Pastor's Weekly Musing
Hey everyone!
This week I've asked my dad, my predecessor, mentor, and best friend, Pastor Ron Flores, to bring today's devotional for the Weekly Musing. You know him as our Prayer Meeting leader, our Men's Ministry leader, and the Walkway Greeter extraordinaire. Enjoy his wisdom and insight!
This week I've asked my dad, my predecessor, mentor, and best friend, Pastor Ron Flores, to bring today's devotional for the Weekly Musing. You know him as our Prayer Meeting leader, our Men's Ministry leader, and the Walkway Greeter extraordinaire. Enjoy his wisdom and insight!
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Mark 4:35-41 has always been one of my favorite Bible stories because this story is about Jesus and His dearest friends in a boat in the middle of a severe storm, about to sink. To me this story is a microcosm of a normal Christian life, storms being severe hardships that challenge our faith. I can see five spiritual applications in this story when we find ourselves in the middle of our own raging storm.
Verse 35 says, “…Jesus said, Let us cross over to the other side.” Notice the word “us”. Jesus is with us in our storms. Storms are typical, yes even for followers of Christ, but Jesus knew a severe storm was coming that would challenge their faith and He
wanted to be sure they knew He was with them.
Verse 37 says, “And a great windstorm arose”. Today we can forecast a severe storm hours in advance and in some cases even days. But before satellites, severe storms surprised everyone. Severe hardships appear unexpectedly too and almost out of nowhere. Most people can weather minor setbacks. But when an unexpected severe storm hits, Jesus knows a life can get turned upside down very quickly.
Verse 38 says, “But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow…” Because our focus is usually surviving the storm, we seldom immediately experience the near presence of a silent Jesus. Maybe we unconsciously feel we’re exempt from experiencing painful life-altering events if Jesus is really with us. Then when the storm doesn’t let up, Jesus’ silence appears as Him being unconcerned.
Verse 38 says, “Teacher don’t You care that we are perishing?” It’s amazing how quickly our faith in God’s love gets shaken to the core. The words “don’t you care” is a hurtful indictment. You might not say it… but you feel it! “Don’t You care I’m going through this?” It’s human nature to question the value and purpose of a hardship because our feelings are usually “Does Jesus really care about me right now?”
Verse 40 says, “(Jesus said) Why are you so fearful? How is it you have no faith?” Make no mistake, the primary issues that Jesus deals with in our storms are still fear and faith.
The story ends with Jesus ultimately stopping the storm after a long and harrowing night and the disciples making it to their destination none worse for wear. But really, what would have happened if Jesus stopped the storm before it started? Or if He didn’t stop the storm altogether? What would have happened if the boat capsized and everyone had to swim for their lives? I believe in every possible scenario Jesus will NEVER leave our side.
Dear friends, if you ever find yourself in the middle of a severe storm please know this: Jesus knows about the storm, His silence through the storm is His silent presence, fear and faith will always be issues He wants us to address, and He cares about you deeply.
Verse 35 says, “…Jesus said, Let us cross over to the other side.” Notice the word “us”. Jesus is with us in our storms. Storms are typical, yes even for followers of Christ, but Jesus knew a severe storm was coming that would challenge their faith and He
wanted to be sure they knew He was with them.
Verse 37 says, “And a great windstorm arose”. Today we can forecast a severe storm hours in advance and in some cases even days. But before satellites, severe storms surprised everyone. Severe hardships appear unexpectedly too and almost out of nowhere. Most people can weather minor setbacks. But when an unexpected severe storm hits, Jesus knows a life can get turned upside down very quickly.
Verse 38 says, “But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow…” Because our focus is usually surviving the storm, we seldom immediately experience the near presence of a silent Jesus. Maybe we unconsciously feel we’re exempt from experiencing painful life-altering events if Jesus is really with us. Then when the storm doesn’t let up, Jesus’ silence appears as Him being unconcerned.
Verse 38 says, “Teacher don’t You care that we are perishing?” It’s amazing how quickly our faith in God’s love gets shaken to the core. The words “don’t you care” is a hurtful indictment. You might not say it… but you feel it! “Don’t You care I’m going through this?” It’s human nature to question the value and purpose of a hardship because our feelings are usually “Does Jesus really care about me right now?”
