Panic-stricken or Storm-calmer

by a.abeDevotional, IllustrationPosted on Comments are Disabled

Matthew 8:23-27 | Mark 4:35-41 | Luke 8:22-25

He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. Matthew 8:26

This episode recorded in all the three synoptic gospels (Gr-synoptikos- seeing together) offer a complementary,  and fuller understanding of the whole counsel of God. There is some debate as to whether the 3 accounts talk about 2 different episodes. On closer examination note the uniform response of the disciples across all the 3 gospels as being “who can this be that even the wind and the sea obey Him”. Their amazement and shock is the same, they can’t be shocked a second time, so it is unlikely there are 2 separate occasions.

As the disciples journeyed across the sea with Jesus, a violent storm arose. Within this single episode, Scripture paints for us a picture of four kinds of disciples. Four kinds of responses to life’s storms. Four kinds of faith.

First, The Panicked Sailors. The disciples themselves in that moment were terrified. Overwhelmed by the waves. Convinced they were going to die. Their hearts filled with fear. Their minds with anxiety. Remember they are not new to the sea, in fact some of them had to be out there everyday, day in and day out in these seas, fishing, facing storms. Storms couldn’t have been new to them. But somehow this one in particular was a violent one causing them to panic to such an extent they thought they were going to die. Their cry is desperate: “Lord, save us!” They are afraid. Their fear drives them to cry out. They seek help. They run to Jesus. This is not the deepest faith, but it is not the worst either. 

Then came the Accusing Critics. The gospel of Mark reveals them clearly. They are those who not only fear the storm but turn their fear into accusation. Their cry is not merely “Save us,” but “Don’t You even care? Where are You? Why aren’t You helping?” They question God’s goodness. They doubt His love. They blame Him for the storms that shake their lives. This is the most dangerous place. Because fear has turned to doubt and bitterness. Anxiety has turned to resentment. The storm outside has created a storm inside, a storm of suspicion and doubt, hidden anger uncovered and even resentment toward God. The question is why all this? This is not meant to happen!

In stark contrast stands the Restful Sleeper. Jesus Himself. Asleep in perfect peace in the midst of the chaos. Fully assured of the Father’s love. Utterly secure. Untouched by anxiety. He doesn’t panic. He doesn’t accuse. His heart is anchored in God so deeply that even violent waves cannot shake it. This is the life of genuine faith. Not the absence of storms. But the presence of such deep trust in the Father’s love, that storms cannot disturb the soul’s peace. The kind of peace only He can give, not like the one the world gives which is fragile and temporal we see in John 14:27. It is deeper and beyond our understanding which is what Philippians 4:7 tells us.

And finally, there is the rarest and the smallest group: the Storm-Calmers. These are those who not only rest in God’s love but rise up, like Jesus, and bring calm to others. Their faith is active. Their spirit is empowered. Their lives bring peace, strength, and comfort to those around them. This is what genuine, anointed, God-rooted ministry looks like. Not noise. Not titles. Not impressive words or impressive works. But the ability to still storms in the hearts of others. To bring peace to the anxious. To bring strength to the weak. To bring hope to the despairing. The ones who can feed others, rescue others and build others. Those who live on meat. They are the “spiritual man” we see in 1Corinthians 2:15-16.

Among these four, we must ask: Who are we? Are we the Panicked Sailor? Afraid, yet still calling out to Jesus. This is better than the next category, but we remain enslaved by fear. Always needing but never able to help others. Always need feeding but not feeding others. Always on milk and not moved onto meat. Always child like and never growing. Always being helped but never able to reach out and help others in need. Church is always-“what can I get?” not “what can I give”. Never making disciples, never helping others grow. Always spiritually bankrupt, tired, weary, burdened and  eyes fixed on the storm, never able to see clearly, paralysed, inactive, unable, unproductive, without fruit. Notice this, they cannot help anyone else for they themselves are in a tight spot. They are the “carnal man” in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and Hebrews 5:11-14. On milk and not moving on to meat.

Are we the Accusing Critic? Afraid and angry? Doubting God’s goodness? This is the most dangerous place. We have let the storm outside create a storm inside our souls. Or are we the Restful Sleeper? Secure in the Father’s love. At peace in the midst of chaos. This is a great place to be. We have found what many never find, true rest in God. Or even better, are we a Storm-Calmer? Not only resting ourselves, but rising up to bring God’s peace to others. Not only secure, but a source of security. Not only calm, but a calming presence.

So let us ask ourselves: Have we found rest in God’s love? Or are we still panicked, still accusing, still drowning in fear? And if we have found rest, are we content to rest alone? Or are we willing to rise up and calm the storms in others’ lives? Because the world is full of disciples in storms. And they need to see us, resting like Jesus, peaceful like Jesus, bringing calm like Jesus. That is the call. Not to panic. Not to accuse. Not merely to rest. But to rise and calm the storm.

