Digging Depper - Discernment in the Storm
Questions
•Is there a storm on the horizon in your life or family? What is it?
•Can this storm be avoided by a change of decisions or attitudes; or is it our of your control?
•Prov. 22:3 says that “The prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions…”, What actions need to be made to prepare yourself for what is coming or already on you?
•What is God saying to you about this storm?
•What about this situation creates the most fear or panic for you?
•remember panic often leads to catastrophe. What action of faith could begin to dispel that fear and anchor your spirit?
•Where is Jesus in the storm of your life? Do you sense his presence with you? Is he beckoning you to a certain action of faith (on the water like Peter), Is he on the other side of the storm coaching you through to safety and reward?
•The main point from Sunday was “You can weather a storm with muscle or you can conquer a storm with faith.” -What has been your approach?
Key Verses
Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)
“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
2 Timothy 4:18 (NLT)
“Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.”
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Mark 6:47-51(NLT)
“Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage! I am here!’ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped….”
Jeff’s Full Message Notes
RECAP
• MAIN POINT: God’s providential care and plan for us far exceeds our abilities to make it happen and it challenges our comforts and fears.
•THE BOAT: Represented comfort, assurance, ease,
TRUTHS: #1 God will allow us to begin where we are in faith.
#2 We must recognize fear and use it as a Barometer for action
Fear and doubt indicate…
-A need to evaluate WHO and WHAT I am trusting in.
-Recognize, the enemy is trying to hide the critical facts
-Recognize obedience and faith is about to be tested
-Action steps will soon be required.
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INTRO
Understanding the geography-
I.E. The Sea of Galilee (IMAGE)
•“A main feature of the lake seems to be that it is always changing”
•8mi x 13mi
•140ft deep
•Sea of Galilee sits in a bowl 680ft below sea level (lowest fresh water lake on earth)
•Subject to squalls off the Mediterranean similar to Lake Erie
I.E. Voyage (IMAGE)
FOCUS SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:47-48a “Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves.”
I.E. Video Clip
STORY
Duck hunting in the bay with 15-20mile east winds
BREAKDOWN
Why do storms happen?
-Natural Causes
-Personal Choices
-The Devil
God did not send you a storm to test you
The difference between storms and discipline
MAIN POINT
“You can weather a storm with muscle or you can conquer a storm with faith”
KEYS
1 -Identify the Threat and its Direction
Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)
2 -Prayerfully Assess Your Heading
2 Timothy 4:18 (NLT)
3 -Keep Rowing & Don’t Panic
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
CONCLUSION “Where was Jesus & How Did He Respond”
Mark 6:47-51(NLT)
I.E. Sea of Galilee Voyage (IMAGE)
JESUS WASN’T IN the storm…
JESUS WASN’T IN the boat…
JESUS WAS ON the water.