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“He calms the storm so the waves are still. Then we are glad because they are quiet, and He brings them safely home.” Psalm 107: 29,30

This verse sounds like a summary statement of Jesus’ miraculous calming of the storm with His disciples on the Sea of Galilee, but it’s not! It’s a psalm from David, a thousand years BEFORE Jesus! Sounds quite prophetic to me. Maybe David saw the same power and peace provided by the Savior. I found the verse a while back when I was reading the chapter in Desire of Ages called, “Peace be still.”

“Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board.” I highlighted that sentence in my book. How often I rely on my own strength and forget that Jesus is with me. “Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus forsaken them? Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unmindful of their distress?” I too have had my moments of doubt and fear and wonder about the active presence of Jesus in my life. I’m guessing that you might be just as human as I am! Even with all the evidence from their past they forgot it in the present. But it was the power of the storm, the lightening, that revealed and reminded them that He WAS still there. And where He is there is peace!

Two more verses came to mind as I reflected on this story

“Being justified by faith, I have peace with God through my Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 Yes I changed the pronouns for those of you who know the verse well. I personalize all scripture that I can to make it mine first, SO THAT I can then share it with others. My peace comes from Jesus whenever I chose to trust Him and have faith in Him.

“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. “ Isaiah 32:17. The righteousness of Christ give me peace, quietness and assurance forever, IF I accept His righteousness as mine. It took a storm for the disciples to discover that. God, I’ll take whatever it takes to discover that again today and every day in my life too.

Have a great day discovering His presences and its affect in your life today, even if it might take a storm to reveal it,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: "Faith is not primarily a function of how you feel. Faith is living out, trusting, and believing what truth is despite what you feel." Timothy Keller

PS Chapel- today is hosted by our Wellness Council. Come hear Dr.Jo, a dynamic, motivational health speaker! See you in Woods Auditorium at 10:35.

PPS 10 Days of Prayer: at 12 p.m. in the prayer chapel and 7 p.m. in the Heritage Room. Or join us in Campus Ministries @ 1pm for 10 minutes of prayer time.

PPPS Christ on Demand- every Tuesday evening @ 7:30 in Rees Hall Chapel. Join Amber and her friends for this mid-week 30 minutes with God. Tonight starts the “21 days of prayer” challenge. Learn more when we come together.

PP..S A new series of open discussions for and by young adults will begin tonight in the Young Adult Room at CVC, hosted by Pastor Guadelupe. “Young Adults are in a constant shift from one season of life to the next. Maneuvering through life doesn’t have to be happenstance. Let’s work our way together through life’s varying seasons of love, work, disappointments and friends. Our first series will be, “Love, Sex and Dating.” Join us tonight for this time of sharing and growing.

PP…S Ladies, put it on your calendar—this Thursday Cassie, your women’s ministries leader, has planned a special time of Snacks, Connection and Worship @ 8pm in the Rees Hall Chapel. Plan now to attend.