Everyday life for most is a constant barrage of events containing ups and downs and even difficulty, heartaches and pain as well that seemingly goes on and on like a river. How well do we cope with these situations and is there a way to have peace in the midst of all this is the question we ask today. Well, this week our study in the gospel of Saint Mark deals with such conditions in the lives of the disciples and the people in Jesus’ days and can lead us into greater peace as well. Listen in as Pastor: Fisher teaches a lesson called: “Building Our Trust In God”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 106:1 – 13 (KJV)
Psa 106:1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 106:2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his praise?
Psa 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Psa 106:4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
Psa 106:5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
Psa 106:6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
Psa 106:7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
Psa 106:8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
Psa 106:9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
Psa 106:10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
Psa 106:11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
Psa 106:12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
Psa 106:13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
New Testament Scripture Reading: Mark 6:46 – 56 (KJV)
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: Mark 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. Mark 6:54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) Regardless how impossible conditions may seem in real time, we who are called to be saints of God through His Son Jesus Christ are to ever behold the truth in mind and by faith to embrace God’s promises as a guide through every phase of difficulty, basing our confidence on God’s past record in our lives.
#2) Never struggle alone when going through a time of trial but rather call upon God for His strength and request His wisdom for guidance in all things.
#3) Practice during the good times so that when the bad times come you will not feel like a stranger coming to God but rather just another child calling on their Father.
