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DEAR GOD: I Have Complete Faith In You & Your Presence~

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God's Presence - Free Personal Growth Resources

Faith Amidst the Storm

 The verse from Matthew 8:26, “And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm,” captures a profound moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples. This passage not only illustrates Jesus’ divine authority over nature but also serves as a powerful lesson on faith and trust in God.

Story: The Storm on the Sea of Galilee

Imagine being one of the disciples on that boat. The Sea of Galilee, known for its sudden and violent storms, was raging. The winds howled, and the waves crashed against the boat, threatening to capsize it. Fear gripped the hearts of the disciples as they struggled to keep the boat afloat. In their panic, they turned to Jesus, who was asleep, and cried out, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matthew 8:25).

Jesus awoke and, with a calm demeanor, questioned their fear and lack of faith. Then, with a simple command, He rebuked the winds and the sea, and immediately, there was a great calm. The disciples were left in awe, marveling at the authority of Jesus, who even the winds and the sea obeyed.

Supporting Scriptures

  • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
  • Mark 4:39-40: “And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’”
  • Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Moral Thoughts

This passage teaches us that faith is not just about believing in God’s power but also trusting in His presence and timing. The disciples’ fear stemmed from their focus on the storm rather than on Jesus, who was with them. In our lives, we often face storms—trials, uncertainties, and fears. This story reminds us to shift our focus from the storm to the One who can calm it.

Reflective Questions

  1. What storms are you currently facing in your life?
  2. How do you typically respond to fear and uncertainty?
  3. In what ways can you strengthen your faith and trust in God during difficult times?
  4. How can you remind yourself of God’s presence and power in your daily life?

Heartfelt Comments about Christianity Today

In today’s world, Christians are often confronted with challenges that test their faith. From personal struggles to global crises, the storms we face can be overwhelming. However, the message of Jesus calming the storm is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. It calls us to a deeper faith, one that trusts in God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos. Christianity today needs this reminder—to hold fast to faith, to seek God’s presence, and to trust in His power to bring calm to our lives.

 Unified Prayer

“Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and trust. We thank You for Your unwavering presence in our lives, especially during the storms we face. Lord, we ask for Your peace that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts and minds. Strengthen our faith, O God, and help us to trust in Your power and timing. Calm the storms in our lives and lead us to a place of great calm. May we always remember that with You, we are never alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Takeaway Thoughts to Consider

  • Faith is not the absence of fear but the presence of trust in God.
  • In every storm, Jesus is with us, ready to bring peace and calm.
  • Strengthening our faith involves shifting our focus from our problems to God’s promises.
  • Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness can help us trust Him with our present and future challenges.

May this reflection inspire you to deepen your faith and trust in God’s unwavering Presence and power.

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DEAR GOD: You Are My Rock & All Else~

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My Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer - Psalm 18:2 - A Clay Jar

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
–Psalm 18:1-2

This verse from book of Psalms is powerfully moving. If you take the time to reflect and ponder on the Word, it will change your life considerably for the better. When we see what this means it should immediately bring an enormous comfort to your soul.

The LORD is my Rock! – Yes! He is just that! He is the empirical Rock of all ages. He is the strength for our souls. He is the solid foundation on which we stand.

The LORD is my Fortress! – Yes! He is just that! He is the substantial Ivory Tower of pureness and holiness that protects us from harm. That supports us from harsh elements/individuals.

The LORD is my Deliverer! – Yes! He is just that! He is the deliverer from sin. Our redeemer and our Salvation. He is the One who paid the price for our very souls. He is the One who was victorious over death, and with His blood we are delivered!

The LORD is my Strength! – Yes! He is just that! He is the strength of my being. He is the One who provides and sustains and nourishes me daily. He is the One who offers strength when I am weak, which is when He is the strongest.

 The LORD is the One I trust! – Yes! He is trustworthy! He is the One above all else that I trust with all my heart and soul. He is the only One that never disappoints or lets me down. I trust Him and Him alone.

The LORD is my Buckler! – Yes! He is just that!  He is the One who thwarts evil. He is the One that stands against the adversary. He is the One that shields me at all times.

The LORD is the horn of my salvation! – Yes! He is just that! He is the One that gave me life. That washed me clean as snow. That offers me forgiveness, and eternal life when I am called home one day. He is the LORD. And JESUS is LORD!

The LORD is my high Tower! – Yes! He is just that! He is the Tower of high and fortified structure that provides protection and defense against all of my enemies. He is higher than all the rest. He is highest of high. And He continuously watches over me.

Today, as you stop, pause and reflect on God and His enormous love for you, may I invite you to read this verse. I mean really read it, and embrace the meaning behind it. Understand it. And truly appreciate Him and His love. When we take the time to read and ponder the Word, not just rush through it. But stop and ponder on even “one verse” and what it means to you, in todays times, and how it configures into your life, you will start to grow even more so in the spirit. We can never cease to grow in the Word. And no matter how many times you’ve read it, it is always new. Because God will give you new meaning each time, and you will find something “jumps” out to you as if the very first time seeing it. That is how God operates. That is who He is. And the Word is pregnant. It grows and grows and grows.

Go ahead and see for yourself. And get ready for your roots and spirituality to deepen and grow exponentially.

“Father, thank You for Your Word, and Your love, and Your protection, may I do all according to Your will and purpose for my life, today tomorrow and all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”