Prayer

Father, help us to see ourselves clearly in this story. Deliver us from fear, from insecurity, and from any hidden accusation we hold against You. Make us secure in Your love, restful like Jesus in every storm. But don’t let us stop there, make us Storm-Calmers, someone who brings Your peace, comfort, and strength into the lives of others. Transform us from the inside so that our lives reflect Your presence to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Quote

Fear panics, doubt accuses, faith rests, but love rises to calm the storm.

Race to win!

by abeDevotional, IllustrationPosted on Comments are Disabled
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it… I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.                      1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Christian living is not a leisurely walk in the park. It is both a fierce battle and a demanding race. Many believers drift through life as if they are on a casual stroll, unaware of the spiritual realities surrounding them. But Scripture calls us to something far greater: to stand as soldiers in God’s army and to run as disciplined athletes in the race of faith.

The Christian life is a race. Also in Hebrews we see: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus… Hebrews 12:1-2
A stroll is for pleasure. A race is for a prize, the imperishable wreath of eternal reward. In this race:

  • Only those who run with purpose, win.
  • There are no participation trophies or consolation prizes.
  • Victory demands discipline, self-control, endurance, and single-minded focus on Jesus.

You must lay aside every weight that slows you down: sin, distractions, worldly entanglements, and fix your eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Are you running to win, or casually strolling through your Christian life? What weights do you need to lay aside today?
Identify one “weight” in your life and take a concrete step to lay it aside. But remember you need the whole armour everyday not just one piece of it. Run today with purpose, your King is watching, encouraging, cheering for you, and the prize is worth it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not called us to a life of comfort, but to a life of purpose. Train me as a runner to lay aside every weight and run with endurance, fixing my eyes on Jesus. Forgive me for the times I have strolled casually. Ignite in me a holy resolve to finish the race. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Quote : We are not called to merely participate but to win the race

Blindfolds and Strongholds: The Strategy of War

by abeDevotional, IllustrationPosted on Comments are Disabled

In the unseen realms, a fierce battle rages for the hearts, minds, and allegiances of every person. Many believers live unaware of this reality, tuned only to what they can see, hear, and feel. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to spiritual alertness. We are not fighting a physical war with human strategies, but a spiritual one against an enemy who never rests.

The Reality of the War

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. So resist him, firm in your faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NASB).

Our struggle “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The battle is real, constant, and often invisible. The enemy’s primary targets are our minds and our obedience to Christ.

The Enemy’s Strategy: Blindfolds and Strongholds

The devil employs two powerful tactics: blindfolds and strongholds.

Blindfolds: “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan veils truth, keeping people from seeing Jesus clearly. In our age of “post-truth,” emotional appeals, slogans, and personal beliefs often override objective reality and biblical truth. Phrases like “Do whatever makes you happy” sound appealing but ignore the deeper design of our souls, created with a God-shaped void that only He can fill.

Strongholds: These are fortified lies, arguments, and lofty opinions that take root in the mind and shape behaviour, lifestyles, and even entire cultures. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV).

Strongholds hold people captive through repeated exposure to falsehoods, via media, culture, or past wounds, until lies feel like truth.

The Believer’s Strategy and Weapons

We do not fight in our own strength. James 4:7 gives the clear directive: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” God equips us with the divine armour and weapons: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armour of God…” (Ephesians 6:10-11). They being:

  • Belt of truth
  • Breastplate of righteousness
  • Shoes of the gospel of peace
  • Shield of faith
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)

The primary offensive weapon is the living Word of God: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). Jesus modelled this perfectly in the wilderness, meeting every temptation with Scripture. We too overcome by hiding His word in our hearts and renewed in the spirit of our minds, taking every thought captive, and wielding truth against lies.(Ephesians 4:24)

We also carry authority in Christ: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy” (Luke10:19NIV). The battle is won through dependence on God’s strength, daily surrender, and the spread of the gospel, the one piece of armour oriented outward. A powerful daily practice is to prayerfully “put on” the full armour of God each morning, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and make His Word alive in you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not left us defenceless in this spiritual war. Open our eyes to see the blindfolds and strongholds in our own minds and in the culture around us. Help us to be sober and alert, firm in faith. Today we put on the full armour You provide: the belt of Your truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Renew our minds. Teach us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Give us courage to resist the devil, boldness to proclaim the gospel, and discernment to recognise post-truth lies. Fill us with Your strength, for the battle belongs to You. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Captain, we pray. Amen.

Quote

“Blindfolds keep people from seeing the light of the gospel, while strongholds keep believers from walking in the freedom of the gospel. Both are dismantled by the same weapon: the living, active Word of God.”

May you walk in victory today—alert, armed, and abiding in Christ. The war is real, but so is His power to overcome.

What is a “SCRIPTOGRAM” ?

by abeExtracts of truth, Illustration, What's newPosted on Comments are Disabled

Well, no defined usage or synonym exists and does not appear in any major dictionaries, so I will take the initiative to assign at least one usage of the term. It is a blend or fusion of “scripture” (the Bible) and “diagram”. It is a visual or diagrammatic presentation of Biblical scripture – a verse or verses, passage or passages or a theme rooted in the WORD of God. You will find many examples of this, here on this website. Some have been included below.

