The title of today’s message at our home church was Voyage 2024. It seems fitting that we’d end our year with a message that was so appropriate for the coming year with questions to reflect on about 2023 and what will be in 2024. (Questions for reflections indented.)
The text for today’s message was John 6:15-21. The pastor referenced the synoptic gospels for this passage: Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52.
Jesus went off to pray… alone. He was focused on praying. (John 6:15, Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46)
How was your prayer life in 2023? What will your prayer life be like in 2024?
Did you make it a priority in 2023? Will you make it a priority in 2024?
How can you shift to be more prayerful?
Prayer is a ministry in and of itself!
During the storm, while the Apostles strived and rowed against the raging seas, Jesus prayed. The word says that Jesus SAW them. During the storms of our lives, Jesus sees us striving and suffering through the storms.
The reality is… when we obey the Lord, the storms WILL come. Some will be challenging and others not so challenging.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1: 2-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want Psalm 23:1
How did you handle storms in 2023?
How will you handle storms in 2024?
In Mark’s gospel, (Mark 6:47-49), The first thing was that the apostles were in submission. They obeyed Jesus and went into the boat and ended up in the storm.
I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. Psalm 18:1-3
SING in the midst of the storm! (Years ago… when I first became a Christian, Marinatha music was a staple. One of the songs – – almost all of them are based on scripture. One of them was based on Psalm 18. Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q1Ui1eMfx8 )
He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of calamity. But the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:16-19
What do we do when the storms come?
Do we “do” rather than pray? Are you too busy doing where you can’t allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment? Slow down!
Let prayer be your default in 2024! Trust in the Lord in 2024 for the ability to do what the Lord wants you to do. Trust in Him for the time to do what He has called you to do. Obey and walk to Him.
Where will you look when the storm comes?
Will you look for the answer on your smart phone?
Will you look to Jesus and His word?
The Apostles willingly received Jesus into the boat.
Will you willingly receive Jesus’ presence in the midst of the storm in 2024?
Who will you steer your vessel (being)? Your marriage? Your household?
The peace He gives you even as you go through the storm for hours, days, weeks, months… He gives you the ability to get through it with a peacefulness that surpasses all understanding. Let His word anchor you in 2024.
Our pastor ends every service with three weekly “charges”.
Will you pray and commune with God more? Will you make it a priority to lead your family in prayer?
How will you row in the midst of a storm? Will you go in faithful peace or in fearful panic? (I pray you will go in faithful peace.”
Who or what will build your vessel (being) as a parent? As a sibling? As a spouse? As an Aunt or Uncle?
Remember Jesus’ last words when He ascended into heaven.
Lo, I am with you even unto the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28:20b
Therefore take up the full armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13
Let us examine our hearts before 2024 begins and let Jesus move us to where He wants us to be. Submit to Him and allow Him to make our lives what He wants them to be and we will have a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Blessings for a safe, blessed, and prayerful New Year.
Thankyou for this lovely message .I have just finished one of your books and loved it and know I will be reading more.Amy and Zeke’s story was special and made me ponder how we so easily get caught in carrying burdens He never intended us to.It takes courage to stop and listen and by faith lay them at the foot of the Cross and trust The One who paid such a heavy price for us to deal with them. I am so grateful He never abandons us but walks with us through all that we endure.
Hi, Kim! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. If you do not receive my semi-monthly newsletter, be sure to sign up for it at my website at seralynnlewis.com. There are regular giveaways and information you can’t find anywhere else on the internet! I’d appreciate it if you would leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. It helps others find the books they want to read.