First Things First – Luke 8:22-25 – Experiencing Inner Peace

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred forty-ninth inspirational message dated Saturday, April 22nd, 2023. The title of this message is “First Things First – Luke 8:22-25 – Experiencing Inner Peace”.

The first three words of this message’s title are also the words of the title of the below inspirational song/video, “First Things First” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian group “Consumed by Fire”.  The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the twenty-second through the twenty-fifth verses of the 8th chapter of Luke:

Luke 8:22-25

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

 

The title of this message also includes the words – “Experiencing Inner Peace” – which is the “title” of the late Dr. Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (4/12/23) – which I have included below (Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on 4/18/23 – This message is dedicated to his memory & to his rich legacy as God’s faithful servant and in honor of his ministry of “InTouch Ministries”. Dr. Charles Stanley lived by the motto: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”)

 

Experiencing Inner Peace

 Luke 8:22-25

By the late Dr. Charles Stanley

 

HAVE YOU EVER FALLEN ASLEEP ON A LONG TRIP? Jesus did. Luke tells us that one time Jesus and the disciples got on a boat to reach the other side of a lake, and Jesus fell asleep. The next thing the disciples knew, they were engulfed in a storm, and the one person powerful enough to protect them was blissfully unaware. The disciples panicked and woke Him.

Jesus has promised to give us His peace (John 14:27 see verse below) – this is the very same peace that enabled Him to sleep through a storm. Without His tranquility, we feel helpless and afraid like the disciples. But with it, we can experience inner calm in the midst of hardship.

John 14:27

New King James Version - (NKJV)

²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Believing in God’s sovereignty is the key to a peaceful heart. In their panic, the disciples believed that a sleeping Jesus wasn’t in control of their circumstances. But we must remember that He is always in control – even in times of difficulty. When we rest in the knowledge that God is in charge, we can exchange anxiety for peace.

Jesus doesn’t want us to be weighed down by fear. He wants to share His peace with us. Are you trusting in His control?

By the late Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Also - see the below additional reassuring verses:

John 16:33

New King James Version - (NKJV)

^{33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."}

Hebrews 12:1-2

New King James Version - (NKJV)

¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 4:6-7

New King James Version - (NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.       

 

I pray that you have enjoyed the above message and I pray that you will enjoy the accompanied song.

May “we” as believers in Jesus Christ -  do as the below song lyrics suggest and “keep the first things first”! 

Let us seek God first (Matthew 6:33 see verse below) and fulfil His will for us:

Matthew 6:33

New King James Version - (NKJV)

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “First Things First” (with lyrics) as performed by the Christian group “Consumed by Fire” - performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

 (If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 

BE BLESSED!