlike delivery from temptation and consequences of sin!)
Also, He is stable in the midst of/despite the storm. With the Holy Spirit living within us, inner stability, confidence in Him, is available to us.
Oops. Just tried to edit, but waited too long. I wanted to add re: what we can learn. When we see Jesus “walking on water” and acknowledge who He is, we may be terrified before we are calmed –by seeing our sin and His holiness.
Renee, that was so good! I am learning from all of you.
Loved all your parallels.Renee
4C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
The first miracle was Jesus walking to the water to them. The second miracle was that as soon as Jesus got into the boat they reached shore.
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover.
Jesus seeks us. He is the hound of heaven. We are helpless in our storms. We are not in control and cannot fix things. Yet, allowing Jesus to come on board our boat means admitting our lack of control and surrendering to him. That is very hard for us to do. It means letting go. Fortunately the disciples did that. We need to do that too. And when we do, Jesus will take charge. Everything is under his control.
The disciples were terrified by His declaration of Deity and the proof of it. Yet they needed Him, so they took in to the boat — and immediately the boat was on the shore.
What does this mean?
Jesus is our solid ground. Even if the storms continue to swirl around me, he is my Rock. I really liked the way Jesus was portrayed in the video. He was hardly wet while the disciples were drenched from the waves. Jesus was calm while the disciples were rowing hard and probably panicking.
Wish I could be like that..calm and trusting all the time !