Joyful Moment: Walking in Faith

In John 6, we read that the disciples had gotten into the boat and started across the sea, and here comes Jesus. Can you imagine? He's walking across water like it's a street of gold - what he's used to walking on, you know.

Jesus gets into the boat and verse 21 says, "Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going."

They are in the boat and then they are at the shore.

I couldn't help but think how confused and amazed those in the boat had to be. They didn't have the hindsight that we do - Jesus would do much more amazing things than that in the future. Rising from the dead comes to mind.

Are you still a bit confused and amazed that Jesus could walk on water? I am! But that's where faith come into being. I have not seen Jesus walk on water with my own eyes, but I believe it happened. I believe that the same Jesus who was present at the creation of water could decide to walk on it - and did. 

How about you? Have you read a familiar passage in the Bible lately and discovered something new or had the Lord speak to you through a verse lately? 

Let's pray: Lord, thank You for your mighty power to create and sustain the heavens and the earth and all that is in it - including me. To think that You are Lord of all, yet Lord of one. I pray for eyes to see what faith has in store. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen. 

Note: The art is generally attributed as Mark Mabry who created it as part of his "Reflections of Christ" project. 

Poetry Moment: Rain from Heaven

Rain from Heaven

Oh, Lord,
I long to drink of Your healing rain.
My soul lies battered and parched
from the dryness
of an arid earth that drains life
from me.
I raise my face toward You –
my mouth and spirit
open
ready to receive a cleansing,
a restoration,
only You can pour out.

As a sparrow, helpless and hungry
waits for sustenance from her mother,
I wait in expectation
for You to fill me
to overflowing.

I cry out to You
in praise and thanksgiving,
trusting Your faithfulness
to supply my every need,
and know only You
can quench this awful thirst.

My spirit trembles
with awe.

My body quakes
in anticipation.

Then like a spring shower brings life and hope
after winter desolation,
Your blessings cascade
over my thirsty soul.

Warm waters cleanse within,
healing flows into the deep,
and my soul hungrily,
greedily
drinks.

Ahhh…….

by Donna J. Shepherd 

Photo by Geetanjal Khanna on Unsplash

A Blooming Christian

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
James 1:2-3 niv

Up until a few days ago, I had a lush hibiscus tree on my deck. This morning I glanced out my back door to see this once beautiful plant had deteriorated into a pitiful state. Our back yard has a small patch of woods and it looks as if an animal might have gotten hold of the hibiscus and almost killed it. Yellow and brown leaves droop from every branch. In spite of it all, the plant managed to force out several beautiful peach blossoms.

It made me think of people who, in spite of horrendous events that would kill weaker souls, manage to bloom – becoming more beautiful people in the process. No bitterness exudes from their personalities. They not only take the lemons they’re handed and make lemonade, they find the zest in life – the lessons learned, and share them with others.

A friend of mine has been through unbelievable trials. To relate how much he’s been through would take hours, but he has never wavered in his faith in God. Not that he hasn’t asked God “Why??” many times. He has. And with good reason. I have struggled with these issues myself with regard to his circumstances, but if you talk to him today, he talks only of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Contrast this with another friend who makes, as my mother used to say, “mountains out of molehills.” Every event in life turns into a major dramatic trauma, and an excuse to complain to God and anyone else who will listen. “Why me??”

The Apostle James wrote (James 1:2-4) that we should consider our many kinds of trials as joyful, tests for our faith, that we might develop perseverance. Only then will be mature and complete Christians.

I know we’ve all had trials that caused us to question God, and I have to say, I’ve done my share of complaining. But I want to be like my faithful friend, and kind of like that plant on my deck – blooming anyway, giving praise to God, and glorifying Him – a mature Christian.

Now I must tend to my hibiscus, poor thing. It looks like it might have gone a few rounds with a squirrel and the squirrel won.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that in the worst of trials, I can lift my head and praise You, knowing that You never leave nor forsake me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Donna J. Shepherd 2006 All rights reserved.
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