Calm in the middle of the storm!

Word from the Center
Written By Dr. Gregory Seltz

Jesus here declares, “I have told you these things….take heart.” When a person lives life within Christ’s promises and from the perspective of faith, one can have calm in the midst of any storm. Why? Because Jesus literally shares God’s perspective on life with you and speaks God’s promises to you amidst the storms, and that makes all the difference.

To that end, I was reminded of a story. If you’ve ever flown through thunderstorms, it can be nerve racking to say the least. The clouds are ominous. The winds are dangerous. There’s even the chance of the plane being struck by lightning. I’ve had a few travel experiences when the turbulence shook me physically and emotionally. But, very often, right in the middle of the chaos, there was also that amazing moment, that incredible feeling when the plane breaks through that last cloud and the sun shines forth for as far as the eyes can see. Sunshine in the midst of the storm. Relief amidst fear.

A pastor shared a harrowing experience that happened to him and his daughter. They were flying through a severe thunderstorm in the Midwest and, just as things couldn’t seem to get worse, the pilot’s voice came over the intercom assuring the passengers that everything would be alright. Just then, the plane not only broke through the clouds, the plane hit calm air and every passenger was privileged to see a beautiful rainbow that extended from horizon to horizon in the sun-drenched skies. That’s when the man’s four-year-old daughter put everything in perspective and excitedly said, “Daddy! Daddy! Look, it’s a rainbow and we’re seeing it from the same side that God sees it!"

Seeing things from God’s perspective makes all the difference in our lives. In our lesson for today, Jesus speaks of troublesome “storm clouds” caused by the brokenness of the world all around us. Left to our own devices, all we would see are those thunderclouds, lightning strikes, wind, and rain, and we would be overwhelmed by them. But, even then, God is in our midst and God is at work to preserve this world and to save it, our very lives included. Jesus makes a bold promise amidst the storm clouds of life. In our reading, He says, “In me, you may have peace.” He provides peace amidst the storms, as well as the “rainbow promise” of His grace amidst the terrors of the moment.

So, as you dwell on your challenges and problems, take time this week to see your life from God’s perspective. Revel in His promise of life eternal for those who put their trust in Him. See your life as He sees it with sins forgiven by the blood of Christ. And then look for other “rainbows promises” of God as well. Jesus gives all of these:

  • “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).

  • “I am the resurrection and the life; HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME SHALL LIVE EVEN IF HE DIES, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26a).

  • “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST” (Matthew 12:27).

  • “Ask and IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU; seek and YOU SHALL FIND; knock, AND IT SHALL BE OPENED TO YOU” (Matthew 7:8).

  • “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

That last one may be the greatest promise of all! In the middle of any of our storms, there can be real calm, real assurance, and real strength. Why? Because for the believer, Jesus Christ is there with you always.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to see the uniqueness of Your love and the power of Your promises for every day of our lives. AMEN.

See Also
Beyond the Booth
Beyond the Booth

One of the cherished notions that typically guides the lives of Americans is that politics and religion do not mix. Of course, there are some areas of overlap that Americans accept and even expect, like a prayer at a presidential inauguration or candidates ending speeches with “God bless America.” But, on the whole, it is taken for granted that there needs to be a clear distinction or even a wall of separation between church and state. People do not want the government telling them what to believe about God, and they do not want the church telling them how to vote. Actually, they do not want anyone telling them how to vote.

October Prayer Partner Thursday
October Prayer Partner Thursday

Prayer Partner Thursday provides a month-long prayer emphasis in one of the four Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty areas of emphasis: Religious Liberty, Sanctity of Life, Educational Freedom, and Marriage as an Institution (family).

Evangelicals lurch leftward, merging the Gospel with political action…in Jesus name? Hardly.
Evangelicals lurch leftward, merging the Gospel with political action…in Jesus name? Hardly.

Join me and Doctor Everett Piper on The Liberty Action Alert as we uncover why America’s Evangelical churches are lurching leftward—and what this means for Christians striving to be faithful 2 Kingdom citizens.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - FASHIONED FOR SERVICE!
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - FASHIONED FOR SERVICE!

It’s always a challenge for me to fully understand what Jesus means in Matthew 5:13-14 when He says that believers are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” I don’t think we realize how inept, yet vital, we are to being conduits of God’s preserving and saving message for the world. In a world of constant refrigeration because of electricity and easy illumination where the lights come on and remain on with just the flip of a switch, being called “salt” and “light” can seem rather mundane. But being described with those terms wasn’t mundane then or now.

