Be Still

While all Israel crossed over on dry ground, 

the priests carrying the ark of the covenant 

of the Lord remained motionless 

on dry ground in the bed of the Jordan 

until the whole nation had completed the passage.

JOSHUA 3 : 17

The Lord said, “Today I will begin to exalt you that they may know I am with you" (Jos 3:7). Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. (Dt. 6:6)

Come to a halt. Come here and listen to the words of the Lord, your God. This is how you will know that there is a living God in your midst. (Jos 3:8-10). When the Lord, your God, brings you into the land which He swore that He would give you, a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, with houses full of goods of all sorts that you did not garner, with cisterns that you did not dig, with vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant; and when, therefore, you eat your fill. (Dt. 6:10-11)

The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Dt 6:4-5) Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.  Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. (Dt. 6:7-9)

The Lord, your God, shall you fear; Him shall you serve, and by His name shall you swear (Dt 6:13). Take care not to forget the Lord, who brought you out of slavery (Dt. 6:12).

Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Mt. 17:20)

I love you, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! Praised be the Lord, I exclaim, and I am safe from my enemies. (Ps 18:2-4) You who gave great victories and showed kindness to your anointed (Ps 18:51). The Lord lives! And blessed be my Rock! Extolled be God, my savior! (Ps 18:47)

Published:

August 12, 2023. 11:03 AM

Proclaim Peace

In the meeting of love and faithfulness, 

Righteousness and peace embrace, 

God’s attributes in perfect harmony, 

A reflection of His grace.

His nature, balanced and divine, 

Calls us to reflect these ways, 

To live righteously, seek His guidance, 

And follow Him all our days.

Faithfulness and righteousness, 

Ever-present, ever true, 

Virtues we must cultivate, 

In everything we do.

God provides what is good, 

Our land yields its harvest in time, 

Trust in His provision, be grateful, 

For His blessings so sublime.

Let us walk the path He sets, 

With hearts full of love and grace, 

Living lives that honor Him, 

In every moment, every place.

REFLECTION:

I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for He proclaims peace. (Psalm 85:9)

The meeting of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace illustrates how God’s attributes work together harmoniously. God’s nature is perfectly balanced and that we should strive to reflect these qualities in our lives. 

Living righteously paves the way for God’s guidance in our lives. When we follow His righteous ways, we are on the right path. His faithfulness and righteousness are ever-present and that we should cultivate these virtues. God will provide what is good and that our land will yield its harvest. 

Let us trust in God’s provision and to be grateful for His blessings.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in awe of Your perfect nature, where love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace meet in harmony. Help us to reflect these divine qualities in our lives, striving to live righteously and seeking Your guidance in all we do.

Lord, we acknowledge that Your faithfulness and righteousness are ever-present. Teach us to cultivate these virtues within ourselves, so that we may walk the path You have set before us.

We trust in Your provision, knowing that You will provide what is good and that our land will yield its harvest in due season. Fill our hearts with gratitude for Your blessings, and help us to always be thankful for Your abundant grace.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

PRAYER FOR DIVINE FAVOR

Psalm 85:1-14

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

R: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. 

9 I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for he proclaims peace. 10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 13 The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 14 Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 85 is a prayer for revival and restoration, attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites involved in temple worship. The psalm is often thought to have been written after the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity, reflecting their hope for God’s continued favor and restoration.

Verses 9-10 These verses highlight the anticipation of God’s salvation and the meeting of His attributes: Verse 9: “Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.” Verse 10: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” This poetic imagery emphasizes the harmony of God’s attributes—His love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—coming together to bring about salvation and glory in the land.

Verses 11-12 These verses describe the blessings that follow God’s favor: Verse 11: “Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.” Verse 12: “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.” Here, the psalmist envisions a time when God’s faithfulness and righteousness will be evident in both heaven and earth, resulting in abundant blessings and prosperity.

Verses 13-14 These final verses express confidence in God’s ongoing guidance and righteousness: Verse 13: “Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” Verse 14: “Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.” The psalmist concludes with a vision of God’s righteousness leading the way, ensuring that His people walk in His paths and experience His blessings.

