Same Storm Different Boat
The historic story of the passenger ship, Titanic, is tragic. The ship touted to be unsinkable sunk and even when the ship’s passengers were told to get into lifeboats, the first boats were lowered half full because the passengers were convinced the Titanic wouldn’t sink. They felt it was safer to stay where they were than risk floating in an insignificant boat in the expansive ocean.
Passengers and crew were all in the same unfathomable situation of making a life or death decision, but few chose life that night. Those who abandoned the ship would eventually watch in horror as the Titanic capsized and they realized they were alive simply because they had chosen a different boat.
We are often in the same life storms but not all of us choose the same boat.
As the pandemic surges, injustices continue and polarization grows socially and politically, we are exposed to unfathomable storms. Although Christian leaders tell us to get into God’s lifeboat, other voices affirm that science, politicians and technology will save us. Above the noise, God reminds us we are secure in Him and He encourages us to choose a different boat – His. He nudges us to get out of the world’s touted secure and unsinkable boats and step into what looks like a perilous and uncertain one. What’s the difference? He’s in the boat with us.
God calls us to be first responders of His love and walk in His miraculous strength and power in the storm. He holds out His hand and entreats us to be courageous and step into the unknown as Peter did. (Matthew 14:22-33)
Are you willing to trust Him in the cold turbulent waters of our culture? If we walk with Him, He promises to captain our boat. His reassuring Word will keep us from sinking into frustration, depression, fear, or panic if we keep our eyes on Him. Remember, Peter sunk when he took his eyes off Jesus. Challenges in life can become momentary “threats” but raging waters can be seen as opportunities to bring God’s Hope to others. He has equipped us with His life-saving devices so that we can be innovators and action takers who bring creative solutions to the dilemmas that arise.
What is the boat God is asking you to step into today? Trust Him to be there.
Credit: Devotional by Rick Warren.
He looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17
Tom chased the young men who were stealing his poor friend’s bike. He didn’t have a plan. He only knew he needed to get it back. To his surprise, the three thieves looked his way, dropped the bike and backed away. Tom was both relieved and impressed with himself as he picked up the bike and turned around. That’s when he saw Jeff, his muscular friend who had been trailing close behind.
Elisha’s servant panicked when he saw his town surrounded by an enemy army. He ran to Elisha, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” Elisha told him to relax. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then God opened the servant’s eyes, and he “saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (vv. 15-17).
You may also find yourself in some dicey situations. You may have to risk your reputation, and perhaps even your security, because you’re determined to do what’s right. You may lose sleep wondering how it will all turn out. Remember, you’re not alone. You don’t have to be stronger or smarter than the challenge before you. Jesus is with you, and His power is greater than all rivals.
Ask yourself Paul’s question, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Really, who? No one. Run toward your challenge, with God.
By Mike Wittmer
REFLECT & PRAY:
Help me, Jesus, to truly see that You’re bigger than any problem facing me today. Thank You for Your everlasting presence!
Credit: Our Daily Bread
Thanks to Lyle Dietrich for providing the content for the weekly inspirational bulletin.
Who has had the greatest impact on your marriage?
| Think about it for a moment. It could have been parents, grandparents, a mentor couple, someone in your church, a teacher, or a pastor. The people God uses to influence us can come from almost anywhere. We usually think about those who impact us as positive influences, but I know couples who have good marriages because they refused to follow bad influences. They did the opposite of what they saw. Some even broke cycles of bad marriages that dated back over many generations. I am grateful for the positive influence my parents had on me and on my marriage. They were the inspiration for Awesome Marriage. Don’t get me wrong—their marriage was not perfect, but it came as close as any I have ever seen. The older I get, the more I realize what a blessing this was. They were my compass. I could spot bad marriages a hundred feet away, and I knew what I wanted and did not want for Nancy and me. It was not a duplicate of my parents’ marriage. Instead, I wanted to take the essence of their marriage, which was centered on Christ, and put it right in the middle of our marriage. I’m still working on it. So back to my question: Who has had the greatest impact on your marriage? Your One Thing today is to thank God for them! Today’s One Thing: Thank God for the people who have had the greatest impact on your marriage! DON’T JUST SURVIVE! – Your Marriage Was Meant To Thrive! |
Revival is Now!
Revival stirs Godly desires within you!
Revival gives you unusual boldness!
Revival gives you a powerful sound of freedom!
Ready or not, it is here!
Are you hungry for God to move in your life?
Are you ready for Godly desires to be stirred within you?
Are you ready for revival?
Contact Pastor Ray at senior.pastor@wlcc-church.org
The WLCC service is set up to accommodate everyone during the pandemic:
• Sunday Service: Starts @ 10:00 AM at the
Old Stone School,
37098 Charlestown Pike, Hillsboro VA
•We have a drive-in service where you can stay in your car, watch the service, and listen to Pastor Ray by tuning your car radio to 1610 AM
•We have socially distanced indoor seating.
•We also have numerous tables, spaced appropriately, for anyone wishing to attend the outdoor service in a more personable atmosphere.
• WLCC continues to stream Sunday Service at 10:00 AM on Facebook and YouTube.
Bible Study Group occurs virtually every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
Youth Group occurs virtually every Monday evening at 7:00 pm
Join us for a lively discussion. Check your email for the online link to the meeting.
Western Loudoun Community Church is about being the church — not just some religious exercise. We are about fulfilling the Great Commission and living the Great Commandment.
Come see what all the laughter and joy is about.