How Can You Call Yourself Pro-Life
How Can You Call Yourself Pro-Life

How can you call yourself pro-life and not support free lunches, open borders, socialized healthcare? Well, you fill in the blank. First, off, such talk is a diversionary tactic, disingenuous. Can we simply agree that we ought not to be killing babies, whether they are in the womb or have been born? It really is that simple.

Life is on the Ballot – Christian Citizens rise to the Occasion!
Life is on the Ballot – Christian Citizens rise to the Occasion!

Listen as Nicole Hunt and I discuss the crucial 'Pro-Life' movement and why now is the time for Christians to rise for the culture and the Church!

UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!
UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!

In today’s lesson, Jesus talks about some “tough going” that was above and beyond anything we can handle. Every man, woman, and child in this world is on the path that leads to judgment due to our common sin and rebellion against our Creator. It’s a path that even the toughest among us can’t avoid, period. But then here comes Jesus the Christ. Though He was without sin, He chooses to take up our path. And when the going gets eternally tough, the Savior of the world gets going!

The Ethics of Designer Babies
The Ethics of Designer Babies

“Every day in every way, we’re getting better.” This mantra emerged in the first decades of the twentieth century, a hallmark of the optimistic mindset that prevailed in many circles of academia and government. New scientific discoveries and technological innovations seemed to promise a brighter future. However, two world wars, the Great Depression and the Holocaust shattered that positive view of humanity — at least for a time.

October Bulletin Blurbs
October Bulletin Blurbs

The dates identifying the LCRL bulletin blurbs are only suggestions. Please feel free to use any and all of the bulletin blurbs as your ministry needs allow.

October Bulletin Insert
October Bulletin Insert

The Bulletin Insert is designed to be printed and cut in half to fit conveniently inside a Sunday worship bulletin. Each month an insert will offer insight, encouragement, and information from the LCRL on the topics of Religious Liberty, Life, Marriage, or Education.

Fighting the Good Fight: Biblical messaging amidst the culture war for the sake of the culture and the Gospel
Fighting the Good Fight: Biblical messaging amidst the culture war for the sake of the culture and the Gospel

Tune in this week as Dr. Jay Richards joins us to discuss how faith and reason can win the culture war and why Biblical messaging is key in this critical battle!

WHEN THINGS ARE IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE!
WHEN THINGS ARE IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE!

Our lesson for today comes in the context of another healing event in the ministry of Jesus. It not only demonstrates Christ’s power over all things, but also the power of faith IN HIM amidst all the doubts and struggles that we may be facing. There is so much to learn from the honest confession of the father in this reading. This dad knew what his son needed, but felt helpless in response. He also knew what he needed -- stronger faith. When he meets Jesus, he expresses sentiments something like these:

“I’d like to have great faith, but I know that I’m inadequate, especially now when I need it most. In fact, I’m overcome by circumstances and doubt. Lord Jesus, while I believe, help my unbelief.”

Why Christians Must Vote
Why Christians Must Vote

In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom. 13:1-2).

With that statement, Paul defines the relationship between Christians and government. Throughout the Book of Acts, Paul invokes his Roman citizenship to make a passionate defense of the Gospel. Instead of shying away from engagement with the governing authorities, he engages them by proclaiming truth. However, he also puts his trust in God’s sovereignty because he knows that the ultimate authority and judge is the Lord, who has allowed those to be in authority so God’s purposes can be accomplished.

Overcoming the growing Biblical Illiteracy of American Christians for the sake of the Culture and the Mission of the Church
Overcoming the growing Biblical Illiteracy of American Christians for the sake of the Culture and the Mission of the Church

Discover why America’s Evangelicals are shrinking in number and influence, and how you can help bring back biblical faithfulness and political engagement by tuning in to The Liberty Action Alert.

Is There Anyone like Jesus?
Is There Anyone like Jesus?

There’s a question that many are asking today. Actually, people have been asking questions like that for almost 2000 years. Here’s another one: “How can you believe that Jesus is the only Savior, the one that is the Savior for all people?” You can believe it because there is no one like Jesus. You could try to give me another name or show me another savior, but there isn’t one.

Civility? Always. But Much More Is Needed.
Civility? Always. But Much More Is Needed.

Last month, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt. We thank God for his protection, and like many other voices this week, we abhor such political violence, boldly praying to God that virtue and civility might return to our public life together.

September Prayer Partner Thursday
September Prayer Partner Thursday

Prayer Partner Thursday provides a month-long prayer emphasis in one of the four Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty areas of emphasis: Religious Liberty, Sanctity of Life, Educational Freedom, and Marriage as an Institution (family).

Elite (Utopian) Heaven? Or Real Hell on Earth?
Elite (Utopian) Heaven? Or Real Hell on Earth?

