Ride Out Your Storm

     Sometime in the past a dream was related to me who involved people and boats. As I thought about a boat, it came to me that one of the standard pieces of equipment found on a boat, large or small, is an ANCHOR. Its purpose is to hold the vessel fast and to secure it to one spot, keeping it from drifting while not under power.

     In life we often encounter what could be referred to as storms. My wife (Peggy) sings a song “Hold onto Jesus and ride out your storm.” How well do you ride out your storm? Do you just survive – blown around by every contrary wind and wave? Or do you cast your anchor – and does it hold you fast?

---

---

In what have you placed your hope as your anchor?

---

---

     Like the song if you are depending on anyone other than Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock, you will surely loose anchor and know disappointment.

Opinion Page - Line in the Sand

     Regarding the so-called Occupy Wall Street movement all over the nation, I would remind the crowd that it is easy to not do anything and sit in parks for several weeks holding signs, to be part of the fun employed. It’s much easier to expect free stuff and to have no intention of getting a job, than it is to become a viable part of society and be fruitful.

     As Americans, it is time to reclaim our history, reclaim our intuition, strive for what is great rather than what is easy, and to restore ourselves first to the rightful place as a powerful son or daughter of the all-powerful living God. It’s time to draw a line in the sand, and do the small and simple things of accepting the responsibilities that will make each of us and America great again.  We must also understand that there is no such thing as collective salvation, it is only individual salvation.

     Listen my friends, there is a storm coming of biblical proportions, This Wall Street movement, flash mobs and those who call for the redistribution of wealth. They all want to take. They all want revenge. That’s not who we are.

QUESTIONS – People Ask

I seem to have problems believing God can answer my prayers. So often, when I do pray, my prayers are not answered. Can you help?

     Here is a verse from the one and only chapter of Jude that I think will encourage you: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy.” (Jude 24)

     Concentrate on those first few words: “Now to Him who is able.” Whatever your need, your request, your circumstances, our God is able to help, guide, enable, and sustain you.

     The Greek word used for able is translated as “the one who has power.” God has unlimited power to involve Himself in your life. Therefore, when we go to Him in prayer, we should never doubt whether He is able to answer our request.

     Too often believers fail to comprehend the magnificent, unequaled power of our mighty God. One reason, as you point out, is that all of our prayers seem not to be answered. “If God has all power,” we say, “then why doesn’t He grant our petitions?”

     When we talk about God’s unlimited power, we must remember that does not mean God can do all things. For instance, we know that God cannot lie. He cannot change. That is because God never works contrary to His nature and character.

     Just as important, His power is always coupled with His purposes. God could have saved His Son, Jesus from Calvary’s cruel death. He could have rescued His and shattered the opposition. Why didn’t He?

     Because His plan to save mankind from their sin rested on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. If He had intervened, man would live in utter futility – without hope of abundant or eternal life.

     Our God is able to help us face life in assured victory. He is at work to fulfill His eternal plans through His awesome power.

     When we pray, concentrate on God’s power to supply our needs. Dwell on His character and faithfulness, realizing that He is for you, not against you. He is also within you through the power of the Holy Spirit.

     Because He is able, we are also able to endure any situation through His keeping power.

     God will always link His power with His purposes for your life. He wants the best for you, and that sometimes means denying your petitions.

     That does not limit His omnipotence. It puts it to work on your behalf with your highest welfare in mind. That should give you great confidence to approach the Heavenly Father in absolute trust.