To clarify the concept, take for example the first scriptogram below connecting John 15 and Philippians 4:13. Jesus relates to us in John 15 that to bear fruit we have to be in Him, obeying Him and following Him, without which we cannot do anything of value in His Kingdom. It contrasts with Paul’s writing and confidence in Jesus that he can do all things in the midst of life’s challenges. The illustration draws forth both truths together to remind us about the “whole counsel of God”.

Simply put:

A scriptogram is a visual or diagrammatic presentation of Biblical scripture.

A scriptogram is a visual diagram that brings Biblical verses or themes to life

Scriptograms connect scripture so one can see and remember God’s truth more clearly.

Scriptogram= Scripture + Diagram.

Most readings of the Bible are linear but scriptograms make it relational.

Not just a verse but a scriptogram for the day.

The Sunrise from on High!

by abeIllustration, Scriptural, TheologyPosted on Comments are Disabled

In Luke 1:78, part of Zechariah’s prophetic song (the Benedictus) captures the essence of divine visitation: after centuries of spiritual darkness—sin, oppression, and the shadow of death—the promised Savior arrives like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. Not a harsh glare, but a gentle, warming, life-giving radiance from heaven itself that illuminates those sitting in gloom, scatters the night, and guides feet into the path of peace (v. 79).

The “Sunrise from on high” is Jesus, the Light of the world (John 1:4–9), descending in mercy to visit and redeem. Zechariah’s words blend Old Testament hopes (like Malachi 4:2’s “Sun of Righteousness”) with the wonder of incarnation: God Himself draws near, dawn personified, to end the long night and usher in eternal day.

He satisfies me. Psalm103: 1-5

by abeIllustration, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled
1 Bless the Lord, my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your guilt [iniquities],
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with favour [steadfast love] and compassion [mercy];
5 Who satisfies your [desires] years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
  • He pardons
  • He heals
  • He redeems
  • He crowns
  • He loves
  • He satisfies
  • He renews

He satisfies and renews us as we recount every single benefit; big and small.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him – John Piper

The Catwalk in Church

by a.abeIllustration, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled
Matthew 6:1-2 (NASB 2020)
1 “Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

Every morning, we clothe ourselves before stepping outside. We may be comfortable being naked when we are alone, but before people we cover ourselves—to hide shame and preserve dignity. Clothing was never about display first; it was about covering. Yet what we do with our bodies, we now do with our character. We dress it up. We present a version of ourselves fit for public consumption. The way we speak to loved ones at home is rarely the tone we use in public. The patience we display in church is often absent in private.

And this hypocrisy does not stop at the church door, it often finds its loudest expression there. In the very place meant to be centred on God, many of us perform for one another. The church becomes a stage, not an altar. It is not uncommon to see believers speaking loudly in tongues, weeping openly, displaying so-called manifestations of the Spirit, and offering long, dramatic, emotionally charged prayers. But the question must be asked, and it must be asked honestly: Is this the cry of the Spirit, or the costume of religion? Is this worship, or is it performance?

God is not impressed by volume, length, or theatrics. Heaven does not applaud what is done to be seen by men. What moves people does not move God. Fashion, as we know it, came much later in human history. In the beginning, clothing existed for one reason: to cover shame. Even today, at its best, clothing serves modesty and necessity. But in church, many have reversed this purpose. What should have covered the flesh has become a catwalk for the ego.

We walk into church and turn it into a catwalk, displaying our spirituality, advertising our maturity, and seeking honour from fellow believers. We measure anointing by attention and depth by visibility. We crave to be noticed, recognised, and affirmed. And the most dangerous part? We deceive ourselves. We cloak self-promotion in spiritual language. We tell ourselves we are “edifying the church” or “encouraging others,” when in truth we are projecting ourselves. What we call ministry is often performance. What we call zeal is often pride. What we call the Spirit may simply be the flesh dressed in religious clothing. God is not looking for better performances. He is looking for truth in the inner man.   

Prayer

Lord, search my heart and expose every place where I seek the approval of people instead of Your pleasure. Deliver me from performing righteousness and teach me to live it in secret before You. Strip away every costume of religion and clothe me with humility, truth, and sincerity. May my worship be real, my obedience quiet, and my life hidden with Christ in God. I choose the altar over the stage, the cross over the catwalk. Amen.

Quote: The catwalk displays the flesh; the cross puts it to death.

His creation shouts for joy!

by abeIllustration, ScripturalPosted on Comments are Disabled

How awesome is His creation! Even the inanimate express their joy. How is that possible ? By simply existing according to divine design, with everything from the sun and stars to animals and plants reflecting God’s glory, creativity, and power.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Psalms 96:11-12. May the heavens be joyful, and may the earth rejoice; May the sea roar, and all it contains; May the field be jubilant, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy

Romans 1:20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Today is the day to acknowledge Him and His provision for salvation. Do not ignore it. He loves us and sent His Son, Jesus to save us and not to condemn us.