Join Dr. Seltz and Dr. Victor Davis Hanson as they expose the secular Left’s false promises and explore what it means to be 2 Kingdom citizens in today’s divided world—listen now for powerful insights and a path forward!

Put God’s Protecting, Empowering Armor to Use!
Put God’s Protecting, Empowering Armor to Use!

Have you heard about the class action lawsuit aimed at a company called Second Chance Body Armor? Second Chance manufactures bulletproof vests for police officers and security personnel. Their products are used by hundreds of police departments throughout the country.

Apparently, several policemen have been killed while they were wearing the vest. Following some independent field tests on several of their vests, a flaw was discovered in some of them compromising their ability to do what they were intended to do, to stop a bullet that was fired at those whom the vest was designed to protect.

Pastor, Who Are You Voting For?
Pastor, Who Are You Voting For?

One of my junior catechumens asked that last week. Politics, and political advertising, are wall-to-wall and around-the-clock here in Iowa these days. By “these days,” I mean most of the 10 years since I was called to Iowa. . . . The answer to that question is never short. Instead, I point our members to two basic Scriptures about the relationship of the Christian to government and politics

Why Homeschooling and Parental Choice is a necessary Shake-Up of the Educational Status Quo
Why Homeschooling and Parental Choice is a necessary Shake-Up of the Educational Status Quo

Discover the legal, cultural, and faith-based perspectives on educational choice and parental rights in the latest episode of The Liberty Action Alert—listen now!

God’s “NO” and God’s “YES” – THEY BOTH MATTER FOR OUR LIFE!
God’s “NO” and God’s “YES” – THEY BOTH MATTER FOR OUR LIFE!

When we take God’s Word and try to “domesticate” it, as if it were something we could add to, alter, improve, or manipulate in our futile efforts to fulfill it, we do as the Pharisees did, only to be unmasked and exposed by Jesus. Such confusion creates a false religion based on human rules and works. Jesus says clearly, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” Replacing God’s Word with human observances is empty at best and, at worst, destructive to the eternal life and salvation God desires us all to have as His free gift

Speaking to Your Neighbor
Speaking to Your Neighbor

How can an informed Lutheran talk about violations of conscience? How do we speak about our religious liberties? What if our neighbor asks us to explain freedom of religion? Here are some questions you might hear and ways to respond.

September Bulletin Blurbs
September Bulletin Blurbs

The dates identifying the LCRL bulletin blurbs are only suggestions. Please feel free to use any and all of the bulletin blurbs as your ministry needs allow.

September Bulletin Insert
September Bulletin Insert

The Bulletin Insert is designed to be printed and cut in half to fit conveniently inside a Sunday worship bulletin. Each month an insert will offer insight, encouragement, and information from the LCRL on the topics of Religious Liberty, Life, Marriage, or Education.

Secular blasphemy laws in the West? Can it come to America? The trial of Bishop Johanna Pohjola, and Päivi Räsänena
Secular blasphemy laws in the West? Can it come to America? The trial of Bishop Johanna Pohjola, and Päivi Räsänena

Discover how “secular blasphemy trials” are challenging freedom and faith abroad and at home—don’t miss this eye-opening episode!

WHY LEAVE WHEN YOUR SAVIOR ASKS YOU TO STAY?
WHY LEAVE WHEN YOUR SAVIOR ASKS YOU TO STAY?

I tried to come to grips with the depth of the questions and the issues that are at hand in our text for today. Think about it. There is Jesus in the flesh, the Savior of the world, teaching a group of followers and disciples. Just when Jesus starts to lay things on the line, calling people not just to some generic faith, but faith IN HIM, many who had followed began to leave. This prompts His question to His disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Wow! That’s almost too hard to imagine.

The Family Restored
The Family Restored

I remember well holding my youngest daughter in my arms the day after she was born. But I do not remember thinking, “This is not bone of my bones or flesh of my flesh.” My only thought was that the Lord had given me this girl and that I was her father.

Why Faith, and especially the Judeo-Christian Worldview Matters for Everyone’s Freedoms
Why Faith, and especially the Judeo-Christian Worldview Matters for Everyone’s Freedoms

Discover why Bible-believing Christians must reclaim their voice in the public square in this week’s powerful episode of The Liberty Action Alert with Cheryl Chumley.

CAN YOU SEE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED?
CAN YOU SEE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED?

As we think about our text today, we need to be reminded again of the situation that we are in. We are seeking to live the life that we’ve been given by God. But it’s a strenuous one, full of challenges, opportunities, and even dangers. No matter our perceived expertise, there is one thing that finally matters for the climb.

Dr. Gregory Seltz
Previous

Faith in Hollywood? – there’s hope
Next

Christianity and culture