Overcoming the Storms of Life

By Thomas Denegre 8/21/2019

Are you ready to overcome the storms of life so you can continue to stand and prosper? 

In today’s readings of Mathew 7:21-28, Jesus explains he is our rock foundation in the storms of our lives and like the greatest sports teams and armies in the world, the right preparation, attitude, and belief will make you withstand the onslaught and prosper.

Jesus instructions are based on the counter intuitive. You must die to live. The first will be last and last will be first.  Jesus states, it’s not enough to have intellectual knowledge of whom he is, otherwise he will spit you out.  Second, tribulations and storms are guaranteed to come into your life, so Jesus, like any other loving parent, wants to give you a rock-solid foundation to survive and flourish.

Let me tell you about two brothers named Mark and Bennie who are close in age. As teenagers they were two peas in a pod being mischievous, aggressive, funny, smart, and troublesome.  The father loved both his sons and tried to steer them away from harm.  Mark went into the army and learned to channel his energy constructively while Bennie got into sales, drugs, and fast living. 

As time progressed Mark became a believer in Jesus Christ.  He opened his heart to the Lord and became teachable to His ways.  Mark got married, had several children, and became a newspaper journalist. Life was not always easy for Mark as the internet crushed his career forcing him into unemployment five years out of ten. But, by being dependent on the Lord he always had money, good health, and a devoted family.  Knowing and behaving as a son of God, great favor was blessed upon him.

Meanwhile, Bennie was less fortunate. Being opinionated, stubborn, and rebellious, Bennie refused to be taught the character virtues for a successful life. When the storms of life came upon Bennie it crushed him.  He went into bankruptcy twice while his health deteriorated to the point of death.  Sadly, he had no family to console nor nurse him.  The outcome of his choices led him to disaster.

Jesus once said, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to bring life, and bring it abundantly.” John 10:10

I learned a lot from Mark.  He told me the greatest thing he ever did was open his heart to Jesus, so he could be loved.  By knowing how much God loved him, Mark lived in life union with Jesus.  He made sure the word of God was always in his mind and in his heart.  God’s Word breathe life into him, and he found himself naturally doing the things God wanted him to do.  Mark explained it was not an overnight transformation, but a gradual change over many years. His favorite verse was, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 

Mark explained that being dependent on Jesus allowed him to live out his God given virtues.

Mark pointed out the difference between living a life union with Jesus versus an intellectual knowledge of Jesus.  A life union with Jesus developed tremendous virtues and character traits within him, while the intellectual Christian rationalized his decisions by claiming his conscious overruled God’s Word.  Hence, the reason Christian intellectuals support abortion and sexual immorality, thereby unconsciously becoming the rebels against God; which is the reason Jesus did not know them and spitted them out.

Jesus is naturally the rock foundation for Christians to stand their life on.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians Chapter 3, the framework to develop and apply our holy character.  By memorizing the verses, Mark said that every day some event would occur, and a verse came to mind for him to use.  By having God’s Word living powerfully within his mind and heart Mark developed the virtues of Obedience, Love, Mercy, Understanding, Compassion, Kindness, Patience, Forgiveness, and Repentance. 

Mark’s most used verse was, “Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ.” Col. 3:13 (TPT)

It turned out fellow Christians could be the most difficult people to deal with.  Most Christians were on a path from pride to humility, from self-centeredness to selflessness, from self-hatred to self-acceptance, from holding grudges to forgiveness.  Beneath the façade of many Christians was a lot of toxicity that God was slowly healing out, but in the meantime had to be confronted.  Mark admitted he was a difficult and sometimes toxic Christian too.  But God gave him the grace to see people like the father of the prodigal son, whereby the person was far more important than the behaviors they exhibit.  Jesus was able to teach and encourage Mark to apply the virtues as a healing tool for himself and for others.

Mark learned people didn’t care what you know, they wanted to know you care. By living with Jesus, compassion and service to others will help heal the wounds that the storms of life inflicted.

We know the storms of life will always rise again in our lives.  I too learned that a life union with Jesus while having his Words alive in my heart provides the best rock foundation to survive and prosper through storms.  Below are Mark’s favorite scripture verses, or holy virtues, on building a rock solid foundation in your life.

You are always and dearly loved by God!

So, robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy.

Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all.

Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ.

If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues.

Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body.

