Tag Archives: jesus disciples

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert – When Life Gets Tough—Hang On!

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Mark 4:37

Storms are scary. They are destructive and they can threaten life. When a huge hurricane named Katrina swept ashore in New Orleans, it just about ruined the city. Jesus’ disciples knew all about storms, so when they got caught in a furious squall on the Sea of Galilee, they were sure they were about to die. They expected their boat to be demolished by the storm. Jesus was asleep in their boat, so they woke him up and asked him to save them. And that’s what Jesus did. He spoke to the storm and told it to be quiet.

Tough times come to everyone. Sometimes someone we love gets sick. Sometimes a friend betrays us. Sometimes there are real storms like hurricane Katrina. There are lots of scary things that can happen, but just like the disciples, we have Jesus in the boat of our life. We just have to call out to him. He will help us find a way through the worst problems we could ever have.

Dear Lord, Thank you for being there through the good times as well as the bad. I know that with your help I can overcome anything that comes into my life. Help me trust you more. Amen.

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Memorial Day 2013

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Not Theirs Alone

Deployment…you know the word because so many in this nation have been affected by it. The military takes a position of readiness to aid in the battle against terrorism. Any way you look at it, it means leaving the comforts of home and family and extending themselves to serve this country.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19

In much the same way, Jesus’ disciples were deployed to tell the resurrection story – a battle of a different kind. They sacrificed much to serve the Lord. The book of Acts recounts their struggles and suffering, as well as their successes, in proclaiming that Christ had risen. They did what Jesus told them to do.

But that command was not theirs alone. Deployment is not just for today’s military or for yesterday’s apostles. It is for you…you who know that Christ died and that He rose again to save the sinner from the punishment he should receive.

Take time on this Memorial Day to remember the men and women who died fighting for the freedom you enjoy. Then thank God for those who have gone before you unafraid to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ…even to the point of death. Don’t waiver. Serve the Lord. Spread the good news!

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:4, 8-17

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Our Daily Bread — The Mark Of Leadership

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READ: Mark 10:35-45

Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. —Mark 10:44

While visiting the campus of Purdue University on a frigid winter day, I came upon two young men chipping away thick ice on the sidewalk next to a fraternity house. Thinking they must be underclassmen who had been assigned the tough job by older fraternity brothers, I said, “They didn’t tell you about this when you joined, did they?” One looked up with a smile and said, “Well, we’re both upperclassmen. I’m the fraternity vice-president and my friend here is the president.” I thanked them for their hard work and went on my way having been reminded that serving others is the mark of a true leader.

When two of Jesus’ disciples asked Him for positions of honor in His coming kingdom, the Lord gathered His twelve closest followers and told them, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). If there was any doubt about what Jesus meant, He reminded them that He had not come to be served but to serve others and to give His life to ransom them from the power of sin (v.45).

The mark of true, godly leadership is not power and privilege, but humble service. God gives us strength to follow Jesus’ example and to lead His way. —David McCasland

The paths of leadership are trod

By those who humbly walk with God,

Their gracious spirit holds a sway

That makes you want to go their way. —D. DeHaan

A qualified leader is one who has learned to serve.