Rest & Return // Week 2 // Pastor Jose Feliciano

We're going to be talking about finding We're going to be talking about finding [music] that rest in God. [music] that rest in God. [music] that rest in God. And we've given this sermon [music] a And we've given this sermon [music] a And we've given this sermon [music] a title. It says, "Sleep like the King." title. It says, "Sleep like the King." title. It says, "Sleep like the King." And we're going to find out about this And we're going to find out about this And we're going to find out about this restful restful restful sleep of the King. Not just any king, sleep of the King. Not just any king, sleep of the King. Not just any king, but the King of Kings, the Lord of but the King of Kings, the Lord of but the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. Lords. Lords. See, sleep is not merely the closing of See, sleep is not merely the closing of See, sleep is not merely the closing of our eyes. It's an act of trust in the our eyes. It's an act of trust in the our eyes. It's an act of trust in the God who never sleeps. God who never sleeps. God who never sleeps. The famous great novelist Victor Uggo The famous great novelist Victor Uggo The famous great novelist Victor Uggo said, "Go to sleep in peace. said, "Go to sleep in peace. said, "Go to sleep in peace. God is awake." Amen. God is awake." Amen. God is awake." Amen. Repeat with me. Your word Repeat with me. Your word Repeat with me. Your word >> is written >> is written >> is written >> in my mind. Your word is hidden in my >> in my mind. Your word is hidden in my >> in my mind. Your word is hidden in my heart. heart. heart. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light [music] for my path. I will seek light [music] for my path. I will seek light [music] for my path. I will seek you with all my strength. I choose to you with all my strength. I choose to you with all my strength. I choose to live my life according to your word.

live my life according to your word. live my life according to your word. Your word, oh Lord, is eternal. You may Your word, oh Lord, is eternal. You may Your word, oh Lord, is eternal. You may be seated. be seated. be seated. It's truly an honor for me to be before It's truly an honor for me to be before It's truly an honor for me to be before you here today. I thank our senior you here today. I thank our senior you here today. I thank our senior pastors, Pastor David and Marty, as pastors, Pastor David and Marty, as pastors, Pastor David and Marty, as they're on this sabbatical [music] and they're on this sabbatical [music] and they're on this sabbatical [music] and for allowing me this opportunity, for allowing me this opportunity, for allowing me this opportunity, entrusting me with this opportunity to entrusting me with this opportunity to entrusting me with this opportunity to bring forth the word to you today. So, bring forth the word to you today. So, bring forth the word to you today. So, thank you, uh, Pastor David and Mia. thank you, uh, Pastor David and Mia. thank you, uh, Pastor David and Mia. Keep let's keep them in our prayers that Keep let's keep them in our prayers that Keep let's keep them in our prayers that God will continue to bless them and God will continue to bless them and God will continue to bless them and strengthen them and refresh them, but strengthen them and refresh them, but strengthen them and refresh them, but when they come back, they come back when they come back, they come back when they come back, they come back ready to go. I'm excited about that. ready to go. I'm excited about that. ready to go. I'm excited about that. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, the first part of this sermon, I I So, the first part of this sermon, I I So, the first part of this sermon, I I sometimes I we we get a little carried sometimes I we we get a little carried sometimes I we we get a little carried away when we're preparing these things away when we're preparing these things away when we're preparing these things and and and we we want we want to just and and and we we want we want to just and and and we we want we want to just get everything that we can and and and get everything that we can and and and get everything that we can and and and we really want to dissect the the the we really want to dissect the the the we really want to dissect the the the word of God and we want to bring you the word of God and we want to bring you the word of God and we want to bring you the very best and then we have to start very best and then we have to start very best and then we have to start cutting back. Okay. Okay. That's too cutting back. Okay. Okay. That's too cutting back. Okay. Okay. That's too much. I've only got, you know, so much much. I've only got, you know, so much much. I've only got, you know, so much time and I, you know, I can't go on to time and I, you know, I can't go on to time and I, you know, I can't go on to third service. You know, I got to do it third service. You know, I got to do it third service. You know, I got to do it during second service.

during second service. during second service. But I want to talk about rest. I want to But I want to talk about rest. I want to But I want to talk about rest. I want to talk about sleep. And I want to try to talk about sleep. And I want to try to talk about sleep. And I want to try to break it down for you. And towards the break it down for you. And towards the break it down for you. And towards the end, I'm just going to give you a end, I'm just going to give you a end, I'm just going to give you a heartfelt recap of what God spoke to me heartfelt recap of what God spoke to me heartfelt recap of what God spoke to me regarding this message. Amen. regarding this message. Amen. regarding this message. Amen. So, sleep is is one of the most ordinary So, sleep is is one of the most ordinary So, sleep is is one of the most ordinary parts of life. How many agree we all parts of life. How many agree we all parts of life. How many agree we all need sleep? Yet it reveals something need sleep? Yet it reveals something need sleep? Yet it reveals something deeply spiritual. To sleep is to admit deeply spiritual. To sleep is to admit deeply spiritual. To sleep is to admit that we are limited. We're not super that we are limited. We're not super that we are limited. We're not super human. We're not robots, right? There's human. We're not robots, right? There's human. We're not robots, right? There's only so much that we can do. When we get only so much that we can do. When we get only so much that we can do. When we get tired, we need to do what? We need to tired, we need to do what? We need to tired, we need to do what? We need to rest. rest. rest. We cannot watch every door. We cannot We cannot watch every door. We cannot We cannot watch every door. We cannot solve every problem. We cannot answer solve every problem. We cannot answer solve every problem. We cannot answer every question. We cannot control every every question. We cannot control every every question. We cannot control every outcome. I tend to do this at home. I outcome. I tend to do this at home. I outcome. I tend to do this at home. I every night before I go to bed, I I want every night before I go to bed, I I want every night before I go to bed, I I want to make sure the doors are locked, that to make sure the doors are locked, that to make sure the doors are locked, that everything's secure, that my family is everything's secure, that my family is everything's secure, that my family is secure, that the lights are all turned secure, that the lights are all turned secure, that the lights are all turned off. How many know what I'm talking off. How many know what I'm talking off. How many know what I'm talking about?