Verse 40 says, “(Jesus said) Why are you so fearful? How is it you have no faith?” Make no mistake, the primary issues that Jesus deals with in our storms are still fear and faith.
The story ends with Jesus ultimately stopping the storm after a long and harrowing night and the disciples making it to their destination none worse for wear. But really, what would have happened if Jesus stopped the storm before it started? Or if He didn’t stop the storm altogether? What would have happened if the boat capsized and everyone had to swim for their lives? I believe in every possible scenario Jesus will NEVER leave our side.
Dear friends, if you ever find yourself in the middle of a severe storm please know this: Jesus knows about the storm, His silence through the storm is His silent presence, fear and faith will always be issues He wants us to address, and He cares about you deeply.
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UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
April 8-9: The Altar Men's Conference
Join Pastor Ronnie and the Meadows Men at this awesome local conference, right here in our own back yard -- at the Thomas & Mack Center! Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, Matt Redman, Maverick City Music, John Bevere, and many more will be leading thousands of men into a time of worship and prayer.
Click HERE for more info and to register. Tickets are $49 (scholarships are available!) Follow the links to buy ticket(s) AND to let us know you are coming. A team member will contact you via text/email to discuss details as we get closer to the conference dates.
Sunday, April 17: EASTER SUNDAY!
RESURRECTION Sunday is coming! To make sure we have plenty of space, we will have THREE (3!) services this year: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM
All three services will have full Kids Church and nursery, as well as our world-famous donuts. And oh yeah, we'll sing praises and preach the Gospel!
Sun, April 24: Family Sunday + Baptisms/Dedications + TACOS!
Yeah, you read that right. The last Sunday of April, we'll have all ages together in the Sanctuary for a special family service: we'll worship, we'll celebrate baptisms, dedicate some babies, we'll take communion, and then we'll head outside to eat the best street tacos in town.
Want to get baptized? Click HERE.
Want to dedicate your baby? Click HERE.
Want to eat tacos? Show up!
April 8-9: The Altar Men's Conference
Join Pastor Ronnie and the Meadows Men at this awesome local conference, right here in our own back yard -- at the Thomas & Mack Center! Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, Matt Redman, Maverick City Music, John Bevere, and many more will be leading thousands of men into a time of worship and prayer.
Click HERE for more info and to register. Tickets are $49 (scholarships are available!) Follow the links to buy ticket(s) AND to let us know you are coming. A team member will contact you via text/email to discuss details as we get closer to the conference dates.
Sunday, April 17: EASTER SUNDAY!
RESURRECTION Sunday is coming! To make sure we have plenty of space, we will have THREE (3!) services this year: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM
All three services will have full Kids Church and nursery, as well as our world-famous donuts. And oh yeah, we'll sing praises and preach the Gospel!
Sun, April 24: Family Sunday + Baptisms/Dedications + TACOS!
Yeah, you read that right. The last Sunday of April, we'll have all ages together in the Sanctuary for a special family service: we'll worship, we'll celebrate baptisms, dedicate some babies, we'll take communion, and then we'll head outside to eat the best street tacos in town.
Want to get baptized? Click HERE.
Want to dedicate your baby? Click HERE.
Want to eat tacos? Show up!
________________________________________________
Every week at Meadows:
- Prayer Gathering on Mondays at 10 AM
- MYG and Connect on Wednesdays at 7 PM
- Prayer Gathering on Mondays at 10 AM
- MYG and Connect on Wednesdays at 7 PM
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This Sunday, we'll hear a special message from one of our favorites: Gary Richards.
Gary and Pat have been lead elders here at Meadows for many years, and have an extensive background in global missions work, including eye-vision clinics that seek to help impoverished nations be healed of their physical AND spiritual sight! They're awesome.
I've asked Gary to give us a message of hope, and he has one ready to go! Join us!
Looking forward to seeing you all on the walkway!
Pastor Ronnie
Gary and Pat have been lead elders here at Meadows for many years, and have an extensive background in global missions work, including eye-vision clinics that seek to help impoverished nations be healed of their physical AND spiritual sight! They're awesome.
I've asked Gary to give us a message of hope, and he has one ready to go! Join us!
Looking forward to seeing you all on the walkway!
Pastor Ronnie
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