Praise in the Storm

From my notes I present a digested message of our Bible Study at our Church

 

 

Our Bible Study lesson began with Matthew 14:22-36, John 6:16-21 and Mark 6:47-51. These are three versions of the story about the disciples leaving in their boat without Jesus; as He stayed behind to pray.

The darkness of night plus the wind and waves of a storm were giving the fishermen deep trouble.  Suddenly in the shadows they could see a figure of a man walking on the water toward them.  Fear struck their hearts thinking this must be a ghost, but Jesus spoke and said, “It is I, do not be afraid, but be of good cheer.”  

 

Peter still doubting, but exercising boldness, said, "IF it is you, bid me come to you."  Jesus replied, “Come,” and with courage, Peter made that leap of faith and began to walk on water toward Jesus.

 

However the circumstances of life overcame Peter as he took his eyes off Jesus, and he began to sink.  “Lord save me,” Peter cried.  Jesus reached out and lifted him up above his problems and together they walked to the boat.  Immediately the storm was stilled and the terrified disciples welcomed Jesus and Peter into the boat.  They worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Jesus was revealing to them His glory a bit at a time. 

The Children of Israel were just leaving Egypt and Moses requested God to go with them,  God said His presence would be with them in their journey.  Moses then asked to see the glory of God  Exodus 33:14-23  and God said:

“You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Later Moses met with God for 40 days on the mountain, and just being in God’s presence caused his face to shine.  The people were terrified to see the glory of God surrounding Moses. 

We must not judge the disciples or the people who were frightened of the glory, because at times we too are guilty.  We hesitate to take that extra step and enter the glory cloud where the Holy Spirit will be able to show us great and mighty things.

The disciples did not understand that Jesus was to become the sacrifice for the sins of the World.  They were being told almost daily, but their understanding was thickened and dull. 

 

When John proclaimed “This is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world,” their ears were not attuned to receive truth.  They had a different scenario in mind expecting Jesus to take over the government and become King, so they were not open to hear the message of death and resurrection.

We question and ask:  Why is there suffering, pain, fear, emotional distress and death in this world?  Does God do this? 

As we look at Job, we see that it was the devil that caused destruction to Job’s family and his wealth.  God allowed this to happen, but God did not cause it.  This was a test to see how Job would respond if he lost children and worldly goods.   During the pain and suffering, God revealed himself to Job and taught him that through it all, God was still there with him.  God asked Job to lean on Him.  

 

God also asks us to lean on Him.  Trust is strong and God is revealing his glory to us as we seek Him.

Jesus wanted to take his disciples to a higher level of faith - - no matter what circumstance we are facing.  The disciples were like a yo-yo believing and doubting even after Christ death and resurrection. 

 

Jesus gently was opening up their understanding as he taught them for 40 days.  At Pentecost they were infused with the glory of God and began to realize that there was more and God was making his power available to them.

If we are in a storm of life, may we learn to praise God IN the storm as praise and worship will bring us peace, because Jesus is taking us safely to the other side.

God's Plan for 2018

From my notes I present a digested sermon by Pastor Allan Sunday Morning.

 

The atmosphere at church was charged with the presence of God, and Pastor hesitated to pull away and begin preaching.

 

He began:  I don’t know about you, but 2017 for many of us, we experienced bad things; Sickness, death, fires, and threats of a flood and destruction.  But through it all, God was protecting, and keeping us in His care.

 

We try to figure out things for ourselves and maybe we would have done things differently, but we must enter a New Year with eyes wide open with NO regrets.

 

There were positive things too in 2017.  We were encouraged about the unity at the prayer service at the State Theatre. 

 

Our attitude is important as we enter 2018.   Know God has a good plan for you – A Hope in God.  He knows exactly His plans, but it is important to stay in His will.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

 

Understand that God always has YOU on His mind, for a good future, and that is good.
 

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

 

There are pressures, and we sometimes allow things in our life that should not be there.

God loves you and He desires you to be free from things that hinder you.

Psalms 145: 18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

This New Year, continue to have conversations with God.  He desires to prosper and bless you.  Realize it is the enemy who does not want God to bless you.

 

Learn to claim answers to your own prayers, and don’t depend on Grandma’s prayers.

God desires to bless you, but there are conditions.  Walk in His truth and in His Way.  Keep a tender heart and keep seeking God.

 

At Christmas time, we turned on the TV and there was a program about “Treasure seekers,” who have given all their fleshly life looking for what may or may not be there.

