CSG ~ Storms

I have always found Ann Graham Lotz to be an inspiration, and I hope you do, too. I plan to post periodic Devotional Bible Studies that will encourage us, take us further into the Word, and lift our spirits.

For this swap, you will copy and answer the questions posted here from her devotional Storms. You can download a pdf of it here if you want to use that as a guide: http://www.annegrahamlotz.org/2016/10/31/storms/

or just copy/paste the questions I'll add. You will have 1 partner to share your answers with (maybe even keep a copy for yourself to reference?) in a letter. You can write them out, type - no worries on this. The point is to sharpen our swords :)

If you receive your partners answers, please don't forget to rate a 5. Let's dig into the word together! You will have 1 week to do the devotional, and 3 days to mail it out.

What storm has struck in your life? If you are God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, He promises you and me five things.

Read Mark 6:45-52

I. YOU HAVE HIS PURPOSE Mark 6:45

Give a phrase from v.45 that proves the disciples were in God’s will when the storm struck.

From the following verses, list other storms that swept across the lives of those Jesus loved, who were also in God’s will: John 11:1-3; Acts 4:1-3, 7:55-60, 14:19-20, 16:22-24; 27:1-44; Revelation 1:9.

Since storms come into the lives of everyone, what unique promise is given to those who belong to God by faith in Jesus Christ when they experience storms? See Romans 8:28.

Would you ask God to give you a glimpse of the purpose for which He has allowed the storm to sweep through your life?

II. YOU HAVE HIS PRAYERS Mark 6:46

What do you think Jesus was praying about in v.46? See John 6:14-15 for help with your answer.

How is this same attitude a concern for prayer today?

Who do you think Jesus was praying for?

Give phrases from John 17 that reveal how Jesus prays for you and me, especially when we are in the midst of a storm.

What does Hebrews 7:25 say about His prayers for you?

Put into your own words what it means to you to know that Jesus is praying for you…now…while you are in the midst of your storm.

Would you thank Jesus today for His prayers?

III. YOU HAVE HIS PRESENCE Mark 6:47-48

After prayer, what did Jesus do?

Give phrases from Mark 6:47-48; John 9:1; John 9:35; and John 11:33-35 that reveal Jesus is not indifferent to our storms. If these passages reveal Jesus is not indifferent to our storms, why do you think He is indifferent to yours?

Which of the following promises is most encouraging to you, and why? Exodus 33:14; Joshua 1:9; 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 43:1-2; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5.

Spend a few moments in quiet reflection on these promises until deep within your spirit you are reassured of His presence with you.

IV. YOU HAVE HIS PEACE Mark 6:49-50

What did the disciples have to do before they could experience His peace? See verse 49 and John 6:21.

Why do you think Jesus was “about to pass them by?” Relate this to Ezekiel 36:37 KJV and John 14:13-14.

What do you have to do in order to experience His presence and His peace in the midst of your storm? Compare Hosea 7:14 with Psalm 18:3-19.

Have you called out to the Lord? If not, what are you waiting for?

What do the following verses tell us about peace in the midst of the storm? Luke 24:36-39; John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19-20; Ephesians 2:14; Philippians 4:6-7.

Describe an experience in your own life of supernatural peace in the midst of a storm.

V. YOU HAVE HIS POWER Mark 6:51-52

From the following verses, how was the power of Christ revealed on the lake in Mark 6:51 & Luke 8:23-24? on the mountain in Mark 9: 2-7? in the valley in Mark 9:14-27? on land in John 9:1-7? at the tomb in John 11:38-44? at the end of human history in Revelation 19:11-21?

Is this same power available to you and me today? See Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Timothy 1:7.

Would you pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18-21 for yourself?

Storms can be sudden, fierce, ongoing until they seem to suck the life out of us. We can become so preoccupied with storms, we are paralyzed by fear. Yet storms can be like God’s megaphone, getting our attention so we listen to what He has to say. Remember…God speaks through storms. Make sure you listen to what He has to say.

Blessings, Dina