How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty.
“And he said to them, “why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and sea; and there was dead calm.”
Matthew [8:26]
CALMING THE STORMS OF LIFE
How many times in our lives do we stand at a place where all things seem lost? These times of distress are inevitable and will visit all, both the weak and the mighty. Jesus asks us to be calm and have faith. Jesus asks us to stand calmly when the swirling seas of life pound the rocks of our lives. Jesus asks us to stand firmly faithful and turn our eyes toward God. Our life answers are found when we stand calmly and face our foes with an unwavering trust in Jesus. Our trust in Jesus replaces the turbulence of life with a calmed spirit.
Points of Reflection
- When faced with periods of stress, how often do we get anxious?
- Why is it hard to stop and pray when difficult times arise?
- In the past, how has Jesus helped overcome life’s hurdles?
Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman
Photo by Ben White
We love giving credit to budding photographers to help them gain more exposure.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8
OUR HEARTS HELP US TO SEE GOD
Our hearts are the seat of our desires and thoughts. It is this place that we decide what we follow. A hopeful heart in Jesus leads us to a faith filled heart, which in turn creates a purity of intent. It is through this direction that our inner motivations are cleansed and refined. We emerge with a direction that is not self-interested or full of envy. With a pure heart we are desirous of peace and goodwill. We become joyful at what we have gained in Jesus and with our own actions. We are quieted and humbly seek the ways of God. Our hearts will break at the sight of injustice and rejoice at the sight of kindness. Each day we will search for God’s direction and rebel against selfish thoughts. Our hearts become purified by our hopes and faith in Jesus
Points of Reflection
- How often do we pray in the morning to find our direction?
- What thoughts do we have to rid ourselves of to have a purified heart?
- What do we desire or envy that isn’t healthy?
Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman
Photo by Ben White
We love giving credit to budding photographers to help them gain more exposure.
“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
Matthew [4:18]-20
FOLLOWING JESUS
When Jesus calls us to follow him, it means a giving up of those illusionary things that we believe gives us a purposeful life. However, in following Jesus we begin to a create a purposeful life that is not illusionary. We give up things that bind us and create a false want. We give up a chasing of material things that only temporarily soothe us. We acquire a different perspective of what is important. When we follow Jesus the ways of the world dim, replaced by the truer life of being a disciple. Fear of scarcity is replaced with hope, love and faith.
Points of Reflection
- What limits us from following Jesus completely?
- What changes could we make in our lives that free us to follow?
- What is our most important possession?
Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman
Photo by Ben White
We love giving credit to budding photographers to help them gain more exposure.