 

The truth is that the treasures of God are real and not fantasy.  His will is to bless and his plans are good.

 

Seek Him and know He wants to be found.  Your Heavenly Father knows you need certain things. 

 

Don’t worry about tomorrow, but seek first the Kingdom of God and all these other things will be added onto you.
 

One of my favorite things is to listen to others tell of the great things God has done for them.  Serving God is exciting, with out ever a dull moment.

 

Lastly I would encourage you to ask, “What can I do for God in 2018?  How much more can I give?  Pray for your neighbors even those in conflict with you.  Show God’s love to others.  You might not be able to change the world, but let God change you. 

 

Without Love all good works are simply nothing.  You are missing it if you are not ministering with love.

 

God loved us and gave us His Son.  Receive the fullness of His love.  All service to God in interlinked with love.

1.     God loves you and has a good plan for you.

2.     Operate in His will to know what his plan is.

3.     Go deeper in God, seek His face

4.     Love others.

 

You might say:  “You want me to go where?  To do what?  You want me to give up that?

If you really want a deeper level then we must be willing to obey.

 

But someone hurt my feelings !!   Honestly so was Jesus hurt, betrayed, beaten, criticized, but He did not allow his hurt to stop Him from fulfilling His destiny.

 

What is holding you back?  Are you willing to set it aside and step forward?

I encourage you to engage in prayer daily.

 

Realize God’s plan for you is Good.

 

New Year’s Resolutions and How to Keep Them

 

As I began to wake up this morning, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me and teach me; “How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions.”  I quickly got up and went to my computer to write it all down.  The Holy Spirit desired that I share this with our church today.  At church, I went to our Pastor and shared that the Lord has given me a word for today, and asked, "is it okay for me to have about 5 minutes."  He said yes.  I asked him if he would you like to review it? as I offered him the written paper.  “No,” he said, “I trust you.”  It was good he did not look at the paper, because that might have handy-capped him with his sermon today. You see, the Holy Spirit often is telling more than one person what He is desiring to say for that day and time.  Usually each person will have a different slant, but it will all fall in place.

~ ~ ~

Most of us have at one time made a New Years resolution, and by the next day we have broken it.  Our intentions were good, but the pull was just too great. 

We like Adam and Eve, have been given a “FREE WILL” or the power of choice.  We can by sheer grit and determination decide to make a decision to quit those things that have been giving us trouble.  We know the difference between right and wrong and some things are simply right and others are definitely wrong. 

Each year we make a list and say to ourselves, I will give up certain practices, and will stop doing this or that.   We grit our teeth, and lock our jaw and say, I will put this aside and quit doing this - - -  

In the past we have made those decisions by our desire and our “Free Will.” 

Now may I ask:  “How has that been working for you?  - - Hum-mm?? 

The power of Free will is strong – but I must tell you that it is NOT STRONG ENOUGH.  We make certain choices by our own self – our own weak and spindly Free Will and wonder why we fail. 

Today I desire to present to you God’s way to over come - - Once and for all - - and be FREE of those things that have held you down in the past. 

Not by our own will because our will is feeble, tired and exhausted, but by using the “WILL of GOD.” 

Jesus prayed in the garden;  “I give up, I surrender to YOUR WILL GOD.  Not my will but thine be done.” 

Some of us have walked in darkness in the past, but Jesus promises if we will follow Him and fully surrender to HIS WILL (not our will) then he will remove the darkness and place within us the LIGHT of LIFE which is the Will of God.  

John 8:12 “Jesus, said, 'I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.'" 

So I lay before you a choice:   To use your FREE WILL and make a quality decision to SURRENDER your will to God’s WILL.  God's will is for you to be FREE, to be blessed and to prosper.  God's will is Good, and He desires only the best for you.

It is time to receive God’s Will, not your own will, and his strength, not your own strength, and you will be able to walk free for the rest of your earthly life. 

So in review:

                       1.  I will Surrender my own Will and exchange it for God’s Will.

  2.     I will Invite Jesus into the dark rooms of my heart bringing with Him; His Light of Life.

  3.     I will Invite Jesus to live in me, the LIGHT of LIFE and daily I will allow the Holy Spirit to be my guide.

Tell me a True Story Final Blog Party

Today’s Party will be our FINAL party here at Tell me a Story.