This psalm beautifully captures the hope and trust in God’s ability to restore and bless His people, reflecting themes of faith, repentance, and divine compassion.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 85:9-14 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our faith journey:

Verses 9-10 

Anticipation of Salvation: These verses remind us to live in expectation of God’s salvation, which is near to those who fear Him. This encourages us to maintain a reverent and respectful relationship with God.

Harmony of God’s Attributes: The meeting of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace illustrates how God’s attributes work together harmoniously. This teaches us that God’s nature is perfectly balanced and that we should strive to reflect these qualities in our lives.

Verses 11-12

Faithfulness and Righteousness: The imagery of faithfulness springing from the earth and righteousness looking down from heaven signifies a divine connection between heaven and earth. It reminds us that God’s faithfulness and righteousness are ever-present and that we should cultivate these virtues.

Blessings and Prosperity: These verses assure us that God will provide what is good and that our land will yield its harvest. This encourages us to trust in God’s provision and to be grateful for His blessings.

Verses 13-14

Guidance of Righteousness: The psalmist’s vision of righteousness going before God and preparing the way for His steps teaches us that living righteously paves the way for God’s guidance in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of walking in God’s paths.

Confidence in God’s Leadership: The repetition of righteousness leading the way reinforces our confidence in God’s leadership. It assures us that when we follow His righteous ways, we are on the right path.

Personal Reflection

These verses collectively encourage us to:

Live in reverence and expectation of God’s salvation.

Reflect God’s balanced attributes of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace.

Trust in God’s provision and be grateful for His blessings.

Seek and follow God’s righteous guidance in our daily lives.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

The Sea Were Stilled

In the vast expanse of all creation,

God’s sovereign hand holds every nation.

No storm too fierce, no wave too high,

He calms the seas, hears every sigh.

When life’s challenges leave us weak,

In His strength, refuge we seek.

Powerless, we call His name,

In our need, He quells the flame.

Turn to God in times of strife,

Trust His power to save your life.

His interventions, faith’s sweet song,

In His love, we all belong.

Give thanks to the Lord, steadfast and true,

For His wondrous works, and mercies new.

In every trial, His love prevails,

With grateful hearts, His grace we hail.

REFLECTION:

They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them, he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled. (Psalm 107:28-29)

God is sovereign over all creation, and nothing is beyond His power. He can calm the storms in our lives and guide us to safety. 

In the face of life’s challenges, we are often powerless and need God’s intervention. Let us turn to God in our times of need and trust in His ability to save us. God’s interventions in our lives is an important aspect of our faith. 

We should always give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and wonderful works. 

Heavenly Father,

You are sovereign over all creation, and nothing is beyond Your power. In the midst of life’s storms, You are our calm and our guide to safety. When we face challenges and feel powerless, we seek Your divine intervention. Help us to turn to You in our times of need, trusting in Your ability to save us. 

Lord, Your interventions in our lives are a testament to our faith. We give thanks to You for Your steadfast love and wonderful works. May we always remember to praise You for Your mercy and grace. In every trial and triumph, let our hearts be filled with gratitude.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

GOD THE SAVIOR OF THOSE IN DISTRESS

Psalm 107:1-43

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31

R: Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting. 

23 They who sailed the sea in ships, trading on the deep waters, 24 these saw the works of the Lord and his wonders in the abyss. (R) 25 His command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they sank to the depths; their hearts melted away in their plight. (R) 28 They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them, 29 he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled. (R) 30 They rejoiced that they were calmed, and he brought them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his kindness and his wondrous deeds to the children of men. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God’s deliverance of His people from various troubles. The specific verses you mentioned (23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31) focus on God’s power over the sea and His ability to rescue those in distress.

Psalm 107:23-24: These verses describe those who go down to the sea in ships, witnessing God’s wonders in the deep. It highlights the majesty and power of God’s creation.

Psalm 107:25-26: Here, God commands a storm, lifting the waves and causing the sailors to reel and stagger. This imagery emphasizes God’s control over nature and the vulnerability of humans in the face of His power.

Psalm 107:28-29: In their distress, the sailors cry out to God, and He calms the storm, bringing them to their desired haven. This demonstrates God’s mercy and His willingness to save those who call upon Him.

