They Embarked in Obedience (by Pastor Mark Parsons)

© Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

God's purpose for His people has always been to trust and obey Him in any and all circumstances regardless of the difficulty.

In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus sent His disciples out to sea to cross to the other side while He retreated from the crowd to the mountain alone to pray. He knew their boat would soon be battered with powerful waves and most likely much of His praying was on their behalf. Someone has said, "I'd rather be in the storm out at sea with Jesus than safe on the shore without Him."

In our world today, faithful followers of Jesus Christ have also embarked on a journey in obedience to His command. Jesus said to His disciples, "Go your ways: behold I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." (Luke 10:3) Our success today relies upon our obedience to Jesus and full dependence on His strength every moment in the stormy seas of life—and there will be storms!

How about you today? Are you willing to remain obedient and stay in the boat—knowing that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for you (see Hebrews 7:25) and that He will come to you in this storm world?

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Psalm 121
(New American Standard Bible - NASB)

The LORD the Keeper of Israel.
A Song of Ascents.

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.

Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)

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Personal Testimonies: Occasionally, prior to the morning's sermon, Pastor Mark will open the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. (Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Pastor Mark Parsons and others.)