 We’re mistaken that we need to be intimidated by the schemes of Satan. We may even look for a demon behind every bush. But Jesus is Lord through it all. Greater is He that is in within you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
The satanic storm that freaked out the seasoned fishermen couldn't even wake Jesus from his nap. But something did—the cries of the people He loved. For centuries, Satan has been trying to torment people from within and from without. He has not slowed down in his pursuit to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus is willing and able to save! He is not repulsed or intimidated by your outward or your inward condition. He is willing to walk right up into your storm, into your ugliness, and set you free because He has the authority and desire to do so.
There are storms in life. Whether external or internal, there are moments where we feel hopeless to do anything about the circumstances we face. But Jesus has authority over the storms, whether from without or within.
Sometimes He rebukes the storm, sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He does neither. Yet through it all, we learn that Jesus is Lord. Watch our study in Matthew 8:18-34 as we also consider the parallel passage in Luke 8:22-39 and see that Jesus is Lord through all the storms of life.  “And the whole city was gathered together at the door.”
–Mark 1:33 The whole city of Capernaum waited outside the door of the house where Jesus was staying. But it’s important to understand why they were there. They had come for His miracles, but Jesus’ primary ministry was His message. Jesus healed many because He is compassionate. But He doesn’t want sign seekers and miracle followers. He desires people rooted and grounded in God’s word. People who follow Him by faith—whether or not God heals them in this life, for they know that this life is not the end of the story. Growing popular for the wrong reasons was a distraction. Jesus needed to get alone with His Father. So early in the morning, He left to pray in order to do what was right, not just popular (Mark 1:35). May we have the same courage to do the same—to earnestly seek the Lord and do what is right.  We all have a special work that God has given us. We all have this exhortation that God has given us:
“…we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16) So what is your part in the body of Christ? What is it that God has given to you to give away so that you can build others up? What has He entrusted to you so that you can love your neighbor? Only you and the Lord can answer that, but whatever it is, you must give yourself to that. It’s essential that you “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)
What is your part in the body of Christ? What is it that God has given you so you can build up others and love your neighbor in this fellowship?
Only you and the Lord can answer that question. But whatever it is, it is essential that you “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17) Watch our study from Sunday as we consider Ephesians 4:1-16 and ask the Lord what our part is in His body. |
From Pastor Dom...When I first gave my life to Jesus, there were friends in my life who helped me to grow in my understanding of God, through His word, and for those friends Archives
May 2025
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