I'm getting my message ready for Sunday.  I'll be speaking on 3 different families.  My goal is to bring hope to parents raising children in this age.  God does work all things together for our good if our hearts are going in His direction. 

"When evening came, He said to them, 'Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him." - Mark 4:35-36 NASB

After a time of intense ministry, Jesus and His disciples sailed for the other side of the lake. They were not alone, for "other boats were with Him." Perhaps they were eager to be with Jesus. But when Jesus and the disciples arrived on the other side, the other boats were no longer with them. What happened? We certainly can imagine.

The boat carrying Jesus and the disciples had been caught up in a storm so violent that even seasoned fishermen feared for their lives. Perhaps the "other boats" had turned back, unwilling to face the storm, unwilling to risk all to follow Jesus.

We might think of this storm as a test. Were the people in the other boats committed to following Him anywhere...to trusting Him even in the midst of trials and troubles? Apparently not.

Throughout Jesus' ministry, He encountered many people just like this. They followed Him for a time, wanting to see miracles. They were curious about His teachings. But, over time, many fell away. For example, when Jesus shared the high cost of being His disciple, many "withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore" (John 6:66).

The servant was confident. When his master came back from a journey, the man proudly returned the "talent" he'd been given: "See, you have what is yours." He was sure he had been a good steward, worthy of commendation by his master.

But the master was furious. He was looking for investors - people who would put his resources into action. He wanted servants who would realize he had blessed them so that they could, in turn, be a blessing to others.

This unprofitable servant missed the point. He had done nothing to use the talent he'd been given. Yet he tried to justify his inaction by blaming his master as "a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed."

Maybe he lacked the confidence that he could be successful in using what his master had given him. Perhaps he was cautious, aware of the many reasons he might fail. He might have been living in difficult economic conditions and felt that the risks were too great. But, to the master, there were no acceptable excuses. The servant had failed.

In our troubled times are you looking to invest?  Father God expects us to invest what He's given us.

The International Space Station undocked the old Supply Cargo Ship yesterday.  It will enter the earth's atmosphere and burn up over the Pacific Ocean.  That makes way for the next Supply ship which is scheduled early next week.  The crew has been constructing the new living quarters in the ISS.  They want it ready for the next shuttle crew. 

Thursdays are my day off, so that technically makes my Fridays, Mondays.  I'm really looking forward to this day being over. (It's rare for me to wish a day away.) Early this week I was called up to the hospital in an emergency.  A family wanted a Pastor to be with them.  For several hours we were with her Father.  We watched the vitals go down until he went to be with Jesus.  It was so difficult watching him suffer. Today is his funeral. 
Then in the swing of emotions my wife and I were called later at night to pick up a few kids for emergeny foster care.  The two little Native girls are so wonderful.  8 months old and 3 years old.  They fit right in our family.  They are the type of kids you never want to sent back.  It was funny, one of my daughters friends came over to the house yesterday and said, "There are kids all over the place."  (My wife has a day care in our home also) 

The disciples could have been discouraged. Peter and John had been arrested and told to stop talking about Jesus. It appeared certain that opposition and persecution from the political and religious leaders would increase.

The Believers had experienced a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but the obstacles before them must have seemed overwhelming. Facing an uncertain future, they could have retreated, run away, or simply stopped sharing the Gospel.

But instead of backing down, they turned to prayer. They lifted "their voices to God with one accord." They reaffirmed Him as the Creator, the giver of life, and the sovereign over all the universe. They remembered the promises in His Word and declared that nothing was impossible for Him.

Then they prayed for boldness - that they would see even more miracles as the move of the Holy Spirit intensified. God answered their prayers. The place "was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the Word of God with boldness."

Today, as many political or media leaders seek to silence Christians, it's easy to feel threatened, discouraged, or afraid. Some Believers have backed down from their bold testimony, becoming timid, cautious, or worried.

Just like the early Church, we need to seek God, stand firm on His Word, declare His promises to be true in our lives, and become even more bold in sharing the Gospel.

Today, allow faith to rise in your heart. Ask God for a spirit of boldness - in your work and prayer life, as you share Christ with others, and when you face opposition or trials. Believe that God's Word is true. Take authority over demonic forces. Don't be defeated or discouraged, but live in victory.

*Talking Dog*

A guy is driving around Wadsworth, Ohio and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale." He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.

The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there. "You talk?" he asks.

"Yep," the Lab replies.

"So, what's your story?"

The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."

"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

"Ten dollars," the guy says.

"Ten dollars? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"

"Because he's lying, he never did any of that stuff."