STylerArt.com » Religion

Stormy Seas

sonya — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:40:45 +0000

We’ve all heard the story – Jesus and his disciples were in a boat crossing a lake, after Jesus had spoke to the crowds on the banks of the Galilee. Jesus grabs a cushion and stretches out at the back of the boat and goes to sleep. Suddenly a fierce storm comes, tossing the little boat. His disciples, many of whom were fisherman by trade, being familiar with the sea, were afraid. Afraid enough, to wake the sleeping Jesus, which probably took courage of its own. The disciples said “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38)

Picture it. Jesus had spent the entire day preaching to the crowds. Drain and exhausted, he falls asleep to the rocking of the boat as they crossed the lake. Now picture a big, burly disciple (we don’t know who it was – perhaps it was even Peter), shaking Him awake, to say “I’m afraid!” as if a child that’s afraid of the dark and the monster that’s hiding in the closet. Grown men, admitting they were afraid. Now I know it is said that the Sea of Galilee was known for violent and unexpected storms, and I’m sure anyone would have been afraid during that squall. Storms, no matter what their origin, can humble even the strongest of souls.

We learn that Jesus simply wakes up, rebukes the wind and waves to be still, and they obey. Jesus says to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Now the disciples are even more terrified, realizing that this man can calm a storm with His voice.

But did you catch it? Jesus had faith in the disciples in order to sleep in that little boat. He knew about the dangerous storms that came up suddenly on the Galilee, and He probably knew about that particular storm long before it happened. But He slept. Trusting the disciples with His life.

How often does Jesus trust us with something? How often do we say, “I’m afraid.” The storms we face in our lives often make us feel as though we are tossed and battered at sea, feeling at the mercy of the winds of fate. Whether it is the death of a loved one, financial struggles, battling a disease, or just day to day conflicts. Storms are everywhere.

Jesus knew the disciples could handle the storm. Jesus had faith, the same faith He was asking of them. Jesus has faith in us too. He knows what we are made of, our strengths and limitations, and our fears. Don’t be afraid of the storm. Jesus has faith in us. We need to have faith in Him.

Talking to God

sonya — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:49:06 +0000

Every once in a while, I pause and think about how cool heaven is going to be one day. Last year I read the Left Behind series, and made a startling revelation. One day, I’m going to be able to talk to God and he’s going to talk to me.

I know that sounds like a “duh!” But have you really thought about it? Those of us that are sure of our salvation, know that one day we’ll be in heaven. And we sometimes think about getting to see loved ones, kicking back on the “proverbial puffy cloud” and chatting with family and friends. However, have you ever really thought about meeting God face to face, and talking to Him…in person?

That thought got me thinking. I pray to God every day. We probably all pray at one time or another. Do we believe He’s listening to our prayer… really listening? Do our words become “lip service” to Him? Does it become a practiced set of things we say or ask for? If we really believed that our prayers were from our lips to His ear, would we be more reverent and less demanding? Would we complain less and praise more?

Getting a little nervous? Why does it sounds so scary to know that God will be face to face with us one day, and we’ll talk like best buddies? Will our words be different if we’re standing before Him? Why? It shouldn’t matter if we’re bowing our heads to pray or talking to Him in person. Our respect and awe for Him should be the same. He is our Heavenly Father, the King of kings, the Maker of all creation.

When I tuck my daughter in at night, I watch her bow her head, close her eyes, tent her little hands to pray, and wonder what she says to Him. Her reverence is clear. She is pouring her little 8 year old heart out to the God she knows loves her dearly. I don’t think she has any doubt that He’s listening. So as adults, how did we loose that reverence along the way? We have become so distracted and lackadaisical with our prayers, that they have become boring, monotonous and sad.

Jesus prayed with respect and emotion. Hebrews 5:7 says,

“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”

Jesus’ prayers were not “lip service.” Jesus didn’t get distracted in the middle of a prayer with thoughts of tomorrow’s “to do” list. He didn’t fall asleep in the middle of a prayer, because even he was bored with it.

The next time you stop to pray, stop. Psalm 46:10 says,

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Be still. Take the time to reverently bow your head, focus your thoughts, and talk to Him, just like He was in the room sitting beside you. He is hanging on to your every word, make those words count.

Fireproof

sonya — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:16:36 +0000

The movie Fireproof was shown to a sold out crowd last night at the Hollywood 16. The lobby was packed, and it was nice to see friends from church and around town, talking excitedly about the long-awaited movie. Our small group decided to do “date night” together this week for the movie. It was great to have such community of believers share in the experience.

Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, did an amazing job with Facing the Giants, and left big shoes to fill for their latest film. However, they certainly did not disappoint.