Psalm 107:30-31: The sailors rejoice in their safe arrival and are encouraged to give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and wonderful works. This call to gratitude underscores the importance of recognizing and praising God’s interventions in our lives.

This psalm serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, His ability to deliver us from our troubles, and the importance of giving thanks for His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Learning Lesson:

Reflecting on Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31, we can draw several meaningful lessons:

God’s Sovereignty Over Nature: These verses highlight God’s control over the sea and the storms. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation, and nothing is beyond His power.

Human Vulnerability: The imagery of sailors in a storm emphasizes our vulnerability and dependence on God. It shows that in the face of life’s challenges, we are often powerless and need God’s intervention.

Crying Out to God in Distress: When the sailors are in trouble, they cry out to God, and He delivers them. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in our times of need and trusting in His ability to save us.

God’s Deliverance and Peace: God’s calming of the storm and bringing the sailors to their desired haven illustrate His power to bring peace and deliverance. It reassures us that God can calm the storms in our lives and guide us to safety.

Gratitude for God’s Steadfast Love: The psalm encourages us to give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and wonderful works. Recognizing and expressing gratitude for God’s interventions in our lives is an important aspect of our faith.

These lessons remind us of God’s power, our need for His help, and the importance of gratitude. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Peace in Jesus

"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. 

In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, 

I have conquered the world.” 

(John 16:33)

God’s omniscience delves into the recesses of our minds and addresses our thoughts - to the itch of our unspoken questions, He gives us a soul satisfying scratch. In Jesus, we have peace. We may have tribulation in the world, but we should take courage because amidst these troubles, Jesus has overcome the world. Let us “take heart,” knowing that God has overcome any trouble on this earth and is very present with us. Encouraged by God’s love and grace that is found in Jesus Christ, there is always hope in Christ that we can overcome any spiritual failure that may come our way and look forward to future spiritual growth.

In the depths of our minds, a secret place,

God's omniscience finds its trace.

Unspoken questions, thoughts untold,

In His wisdom, our stories unfold.

A soul satisfying scratch, His words impart,

A balm for the itch in every heart.

In Jesus, we find our peace,

In His love, our worries cease.

Tribulation may mark our worldly path,

But take courage in His aftermath.

For amidst these troubles, wide and vast,

Jesus has overcome, His lot is cast.

"Take heart," we hear His gentle plea,

God has overcome, in Him we're free.

His presence, a constant, guiding light,

In our darkest hour, our beacon bright.

Encouraged by love, by grace we stand,

Held secure by His mighty hand.

In Jesus Christ, hope does reside,

A beacon for the spiritual tide.

Overcoming failure, growth in sight,

In Christ alone, we take our flight.

Looking forward to what lies ahead,

By His love and grace, we are led.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You, acknowledging Your omniscience that delves into the recesses of our minds, addressing our thoughts and unspoken questions. You give us a soul satisfying scratch, providing answers and comfort in our times of need.

In You, we find peace. Despite the tribulations we face in the world, we take courage knowing that You have overcome the world. We "take heart," understanding that You have triumphed over any trouble on this earth and are very present with us.

We are encouraged by Your love and grace that is found in You, Jesus Christ. There is always hope in You that we can overcome any spiritual failure that may come our way. We look forward to future spiritual growth, guided by Your love and grace.

Help us to remember these truths in our daily lives, to live in the light of Your love, and to share this love with others. We pray all these in Your mighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Background and Learning Lessons

John 16:29-33 is a part of the New Testament in the Bible, specifically in the Book of John, which is one of the four Gospels. This passage is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples, which takes place after the Last Supper and before His arrest.

In John 16:29-33, the disciples express their belief that Jesus came from God. They acknowledge that Jesus knows everything and does not need to wait for questions to be put into words. Jesus responds by questioning their faith, predicting that they will scatter and leave Him alone4. However, He assures them that He is not alone because the Father is with Him.

Jesus tells His disciples these things so that they may have peace in Him. He acknowledges that they will have trouble in the world but encourages them to take heart because He has overcome the world. This statement combines teaching, remembrance, warning, and encouragement.

This passage is significant as it highlights Jesus’ omniscience, the disciples’ faith, and the promise of peace amidst tribulation. It also underscores the victory of Jesus over the world.