about? about? Because when I lay down in the bed, I Because when I lay down in the bed, I Because when I lay down in the bed, I want to be able to be restful. want to be able to be restful. want to be able to be restful. And sometimes it doesn't work that way. And sometimes it doesn't work that way. And sometimes it doesn't work that way. Sometimes I got to get up early the next Sometimes I got to get up early the next Sometimes I got to get up early the next day, so I got to go to bed. So I'm I'm day, so I got to go to bed. So I'm I'm day, so I got to go to bed. So I'm I'm I'm having a hard time sleeping because I'm having a hard time sleeping because I'm having a hard time sleeping because I know my family's still up. They're I know my family's still up. They're I know my family's still up. They're still running around. There's still still running around. There's still still running around. There's still doors open and so forth. doors open and so forth. doors open and so forth. But there comes something that's called But there comes something that's called But there comes something that's called trusting in God. And we're going to get trusting in God. And we're going to get trusting in God. And we're going to get into that today. There comes a point that our body says There comes a point that our body says you must stop. you must stop. you must stop. And when our body has to stop, And when our body has to stop, And when our body has to stop, this is faith. Faith says you can stop this is faith. Faith says you can stop this is faith. Faith says you can stop because God has not stopped. So even in because God has not stopped. So even in because God has not stopped. So even in that moment, that difficulty, that that moment, that difficulty, that that moment, that difficulty, that restlessness, restlessness, restlessness, when we have to finally say, I need some when we have to finally say, I need some when we have to finally say, I need some rest, guess what? God continues. rest, guess what? God continues. rest, guess what? God continues. God continues. Isn't that reassuring God continues. Isn't that reassuring God continues. Isn't that reassuring that God continues even in the midst that God continues even in the midst that God continues even in the midst when we have to rest? The believer, you when we have to rest? The believer, you when we have to rest? The believer, you and I, does not rest because there is no and I, does not rest because there is no and I, does not rest because there is no storm. The believer rests because God is storm. The believer rests because God is storm. The believer rests because God is present in the storm. Rest becomes a present in the storm. Rest becomes a present in the storm. Rest becomes a confession.

confession. confession. I am not God but I belong to God. How I am not God but I belong to God. How I am not God but I belong to God. How many can say that this morning? Understand that God is awake Understand that God is awake so that you and I can rest. so that you and I can rest. so that you and I can rest. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let me break it down. I I got some Let me break it down. I I got some Let me break it down. I I got some statistics for you statistics for you statistics for you and it goes like this. It says, "We are and it goes like this. It says, "We are and it goes like this. It says, "We are preaching to a restless generation." preaching to a restless generation." preaching to a restless generation." According to the recent CDC, the Centers According to the recent CDC, the Centers According to the recent CDC, the Centers for Disease Control data, 30.5% for Disease Control data, 30.5% for Disease Control data, 30.5% of the US adult slept less than seven of the US adult slept less than seven of the US adult slept less than seven hours in a 24-hour period in the year hours in a 24-hour period in the year hours in a 24-hour period in the year 2024. 2024. 2024. This means that nearly one in three This means that nearly one in three This means that nearly one in three adults is not getting the re amount the adults is not getting the re amount the adults is not getting the re amount the recommended amount of sleep. The same recommended amount of sleep. The same recommended amount of sleep. The same CDC report found that 15.4% of adults CDC report found that 15.4% of adults CDC report found that 15.4% of adults had trouble falling asleep and 18.1% had trouble falling asleep and 18.1% had trouble falling asleep and 18.1% had trouble staying asleep.

had trouble staying asleep. had trouble staying asleep. Another national survey from the Another national survey from the Another national survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine American Academy of Sleep Medicine American Academy of Sleep Medicine reported that more than onethird reported that more than onethird reported that more than onethird of Americans have been diagnosed with a of Americans have been diagnosed with a of Americans have been diagnosed with a sleep related disorder. sleep related disorder. sleep related disorder. We're living in a world that is We're living in a world that is We're living in a world that is restless. restless. restless. We see it every day We see it every day We see it every day as we're driving down the street. We see as we're driving down the street. We see as we're driving down the street. We see a lot of restless people trying to hurry a lot of restless people trying to hurry a lot of restless people trying to hurry to get somewhere. I don't know where to get somewhere. I don't know where to get somewhere. I don't know where they're trying to get to. And they fly they're trying to get to. And they fly they're trying to get to. And they fly by you. I hope it's none of us, RIGHT? by you. I hope it's none of us, RIGHT? by you. I hope it's none of us, RIGHT? THEY FLY BY YOU. THEY'RE, you know, THEY FLY BY YOU. THEY'RE, you know, THEY FLY BY YOU. THEY'RE, you know, they're they're they're saying things they're they're they're saying things they're they're they're saying things and they're not praising the Lord. How and they're not praising the Lord. How and they're not praising the Lord. How many know what I'm talking about? One of the number one reasons why people One of the number one reasons why people cannot sleep is something called cannot sleep is something called cannot sleep is something called anxiety. How many have heard of the word anxiety. How many have heard of the word anxiety. How many have heard of the word anxiety? anxiety? anxiety? Right. It's a big thing today. Anxiety Right. It's a big thing today. Anxiety Right. It's a big thing today. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, is a feeling of worry, fear, is a feeling of worry, fear, nervousness, or uneasiness.

nervousness, or uneasiness. nervousness, or uneasiness. Often about something that might happen Often about something that might happen Often about something that might happen in the future. We're worried about in the future. We're worried about in the future. We're worried about things that haven't even happened. things that haven't even happened. things that haven't even happened. What if? What if? What if? What if? What if? And we get all locked What if? What if? And we get all locked What if? What if? And we get all locked up and we get all tense and we don't up and we get all tense and we don't up and we get all tense and we don't know what to do with ourselves. We begin know what to do with ourselves. We begin know what to do with ourselves. We begin to hyperventilate and we have to run to to hyperventilate and we have to run to to hyperventilate and we have to run to the hospital. the hospital. the hospital. I know I'm speaking I'm see speaking out I know I'm speaking I'm see speaking out I know I'm speaking I'm see speaking out of my own experience of my own experience of my own experience years ago when I was in Laredo, Texas at years ago when I was in Laredo, Texas at years ago when I was in Laredo, Texas at the rush me to the hospital because I the rush me to the hospital because I the rush me to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack. I already know what I'm talking about. I already know what I'm talking about. It's a real thing, It's a real thing, It's a real thing, but it's something that God can help us but it's something that God can help us but it's something that God can help us with if we learn to trust in him. Anxiety can affect the mind with racing Anxiety can affect the mind with racing thoughts and overthinking. thoughts and overthinking. thoughts and overthinking. It causes our body to to to beat, the It causes our body to to to beat, the It causes our body to to to beat, the heartbeat to go fast. It causes the heartbeat to go fast. It causes the heartbeat to go fast. It causes the tightness in our chest.

