Message From The Visiting Pastor's Desk
Warm Summer Greetings
If you need proof that summer is upon us, just step outside or look at the
thermometer where the mercury has been consistently above the 90
degree line. The rising temperature combined with the rising humidity leads to
some violent thunder and lightening storms interrupting family
gatherings, barbecues, bathing at the beach and boating.
The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all share the story when the
disciples were sailing across the sea of Galilee. When they set sail I am
guessing that there was no threat of a storm brewing. If there was I would
hope that they would have had the sense to stay a shore.
Their peaceful cruise was suddenly interrupted with a life threatening
storm. Apparently they were unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realized
that they might die. I don’t blame the disciples for allowing their situation to
dictate their reactions.
Personally I can identify with the disciples because Diane and I were on a
cruise ship during a hurricane. The ship swayed and tilted so much that
multiple times I thought the ship was going to roll over. Like the disciples I
feared for ours lives. I begged Jesus to calm the sea like he did for the
disciples, but there was no gentle rebuke spoken by Jesus to quiet the
raging sea. The storm raged on, as did my praying.
I believe Jesus could have calmed the raging sea that day. What Jesus
chose to do was to calm my fears instead. As I prayed I realized that Jesus
was and would be my strength through that storm and over every and all
storms to come. As I prayed I realized that Jesus was the source of my
peace and power.
The same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with you and me.
No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is in the midst of it.
There is not a single situation that you or I will go through that Jesus will
not endure with us.
Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for
us, and not against us—that’s why you and I have nothing to fear. So I
encourage you to make Isaiah 41:13 your own personal promise: “For I am the LORD
your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to
you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Godspeed
Pastor Rich
Iterim Pastor