Fireproof is a story about a typical marriage you would find in America today. Caleb Holt, played by Kirk Cameron, is a captain with the Albany Fire Department. Caleb is a hero on the job, but struggles with his marriage at home. His wife, Catherine, played by Erin Bethea, finds herself unloved and alone as she juggles her marriage and taking care of elderly parents. Their marriage is dying a slow death, and neither seems willing to fan the flames of a failing marriage.

Kirk Cameron and the rest of the crew did an incredible job bringing real life drama onto the big screen. There are times in the movie when you ache for the hurt and loneliness and cry for the pain of brokenness. Sprinkled in between, you find humor at life’s every day journey.

At the heart of the movie, lies the most important issue. A Christ-sized whole in the hearts of those that are struggling. They try to fill the void with materials things or dreams of something better, but eventually come to find that only God’s love will complete their lives. Life change happens with a commitment to God, and only through understanding God’s love, do they learn to love each other.

For more information, visit fireproofthemovie.com.

Women of Faith Conference

sonya — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 03:24:07 +0000

What words can I use to describe such an experience! The Women of Faith Conference was the most awesome thing I’ve ever been to. My husband says I’m in the doghouse for saying that because it includes our wedding (oops!), but I don’t know that I can explain how incredible it really was.

Patti, Denise and Sonya

I was able to go to the conference in Tampa at the St Pete Forum Arena, with two friends, who I dearly love, on August 15-16, 2008 . The Pre-Conference on Friday, included Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont, and Jan Silvious, along with the Women of Faith Worship Team. On Saturday, the packed arena hosted Sandi Patti, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Allison Allen, and Louise DuArt, as well as vocalists Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, who brought down the house. We also had a special guest, Steve Arterburn, the creator of Women of Faith.

They each brought their own unique talents and giftings to the spotlight. They shared humorous stories and heart-wrenching struggles, laying their hearts wide open. At times, our sides hurt from laughing so hard, and yet, our souls wept. We were drawn into the lives of these amazing women who taught us that God can bring you through anything. Learning about our emotions, the importance of wisdom, the power of prayer and how to focus our lives on God were life lessons to treasure.

Sheila Walsh

The praise and worship experience was beyond compare. Nicole C. Mullen and her group of teens that share the stage, rocked the rafters with joy. Natalie Grant’s powerful voice filled the room with a heavenly voice only God’s great skill could create. One of everyone’s favorite songs was “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” which Natalie did as an encore, without music and without a dry eye. Sandi Patti and Sheila Walsh not only shared their testimonies, but sang like beautiful angels.

And some men might be thinking – how can such a large group of women be in the same room and co-exist without conflict? The answer, of course is God. Never have I seen women come together so easily with grace and love. Though we were from different backgrounds, faiths and ideals, we shared a common ground as we worshiped together. The beauty of listening to 14,000 women lift their voices together in song was truly amazing. Tears streamed down my face as we all sang “How Great is Our God,” acappella (without music). It felt as though heaven opened up and God’s grace and love shown upon us like sunshine.

The experience was only made more sweet by sharing it with my two girlfriends. Our husbands couldn’t get a word in edge-wise when we got home, as we recounted our stories and laughter. I feel incredibly blessed to have been apart of such a magnificent weekend, and can’t wait to do it again. I encourage all women to find out more information about Women of Faith and become a part of it. It will change your life.

(Check out www.womenoffaith.com for more information.)

Exercise Prayer

sonya — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:56:06 +0000

One of my first of the year commitments was to get in shape. Jon and I joined the YMCA and started working out. We did pretty good at getting a regular routine going. When summer hit however, our schedules got turned upside with the addition of our kiddos full time for 6 weeks. Somehow, we never did get around to going to the Y, and our routine was lost.

I didn’t know just how much I missed going to the Y until I returned yesterday. My work schedule had become a hopeless path of endless hours of work and stress. I finally broke down and decided I needed a workout and headed for class.

My favorite activity at the Y is Pilates, with my favorite instructor, Meredith. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between the hours of 9:30 – 10:30am, I can escape in a cocoon of joy. Meredith is an amazing lady, who takes her faith seriously. And thanks to the Y, she can not only play Christian music during our class, but she offers prayer when class is over. I admire Meredith for “taking her faith to the street” as it were, sharing Christ (even if just through music in the background) with those that enter her world.

When I began going to Pilates, my body was out of shape and it let me know it. But as I started to stretch those muscles something amazing happened. I found an environment of spiritual fulfillment. In that simple workout room, with the lights off and sunlight streaming through the windows, with soft music in the background praising my Lord and Savior, I found a place that I could share time with God. As my body twists and stretches, in my mind I praise Him, talk with Him, laugh with Him and share with Him. One move in particular always makes me smile, as we raise our hands up high and stretch towards the ceiling, I always feel like a child reaching up to my Heavenly Father, asking Him to “Pick me up!” And His arms embrace me with love.

