Two words come to mind as they often do, “But God”. Though man, in his finite wisdom, seeks to play God, he will never be God. Two impossible surgeries have already been completely successfully. The stage is set for God to move. We’re in the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter. All eyes are watching.

Though it appears that Jesus is sleeping while the storm is raging, He has all of us in His hands and at the perfect time, He will move forward His perfect plan. We need not try to wake him up in a panic. He has this!

At the end of the passage, Jesus asks them “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The end result was still fear but instead of fearing the world they feared the Savior of the world.

Reflection

Read Mark 4:35-42

What storm is is raging for you?

What would it look like if you let Him sleep trusting that His plan was perfect and fearing Him?

Prayer

Father in heaven, thank You that You never leave us or forsake us. Thank you we need not panic. For You hold all things in Your hand and You are carrying out Your perfect will. Help us to trust and fear you instead of the raging storms of this life, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#intheeyeofthestormYouremainincontrol

#ourGodhasthis

God had carefully ordered steps that have ultimately taken me to places I never dreamed of.  He plucked me from the desert and planted me by streams of living water and set me free to know, live, and speak the truth. I can honestly say that if I died tomorrow, I have lived a full life.  In fact, I’ve been saying that for close to 20yrs now and His abundance continues to amaze me daily. 

I still plan but the steps I take are according to His leading.  I don’t fight Him nearly as much as to the placement of each. For My eyes have seen His masterful handiwork and in all the steps I wouldn’t have taken I would have lost out on these blessings:

I wouldn’t have been blessed with the most amazing wife ever

I wouldn’t have had 22 amazing children

I wouldn’t have traveled the world speaking and serving others. 

I wouldn’t have seen many give their lives to Christ. 

Yes! Praise God for His beautiful ordering of steps in my life; whether through valleys or over mountains, they have all resulted in His glory!  What an amazing God and Father we have!

Reflection

Spend a few moments thinking about the times when God has ordered your steps. 

What was the end result?

What did you learn from it?

Prayer

Father, Thank you for all of the “wouldn’t have’s” that I’ve been able to enjoy!  Continue to align my heart with Yours that I may enjoy every one of your steps.  Thank you for Your patience as I discover more and more who You are and how You work in my life.  May Your name be praised forever, Amen!

Now you may say it was Moses and David, but if we look closely, even David and Moses acknowledge it was the LORD who gave the victory.  So whom shall we fear? What can man do to us?

Too many times we treat God like a topic in grade school.  We master a ton of knowledge, but have no relationship and trust. We miss having the peace and confidence in Him. 

Don’t let that be you. Know that the LORD desires to dwell with you for all eternity.  Know Him, Trust Him, and Obey Him.  For He is your confidence in every trial.  He is your salvation and rest!

Reflection

Are you treating God like a textbook or are you seeking Him in relationship?

Are you in His word daily, desiring to know Him more?

Download youversion on your smartphone or go to youversion.com.  Personally I love a study Bible where I can read and write my notes in next to the passages.  Whatever the venue, get reading!

Prayer

LORD, you are our strength and shield; our confidence forever. None can stand before You.  We are blessed to live in the shadow of Your wings.  For we are partakers of Your living water that brings life to each and every moment. Thank you Father for Your unending kindness.  Help us to draw close to You.  Guide our hearts to make You the object of all our desires.   May our fear fade and Your love and strength abound. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

So what does scripture tell us we are to do?

Be Alert and on Guard We shouldn’t be surprised.  We know how the enemy works.  We can see evidences of his hand all around us.  It’s not a matter of if he will attack, it’s simply when he will.  Expect it and be ready.  

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” ~ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13

Stand Firm, Submit and Resist Him.  Submitting doesn’t come naturally.  It is an act of faith.   

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” ~ ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Standing firm implies a solid ground to stand on.  What is more solid than our faith in Jesus?  It is an immovable  rock and a foundation that bring peace, power and rest in the midst of the toughest trials.  Let’s not forget there is the work of resisting.  In the Holy Spirit’s power, we are able to resist ever attack. 

