Tag: rescue

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service

Mary knew, Do you?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Mary knew, Do you?

Luke 1:47

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Three points for me to ponder from the word of God as spoken by Mary the mother of our Lord Jesus.

This thought began early this morning but has lingered throughout the day as I worked between one project or another all day, and couldn’t seem to get back to what was fresh on my mind at 6 a.m.

I love the character of Mary because I love her humility. Nobody was any more surprised than she was that she was chosen for such a God glorifying moment. She was carrying the Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe in her womb. Forget that the world was trying to strip her of her good reputation, they could not strip her of the fact that God chosen her. Nor can they strip us. We who have decided to follow Jesus and step into His plans for us like a toddler steps into the big shoes of their Dad. They don’t fit… yet. But we’ll grow into to them by and by!

Mary knew that the Rescuer Had Come!

She may not have understood all the plan as she gave birth in that stable, but she understood that however it was that God decided to work it out, it would work. It’s a good thing she didn’t know how. What a burden for a mom to carry to know that her child would be crucified for the sins of the world. Hers included. But the Rescuer had come, His name was Jesus and He had come to save the world!

Mary knew the Rejoicing had Cause!

The angels in Heaven rejoiced, the shepherds and wise men rejoiced. And Mary rejoiced. Angels had announced His birth. They filled the skies with noise, and the hearts of those who witnessed it with wonder. Is not that the feeling we have on the day of our own personal salvation when we discover what the Lord has done. It was with me. I knew there was a reason to rejoice in my life. Salvation had come and I and my world was changed.

Life for me wasn’t perfect, nor was it for Mary. She no doubt had moments where terror filled her heart as she was hunted down for her Son. Or maybe she was a far better woman of faith than me and she trusted God through it all. But whether or not she had faith 100% of the time didn’t change the heartaches that would come in her future. But it didn’t change the promise either. Glory to God!

Mary knew the Response had a Calling!

Mary knew when she had stepped into that role that God had given her that her life had new purpose. She wasn’t just Joseph’s bride, she was the carrier of the gospel. She would soon be a part of the ministry of her Son and with it all the miracles and the messes it created.

That’s the same calling we have upon us when we accept the Lord as our Savior. We too are called to carry the gospel and to be a part of the blesses and messes that come with service.

What’s your response? Are you standing in Daddy’s shoes waiting for your orders or are you still barefoot? Step in faith my friend! It’s an exciting adventure!

Blessings from me, the Jesus Chick.

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Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration

Are You Prepared for the Storm?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Are You Prepared for the Storm?

RESCUE SQUAD

Friday, January 22, 2016 and I’m contentedly sitting in my house preparing for the first big winter storm of the season here. I’ve got my lanterns ready and my strategy is just to stay put. I made a run yesterday to get my hair done (hey a gal’s got a look good) and did pick up a gallon of milk while I was out. Walmart was busy but not crazy while I was there. I watched as shopper after shopper strolled by with their buggies piled high as if this storm were going to last an eternity. My first thought was… it’s three days people. We’ll make it… But I don’t know their circumstances, perhaps they may not see sunshine until Valentine’s day. Who am I to judge? But it did make me think.

People are so concerned about temporal storms. And yes, they’re bad. I don’t want to make light of them. But where is the cognitive skills when it comes to eternity. They’ve ignored the warnings on that one for a long time. Eternity comes into view at the funeral of a loved one but fades from most minds as they exit the funeral parlor. Many funerals have become “life celebrations” and preparing burials with custom stonework but with no gospel at all because it’s “too hard on the family.” Why I’m stuck on the serious note today, I don’t know… but the storm preparation yesterday really made it as heavy on my mind as the forecasted snow will be on the roof tops. And I pray that someone reading this will take my message to heart as they’re hold up in the house this weekend; and spend that time preparing for a storm of a more serious matter.

Luke 8:23-25

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

That question “Where is your faith?” breaks my heart for so many who don’t understand the concept of faith. Their faith is believing that they believe, not knowing what they believe. Wow, that’s either a pretty deep thought, or I’ve just confused myself. But it’s true! Ask them about their faith and they’re fine… but ask them to define it and the conversation usually takes a detour. The disciples knew their friend Jesus was in the boat, but they didn’t know God was. They were pretty sure He could do something, but they weren’t sure what. So when He spoke to the storm and the winds and water obeyed him they were shocked!

Before they left the shore if they’d have been ask about their faith it would have been fine, but when the storm hit…where was there faith then? I want to ask my friends and family who say they’re “fine” and yet there’s no proof in the puddin’, the same question. Frustration mounts as I see storms ahead of them and I know they’re not prepared. When I do bring the subject up it’s as if I’ve slapped them in the face. How dare I question their salvation? How dare I not?