By the time class is over, those that would like to, can stay and pray with Meredith. After spending time with my Lord alone, now I join other women like myself in a circle, and we lift each other up in prayer. Meredith begins our prayer, and with the voice of an angel, and the heart of one as well, she sweetly thanks God for all the blessings He bestows upon us. She lifts each woman up as a precious offering, asking His grace and provision over each of us and our families. The prayer passes around the circle, as those that want, lift their voice in prayer. The Holy Spirit is there within that small circle and cradles us in comfort.

Yesterday, as I stood in the circle, the walls came tumbling down. The barriers of stress and worry that had been built around me, crumbled. The emotions poured through me and rained down my cheeks. The Holy Spirit cleansed me and welcomed me back into my circle of joy.

I thank God for my time with Him every day, whether it’s at home in my quiet time, driving in my car singing praise songs, or in a small workout room at the YMCA. Our God is so great.

Soil Test

sonya — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:08:29 +0000

Have you ever noticed the soil in a well tended garden? You can tell whether a garden is cared for by the condition of the soil. A garden must be prepared by turning the soil, getting rid of all impurities and debris such as rocks and weeds. The soil must be cared for, and given time, a transformation happens. The dirt that once held rocks and weeds is now rich and dark, ready for planting.

I think our hearts are a lot like that soil. When left unworked, it can lay dormant, the darkness of sin and evil can settle in and harden our hearts, so that no good thing can be planted there.

“The Lord told the people of Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among the thorns. O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord…” (Jeremiah 4:3-4)

If our hearts are hardened, we cannot plant good seed. With sin embedded like thorny vines, our hearts cannot seek the goodness that God can bring us. Greed, idolatry, impure thoughts, selfishness, hatred; all these things choke our hearts like weeds. Only through seeking forgiveness can we till the soil.

How is the soil in your garden? Do you have rich, fertile soil for God to plant His goodness? Or is it time to take the plow to it?

The Best Offer Around (Isaiah 55)

sonya — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:35:10 +0000

A man stands on the street corner. He is not peddling wares, but something far greater. He knows his product well, is familiar with every line, every truth, every nuance. He’s waiting for a crowd to gather, for he wants all to hear his words, his promises and proclamations. As the crowd builds, he lifts his voice and says, “Is anyone thirsty? Come, and drink.”

The people stop and begin to listen.

“Come, and drink, even if you have no money.. it’s all free.”

The hot and tired crowd edges closer. The day has been long, and their money short. “Free?” they say, “Nothing is free.”

The man says, “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?”

The crowd is really curious now. What does this man know that they do not? “Free” has a good sounds to it. Certainly, this is too good to be true.

The man says, “Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. Listen to me, and you will enjoy the finest foods.”

Everyone is pressing in, ready to learn his secret. What can his scheme be? Looking at this plain man before them, how can he have knowledge of such things? He looks no different than they are in simple clothes and worn sandals. The crowd begins to shout questions, their curiosity is overwhelming.

As the noise builds, he shouts, “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen to me, and you will find life. Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on Him now while He is near.”

Someone recognizes the man. He is Isaiah, the prophet. Isaiah is not selling food or drink; what he speaks of is not for sale. The drink he speaks of is the water of life, salvation through Christ Jesus. The food, is the Word of God, free nourishment for the soul. Jesus said, “those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:14).

The most precious gift in life is free. We only need to seek Him, know Him, and believe.

The Lord’s Day

sonya — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 15:12:25 +0000

Today is the Lord’s Day, so we decided to sit around the computer this morning and praise God, for He is worthy of all praise!

Sonya says: He is majestic, wonderful, strong and powerful.

Brandt’s says:
We serve the Lord because He is great. When Jesus came to earth He served us, not us serving Him.

Kailey says:
Jesus is wonderful because He is the king of everything. He is the person who always is with us wherever we go.

Sonya says:
I love Jesus because he is patient and kind, and He understand when we are troubled. He helps us when we are down, and lifts us up.

Jon says: Jesus rocks!

Brandt says: Think of who you are and then think of Jesus. Remember He is the one that is part of you.

Kailey says: Jesus is the great one and He is the King of our life. Whenever we are sad, He will cheer us up to where we are always happy with Him. He is always with us.

Sonya says: He is my rock and salvation. My strength and my sword. I love Him for all that He has done for us and all that He continues to do.

Jon says: My Lord is magnificent, beautiful and joyous!

Kailey says: The Lord is everything we need in our life.

Brandt says: Just keep praising the Lord!