Bible Study Verses
Matthew 8:23-26
Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (NIV)
Thoughts
On a January winter weekend a friend and I went bass fishing on a popular southern Texas power plant lake. In the winter they are known for producing great fishing. The heated lake water is not affected by the outside temperature.
A major cold front was approaching, but we thought we had plenty of time to get on the lake, catch some fish, and then get off before conditions became bad. Wrong thinking! We were at the opposite end of the lake from the launch ramp when the front blew in earlier than expected. High winds turned the lake into a churning ocean. Temperatures quickly dropped. We were in a bad situation.
We turned my 16' aluminum bass boat into the wind and waves and headed for the launch ramp. The only way to stay on top of the waves and keep from getting swamped was to run at full speed. Tackle boxes, fishing rods, and both of us were bouncing around as we battled our way up the lake. Only by the grace of God did we make it back to the ramp in one piece and without injury.
(Tom B)
Action Point
As I remember that trip, my mind is called to the passage of Jesus calming the waters. He didn't calm the waters we were on, but He certainly protected us as we fought our way back to the launch ramp and safety.
Jesus is a calming effect in our whole life if we call for Him. When things aren't going as planned or even expected, especially in today's world, know that we can call on His name. Read the Bible. Look for the many times Jesus is mentioned promising to take care of our needs, bringing calmness to our tough times.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
In the winter months be sure to get an accurate weather forecast before heading out on the water in a boat to fish. Fishing can be fantastic as the barometer drops. The chances for a disaster in the making also go up as dropping temperature, rain, snow, or high winds rake the water. It's not worth the chance. The fish will be there another day.
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