Time to Close - - "Tell Me  A Story Blog Party"
So Happy you have been with us
Now it is time to follow many Contributors by E-mail
please continue to read

 

I appreciate all those who have been faithful in contributing most every week for these several years.  Seasons in life call for changes, and my husband’s passing to heaven alerts me that it is time to adjust my priorities.  By the way, I am on Face Book as Hazel Irene Moon.  Come see me there for updates.

 

I will continue my regular blog at: "A Joyful Noise.”  You might like to follow by e-mail and be encouraged by my short exhortations.   

Might I suggest that you also follow some of the regulars who have been with us a long while.  (Go to their site and sign up to follow by E-Mail.) 

http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/  Floyd always has something you will enjoy 

http://pileofsmiles.blogspot.com/    Sales Lady brings mucho smiles - - 

http://purposefulandmeaningful.com/pnm/  Ifeoma invites you to sit at Jesus feet. 

http://cherylsmithministries.blogspot.com/   Cheryl brings you Home Spun Devotions 

http://betty-wiseheartedwomen.blogspot.com/  Betty our Missionary offers wise words.

http://ourhealingmoments.com/  Rena Peru writes inspiration from her sick bed 

http://caryjo-roadrunner.blogspot.com/ Joanne suffers from dementia, but continues to post photos and short words. 

http://www.lisanotes.com/  Lisa Notes will encourage you and also bring a smile. 

https://pamecrement.com/  Pam brings you a new Lens.  

https://mylifeasanadventure.com/  Barbara brings you a view of a New Adventure. 

http://www.intentionalmommyhood.com/  Stacy Duncan writes about marriage and Home school. 

http://drmichellebengtson.com/  Dr Michelle encourages you not to despair.  

https://susanbmead.com/   Susan offers you a “LINK UP,” and some inspiration. 

http://www.jenniferalambert.com/   Jennifer offers an interesting point of view. 

https://journeyoftheword.com/  Recapture the JOY with Lydia 

https://sunnyand80.org/   Meg shares Life in the Word 

https://michelemorin.wordpress.com/  Living Our Days with Michele 

http://www.jaimewiebel.com/  Seeking God and a Link Up with Jaime

http://yvonnechase.com/ Yvonne offers advice of love and marriage.

https://shiftingmyperspective.com/  Claire shares about Missions and Motherhood. 

https://www.biblejournalingministries.com/  Tracie shares about Bible Journaling.  

https://journeyoftheword.com/  Lydia shares wise words. 

https://mondayfollowssunday.blogspot.com/  Jennifer shares being Godly Women.

http://www.aboutlifeandlove.com/  Lux writes hoping to change your world. 

http://www.mydailywalkinhisgrace.com/ Tracy writes about overcoming trials.

 

May I encourage you to read the entries and to sign up to follow your favorites by E-Mail.
 

An InLinkz Link-up

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY week of 02/20/17

The entry time for your true story has been extended a few days, as I may be out of town, due to some emergency treatments my husband needs. 

I apologize that I have not been able to read and comment as I usually do.


Reading a True Story

You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

You have probably realized that I use “inlinkz” for this Party. 

You might consider InLinkz to set up your own Blog Party. 

Notice their advertisement on the left sideboard.

 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 



God has extra BIG Angels to Protect you.

(Please make a comment if you liked my True Story)

Plan and Prepare – but do Not be Afraid because God is in Control.

Many here in our city have returned to their homes to pack if another evacuation order is announced.  Workers at the dam are frantically laboring 24/7 hauling rocks.  Large cement trucks are pumping concrete to cover the rocks to fill the large hole made by the emergency spillway of our Oroville dam.  The regular spillway is being used to lower the lake, even though it also is severely injured.  Many are in fear; However stores have reopened, gas stations are ready, and church was announced as usual.

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is Word of Wisdom, and the Lord was giving me something to share during church.  As Pastor Allan stepped to the pulpit I approached him and asked if I might give a word?  He said, yes in just a minute as he had something to say first.  Then he gave me the microphone.

“In the Old Testament the Prophet Elisha and his servant were home resting.  As morning came, the servant went outside to discover the enemy army had surrounded their home.  The servant was very scared as he told Elisha, ‘We are done for, all is lost, we will surely die because the enemy is here to get us.’

Elisha’s words were “Calm down, don’t be afraid, the Lord is on our side, because if you could only see there is more of us than there is of them.”  Elisha prayed and asked God to open the eyes of his servant so he could see the angel army with wings spread protecting them from all harm.