tightness in our chest. tightness in our chest. It causes sweating. It causes stomach It causes sweating. It causes stomach It causes sweating. It causes stomach discomfort and trouble sleeping discomfort and trouble sleeping discomfort and trouble sleeping and behavior through avoidance, and behavior through avoidance, and behavior through avoidance, restlessness, irritability, or the need restlessness, irritability, or the need restlessness, irritability, or the need for reassurance. for reassurance. for reassurance. Now, a little anxiety can be normal in Now, a little anxiety can be normal in Now, a little anxiety can be normal in stressful situations, but when it comes stressful situations, but when it comes stressful situations, but when it comes when it becomes a constant thing, when it becomes a constant thing, when it becomes a constant thing, overwhelming or disruptive to our daily overwhelming or disruptive to our daily overwhelming or disruptive to our daily life, you might need some care and life, you might need some care and life, you might need some care and support. And today's sermon says that support. And today's sermon says that support. And today's sermon says that anxiety can be understood as the soul anxiety can be understood as the soul anxiety can be understood as the soul staying awake in fear even when the body staying awake in fear even when the body staying awake in fear even when the body needs rest. needs rest. needs rest. It means that we are trying to control It means that we are trying to control It means that we are trying to control our environment our environment our environment by our own strength by our own strength by our own strength instead of depending upon God. instead of depending upon God. instead of depending upon God. Amen. Amen. Amen. These numbers remind us that restless These numbers remind us that restless These numbers remind us that restless sleep is not only a medical or emot sleep is not only a medical or emot sleep is not only a medical or emot emotional concern. It's also a doorway emotional concern. It's also a doorway emotional concern. It's also a doorway into a deeper spiritual question. What into a deeper spiritual question. What into a deeper spiritual question. What happens when the body lies down but the happens when the body lies down but the happens when the body lies down but the soul keeps pacing? In the book of Mark, soul keeps pacing? In the book of Mark, soul keeps pacing? In the book of Mark, where we were going to study today and where we were going to study today and where we were going to study today and we're going to continue from last week, we're going to continue from last week, we're going to continue from last week, Mark chapter 4 shows us a savior who Mark chapter 4 shows us a savior who Mark chapter 4 shows us a savior who could steep in the storm because he could steep in the storm because he could steep in the storm because he trusted who? God the father. And he trusted who? God the father. And he trusted who? God the father. And he trusted God the father completely. The trusted God the father completely. The trusted God the father completely. The invitation of the gospel is not denial

invitation of the gospel is not denial invitation of the gospel is not denial of trouble but rest in the presence and of trouble but rest in the presence and of trouble but rest in the presence and authority of Christ. Let me tell you authority of Christ. Let me tell you authority of Christ. Let me tell you something. something. something. I think Pastor Alicia mentioned it. I think Pastor Alicia mentioned it. I think Pastor Alicia mentioned it. We're either We're either We're either going into, going into, going into, we're in it, we're coming out of it. But we're in it, we're coming out of it. But we're in it, we're coming out of it. But the reality is that in the life that we the reality is that in the life that we the reality is that in the life that we live, we will confront storms. live, we will confront storms. live, we will confront storms. There's no doubt about it. I've gone There's no doubt about it. I've gone There's no doubt about it. I've gone through many storms. And as we were through many storms. And as we were through many storms. And as we were worshiping God, all I could say was, worshiping God, all I could say was, worshiping God, all I could say was, "Thank you. Thank you, Lord, because you "Thank you. Thank you, Lord, because you "Thank you. Thank you, Lord, because you are faithful. are faithful. are faithful. because I couldn't imagine what it would because I couldn't imagine what it would because I couldn't imagine what it would be like to go through the storms of life be like to go through the storms of life be like to go through the storms of life without Jesus in my life. without Jesus in my life. without Jesus in my life. Amen. Amen. Amen. There are a lot of people out there that There are a lot of people out there that There are a lot of people out there that would say, "I don't want anything to do would say, "I don't want anything to do would say, "I don't want anything to do with Jesus." with Jesus." with Jesus." And that is so sad And that is so sad And that is so sad because they're they're having to deal because they're they're having to deal because they're they're having to deal with these storms all by themselves.

with these storms all by themselves. with these storms all by themselves. In the book of Mark 4:38, In the book of Mark 4:38, In the book of Mark 4:38, and yet Jesus himself was in the stern, and yet Jesus himself was in the stern, and yet Jesus himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him asleep on the cushion, and they woke him asleep on the cushion, and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, and said to him, "Teacher, and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? do you not care that we are perishing? do you not care that we are perishing? We're going to break down this this We're going to break down this this We're going to break down this this verse. We're going to break down this verse. We're going to break down this verse. We're going to break down this storm. We're going to break down what storm. We're going to break down what storm. We're going to break down what was happening with the disciples. We're was happening with the disciples. We're was happening with the disciples. We're going to we're going to break down what going to we're going to break down what going to we're going to break down what this vessel, this Galilean fishing boat, this vessel, this Galilean fishing boat, this vessel, this Galilean fishing boat, looked like and how it moved and where looked like and how it moved and where looked like and how it moved and where Jesus was at and the storm that was upon Jesus was at and the storm that was upon Jesus was at and the storm that was upon them. them. them. Because in this Because in this Because in this there is a message of hope for each and there is a message of hope for each and there is a message of hope for each and every one of us. How many say amen? In this sermon, In this sermon, we will emphasize that Jesus was in the we will emphasize that Jesus was in the we will emphasize that Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion while the stern, asleep on a cushion while the stern, asleep on a cushion while the disciples cried out in fear.