Watch him flee. These attacks do come with suffering, but it is temporary, purpose-filled and  in it and comes with the promise of His reward.  

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. ~  ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:10 NASB

Be Courageous – The LORD is With You.  The presence of the LORD is powerful and priceless!  For He has promised never to leave or forsake us.  What a blessing!  What strength!  Day after day He is with us leading us on.  For no one can stand in His presence. 

‭“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Reflection

Which of the actions above do you struggle with the most?

Where are you most vulnerable to attack?

What are you doing about that?   

Are you justifying or submitting to God?

Prayer

Holy Father, we know You have the power to crush the enemy under our feet.  You are our rock and our fortress in You we will trust!  Equip us and gives us the courage to be on guard. You go before us as a consuming fire.   May Your will be done in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Say hello to jack. He’s the tamest wild rabbit I have ever seen.  I’m guessing that his mom, brothers, and sisters were taken out during the storms and that he was hurt as well.  That stands to reason since ever other attempt to try to catch a baby wild rabbit on our acreage has been fruitless.  They tend to be sharp and fast. Not this guy.  He was desperate and worn.  

We can find ourselves like Jack. Worn, slow and grieving the loss of a life that once was filled with family, fun, and comfort.  Feeling like all that’s important has been ripped from us.  The storms of this life can be great enough to do some serious damage, but there is one who is greater than every storm. One who can still the most raging waves and heal every wound.   He is the One true living God; Our hope and our salvation.  He is a Father to the fatherless and is able to meet us in that storm and remind us of His marvelous power that has overcome all the troubles of this world. 

What’s the key to surviving any storm?  Keep your eyes fixed on Christ.  If we can do that; we do not sink, but instead walk on the water with Him.  When our eyes are off ourselves and on Him, we don’t lose sight of the mission we are on.  We also don’t forget the loving Father we have in our corner and we are not swayed by the lies of the enemy that try to convince us that we are alone, unwanted and invaluable. 
Reflection

Think about the roughest time of your life.  Maybe it’s been years or maybe it’s right now.  

Where do you see God in it?  Is He strengthening you through His word?  Is He, comforting you through His Spirit and His people? 

In what ways can you meet others in their storms and encourage them?  Take action and encourage someone today!

Prayer

Gracious God, You are Lord over the greatest storm.  For we know that even the wind and waves must obey You.  Enable our eyes to remain firmly fixed on You, unwavering, even in the hurricanes of this life. Ready our hands to reach out to all who are hurting.  Open our hearts to comfort those who have lost hope.   Let us see Your goodness, love and grace and our mouths shout Your praise!  Glory to You forever and ever, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

#Hehasovercome #ragingstorms #powerfulSavior

In Mark 2, the paralytic is lowered through the roof as the impenetrable crowd watches. Jesus commends the man for his faith, reminds him of his greatest need, and meets both that spiritual need as well as his physical need.  Jesus’ authority was on undeniably on display.  

The Pharisees in the story were right, ythough they did not understand what they were saying when they said, “Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”  For truly, He was not blaspheming, He was God.  Every molecule in the universe must obey Him.  

For the paralytic, he had an insurmountable physical need and yet his spiritual need was even greater. He came for healing and the authority of Jesus’ was dispensed with one phrase; overcoming both of these realms and enabling this man to get up and walk away, blameless before God.  

Reflection

For us too, our greatest need in spiritual.  The good news is that the need has been fully satisfied.  For He is more than able to supply every need in every realm.   His authority knows no bounds!

What are you stressing about today? 

What are your needs?

How do those needs compare to your salvation?

Rejoice over your salvation today!  Praise God for His gift of Jesus and His authority over every realm. We can trust that He can supply every need. 

Prayer

Father in heaven, You have authority over all the universe. Every molecule is yours to command. You have chosen to use Your authority and power to rescue Your servants and we are forever grateful.   Let our minds not be anxious, but instead let us rejoice in salvation and trust in Your majesty, dominion and authority, now and forever more.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#ultimateauthority

#ourGodisgreater

#truthtalk4life

Examining some compononents of dealing with pain can be a helpful in preparing us to be ready. At some point we will all experience pain. 

