24: This sea is the sea of Galilee, which is more of a large lake, today generally referred to as Kinneret. The storm which arose was not your average thunderstorm. It was quite a storm with what was evidently some very strong winds. This is not a surprise. Even today, Kinneret is known for quickly developing, and quite tempestuous, storms. It is also known for its good stock of fish.
The greater wonder of the situation is the attitude of the Savior. In spite of the fact that the waves were coming over the edge of the boat, he was asleep. Now, though the vessel is often called a ship, just as the lake is called a sea, it was most definitely a boat. Bodies of water that small almost never have very large vessels in them. It is not as if Jesus was below deck or something. Either he was extremely tired and very fast asleep, or he was testing his disciples to see what they would do. The latter seems the most likely answer.
Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 14:1-Joel 3:21
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:24 “Now unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”
Daily Tidbit: In 2012 we have been reminded again in America of the awful problem we have with violence. Several madmen have made their pathetic mark on history by illustrating their lack of conscience in shooting others around them. Many of us have looked to the government to solve this problem. Others of us have looked to more weapons in the hands of the right people. Whatever solution we might think is appropriate, the best solution is obviously not being considered seriously by our nation. We must pray. Not after people are shot. Before. Pray. Pray for our schoolchildren. Pray for our law enforcement. Pray for our society as a whole. Pray for the salvation of madmen before they perpetrate their crimes. Pray. Pray for change in people’s hearts by the power of Christ. The government can’t stop crazy people. Good guys can’t stop crazy people. Only Jesus can stop crazy people.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for this year. It is so good to know that we can trust You with every year of our lives. You are always in control and years come and go as no surprise to You. You know the end from the beginning. You know the plans You have made for our lives. You know how everything will play out. You have it all figured out. You know that Your mercy and grace will be more than enough for every problem that we might face. You know that Your will has determined the end of all things and how and when that will happen. You have the power to renew everything, to recreate a beautiful world of goodness. You are so amazing! Thank You Father for what You have been to us in 2012! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a man who just survived a major heart attack. Pray for several children that are sick. Pray for a young lady who just had a car accident. Pray for a young man in the middle of a custody battle. Pray for a man with fluid on his lungs. Pray for a man with shingles.
Personal Journal Entry #12263