disciples cried out in fear. disciples cried out in fear. This scene is striking because Jesus is This scene is striking because Jesus is This scene is striking because Jesus is not sleeping besides the calm waters. Be not sleeping besides the calm waters. Be not sleeping besides the calm waters. Be nice to to to be on a ship and and it's nice to to to be on a ship and and it's nice to to to be on a ship and and it's just smooth sailing and oh man, like just smooth sailing and oh man, like just smooth sailing and oh man, like you're like on a hammock or you know a you're like on a hammock or you know a you're like on a hammock or you know a bed along the poolside and you're bed along the poolside and you're bed along the poolside and you're chilling, right? No. chilling, right? No. chilling, right? No. Jesus is sleeping in a boat Jesus is sleeping in a boat Jesus is sleeping in a boat in a storm in a storm in a storm in a violent situation. in a violent situation. in a violent situation. The waves are coming over the heads of The waves are coming over the heads of The waves are coming over the heads of the disciples. the disciples. the disciples. But Jesus was able to rest because his But Jesus was able to rest because his But Jesus was able to rest because his trust was in God the Father. trust was in God the Father. trust was in God the Father. My number one point today is sleep is My number one point today is sleep is My number one point today is sleep is trustful surrender. trustful surrender. trustful surrender. Spiritually sleep is a trustful Spiritually sleep is a trustful Spiritually sleep is a trustful surrender. It is the moment when a surrender. It is the moment when a surrender. It is the moment when a person stops striving. He releases person stops striving. He releases person stops striving. He releases control and rest in the confidence that control and rest in the confidence that control and rest in the confidence that God remains present, active, watchful, God remains present, active, watchful, God remains present, active, watchful, and sovereign.

and sovereign. and sovereign. Because you're going through the storm Because you're going through the storm Because you're going through the storm does not mean that you are alone and does not mean that you are alone and does not mean that you are alone and does not mean that Jesus is not does not mean that Jesus is not does not mean that Jesus is not listening and doesn't mean that Jesus listening and doesn't mean that Jesus listening and doesn't mean that Jesus doesn't care. He does. doesn't care. He does. doesn't care. He does. He does. He does. He does. But there's He does. He does. He does. But there's He does. He does. He does. But there's something that that's going to come out something that that's going to come out something that that's going to come out from this storm. When you come out from from this storm. When you come out from from this storm. When you come out from the storm, when you get to the other the storm, when you get to the other the storm, when you get to the other side, there's going to be something side, there's going to be something side, there's going to be something that's going to happen in your life, in that's going to happen in your life, in that's going to happen in your life, in your walk with God, that's going to your walk with God, that's going to your walk with God, that's going to strengthen you, that's going to allow strengthen you, that's going to allow strengthen you, that's going to allow you to grow and become the man, the you to grow and become the man, the you to grow and become the man, the woman, the young person that God has woman, the young person that God has woman, the young person that God has called you to be. So, let not you be called you to be. So, let not you be called you to be. So, let not you be afraid of the storm, but trust that God afraid of the storm, but trust that God afraid of the storm, but trust that God is with you and that God will see you is with you and that God will see you is with you and that God will see you through the storm. Amen. through the storm. Amen. through the storm. Amen. Sleep is an act of trust. It says, "God Sleep is an act of trust. It says, "God Sleep is an act of trust. It says, "God can handle what I cannot." can handle what I cannot." can handle what I cannot." You may not be able to handle what You may not be able to handle what You may not be able to handle what you're going through, but God can handle you're going through, but God can handle you're going through, but God can handle all things. There is nothing impossible. all things. There is nothing impossible. all things. There is nothing impossible. He is the almighty God, all powerful He is the almighty God, all powerful He is the almighty God, all powerful God, allseeing God. He is everpresent.

God, allseeing God. He is everpresent. God, allseeing God. He is everpresent. He is the almighty God. There is nothing He is the almighty God. There is nothing He is the almighty God. There is nothing impossible impossible impossible for God. Even though there are things for God. Even though there are things for God. Even though there are things that are impossible for us, sleep is that are impossible for us, sleep is that are impossible for us, sleep is surrender. surrender. surrender. We have to learn to just let go and let We have to learn to just let go and let We have to learn to just let go and let God. God. God. It places tomorrow's burden into God's It places tomorrow's burden into God's It places tomorrow's burden into God's hands today. hands today. hands today. Stop trying to fix what's going to Stop trying to fix what's going to Stop trying to fix what's going to happen a year from now. happen a year from now. happen a year from now. STOP WORRYING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WHEN MY STOP WORRYING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WHEN MY STOP WORRYING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WHEN MY GRANDKIDS AND, you know, and your kids GRANDKIDS AND, you know, and your kids GRANDKIDS AND, you know, and your kids are not even married. Sleep is surrender. Surrender. Sleep is surrender. Surrender. Surrender. Sleep is confidence in God's Surrender. Sleep is confidence in God's Surrender. Sleep is confidence in God's care. care. care. Why is it that God presents himself as Why is it that God presents himself as Why is it that God presents himself as God the father? Because as a father, Because as a father, he wants to be with you. He wants to he wants to be with you. He wants to he wants to be with you. He wants to love you. He wants to care for you.

love you. He wants to care for you. love you. He wants to care for you. The other day as I was praying The other day as I was praying The other day as I was praying and I was just worshiping God and I was and I was just worshiping God and I was and I was just worshiping God and I was listening to a song listening to a song listening to a song and the talk the song was talking about and the talk the song was talking about and the talk the song was talking about the intimate moment of of a father and a the intimate moment of of a father and a the intimate moment of of a father and a child and at first I wasn't getting it. child and at first I wasn't getting it. child and at first I wasn't getting it. But the minute that I thought about my But the minute that I thought about my But the minute that I thought about my daughter when she was a baby daughter when she was a baby daughter when she was a baby and how I would hug her and I would kiss and how I would hug her and I would kiss and how I would hug her and I would kiss her and all I wanted to do was protect her and all I wanted to do was protect her and all I wanted to do was protect her. This is how God her. This is how God her. This is how God looks at us. He loves us. He wants to love on us. He He loves us. He wants to love on us. He wants to kiss on us. He wants to embrace wants to kiss on us. He wants to embrace wants to kiss on us. He wants to embrace on us. He wants us to let us know it's on us. He wants us to let us know it's on us. He wants us to let us know it's all going to be all right. all going to be all right. all going to be all right. The wonder that the word of God says The wonder that the word of God says The wonder that the word of God says that we have to be as a child. that we have to be as a child. that we have to be as a child. That we have to come to God as a child.