And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15 (TPT)

Opposite Day

Luke 6:27-36

Predictable social behavior doesn’t apply in today’s reading.  If it did, Luke would have written, “Hate your enemies… If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them and slap them back!”  He doesn’t say that.  He tells us to do the opposite.  Love your enemies and keep loving them no matter what.

That’s tough.  Usually I want to curse my enemies and wish them bad things.  Having a soft heart seems kind of, well, soft and that typically isn't a good thing.  But, we as followers, aren’t called to live according to society's norms.  For us, everyday should be “Opposite Day.”

Someone takes something from you?  Let them keep it.

Someone needs money?  Give it to them and ask for no repayment.

Ultimately, we are called to be at our best when others are at their worst.  The only person who did this successfully was Jesus.  He’s the stick by which all else should be measured.  His kindness is to be our kindness.  His patience, our patience.  His mercy, our mercy.

So, this week I’ll be praying for a soft heart.  Not a weak heart or insufficient one, but one that beats strong with an unfailing love for others.

Father help me be an example of your love and to be kind without expectation.  And when I feel like retaliating, squash those hard feelings and replace them with soft ones.  Amen

Sharing Is Caring

Hebrews 13:15-16
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Happy Thanksgiving. I pray you are having a blessed day, and taking time to thank God for all that He has given you. I also pray that you will be able to share that blessing with others, especially with someone who needs some kindness.

Our scripture passage says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” As my eleven year old put is “sharing is caring”.

It funny but so true. When Evan was three I would take him to the park several times a week and he always brought two or three cars with him. One to play with and the others to share. He learned quickly that people like it when you share.

Our passage today says it pleases God. So, on a day when we like to be with family make sure you share a bit of yourself with someone who needs your kindness. Because after all, sharing is caring.

Fruit Insptector

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,provoking and envying each other. -Galatians 5:22-26

My Father-In-Law used to own an orange grove. This was over 40 years ago, but he has shared stories of how he, and a crew of people, would have to go out into the grove and inspect the fruit. The grove was in Florida, so one of the things they had to be aware of was the temperature. If it got too cold, they would light tires on fire throughout the grove which would raise the temperature and keep the fruit safe.

We are called to be fruit inspectors too. We are to inspect the fruit in our own lives and make sure we are keeping with the Spirit. Our passage today says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." How can we know we are keeping in step with the Spirit?

Well, we need to inspect our fruit. Is the fruit we produce in our lives consistent with the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says,

 "22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." 

If we can see the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives then we know we are keeping in step with the Spirit, if not then we know we have some work to do.  One great way to make sure you are on a good path is to allow others to be fruit inspectors in your life.  They will see things that you may overlook.  

It is always nice to have safe accountability, someone who knows us and loves us and wants the best for us and others around us.  We need someone we can trust to inspect the fruit we are producing, because as you know, one rotten apple can ruin the whole bunch.

You Want Me To Do ALL That?

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:25-32

Today I have posted the entire scripture text for you to read.  The Apostle Paul is so strategic in how he instructs us, that I wanted you to see the entire picture.   This section of scripture ends with a very specific command. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.”

I think as a Christian we grow accustom to reading and hearing that we should be kind and compassionate and to other and forgive.  We know it’s something we should do, and I bet many of us truly want to be able to live up to that instruction.  There are times, though that we want to yell, “It’s just not fair!”

We don’t feel that God understands the hurt. There are times that being kind and compassionate, forgiving the person who hurt you so deeply is just impossible. That is where I want to introduce this entire passage to you.  Take a look. 

Paul starts by saying,

• ·         Don’t lie, but speak truthfully.
• ·         Don’t get so angry that you sin, and if you are angry make amends quickly.
• ·         Don’t steal.  Work for what you get.
• ·         What you do work for, share with those in need.
• ·         Watch your mouth.  Don’t say hurtful, negative, slanderous things.
• ·         Don’t give credit to something else that belongs to God, that Grieves the Holy Spirit.

Lastly Paul sends out a barrage of don’ts… Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with EVERY form of malice.

I think Paul structured this passage in this way for two reasons. First, before he asks us to forgive others he reminds us of our own areas of sin.  Christ has forgiving us completely so we should forgive others.  It’s easier to show compassion when you remember the compassion that was first shown to you.

