Message From The Visiting Pastor's Desk

Warm Summer Greetings

If you need proof that summer is upon us, just step outside or look at the thermometer where the mercury has been consistently above the 90 degree line. The rising temperature combined with the rising humidity leads to some violent thunder and lightening storms interrupting family gatherings, barbecues, bathing at the beach and boating.

The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all share the story when the disciples were sailing across the sea of Galilee. When they set sail I am guessing that there was no threat of a storm brewing. If there was I would hope that they would have had the sense to stay a shore.

Their peaceful cruise was suddenly interrupted with a life threatening storm. Apparently they were unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realized that they might die. I don’t blame the disciples for allowing their situation to dictate their reactions.

Personally I can identify with the disciples because Diane and I were on a cruise ship during a hurricane. The ship swayed and tilted so much that multiple times I thought the ship was going to roll over. Like the disciples I feared for ours lives. I begged Jesus to calm the sea like he did for the disciples, but there was no gentle rebuke spoken by Jesus to quiet the raging sea. The storm raged on, as did my praying.

I believe Jesus could have calmed the raging sea that day. What Jesus chose to do was to calm my fears instead. As I prayed I realized that Jesus was and would be my strength through that storm and over every and all storms to come. As I prayed I realized that Jesus was the source of my peace and power.

The same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with you and me. No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is in the midst of it. There is not a single situation that you or I will go through that Jesus will not endure with us.

Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for us, and not against us—that’s why you and I have nothing to fear. So I encourage you to make Isaiah 41:13 your own personal promise: “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Godspeed
Pastor Rich
Iterim Pastor