That we have to come to God as a child. That we have to come to God as a child. And some of us that are here today, we And some of us that are here today, we And some of us that are here today, we need this word because we've been need this word because we've been need this word because we've been struggling. struggling. struggling. We've been going through some hard We've been going through some hard We've been going through some hard things. Maybe your earthly parents, your earthly Maybe your earthly parents, your earthly father, your have failed you. But God father, your have failed you. But God father, your have failed you. But God will never fail you. He wants you to will never fail you. He wants you to will never fail you. He wants you to know that today. You who are here, God know that today. You who are here, God know that today. You who are here, God is saying, "I love you. is saying, "I love you. is saying, "I love you. I love you." And there's someone here I love you." And there's someone here I love you." And there's someone here today that's feeling like, "Nobody loves today that's feeling like, "Nobody loves today that's feeling like, "Nobody loves me." No, God loves you. And you're here me." No, God loves you. And you're here me." No, God loves you. And you're here because God has a purpose and a reason because God has a purpose and a reason because God has a purpose and a reason for your life. Amen. In the book of Psalms 4:8, In the book of Psalms 4:8, it says, "In peace I will both lie down it says, "In peace I will both lie down it says, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, and sleep, and sleep, for you alone, Lord, have made me dwell for you alone, Lord, have made me dwell for you alone, Lord, have made me dwell in safety." in safety." in safety." Let me read that again. In peace I will Let me read that again. In peace I will Let me read that again. In peace I will both lie down both lie down both lie down and sleep.

and sleep. and sleep. Why? For you alone, Lord, have made me Why? For you alone, Lord, have made me Why? For you alone, Lord, have made me dwell in safety. There is a promise from dwell in safety. There is a promise from dwell in safety. There is a promise from God, God, God, that when it comes time for your rest, that when it comes time for your rest, that when it comes time for your rest, you can lay down and you can sleep you can lay down and you can sleep you can lay down and you can sleep tonight tonight tonight because God has created a safe because God has created a safe because God has created a safe environment, a safe place for you in environment, a safe place for you in environment, a safe place for you in him. The Bible declares that the him. The Bible declares that the him. The Bible declares that the believer, you and I, can lie down in believer, you and I, can lie down in believer, you and I, can lie down in peace and sleep because safety is found peace and sleep because safety is found peace and sleep because safety is found in who? In Jesus Christ our Lord. Sleep in who? In Jesus Christ our Lord. Sleep in who? In Jesus Christ our Lord. Sleep is resistance against fear. When we is resistance against fear. When we is resistance against fear. When we rest, we're fighting that fear. rest, we're fighting that fear. rest, we're fighting that fear. ANXIETY SAYS STAY AWAKE, WORRY. But ANXIETY SAYS STAY AWAKE, WORRY. But ANXIETY SAYS STAY AWAKE, WORRY. But faith says rest because God is watching. faith says rest because God is watching. faith says rest because God is watching. Sleep is the body's confession of faith. Sleep is the body's confession of faith. Sleep is the body's confession of faith. I am limited but God is not. I must rest I am limited but God is not. I must rest I am limited but God is not. I must rest but God remains awake.

but God remains awake. but God remains awake. This morning we can say I am limited but This morning we can say I am limited but This morning we can say I am limited but God is not. I must rest but God remains God is not. I must rest but God remains God is not. I must rest but God remains awake. Amen. awake. Amen. awake. Amen. Second point this morning is Jesus Second point this morning is Jesus Second point this morning is Jesus sleeps in the place of direction. We're sleeps in the place of direction. We're sleeps in the place of direction. We're moving in. We're going to start breaking moving in. We're going to start breaking moving in. We're going to start breaking this down. The book of Mark tells us this down. The book of Mark tells us this down. The book of Mark tells us that Jesus was in the stern of the boat. that Jesus was in the stern of the boat. that Jesus was in the stern of the boat. The stern is the rear of the vessel, the The stern is the rear of the vessel, the The stern is the rear of the vessel, the rear part of the boat. Not too long ago, rear part of the boat. Not too long ago, rear part of the boat. Not too long ago, they found a first century Galilean they found a first century Galilean they found a first century Galilean boat, boat, boat, similar to what was being used by the similar to what was being used by the similar to what was being used by the fishermen and and in the times of Jesus. fishermen and and in the times of Jesus. fishermen and and in the times of Jesus. And these boats would be measured about And these boats would be measured about And these boats would be measured about 27 feet and 8 feet wide. and and they 27 feet and 8 feet wide. and and they 27 feet and 8 feet wide. and and they had the front of the ship and they had had the front of the ship and they had had the front of the ship and they had the rear of the ship and there was a the rear of the ship and there was a the rear of the ship and there was a platform in the front and there was a platform in the front and there was a platform in the front and there was a platform in the back. The platform in platform in the back. The platform in platform in the back. The platform in the front was so that they could see the front was so that they could see the front was so that they could see what's in front of them and the platform what's in front of them and the platform what's in front of them and the platform in the back held a very important in the back held a very important in the back held a very important instrument called the stern or or or the instrument called the stern or or or the instrument called the stern or or or the guiding part. And this stern is guiding part. And this stern is guiding part. And this stern is connected to what is known as the connected to what is known as the connected to what is known as the rudder. And we're going to break the rudder. And we're going to break the rudder. And we're going to break the rudder down to you as well. And rudder down to you as well. And rudder down to you as well. And underneath this platform, underneath this platform, underneath this platform, they would put their supplies. They they would put their supplies. They they would put their supplies. They would put ropes and fishing stuff. And would put ropes and fishing stuff. And would put ropes and fishing stuff. And they would also put sandbags because they would also put sandbags because they would also put sandbags because sometimes they had to balance out the sometimes they had to balance out the sometimes they had to balance out the boat. And they had these sandbags boat. And they had these sandbags boat. And they had these sandbags underneath the stern.

