Navigating Life’s Storms Through Spiritual Depths
“Study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5: 39
Unbeknownst to us, we were blindsided by unexpected harsh weather conditions last Tuesday while on our way to Dubai. Our plane encountered heavy rain and fierce winds, making it impossible to land. The passengers on board were nervous and anxious as the plane circled above the vast expanse of the turbulent Arabian skies of Dubai. With a heavy heart, the captain relayed that conditions on the ground were deteriorating rapidly and that we were advised to hold the pattern until further notice. We circled above the city for hours, caught in a relentless dance with the storm. The captain sometimes rose to a higher plane to stay safe above the storms. As the minutes stretched into hours, tension mounted aboard the plane. Children grew restless, and adults exchanged anxious glances. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as we awaited word from the ground. All of us were in a constant state of waiting, praying, and seeking out answers that didn't come for hours. Finally, a crackle of static broke the silence. "This is your captain speaking. Conditions have improved and we are now clear to land."
We often find ourselves in a similar state amidst chaos in our spiritual journey. Our quest for understanding leads us to search, pray, and seek the way of the Lord. But sometimes, we become vulnerable and fall prey to deception, accepting things without careful consideration. Often hidden in plain sight, the truth is revealed to those with eyes to see. To gain this understanding, we must let go of our old ways and rituals and transform ourselves, much like the Israelites leaving Egypt behind in search of a better life.
We can take many paths in this life, but not all of them will lead us to a good place. Sometimes, the roads we take may seem like the right choice, but, in reality, they can lead to our downfall. Knowing which way to go can be hard, but if we focus on the Lord, God will guide us. Whether we stay in our current church or go to a new one doesn't matter as long as we focus on the Lord, not the church or religion. We can hear God's voice if we worship the Lord with all our hearts. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah heard the Lord in a still, small voice after a strong wind, earthquake, and fire. We may not always hear the Lord right away, but if we keep listening, we will eventually hear God's voice.
Walking with God is not as difficult as some people may make it seem. It can be compared to a pilot waiting for clearance to land his plane or military personnel keeping the radio on constantly, anticipating a message at any moment. Both put their faith in the person behind the radio. The same is true with Jesus; the Holy Spirit might give us direction at any time, so keep the radio on, stay alert, and keep our spiritual ears on. Here are some of the ways we can do that:
2) "The enemy has come to kill, steal, and destroy," as stated in John 10:10. In this life, we will face difficulties, but those who endure to the end, as mentioned in Matthew 24:13, will make it through. Our purpose is not to entertain or pacify those unwilling to dedicate their lives to the Lord. Instead, we are here to teach, exhort, and encourage those who want to serve the Lord with all their heart and soul."
3) We've grown accustomed to living as humans in this earthly environment, but we must move up to a higher plane in order to evolve. The church has always tried to be religious, which is why there are so many rituals and rules. Jesus introduced grace to move us away from the law. (Romans 6:14). Changing generations of beliefs is a long-term process that requires complete transformation, much like a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis. Hence, we must study the Scriptures, which are the source of eternal life and guide us towards a new and living way in Christ Jesus.
My dear friends, deep within us lies a powerful desire to seek the truth. This force drives us to search for a sense of righteousness that can satisfy our hunger. We yearn to find our way back to God and our true home. Unfortunately, the fall of humanity has created a void in us that can only be filled by the Holy Spirit. People have tried in vain to imitate this satisfaction using various methods, but the only way to attain it is by having the Lord infuse God's Spirit within us. This is the only way to help us reach the heights of worship God desires for us.
As James 5:16b states, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man can achieve great things. In just 18 days, we will celebrate Pentecost, which marks the coming of the Promised Holy Spirit. I strongly encourage you to set aside time for daily prayer leading up to the celebration, asking for the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is important because we need to "Be Hot for God."
Pray with me: VENI, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende. COME, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Amen.
