Scriptures of Encouragement ~ In The Quiet

Imagine the gently sloping mountainside around Jerusalem, the sandy shore along the Sea of Galilee. Now imagine Jesus sitting with His disciples teaching them. Answering their questions. Explaining Kingdom truths. During the quiet times with His inner circle, Jesus reveals to them the essence of who He is.

He takes them away from the clutter of the day. The multitudes will be back tomorrow, but for now, Jesus wants to pour the knowledge and grace of God into these, His faithful servants.

"...And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples." ~ Mark 4:34

Then came the storm, the storm familiar to most of us - the one where Jesus fell asleep in the boat while the storm raged around them.

Notice the storm came after time alone was shared between Jesus and His disciples. Notice also, the storm comes once they've decided to cross over, to move on, to press on towards the work God has for them:

"On the same day, when evening had come, He [Jesus] said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side...And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?'

"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." ~ Mark 4:35, 37-39

Now, consider this: Jesus isn't teaching them in the storm. I know, right? He taught them the things of God and increased their faith while they slipped away with Him from the crowds. Not in the storm. In the storm it was enough that He was with them and He had authority over the storm.

The storm was not the teaching moment. Not really. I mean, they had a new understanding of His authority, but it really wasn't about relationship at that moment. Their relationship, their love for the Messiah developed in the quiet moments.

The quiet moments, alone with Him, also determined His Presence in the storm.

SELAH


Father, Open our ears to hear You calling our names. Awaken our hearts to love You, to desire You above all the clutter of the day. Thank You for Your persistent pursuance of Your children. Forgive us when we choose other things over You. We love You, Lord. You are an amazing God, ruling over all the earth. Thank You for loving us.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. Geoff Moore shares a bit of his testimony before singing "I Believe". That's really what it boils down to, isn't it? Either we believe God is who He says He is, or we don't. I know you'll be encouraged by the video.