underneath the stern. underneath the stern. Someone might even call one of these Someone might even call one of these Someone might even call one of these sandbags a pillow. We'll get to that in sandbags a pillow. We'll get to that in sandbags a pillow. We'll get to that in a second. But Mark tells us that the stern is the But Mark tells us that the stern is the rear of the vessel. The rear of the rear of the vessel. The rear of the rear of the vessel. The rear of the vessel the area asso associated with vessel the area asso associated with vessel the area asso associated with what? A stability, what? A stability, what? A stability, steering and direction. It is where the steering and direction. It is where the steering and direction. It is where the rudder is located. The part that helps rudder is located. The part that helps rudder is located. The part that helps determine where the boat is going. Have determine where the boat is going. Have determine where the boat is going. Have you ever seen the boat? In the back of you ever seen the boat? In the back of you ever seen the boat? In the back of the boat, there's a thing that goes like the boat, there's a thing that goes like the boat, there's a thing that goes like this, left and right. That's the rudder. this, left and right. That's the rudder. this, left and right. That's the rudder. Without that thing, Without that thing, Without that thing, you can't move the boat in the direction you can't move the boat in the direction you can't move the boat in the direction you want it to go to. you want it to go to. you want it to go to. A little side note, something I saw the A little side note, something I saw the A little side note, something I saw the other day. I saw a video about these other day. I saw a video about these other day. I saw a video about these orca, these these these killer whales orca, these these these killer whales orca, these these these killer whales and how these killer whales are are and how these killer whales are are and how these killer whales are are getting very violent out in the ocean. getting very violent out in the ocean. getting very violent out in the ocean. And these killer whales are attacking And these killer whales are attacking And these killer whales are attacking ships. ships. ships. They're attacking ships and they're and They're attacking ships and they're and They're attacking ships and they're and they're causing these ships to not they're causing these ships to not they're causing these ships to not function anymore. And what amazed me was function anymore. And what amazed me was function anymore. And what amazed me was that these killer whales were attacking that these killer whales were attacking that these killer whales were attacking the rudder the rudder the rudder of the ships.

of the ships. of the ships. How they know, I don't know. How they know, I don't know. How they know, I don't know. And in one of the videos, the killer And in one of the videos, the killer And in one of the videos, the killer whale actually had the rudder in his whale actually had the rudder in his whale actually had the rudder in his mouth and brings it to the side of the mouth and brings it to the side of the mouth and brings it to the side of the ship to show ship to show ship to show the people on the ship. I've got your the people on the ship. I've got your the people on the ship. I've got your rudder. Because we might be in the ship with Because we might be in the ship with Jesus, You might be floating in the middle of You might be floating in the middle of the ocean the ocean the ocean and have no sense of direction. and have no sense of direction. and have no sense of direction. You might have Jesus in the ship and You might have Jesus in the ship and You might have Jesus in the ship and still have no sense of direction. Say amen. Say ouch. I don't know. Say Say amen. Say ouch. I don't know. Say something. This is the detail that gives a sermon This is the detail that gives a sermon its power. Jesus is sleeping in the its power. Jesus is sleeping in the its power. Jesus is sleeping in the place connected to direction. He may place connected to direction. He may place connected to direction. He may appear still, but he is not absent. He appear still, but he is not absent. He appear still, but he is not absent. He may be resting, but he is not may be resting, but he is not may be resting, but he is not surrendered. He has not surrendered his surrendered. He has not surrendered his surrendered. He has not surrendered his authority. The disciples thought that authority. The disciples thought that authority. The disciples thought that the storm was steering the boat, but the storm was steering the boat, but the storm was steering the boat, but Jesus was in the stern. Jesus could Jesus was in the stern. Jesus could Jesus was in the stern. Jesus could sleep in the storm because he knew the sleep in the storm because he knew the sleep in the storm because he knew the storm was not in charge.

This story really amazes me and Pastor This story really amazes me and Pastor Ray kind of hit on it at first service Ray kind of hit on it at first service Ray kind of hit on it at first service that this was more than just some, that this was more than just some, that this was more than just some, you know, a random storm. No, there was you know, a random storm. No, there was you know, a random storm. No, there was a purpose for this storm. See, Jesus had a purpose for this storm. See, Jesus had a purpose for this storm. See, Jesus had been preaching all day. been preaching all day. been preaching all day. Been preaching all day to the Been preaching all day to the Been preaching all day to the multitudes. multitudes. multitudes. And now it came to the time that he was And now it came to the time that he was And now it came to the time that he was done. It was getting late. done. It was getting late. done. It was getting late. And he tells the disciples, "Let's go to And he tells the disciples, "Let's go to And he tells the disciples, "Let's go to the other side." And Jesus in his humanity, because And Jesus in his humanity, because sometimes we forget that Jesus was here sometimes we forget that Jesus was here sometimes we forget that Jesus was here in humanity. He was just like you and I in humanity. He was just like you and I in humanity. He was just like you and I in humanity. He didn't have a sinful in humanity. He didn't have a sinful in humanity. He didn't have a sinful nature, but he chose not to sin. But he nature, but he chose not to sin. But he nature, but he chose not to sin. But he was in his humanity. He was just like was in his humanity. He was just like was in his humanity. He was just like you. He would eat, drink, he would get you. He would eat, drink, he would get you. He would eat, drink, he would get tired, and he would have to rest. He tired, and he would have to rest. He tired, and he would have to rest. He would spend time with the father in would spend time with the father in would spend time with the father in prayer and all these different things.

prayer and all these different things. prayer and all these different things. He was human just like you and I. He was human just like you and I. He was human just like you and I. And Jesus goes into the stern And Jesus goes into the stern And Jesus goes into the stern because underneath the platform of the because underneath the platform of the because underneath the platform of the stern, there's this opening. Remember stern, there's this opening. Remember stern, there's this opening. Remember what I told you was in there? The ropes what I told you was in there? The ropes what I told you was in there? The ropes and the sandbags. and the sandbags. and the sandbags. And Jesus curls up inside of there and And Jesus curls up inside of there and And Jesus curls up inside of there and he grabs one of those sandbags. He uses he grabs one of those sandbags. He uses he grabs one of those sandbags. He uses it like a pillow it like a pillow it like a pillow and he's out. and he's out. and he's out. And go with me on this. And go with me on this. And go with me on this. But four OUT OF THE 12 PEOPLE on that But four OUT OF THE 12 PEOPLE on that But four OUT OF THE 12 PEOPLE on that boat boat boat had a very unique skill. had a very unique skill. had a very unique skill. Four out of the the disciples, four of Four out of the the disciples, four of Four out of the the disciples, four of them were trained professional fishermen them were trained professional fishermen them were trained professional fishermen who knew their way around the Sea of who knew their way around the Sea of who knew their way around the Sea of Galilee. They knew how to control a Galilee. They knew how to control a Galilee. They knew how to control a ship. They knew when a storm was coming. ship. They knew when a storm was coming. ship. They knew when a storm was coming. They knew what to do. They knew what to do. They knew what to do. You and I would say, "Man, they were in You and I would say, "Man, they were in You and I would say, "Man, they were in good hands. They had four amazing armor good hands. They had four amazing armor good hands. They had four amazing armor bears that knew how to run that ship.