Rev. Kay Dubuisson
Unbeknownst to us, we were blindsided by unexpected harsh weather conditions last Tuesday while on our way to Dubai. Our plane encountered heavy rain and fierce winds, making it impossible to land. The passengers on board were nervous and anxious as the plane circled above the vast expanse of the turbulent Arabian skies of Dubai. With a heavy heart, the captain relayed that conditions on the ground were deteriorating rapidly and that we were advised to hold the pattern until further notice. We circled above the city for hours, caught in a relentless dance with the storm. The captain sometimes rose to a higher plane to stay safe above the storms. As the minutes stretched into hours, tension mounted aboard the plane. Children grew restless, and adults exchanged anxious glances. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as we awaited word from the ground. All of us were in a constant state of waiting, praying, and seeking out answers that didn't come for hours. Finally, a crackle of static broke the silence. "This is your captain speaking. Conditions have improved and we are now clear to land."
We often find ourselves in a similar state amidst chaos in our spiritual journey. Our quest for understanding leads us to search, pray, and seek the way of the Lord. But sometimes, we become vulnerable and fall prey to deception, accepting things without careful consideration. Often hidden in plain sight, the truth is revealed to those with eyes to see. To gain this understanding, we must let go of our old ways and rituals and transform ourselves, much like the Israelites leaving Egypt behind in search of a better life.
We can take many paths in this life, but not all of them will lead us to a good place. Sometimes, the roads we take may seem like the right choice, but, in reality, they can lead to our downfall. Knowing which way to go can be hard, but if we focus on the Lord, God will guide us. Whether we stay in our current church or go to a new one doesn't matter as long as we focus on the Lord, not the church or religion. We can hear God's voice if we worship the Lord with all our hearts. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah heard the Lord in a still, small voice after a strong wind, earthquake, and fire. We may not always hear the Lord right away, but if we keep listening, we will eventually hear God's voice.
Walking with God is not as difficult as some people may make it seem. It can be compared to a pilot waiting for clearance to land his plane or military personnel keeping the radio on constantly, anticipating a message at any moment. Both put their faith in the person behind the radio. The same is true with Jesus; the Holy Spirit might give us direction at any time, so keep the radio on, stay alert, and keep our spiritual ears on. Here are some of the ways we can do that:
- Cultivate faith and belief in Jesus. This relationship is more real than anyone you have or ever will have. There is a mystic quality to walking with God, but you have to realize that God is spirit, and they that worship God must worship in spirit and in truth John 4:23-24
2) "The enemy has come to kill, steal, and destroy," as stated in John 10:10. In this life, we will face difficulties, but those who endure to the end, as mentioned in Matthew 24:13, will make it through. Our purpose is not to entertain or pacify those unwilling to dedicate their lives to the Lord. Instead, we are here to teach, exhort, and encourage those who want to serve the Lord with all their heart and soul."
3) We've grown accustomed to living as humans in this earthly environment, but we must move up to a higher plane in order to evolve. The church has always tried to be religious, which is why there are so many rituals and rules. Jesus introduced grace to move us away from the law. (Romans 6:14). Changing generations of beliefs is a long-term process that requires complete transformation, much like a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis. Hence, we must study the Scriptures, which are the source of eternal life and guide us towards a new and living way in Christ Jesus.
My dear friends, deep within us lies a powerful desire to seek the truth. This force drives us to search for a sense of righteousness that can satisfy our hunger. We yearn to find our way back to God and our true home. Unfortunately, the fall of humanity has created a void in us that can only be filled by the Holy Spirit. People have tried in vain to imitate this satisfaction using various methods, but the only way to attain it is by having the Lord infuse God's Spirit within us. This is the only way to help us reach the heights of worship God desires for us.
As James 5:16b states, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man can achieve great things. In just 18 days, we will celebrate Pentecost, which marks the coming of the Promised Holy Spirit. I strongly encourage you to set aside time for daily prayer leading up to the celebration, asking for the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is important because we need to "Be Hot for God."
Pray with me: VENI, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende. COME, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Amen.
Rev. Kay Dubuisson
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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