Is Jesus in the boat?
Dear friend, check out my devotional today by my friend in San Diego, D. Andrews
Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),
Today’s devotion included below “What if Jesus were in the Boat with You?” is a reminder from GiG Sharon that, “Just as the disciples had the storm raging all around them, many times the storms of life have raged around us…Although the storm may be fierce, you don’t need to be afraid, because Jesus is in the boat with you.” AMEN!
Philippians 4:8 KJV reads, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
GiG, since embarking on what I’ve come to believe is a God-ordained mission to become a licensed Christian therapist, I have had my share of “in the boat” experiences. I lost count how many times I cried, “Are you sure LORD? Shouldn’t I be sitting in my comfy chair, wrapped in my Snuggle® with tea in hand and a good read in the other.” And, I’ve even done my best Jonah imitation. But what I got in return was, “So, how’s that working for you?” Yikes!
Though it’s not over yet, thankfully I can see the bend up ahead for the second of four turns. I’ve experienced fear; fights with God; found focus, lost it, calibrated via GPS (God-Positioning System) and refocused again; walked in faith although sometimes the size of a mustard seed; but through it all there’s been one thing for certain and it is this—my thought pattern can powerfully influence my emotions.
This is by far no surprise too many of you who are devoted followers of Jesus. God’s Word tells us to think about things that are true, honest (honorable and worthy of respect), just (right and confirmed by God’s word), pure (wholesome), lovely (brings peace), good report (admirable and of good repute). And if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things. In other words, center our mind on these qualities, and implant them in our heart. And when we do, we will begin to believe them. There’s a flip side that we often don’t talk about and that is—if we don’t think on things the way God desires us to, we’ll begin to dwell on dismal thoughts, doubt creeps in, despair darkens our door. We’ll start to feel defeated and depressed and then we see and focus on the dumb stuff that distances what should be done from what we are doing. OUCH or Amen!
It’s December and time for a dramatic difference. What negative thoughts are getting in the way of our walking in obedience to the LORD this month?
May we be encouraged to pray purposed prayers for one another. That we may destroy the negative and self-defeating thoughts we’ve allowed to bring us down. And instead think only of the things that honor the LORD which will change our attitude and ultimately our heart.
God’s Got It…so we can BELIEVE—God’s power can calm the storm you’re in and calm the storm in you. Sharon Jaynes
Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,
DEA: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life and Loving My Priorities, Loving My Life