I got no amens. Where my where my arm I got no amens. Where my where my arm bears? And I only could imagine, you know, And I only could imagine, you know, Peter and James and Andrew and John were Peter and James and Andrew and John were Peter and James and Andrew and John were these four disciples. And we know how these four disciples. And we know how these four disciples. And we know how Peter was. Peter was. Peter was. And I can imagine them getting on the on And I can imagine them getting on the on And I can imagine them getting on the on the boat the boat the boat and saying, "Jesus, we got you. and saying, "Jesus, we got you. and saying, "Jesus, we got you. Jesus, we got it under control. We're Jesus, we got it under control. We're Jesus, we got it under control. We're used to this. And I'm sure they got in there and they And I'm sure they got in there and they put up the sail on the boat and the wind put up the sail on the boat and the wind put up the sail on the boat and the wind began to blow and they began to, you began to blow and they began to, you began to blow and they began to, you know, roll the ores. Man, smooth say, know, roll the ores. Man, smooth say, know, roll the ores. Man, smooth say, "We got this. We've been doing this. We "We got this. We've been doing this. We "We got this. We've been doing this. We were ready for this. All of a sudden, the wind begins to All of a sudden, the wind begins to blow." blow." blow." And something about the Sea of Galilee, And something about the Sea of Galilee, And something about the Sea of Galilee, which is actually a lake, not a sea, but which is actually a lake, not a sea, but which is actually a lake, not a sea, but because it was so huge because it was so huge because it was so huge back in the days, back in the days, back in the days, and given the place where the Sea of and given the place where the Sea of and given the place where the Sea of Galilee is at, it's at the lowest sea Galilee is at, it's at the lowest sea Galilee is at, it's at the lowest sea level point in Israel level point in Israel level point in Israel and it's surrounded by some of the and it's surrounded by some of the and it's surrounded by some of the highest mountains. So when that wind highest mountains. So when that wind highest mountains. So when that wind begins to blow over th those mountains begins to blow over th those mountains begins to blow over th those mountains and that cold air hits the hot air of and that cold air hits the hot air of and that cold air hits the hot air of the lake, the lake, the lake, it turns into a huge storm.

it turns into a huge storm. it turns into a huge storm. And there they were. We got this. And there they were. We got this. And there they were. We got this. We got this, guys. We got this. Keep We got this, guys. We got this. Keep We got this, guys. We got this. Keep rowing. rowing. rowing. Keep rowing. And the wind's coming. And Peter's probably saying, "Okay, And Peter's probably saying, "Okay, guys, this is a bad one. Bring down the guys, this is a bad one. Bring down the guys, this is a bad one. Bring down the sail." Because they would have to bring sail." Because they would have to bring sail." Because they would have to bring down the sail and lay it in the middle down the sail and lay it in the middle down the sail and lay it in the middle of the boat. And they would have to keep of the boat. And they would have to keep of the boat. And they would have to keep rowing. And they would have to keep rowing. And they would have to keep rowing. And they would have to keep turning that rudder, trying to guide it turning that rudder, trying to guide it turning that rudder, trying to guide it while others in the boat were grabbing while others in the boat were grabbing while others in the boat were grabbing their buckets and they were pulling out their buckets and they were pulling out their buckets and they were pulling out the water and pulling out the water. And the water and pulling out the water. And the water and pulling out the water. And Peter's like, "Let's go. Let's go." AND Peter's like, "Let's go. Let's go." AND Peter's like, "Let's go. Let's go." AND THEY'RE LIKE, "HEY, WE'RE NOT GOING THEY'RE LIKE, "HEY, WE'RE NOT GOING THEY'RE LIKE, "HEY, WE'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. we're going to die. And I don't know because it doesn't say, And I don't know because it doesn't say, but someone said, "Let's wake up the but someone said, "Let's wake up the but someone said, "Let's wake up the master." Jesus wasn't phased by any of the stuff Jesus wasn't phased by any of the stuff that was going on around him.

that was going on around him. that was going on around him. And they call on Jesus. And they call on Jesus. And they call on Jesus. And Jesus comes out And Jesus comes out And Jesus comes out and rebukes the wind and brings peace and rebukes the wind and brings peace and rebukes the wind and brings peace to the storm. to the storm. to the storm. The word of God says in Mark 4:39, "And The word of God says in Mark 4:39, "And The word of God says in Mark 4:39, "And he got up and rebuked the wind and said he got up and rebuked the wind and said he got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, to the sea, "Hush, to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it be still." And the wind died down and it be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. became perfectly calm. became perfectly calm. Jesus speaks into the storm and commands Jesus speaks into the storm and commands Jesus speaks into the storm and commands peace. In both moments, the Lord proves peace. In both moments, the Lord proves peace. In both moments, the Lord proves that his voice is greater than the that his voice is greater than the that his voice is greater than the storm's noise. storm's noise. storm's noise. We can say today We can say today We can say today with confidence, with confidence, with confidence, what speaks louder than the storm? What what speaks louder than the storm? What what speaks louder than the storm? What speaks louder than the storm is the speaks louder than the storm is the speaks louder than the storm is the voice of Jesus. You can take that to the voice of Jesus. You can take that to the voice of Jesus. You can take that to the bank.