My word to you today is “Keep Calm, and do not be afraid.  Know that there is a huge army of angels over our city.  Big angels with large wings are hovering over our dam.  Big angels are protecting each of us for God is in control and it is not time to fear but time to remain calm.” 
 

2 Kings chapter 6: (The enemy King was wanting to kill The Prophet Elisha)

“Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So Elisha answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

~ ~ ~

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  “A Joyful Noise.”

An InLinkz Link-up

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 02/13/17

READING A TRUE STORY

  

You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
 

If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

News on our city of Oroville, California.  Our city was shut down and roads were closed due to the failure or the emergency spill way and the damaged regular spillway to our full lake at the Oroville Dam.  They are working frantically to fill with rock and cement the large holes where roads are being washed away.  Most of the city has been evacuated, except for those higher up.  Neighbor cities to the south are being evacuated. 

Robert and I are located over the hill and closer to the mountains.  Our daughter is on the border and we are safe with full pantry and freezer.  We have propane to run a generator if necessary.  We are praying that the workers will have wisdom how to fix this terrible event. 

The emergency ban has been lifted, but people are being advised to pack and prepare if there be another evacuation.

Many feel the dam is in danger, but the water is being released over the damaged regular spillway to lower the lake.  A new storm is expected soon, and also the snow is melting.  Prisoners in the jail have been relocated to Santa Rita, CA. 

We are fine, just praying and asking God to hold the dam together.  Ten years ago, officials wanted to shore up the spillways, but those in government said it would be too expensive - - - and at time there was no emergency so why spend the money????

That is water under the bridge and it is not time to point fingers, but to pray to find a fix for this predicament.

You might enjoy my recent Post about Eating, Drinking and Making Merry http://hazel-moon-blog.blogspot.com/2017/02/eating-drinking-and-making-merry.html 

~ ~ ~

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments. 

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  “A Joyful Noise.”

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Tell Me a True Story Blog Party week of 02/06/17

Reading a True Story

 

You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party.

You have probably NOTICED that I use “inlinkz” for this Party. 
You might consider InLinkz to set up your own Blog Party.

See the advertisement for inlinkz on my side bar.

 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

 

 

The God of Creative Miracles
(Please make a comment if you liked my True Story)

“Danny has a busted ear drum and we need to do some major surgery by going through the inside of his jaw to insert drainage tubes while we repair his ear drum.”

“Here is some medicine for the infection, take him home and return in 10 days for a follow up visit.”

As the Vet spoke these words to my daughter Becky, she envisioned dollar signs floating off into space!  But, Danny was family, and she knew she had to do whatever was necessary to take care of him.

Faithfully, my daughter gave the medicine to her beloved Red Irish Setter.  Once he seemed better, it was time for a return visit to the Vet.

“Now let’s see the right ear, no it must be the left ear, no which ear is it?” said the Vet?

The Vet was in shock!  He announced that Danny had grown a new ear drum, and the dog was fine.  The Vet stammered, “I am astonished and amazed, because I have NEVER seen anything like this before!”

I am reminded that in the Bible, some people were healed and others were made whole. To be made whole was a creative miracle that restored “like new” that which had once been crippled or non existent.

If God would heal a DOG, how much more does He love us as His children and desire to do for us what we are lacking - perhaps even lacking in faith.

As I thought about how God healed Becky’s dog, I continued to consider, “If God can give a dog a new ear drum, He certainly can give us our miracle.

When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, He said,   “LAZARUS come forth!”

If He had only said “Come forth,” no doubt all the dead would have walked out of the grave and breathed again. It was important that HE used the specific name, Lazarus.

Jesus used His authority and then He gave us authority to use His Name.

In fact, if you are facing a situation that seems impossible, remember with God nothing is impossible.

It would be important to make a declaration by saying the person’s name, because you wouldn’t want the wrong person to receive the miracle.

So, make a declaration by saying these words aloud, “In Jesus name, I claim a new _____ for _____.”  

Notice that this is not praying, but I speaking words of faith.

Any future prayers on behalf of your loved one should now be a prayer of thanksgiving: “Thank you Jesus that you are working to perform a miracle in _____’s life. (Insert name here)
~ ~ ~

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you
by reading several stories and leaving  comments.

 

May I encourage you to follow by e-mail, my other blog:  “A Joyful Noise.”

 

  

An InLinkz Link-up