Secondly, I think Paul wants us to see the impossibility of EVERYTHING he is asking us to do if we are not connected to God.  We CAN’T walk the path of speaking truthfully, not sinning in anger, making amends, honest work, giving to those in need, positive talk, giving God glory, and everything else on our own. It does seem impossible to show kindness, compassion and forgiveness to deep hurts if we do it in our own strength.  God never intended us to do this alone.  He wants us to rely on him and his strength.

We need to be mindful of all of this, but also surrender to the One who can do this work in and through us. 

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Knowing My Calling......Life By The Spirit

“Serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

We have heard these lines many times before, but what about this next one?

“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15

“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Let’s be honest. It is not that difficult to serve those who welcome our service, and ooze with the fruit of the spirit themselves. It is also quite comfortable to love our neighbor when he is appreciative, and reciprocates gentleness, patience, self control, and love. It is not easy however, to love, serve, be patient with and kind to those who consistently make us feel sad and frustrated. That IS however, living life by the spirit.

It is much more natural to harbor bitterness and resentment, and far easier on the heart than to love and serve others we feel do not deserve it. The destruction that results however, is real. We tend to judge rather than love. We put down instead of building up. We take things personally and hold on tightly to those negative feelings, rather than forgiving. I’m sure glad God doesn't do that!

Our calling is to “live life by the spirit.” Not just when it’s convenient or comfortable, easy or satisfying. In fact, when it is most difficult, is when the true reward will follow.

Thank you Lord, for not giving up on us, even when we were turning away from you. During the times we were rude and indifferent Lord, you were patient and loving. When we did not deserve your time, you gave it to us anyway, and loved us, you just loved us!

Read/Listen to Galatians 5:1

Read/Listen to Galatians 5: 13-25

Prayer is Waiting

Psalm 147:3-4 (NIV)  He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

Recently I read about a book called, A Simple Act of Gratitude, by John Kralik. It seems the author was at the end of his rope. He was close to losing all that mattered to him, his family and his business. As many of us do at one time or another in life, he felt like everything was going wrong. Kralik had a mountain top experience and came out of it feeling called to write thank you notes; one each day for a year. His book is about that experience and how it changed him.

Psalm 147 reads much like a gratitude list, The time we have spent reading and praying through the Book of Psalms has been an eye opening experience, much like reading David's thank-you notes to God.  Things were not rosy for Him.  He lived in fear but he always thanked God. His heart was breaking over family matters, but he always thanked God.

Yesterday we talked about certain words the Psalms spoke to our hearts during this journey.  Today we acknowledge the fact that we have much for which to praise God.  The words He uses to convict our hearts are cause to praise.  The love we experience as we go through life, those rare mountain-top excursions that come at just the right time, the daily grind which provides for our support and well-being; all are reasons to praise God.

Psalm 147:8-9 (NIV)  He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.  He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.    


There is nothing that will put the damper on a pity party quite like a gratitude list. We could go on and on.

Psalm 145,146,147

Galatians 5: 1, 13-25

Changed by God’s Grace

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” We have heard this verse a multitude of times, yet still do not abide by it. Why is it so difficult? Forgiveness seems to be an incredible challenge for many of us. Looking beyond the situation and attempting to understand the person seldom happens. We simply judge them in the moment.

We are far more willing to forgive and gently redirect children than other adults. Young people disobey us, and we talk with them. They repeat the offense, and we may limit their privileges, but do not disown them. We redirect their behavior time and time again with a loving heart, yet when it comes to adults making mistakes that cross or offend us in some way, we judge their actions and discontinue the relationship.

God sees us as His children, perhaps that is why He is able to forgive us again and again and still love us. He recognizes our imperfections and holds on to us just the same, even when we disregard His will, knowing full well what He commands. Does feeling angry, bitter or resentful do something for our humanness that offers us a sense of control? Is it possible that judging or holding a grudge gives us comfort of some kind? Galatians 5: 22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” 

Rather than focusing on the wrongs of others, and accusing them of not following God’s directives, perhaps we need to free ourselves, and instead recall God’s Grace toward us. Burdening our hearts with the actions of others is futile, but calling upon the Holy Spirit to help us change by God’s Grace, and asking God to enter into the life of others is most pleasing to our Father.

Read/Listen to Galatians 5:1

Read/Listen to Galatians 5: 13-25