JESUS’ GREATEST HITS

Part 2 - Luke 8:22-25

One day about that time, as he and his disciples were out in a boat, he suggested that they cross to the other side of the lake.  On the way across he lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.  They rushed over and woke him up. "Master, Master, we are sinking!” they screamed. So he spoke to the storm: “Quiet down,” he said, and the wind and waves subsided and all was calm!  Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" And they were filled with awe and fear of him and said to one another, “Who is this man, that even the winds and waves obey him?” (Luke 8:22-25).

Learning from this Event . . .

Things we fear are NO PROBLEM for God.

Crisis tends to reveal our CHARACTER.

When Jesus is “in our boat” we can COUNT ON HIM.

Taking Action

1.    Replace your fear and worry with PRAYER and FAITH.

“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion . . . Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wild-flowers.  They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it?  The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.  If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?  What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving . . . you know how God works.  Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don’t worry about missing out.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met” (Matthew 5:25-34).

2. Stop BLAMING others and focus on your own spiritual maturity.

Friends, don’t get me wrong; By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.  I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back (Philippians 3:13-14).

3. Put together a PLAN to stay “in the boat” with Jesus.

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us.  If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision-you’ll see it yet!  Now that we’re on the right track, lets stay on it  (Philippians 3:15-16).