John 16:29-33 offers several important lessons:

Overcoming Spiritual Failure: This passage teaches us that to overcome spiritual failure, we should be encouraged by God’s love and grace that is found in Jesus Christ. Even when we fail, there is always hope in Christ for future spiritual growth.

God’s Love and Grace: The fact that the church still exists today, in spite of the many failures of its members, is to the glory of our Lord. This underscores the depth of God’s love and grace.

Peace in Christ: Jesus tells His disciples that in Him, they may have peace. In the world, they will have tribulation, but they should take courage because He has overcome the world. This teaches us about finding peace in Christ amidst the troubles of the world.

God’s Omniscience: Jesus delved into the recesses of the disciples’ minds - to the itch of their unspoken questions and gave them a soul satisfying scratch. He not only answered what was asked of Him but also addressed their thoughts as well. This highlights God’s omniscience.

God’s Presence: The lesson encourages children to “take heart,” knowing that God has overcome any trouble on this earth and is very present with us. This reminds us of the constant presence of God in our lives.

These lessons remind us of the power, love, grace, omniscience, and presence of God. They encourage us to trust in Him, find peace in Him, and live in the light of His love and grace. (Copilot)

Rest A While

He said to them, 

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

MARK 6:31

Jesus saw the crowds and felt their pain. They wandered lost and had no aim. He had compassion for their plight and wanted to restore their sight. He spoke to them with words of grace and showed them God's eternal face. He taught them many things that day and led them to the narrow way. He is the shepherd of the sheep. He knows their names and hears their weep. He gives them rest and feeds their soul and makes them whole and keeps them whole.

The Lord give you rest when you are weary and worn, when you are burdened and torn. The Lord give you peace when you are troubled and afraid, when you are doubtful and dismayed. The Lord give you joy when you are sorrowful and grieving, when you are hopeless and despairing. The Lord give you love when you are lonely and rejected, when you are wounded and neglected.

30 The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. 34 When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:30-34)

The Lord gives you a heart so wise and understanding. He fills you with His love and peace that is never ending. He guides you with His word and spirit in your life. He helps you overcome your troubles and your strife. He is the source of all your wisdom and your knowledge. He teaches you His ways and invites you to acknowledge. He is the one who knows you best and cares for you. He is the one who makes you new and makes you true.

Ask something of the Lord and He will give it to you. He is generous and faithful and His promises are true. He knows what you need and what you desire. He will fulfill your requests and lift you higher. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He will bless you abundantly and your spirits lift. He will not withhold any good thing from you. He will give you more than you ask or think or do.

4 Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” 6 Solomon answered: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. 7 O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 So God said to him: “Because you asked for this—not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right—12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you. 13 In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.” (1 Kings 3:4-13)

The word of the Lord is your most valuable treasure. It is more than wealth or fame or pleasure. It is the source of wisdom and the guide of life. It is the shield of faith and the sword of strife. It is the seed of hope and the fruit of love. It is the gift of grace and the power of God. It is the light of truth and the fire of zeal. It is the bread of life and the water of heal.

Keeping God's word with your whole heart is the best way to live and to start. It is the law of love and the rule of grace, the path of peace and the joy of faith. It is the greatest treasure and the finest art, the wisdom of God and the power of Christ, the glory of heaven and the eternal life.

9 How shall a young man be faultless in his way? By keeping to your words. 10 With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. 11 Within my heart I treasure your promise that I may not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. 13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth. 14 In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches. (Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

Lord Jesus, You give me rest when I am weary and worn and when I am are burdened and torn. Please give me the peace of mind and heart each time I am troubled and afraid, doubtful and dismayed. Keep my joy during times when I am sorrowful and grieving, hopeless and despairing. Thank You so much for giving me a heart so wise and understanding. Indeed, You have filled me with Your love and peace that is never ending. Each day, You continue to guide me with Your word and spirit in my life, helping me to overcome my troubles and my strife. Be praised and glorified O Lord for You are the one true source of all wisdom and knowledge. Your word is my most valuable treasure. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE RETURN OF THE TWELVE

Mark 6:30-34

I: The Reign of Solomon

WISDOM OF SOLOMON

1 Kings 3:1-15

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER

Psalm 119:1-176

Quiet! Be still!

