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Jesus

In A Panic!

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God cares about you.When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. (NIV) Mark 6:47-48

Jesus has just miraculously fed a huge crowd (estimated between 15,000-25,000 people) with just 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. All the people have eaten and are satisfied. As the people watch, they become convinced that this Jesus, is no ordinary man. They’re hoping that maybe He’s the One they’ve been waiting for. . .the One who will bring healing, help and hope to their nation.

The people think that their hope will be found in crowning Jesus King of Israel. There is political momentum here. If a vote had been taken, Jesus would have won the Galilean primary! But, Jesus knows that is not His mission. Jesus sends the crowds home and sends His disciples away on a 5 mile journey. Could it be that Jesus did not want His disciples get too tempted by “kingdom” talk?

But, instead of hoopla, the disciples find themselves caught in an unpredictable turn of events. The sun has set, a chilling wind sends shivers up their spines. . . it’s pitch black, no moonlight, and a storm is coming. The boat begins to rock back and forth. The men try to steady themselves. Wave after wave crashes against the boat, pouring more and more water into it. Some of the disciples most likely, frantically bail water, as others strain against the oars. They are exerting every muscle in their bodies trying to make headway against the relentless wind and waves. . . they are soaked, from the sea water and their own perspiration. . . their hands are blistered from gripping the wooden oars, which get heavier with every pull. They do not have a choice of fight or flight. They couldn’t exactly swim in or head for shore, they are 3 1/2 miles out (John 6:19b) – right in the middle of the lake (Mark 6:47).

I wonder what was going through their minds. . .”Where is Jesus when you need Him? Just like everyone else I’ve met in life, He doesn’t really care about me. You can’t count on anyone.”. . . “What will happen to my wife and kids? Who will provide for them?”. . . “I’m too young to die”. . . or were any reciting Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you?”

What are you afraid of? Not ever having enough money? or running out of money? Afraid of the violence around you? Afraid of being alone? of death? of looking back on a worthless life? Do you ever wonder if anyone really cares?

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Hillside Dining

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Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV) Mark 6:41-42

The crowds had gathered. There were 5000 men in the crowd, conservatively figuring, there was somewhere between 10-15,000 people, including the women and children, possibly as many as 25,000, who had come to see and hear Jesus. Jesus did not have to advertise to attract a huge crowd. Word had spread that His teaching was refreshing after all the rules that their religious leaders had piled on them. And word had spread around the countryside about this Man from God who heals the sick, casts demons out of the possessed, cleanses lepers, heals the paralyzed, restores sight to the blind.

All during the day Jesus and His 12 disciples gave themselves to the crowd, because the crowd was hungry. . . they were hungry for healing. . .hungry for help. . .and hungry for hope. Are you hungry for the healing of your broken body? Healing of your broken marriage? Healing of your broken family? Healing of your broken dreams? Healing of your broken life? Healing of a broken relationship?

Are you hungry for help with your finances? With your work situation? With your chaotic life? Are you hungry for hope? Hope to find the meaning of life? Hope to fill the emptiness inside? Hope in finding Love that is uncompromised and unfailing?

Eventually the crowds become hungry for food. Jesus miraculously feeds this huge crowd with just 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. All the people eat and are satisfied. Jesus took control of the situation and met their need. Why not let Jesus have control of your situation and allow Him to meet your need?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

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Out In The Desert

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“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” (NIV) Mark 1:3 & Isaiah 40:3

The gospel of Mark begins with a prophesy from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Some 700+ years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah said that John the Baptist would be ordained to prepare the way for Christ’s coming. John’s job would be to challenge people to turn from their sinful ways and instead, look to God. He would bring the good news (the gospel) to the people of Jerusalem. That good news could be summed us as: “Here is your God” (Isaiah 40:9).

John the Baptist was to prepare a path out of the wilderness of a lost world and lead people to Jesus. Jesus commands all Christians to do the same. We are called to share the good news. . . to be a voice in the desert preparing the way to the Lord. Today’s desert may not be the same as the desert John the Baptist preached in, but any life filled with sin is a wasteland.

Who do you know that needs to know the way to the Lord? Who do you know that is struggling for a new direction, searching for meaning, for protection, for peace, and for truth? Can you remember how desperate things were for you before you knew the good news? . . .when you were stuck in the desert?

You don’t need to know all the answers. Christ is the answer! You just have to make a path for them to Christ. Reach out, tell them how following Christ has changed your life. Cry out to them “Behold your God!”

