Don't Let the Storm In

Don't Let the Storm In TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39, NKJV. TODAY'S WORD: Have you ever thought about the fact that a boat can be surrounded by water, sailing through a vast ocean with water for miles in every direction, but it’s not any problem unless the boat starts taking on the water? If the boat starts allowing the ocean to come inside, before long, it will sink. The same principle is true in life. You can have trouble all around you—stress, frustration and worry. But the good news is, just like that boat, you don’t have to allow what’s on the outside get on the inside. When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. What should you do? Follow the example of Jesus. When He was in the midst of the storm, He stood up and spoke to the storm. Always remember, no matter what storms may come against you, the Greater One lives on the inside of you. Turn to Him and walk in His power. Don’t let the storm in, and speak peace to every area of your life! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and empowering me to stand against the storms of life. Today I declare peace over every area of my life and thank You for working things out for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen. PS...

Celebrate Your Kids     by Rick Warren "People ought to enjoy every day of their lives no matter how long they live.”(Ecclesiastes 11:8 NCV) Kids need celebration! That is just a fancy word for fun. Families ought to have fun! The home should be a place to play. This is a major fault in many, many homes where the parents are basically good parents and are watching out for their kids, but they don't have enough fun. They’re too busy. They come home with their "to do" list after work is over. All that stuff has got to be done, and they just don't have time for fun. Do you endure your kids or do you enjoy them? Kids need celebration. "People ought to enjoy every day of their lives no matter how long they live”(Ecclesiastes 11:8 NCV). Families ought to be fun. When my kids were growing up, we had what we liked to call "Daddy's Magical Mystery Tours.” Periodically, I shook up the whole schedule and said, “Forget the routine; we're going to go have fun.” I would even wake up the kids in the middle of the night and put them in the car and do something outrageous — on a school night! So what if they miss a day of school? They're going to remember that event. They're going to remember when I got them up real early in the morning and let them eat French toast that I colored green. Have fun with your kids! Enjoy them! No single day out of routine is going to make or break their lives. But a single special event that is crazy and fun will make a memory your kids will never forget. If you're not having fun with your kids at home and celebrating, don't be surprised that they don't want to spend time at home. If you don't have fun with your kids and really enjoy them, don't be surprised when they grow up and move out and don't want to come back very often. Don’t just endure your kids. Enjoy them! Talk It Over What is more important to you: your schedule or making sure your kids have fun? Why do we sometimes put our schedule before our kids?   What can you do this week to have fun with your kids? What will you have to give up in order to do that?