Universal Utterings®
for June 23, 2024

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06-23-2024 Mark 4 V- 3740 Jesus Calms the Storm

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The Book of Mark 6 v- 37 thru 40

37 A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 38 Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Mark 4:37-40 captures a profound moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples, illustrating both the raw power of nature and the even greater power of faith. This passage begins with a dramatic scene: a furious storm arises, threatening to capsize the boat carrying Jesus and His disciples. The storm is described as a "furious squall," indicating a sudden and violent windstorm that causes the waves to break over the boat. The disciples, experienced fishermen familiar with the Sea of Galilee, are terrified, which speaks to the severity of the storm.

In stark contrast to the chaos, Jesus is found sleeping on a cushion in the stern of the boat. His calm demeanor amidst the storm highlights His divine nature and complete trust in God's providence. The disciples, however, are consumed by fear and wake Jesus, exclaiming, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" Their question reveals their desperation and lack of understanding of who Jesus truly is.

Jesus' response is both powerful and revealing. He rises and commands the wind and the waves, saying, "Quiet! Be still!" Instantly, the storm ceases, and a great calm settles over the sea. This miraculous event demonstrates Jesus' authority even over nature, affirming His divine identity. The disciples witness firsthand that even the forces of nature obey Him.

After calming the storm, Jesus turns to His disciples and asks, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This question serves as a gentle rebuke and a call to deeper trust. Despite having witnessed numerous miracles, the disciples still struggle with doubt and fear. Jesus challenges them to move beyond their immediate circumstances and trust in His power and care. Mark 4:37-40 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, especially in the face of life's storms. It calls believers to trust in Jesus' sovereignty and His ability to bring peace amidst any chaos. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

06-23-2024 Mark 4 v-3740

**Jesus Calms the Storm**

In the heart of the sea, the tempest did rise,

Dark clouds gathered, veiling the skies.

Waves like mountains, fierce and tall,

The disciples trembled, fearing their fall.

The boat was tossed by nature's might,

Hope seemed lost in the dead of night.

Amidst the chaos, their voices did cry,

"Master, save us! Or we’ll surely die!"

From peaceful sleep, He rose with grace,

Calm assurance upon His face.

He rebuked the wind, spoke to the sea,

"Peace, be still," was His decree.

The storm obeyed; the winds did cease,

The waters rested in perfect peace.

Amazement filled each fearful heart,

"Who is this, that storms depart?"

With gentle eyes, He questioned their fright,

"Why are you fearful? Where is your faith's light?"

In His presence, they found their calm,

For even the tempest heeds His palm. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

June 23, 2024 @ 04:49 AM EST

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