Verse of the Day 1/17

Verse of the Day 1/17

Matthew 8:26-27

English Standard Version

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. 27 And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

The other day we considered the house built on the rock vs. the house built on sand.  The house built on the rock held firm.  That rock is Jesus Christ.  He has the power over the storms in life, physical, emotional and spiritual.  Our call is to trust, to keep believing.  

What I'd like to take a look at today is Jesus' reaction to the disciples as they paniced during the storm.  Jesus called them out for a lack of taith but then rebuked the wind and the waves.  Too often we feel that things are happening to us through the efforts of Satan but sometimes the storms are "natural", they are part of life, but still under God's control.  Even these are instances where we are to place our trust in Him.  The next time we find ourselves in a storm or an illness, may we call on Him to "rebuke the storm".

As the disciples cried out in fear, Johnn Piper points out that "Jesus responded with a rebuke: "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26). As the disciples faced the greatest storm Galilee had ever thrown at them, Jesus expected them to trust him first. And then he calmed the storm.....That's the way it works in the New Testament over and over. Trust God for gracious enabling, and he gets the glory when the help comes....We get the help. He gets the glory. "

When troubles rise and catch you unaware
The day to day of living seems unfair
And you try again at your dreams and plans
That have ended in defeat
And the fancy frills that once fulfilled
Now leave you incomplete

And you wonder where
Your life's gone wrong
And why you can't find peace
Well, your hope's not gone
It's just been too long
Since you've had to believe

Keep believing in what you know is true
Keep believing
You know the Lord will see you through
When troubles rise in your lifе
And you don't know what to do
You'll be fine if you just keep beliеving.         (Keep Believing - Gaither Vocal Band)

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Matthew 8:23-27

English Standard Version

Jesus Calms a Storm

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." 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. 27 And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"