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Things are finally slowing down here, so I have the chance again to work through my notes taken during the bible conference on the Gospel of Mark. I thought I would share what I was pondering on today;

"And immediately He compelled His disciples to step into the boat and go before to the other side, toward Bethsaida, while He sent the crowd away. And after He said farewell to them, He went away to the mountain to pray. And when evening fell, the boat was in the midst of the sea and He was alone on the land. And seeing them distressed as they rowed, for the wind was contrary to them, He came toward them...walking on the sea..but when they saw Him..they cried out, For they saw Him and were startled. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid. And He went up unto them into the boat, and the wind ceased."
Mark 6:45-50

Here are the notes on this from the conference...

"Mark 6:45-52 reveals that we need to seek out the journey, the course, that the Lord has ordained for us according to His perfect will and to enjoy Him as our heavenly Minister and Hight Priest, the One who is interceding for us and sustaining us to finish our course in living a heavenly life on earth for the reality of the Body of Christ-Heb.8:1-2, 7:26, Acts 20:24; 2 Tim.4:7-8:
...we need to realize that the journey of faithful believers is one that is "contrary to the wind", and they experience being "distressed" as they "row"; we need to take the Lord into our "boat"..and enjoy peace with Him on the journey of human life-Mark 6:47-51; John 6:21"

this message really outlines God's grace and mercy towards us as we take whatever journey He has ordained for us to further His will.

"You therefore, my child, be empowered in the grace which is in Christ Jesus;.." 2 Timothy 2:1

This picture of "stepping into the boat"is a result of our love and relationship with the Lord compelling us to step into the boat. This stepping can be a decisive thing, a step beyond our comfort, a step that stretches us and challenges us. A step that sometimes plain and simple goes against our soulishness, our love of self, comfort, things and situations that please us.

How sweet that once we are compelled by Him to step into the boat, finding ourselves in a long night in the midst of the sea, that He will come to us, get into the boat with us, and extend His peace to us on this journey.

I know that I often find myself being called out to step into the boat, and I panic, question, become afraid...sometimes wish to go back to what was comfortable. His peace really does pass understanding and I have always found that I have gained much more than I lost in undertaking the journey with Him.

Philippians 4:7 "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You."

*Music has always been a big backdrop to my life, this song really touched me at a time in my life when I was struggling with stepping into the boat, the boat of running after Christ for a closer/more constraining relationship with Him. I had the feeling that the family I love just didn't understand...
anyways, here is the song if you would like to hear it. Enjoy.