Okay, so you say you’re fine…

Then why isn’t God in control of your storm? We’ll all have storms, that’s life. But there is a drastic difference in boat ride for someone who knows what they believe, and for those who just believe that they believe but aren’t really sure what that means.

You know Jesus? Yay!!!! If you do. I’m not going to take that away from you and say that because you don’t give me evidence of it you don’t know Him…. But…. That lack of evidence means your faith is in need of rescuing. And not for my sake (although I’ll love it) but for your own. When your child gets on your last nerve and you’re about to jump overboard, Jesus can calm that storm like that (did you hear my finger snap). When you’re up to your eyeballs in debt and a bill collector just took your eye glasses and you can’t see any hope before you, Jesus thrives on giving His people hope. When the news is bad and the prognosis is worse, Jesus can shush the voices of fear. You may be setting in sunny weather, but when the storm hits you need to be prepared.

Preparing for a storm is making sure that your child knows Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can speak to their little heart and help you help them. Get your faith in order as a family. Preparing for a financial storm would have worked better if we’d never get financially strapped to start with, but it happens. Knowing Christ won’t erase poor decisions, but He will guide you every step of the way back out and calm many storms that can take you under without Him involved. Get your faith in order. Bad news may have had nothing to do with any decision you made, but resting in Christ will take a load off your already worn out state of mind. He is so faithful!

Saying you know Him isn’t enough to get you through the storm. You need to know you know Him. Where is your faith? Are you in need of rescue?

Get out your Bible… read the instruction manual.

Go to Church… There’s safety in numbers. Well, maybe not today…

Get the lines of communication open… talk to God.

I love you… God loves you more.

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Posted in Uncategorized

The Rescue Mission!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Rescue Mission!

A trip to Marshall County, West Virginia turned into quite the journey for me yesterday. Following the advice of Google map for a “quicker” trip we went off the beaten path and then Glory! We were in God’s country for sure with the elevation alone.  Mile upon mile of one lane farm road along scenic river beds to the top of the mountains made for awesome views and a two hour delay in getting to our destination.  At one point I glanced over toward my coworker’s iPad and realized that the little blue dot that locates our vehicle on the satellite was in the middle of nowhere! No roads, no directional advice, just tan space surrounding the little blue blip.

I’ve had that same feeling spiritually…

I knew the intended destination God had me on. I’d prayed about it, had peace about and knew that I was going that way, but in the midst of the journey I would find myself alone, Christ nowhere to be found and struggling with doubt  that I had heeded the Word of God at all. Been there? It’s an uneasy feeling. My main concern yesterday was not if we were going to the right place; my job required me to do a site visit to Cameron Middle High School. My concern was that “Thelma and Louise” (my coworker and I) had resources enough (aka gas) to get me out of the tan space and back onto the directional blue line that took us to Cameron.

Long before GPS and satellite the disciples found themselves in much the same predicament. Mark 6:45 said “And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.”

Jesus had given the disciples clear direction, “You’re going to the other side.” But along the way they found themselves in the middle of the sea, in the darkness of night with this queasy feeling in the pit of their stomach, “Somethin’ ain’t right.” A storm had come up and the wind was contrary to them, and then out of nowhere they see Jesus walking on the water. But they don’t know it’s Jesus! And then in verse 50 they hear the voice of the Savior “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”

There were reasons

It doesn’t say that Jesus told the disciples why they were going to Bethsaida. He said go, and obedient servants that they were they got in the boat and went. Being in the will of God doesn’t mean there won’t be trouble. Just ask Jesus, they crucified Him. The disciples were following God’s plan, but here they were in the middle of the sea, in the darkness of a storm. Some of the stormiest times of my life have been when God was doing the most. Don’t assume because the “winds of life are contrary” that you’re not in the will of God.

There were reactions.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Out of nowhere Jesus had come, climbs into the boat, calms the storm and their reaction was shock! The God of Heaven, the Creator of the Universe just walked on water, calmed the storm, climbs into the boat and says (in my words) “chill out guys, it’s Me.” Can you hear the “woah Dude…” When God does something extreme in your life our reaction is sometimes not exuberance and joy, it “eek! And Jiminy Cricket!!!!” We’re just amazed that it happens.

There was a rescue

God had a plan. As close as the disciples were to the Lord, that still didn’t let them in on it. Sometimes we’re just not going to have that insight. It’s not until they get to the other side that they see the plan unfold. Vs. 56 ~ “And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”

The plan… the rescue of souls. Is that not what this journey is about?

We went to Cameron yesterday to work on a project in that community that is getting their people healthy. It’s fun and they’re excited. So am I! But not nearly as excited about Cameron as I am about the journey that Christ has me on here. A journey to rescue souls – – now that’s an exciting trip. Will you join me?