Closer Than You Think

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” — Matthew 14:27 NKJV

When the disciples saw Jesus in the middle of their stormy night, they called him a ghost. A phantom. To them, the glow was anything but God.

When we see gentle lights on the horizon, we often have the same reaction. We dismiss occasional kindness as apparitions, accidents, or anomalies. Anything but God.

And because we look for the bonfire, we miss the candle. Because we listen for the shout, we miss the whisper.

But it is in burnished candles that God comes, and through whispered promises he speaks: “When you doubt, look around; I am closer than you think.”

~In the Eye of the Storm

God honors radical, risk-taking faith

God's Help is Near

The Lord is close to everyone who prays to Him, to all who truly pray to Him. — Psalm 145:18

Healing begins when we do something. Healing begins when we reach out. Healing starts when we take a step.

God’s help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it. Nothing results from apathy.

God honors radical, risk-taking faith.

When arks are built, lives are saved. When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble. When staffs are raised, seas still open. When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed. And when a garment is touched — whether by the hand of an anemic woman in Galilee or by the prayers of a beggar in Bangladesh — Jesus stops. He stops and responds.

~He Still Moves Stones

Depend on the Lord; trust Him, and He will take care of you. — Psalm 37:5

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. —

Psalm 34:8 NKJV

Merciful father, I see that You are good. I fear you and am humbled when I look toward Your face. You bless me when I don’t deserve it.

Lord, I often feel far from You. Bring me close and remind me what it’s like to be in close relationship with You.

Would You be with all those who are lonely right now? Surround them with a loving community and fulfill all their needs.

Thank You that I don’t need anything when I am in You.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

~ In the Eye of the Storm

Excerpted from Grace for the Moment Notetaking by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

All we really need in life is the presence of God…He is with you all the time and everywhere you go. Be blessed in His presence!

Pastor Dale