Trials are always revealing our character.  We can hold it together for quite some time in our own strength but when there is prolonged pain our true self makes it way to the surface.  Rather than “manning up”, I’m going to keep my strength grounded completely in Christ this time.  

Temptation to numb the pain is incredibly appealing during times of prolonged pain.  There is really only on thing that will truly comfort and that is God in all three persons.  Every other substitute is like a drug that promises comfort but comes with a long list of side effects. 

We must not waver or justify “comforters” other than Christ.  There are many great tools that can and should be used, but make sure your affections are rightly placed on thanking the One who is responsible for the provision of those tools. 

Prayer is powerful weapon in times of trial and We are not alone in wielding it.  Look in Romans 8:26

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;” 

The Spirit intercedes on our behalf.  Remember, we are never alone in the trial!   We also find that not only the Spirit but also The Son intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34)

who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

He intercedes in regard to our salvation and continues to do so; making us inseparable from His overflowing love.  

And what familiar passage is sandwiched between these two wonderful truths?  None other than Romans 8:28

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

So is the pain present? YES, strong as ever, but not as strong as my God who is at work in me.  Some good will come of this pain.  I will be lifted by the intercessions of the Spirit and the Son.  He will be my comforter, my shield and my refuge!

#truthtalk4life #knowlicespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl

Again, the secret to having our tongues bless instead of curse is to surrender control to our loving Father in heaven. Only then will we know, live, and SPEAK the truth. Only then will we seek to build up others with it rather than tear down. 

For it is God’s living in and through me that has burdened my heart for others. Surrender to God is the reason I post daily from His word to bless all of us. If you have not fully given your life to Him, today is the day to surrender and start enjoying your freedom and cleansing! 

@brianfriedl 

#truthtalk4life

Read Acts 19:11-20

1) What did you see in the text?

2) What things don’t make sense and requires more study/answers?

3) What’s the main theme?

4) How were the original readers to apply this passage?

5) How does this passage apply to you?

May zgod’s word have its way in your heart as you study and meditate on it today!

 My heart breaks for God’s church this morning. As I read through this list, I was reminded of story after story I’ve heard on the news confirming all these truths of misdirected affections of our times.  My mind attempted to remind me that those who don’t know God  would not be desiring holiness. 

Deep within me, my mind and heart desires to see God and His goodness triumph; for His church to rise up and stand for truth.  When we get to verse 5; however, Paul pointedly connects empty religion to these affections and so I weep.  For The body of Christ should be carrying with it the love and power of God not a form of godliness without power. 

This passage is powerful because it challenges me personally to Know,Live, and Speak this truth.  I must ensure that my own affections are properly placed in the One true living God.  

Painful memories also resurface as I recall seeing my former home church move toward  an empty religion environment.  I watched as the leadership subtly moved from a place of love and grace dependent on God, to a place of performance dependent on “attracting and assigning the right people”.  It became about doing our best instead of seeing God’s best.  I attempted at first to jump through hoops but though I would satisfy every point, it wasn’t enough.   Not long after it was “recommended” that I resign.  My heart still grieves over this.  I miss my brothers and sisters in Christ there that genuinely desired to Know, Live, and Speak the truth.  At the same time I am truly thankful that we are worshipping somewhere where Jesus is center stage; not just in Word but also in action. I am free to fully minister with affections properly placed. 

Personal Reflection

Where are your affections placed?  Are you abandoning everything that sets itself against God?  Are you subtly trusting in your power and strength rather than Jesus’ finished work at the cross?  If your affections are misplaced, confess and repent today!  For there is work to be done by His power!

Prayer Focus

Father, may we as Your church never show a form of godliness but deny Your power. Let us live only by the truth of Your Word. Help us to keep Jesus at the center of everything on the throne that He has righty earned!  May our affections be for You above all else, in Jesus Name, Anen!