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

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When You’re Right, But Everything Keeps Falling Apart

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To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  1 Peter 2:21

What do you do when you’re misunderstood by your spouse? your friends? your co-worker? your parents? How do you react to criticism when you know you’re doing the right thing, doing God’s will? Do you alter your course? Do you run and hide? Do you lash back? Do you try to resolve the issue?

If you are attempting to be like Jesus, you will not repay insult for insult, but love the individual instead. If anyone had the right to be right it was Jesus. As He hung on the cross, an innocent man, the people “hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) Jesus never lost His witness to the world. He bore the suffering and the pain and the sin on the cross “so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). . . so that we might live for righteousness and continue to be His witnesses!

The next time you suffer for doing good – for doing God’s will – remember Jesus suffered first so that we might live. And then after remembering what Christ has done for you, pray that God will give you the strength and the love to follow in His footsteps. . . and to live like Jesus through the trial.

PLEASE NOTE: We realize that some of you reading this devotion may be living in an abusive situation. The above devotion is not in anyway encouraging you to be a doormat for abuse. If you are in an abusive relationship, please seek counsel from a pastor at a Bible-teaching church.

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

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Revealing God to Man

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. . . he had come from God and was returning to God; (NIV) John 13:3

“For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” (NIV) John 12:49-50

“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.” (NIV) John 8:42

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (NIV) John 5:19

Prior to Christ’s birth, God spoke “through the prophets at many times and in various ways,” (Hebrews 1:1). But, it was through Jesus incarnation that we see the exact representation of God’s being (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus knew that His Father “had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God” (John 13:3). And now with the physical presence of Jesus removed from the earth, WE, as Christians, are called to complete Christ’s mission. . . to continue to reveal God to the world.

Are you doing the will of the One (God) who has sent you? Are you speaking what the Father tells you to say? or are you words of your own choosing? Are you doing what Jesus would do if He were in your shoes? How are you representing God? What does your life reveal about God? Throughout today remember that you are the living representative of the Almighty God for those around you!

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

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Symbols of Christmas: The Christmas Tree

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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV) John 8:12

Martin Luther, the famous German church leader, is credited with being the first to illuminate a Christmas tree.  The evergreen tree reminded him that life continued through the winter, when most of nature appeared to have died. Luther cut a fir tree and took it home. As he was walking home under a clear night sky lit by hundreds of stars, the sight so moved him that when he returned home He attached a number of small candles to its branches. The illuminated tree was representative of Jesus the light of the world.

Do you believe that Jesus is the Light of the world? If so, are you following Him? being obedient to what He asks of you?

Jesus also taught us: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (NIV) Matthew 5:14-16

How is your light shining before men? Or are you hiding your relationship with Christ? Do others see good deeds in your life? When was the last time that your lifestyle caused others to praise God? This Christmas, don’t just light your Christmas tree. . . let the light of God shine through you in all you do and say!

(Sources for the above Christmas tree information: “Christmas in New England: from World Book.” World Book Encyclopedia, Inc. “1001 Christmas Facts and Fancies” by Alfred Carl Hottes.)

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The Light of Men

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In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (NIV) John 1:4 & 9

During Christmas time in America the lights are on. Decorations dot the landscape that are ablaze with light. As we approach our fourth week of advent, we anticipate the arrival of the Light of the World. And yet how many people are truly “a-light” with Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. Whoever follows Him “will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (John 3:19-20)

Jesus said: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”  (John 12:46)

Jesus said: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  (John 9:5)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; (John 11:25)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  (John 14:6)

Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.”  (John 6:47)

There is no greater love than the love we see in God sending His Son to become man. . . and to lay down His life for His friends, for us. In Jesus is life, and that life is the light of men. As Christmas approaches share that Light today with someone who is in the darkness.

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Prince of Peace

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV) Isaiah 9:6

The Hebrew word translated “peace” is “Shalom”. Shalom depicts a satisfied condition; an unconcerned state of peacefulness; a sense of well being; a state of being unharmed or unhurt, both externally and internally. . . the deepest desire and need of the human heart. Shalom represents the greatest measure of contentment and satisfaction in life.

God in His own person, is perfect peace and we receive peace with God through Christ. The source of peace comes from only one place, God! It is the presence of God in our lives that brings peace. But, a peace that rules in our hearts and minds also depends upon the measure of our trust in God. It is through Christ that we have peace. . .there is no hope apart from Him.

Do you exhibit a satisfied life? A sense of well being? A life of contentment? Do you maintain a peace which transcends all understanding? If not, go to Jesus. For He is the One who is the Prince of Peace.

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