 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 

“Quiet! Be still!” 

The wind ceased and there was great calm. 

MARK 4:39

Jesus is Lord of the wind and sea. He calms the storms with His authority and commands the waves to obey His decree. He rescues us from the depths of despair and comforts us with His love and care. The Lord rules over all with His sovereignty and calls us to trust Him and end our strife.

Jesus will calm the storms of your life. He will whisper peace to your troubled soul, lift you up when you feel low and be your refuge and your strength. He will never leave you nor forsake you, and will always be faithful and true for He is your Lord and Savior. Be still and know that Jesus is God.

35 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to the disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” 41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” (Mark 4:35-41)

The Lord opens up your heart to the consequences of your acts. He shows you the fruits of your deeds, good or bad. He teaches you the wisdom of His ways, right or wrong. He leads you to repentance or judgment, grace or wrath. He reveals to you the impact of your words, life or death. The Lord exposes to you the results of your choices, blessing or curse. He directs you to faithfulness or unfaithfulness, reward or loss.

Whatever you do shall eventually return to you. The seeds you sow will reap a harvest, good or bad. The words you speak will echo back, blessing or curse. The actions you take will reflect on you, honor or shame. The choices you make will determine your destiny, life or death. The faith you have will be tested, perseverance or doubt.

1 The Lord sent Nathan to David, and when he came to him, Nathan said: “Judge this case for me! In a certain town there were two men, one rich, the other poor. 2 The rich man had flocks and herds in great numbers. 3 But the poor man had nothing at all except one little ewe lamb that he had bought. He nourished her, and she grew up with him and his children. She shared the little food he had and drank from his cup and slept in his bosom. She was like a daughter to him. 4 Now, the rich man received a visitor, but he would not take from his own flocks and herds to prepare a meal for the wayfarer who had come to him. Instead he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and made a meal of it for his visitor.” 5 David grew very angry with that man and said to him: “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this merits death! 6 He shall restore the ewe lamb fourfold because he has done this and has had no pity.” 7 Then Nathan said to David: “You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel: 10 ‘The sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord: ‘I will bring evil upon you out of your own house. I will take your wives while you live to see it, and will give them to your neighbor. He shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You have done this deed in secret, but I will bring it about in the presence of all Israel, and with the sun looking down.’” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan answered David “The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die. 14 But since you have utterly spurned the Lord by this deed, the child born to you must surely die.” 15 Then Nathan returned to his house. The Lord struck the child that the wife of Uriah had borne to David, and it became desperately ill. 16 David besought God for the child. He kept a fast, retiring for the night to lie on the ground clothed in sackcloth. 17 The elders of his house stood beside him urging him to rise from the ground; but he would not, nor would he take food with them. (2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17)

God frees you from bloodguilt. He washes away your stains with His blood, forgives your sins with His mercy, and cleanses your conscience with His Spirit. He breaks the chains of your past with His power, heals the wounds of your soul with His grace, and restores the joy of your salvation with His love. The Lord calls you to a new life with His voice, leads you to a new path with His light and gives you a new purpose with His will.

12 A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 13 Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. 14 Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 15 I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. 16 Free me from bloodguilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice. 17 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. (Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17)

Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the wind and the sea. You have the power to calm any storm in my life. You have the authority to silence any fear in my heart. You have the grace to comfort any pain in my soul. I humbly come to You in the midst of my troubles. I trust in You to be my refuge and my strength. I surrender to You all my worries and my burdens. I rest in You to be my peace and my joy. Thank You for being with me always, for hearing my cry and answering my prayer, for loving me unconditionally and eternally. Thank You for quieting the storms of my life. Amen

Pericope:

THE CALMING OF A STORM AT SEA

II: The Mystery of Jesus

Mark 4:35-41

IV: The Reign of David

NATHAN'S PARABLE

2 Samuel 12:1-25

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE MISERERE: PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Psalm 51:1-21

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Peace in the Midst of the Storm

He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. -- Mark 4:39

He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" -- Mark 4:40

Pericope:

THE CALMING OF A STORM AT SEA

II: The Mystery of Jesus

Mark 4:35-41

Published:

January 28, 2012, 5.13 AM