A boat with a failed rudder may still be A boat with a failed rudder may still be afloat, but loses direction control. afloat, but loses direction control. afloat, but loses direction control. Winds and waves and currents begin to Winds and waves and currents begin to Winds and waves and currents begin to decide where it goes. That image becomes decide where it goes. That image becomes decide where it goes. That image becomes a powerful spiritual illustration. A a powerful spiritual illustration. A a powerful spiritual illustration. A life without godly direction may keep life without godly direction may keep life without godly direction may keep moving, but it can easily be driven by moving, but it can easily be driven by moving, but it can easily be driven by fear, pressure, temptation, public fear, pressure, temptation, public fear, pressure, temptation, public opinion, or emotion. You might be faking opinion, or emotion. You might be faking opinion, or emotion. You might be faking the funk. You come to church every the funk. You come to church every the funk. You come to church every Sunday. You lift up your hands, you're Sunday. You lift up your hands, you're Sunday. You lift up your hands, you're worshiping God. But when you get back worshiping God. But when you get back worshiping God. But when you get back home and come back to Monday, YOU'RE home and come back to Monday, YOU'RE home and come back to Monday, YOU'RE STRUGGLING. COME BACK TO TUESDAY, YOU'RE STRUGGLING. COME BACK TO TUESDAY, YOU'RE STRUGGLING. COME BACK TO TUESDAY, YOU'RE STRUGGLING. COME TO WEDNESDAY and STRUGGLING. COME TO WEDNESDAY and STRUGGLING. COME TO WEDNESDAY and Thursday, YOU'RE STILL STRUGGLING. Thursday, YOU'RE STILL STRUGGLING. Thursday, YOU'RE STILL STRUGGLING. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, you're struggling. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, you're struggling. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, you're struggling. YOU FEEL LIKE, I CAN'T do this anymore, YOU FEEL LIKE, I CAN'T do this anymore, YOU FEEL LIKE, I CAN'T do this anymore, BUT LET ME GET BACK TO church one more BUT LET ME GET BACK TO church one more BUT LET ME GET BACK TO church one more time. LET ME PUT on some nice clothes. time. LET ME PUT on some nice clothes. time. LET ME PUT on some nice clothes. Let me put on some cologne and perfume Let me put on some cologne and perfume Let me put on some cologne and perfume and get ready. and get ready. and get ready. But have you truly But have you truly But have you truly given control of your life to God? given control of your life to God? given control of your life to God? Have you given complete control to God?

Have you given complete control to God? Have you given complete control to God? See, the waves may determine how rough See, the waves may determine how rough See, the waves may determine how rough the journey feels, but the rudder the journey feels, but the rudder the journey feels, but the rudder determine where the boat goes. determine where the boat goes. determine where the boat goes. We can say today, who is steering my We can say today, who is steering my We can say today, who is steering my boat? boat? boat? Jesus is steering my boat. Who has the Jesus is steering my boat. Who has the Jesus is steering my boat. Who has the final word? Jesus has the final word. My final word? Jesus has the final word. My final word? Jesus has the final word. My fifth point says, "Rest is prepared fifth point says, "Rest is prepared fifth point says, "Rest is prepared before the storm." before the storm." before the storm." This is very important here. A rudder is This is very important here. A rudder is This is very important here. A rudder is not strengthened during the storm. You not strengthened during the storm. You not strengthened during the storm. You imagine the disciples getting out there imagine the disciples getting out there imagine the disciples getting out there and pulling out their box of tools and and pulling out their box of tools and and pulling out their box of tools and and and and the screwdriver and a and and and the screwdriver and a and and and the screwdriver and a hammer. I got this, guys. Let's fix the hammer. I got this, guys. Let's fix the hammer. I got this, guys. Let's fix the rudder. Hey, sounds crazy, right? sounds crazy, right? But some of us are trying to do that. But some of us are trying to do that. But some of us are trying to do that. We're trying to fix things, We're trying to fix things, We're trying to fix things, but we're in the midst of something that but we're in the midst of something that but we're in the midst of something that we're supposed to be going full speed we're supposed to be going full speed we're supposed to be going full speed ahead.

We're trying to do that We're trying to do that 5second prayer. Jesus, you know, God, 5second prayer. Jesus, you know, God, 5second prayer. Jesus, you know, God, man. Oh, man. If you God, if you help me man. Oh, man. If you God, if you help me man. Oh, man. If you God, if you help me now, I promise now, I promise now, I promise I'll promise I will serve you. My kids I'll promise I will serve you. My kids I'll promise I will serve you. My kids will serve you. My wife will serve you. will serve you. My wife will serve you. will serve you. My wife will serve you. And that that doesn't happen here. But the time to make sure that their But the time to make sure that their vessel is working properly is before the vessel is working properly is before the vessel is working properly is before the storm. storm. storm. It is prepared before the storm arrives. It is prepared before the storm arrives. It is prepared before the storm arrives. In the same way that our spiritual rest In the same way that our spiritual rest In the same way that our spiritual rest is cultivated before Christ has come. is cultivated before Christ has come. is cultivated before Christ has come. How do we cultivate How do we cultivate How do we cultivate an environment of rest in our life? Here an environment of rest in our life? Here an environment of rest in our life? Here it is. Write this down. If you didn't it is. Write this down. If you didn't it is. Write this down. If you didn't write anything else from what I said, write anything else from what I said, write anything else from what I said, write this down. We we we do this. It's write this down. We we we do this. It's write this down. We we we do this. It's kind of like a maintenance through kind of like a maintenance through kind of like a maintenance through prayer. prayer. prayer. Wow. That's that's that's a that's a new Wow. That's that's that's a that's a new Wow. That's that's that's a that's a new one, pastor. Never heard that one. Are one, pastor. Never heard that one. Are one, pastor. Never heard that one. Are you serious? Prayer.

you serious? Prayer. you serious? Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. prayer, through prayer, through scripture, through prayer, through scripture, through the word of God, reading the through the word of God, reading the through the word of God, reading the word of God, word of God, word of God, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, worshiping, having that altar moment in your life having that altar moment in your life having that altar moment in your life outside of the church. outside of the church. outside of the church. repentance repentance repentance and finally obedience. when we pray, when we pray, when we read the word, when we worship, when we read the word, when we worship, when we read the word, when we worship, when we repent because we realize that when we repent because we realize that when we repent because we realize that we are failing God and we're failing we are failing God and we're failing we are failing God and we're failing miserably and then we obey. and then we obey. What is it that God is telling you? What What is it that God is telling you? What What is it that God is telling you? What is it that God is speaking to you? What is it that God is speaking to you? What is it that God is speaking to you? What is it God is saying that you need to fix is it God is saying that you need to fix is it God is saying that you need to fix so that you can be ready for the storm?

so that you can be ready for the storm? so that you can be ready for the storm? The book of Psalms chapter 23 verse two The book of Psalms chapter 23 verse two The book of Psalms chapter 23 verse two says, "He lets me lie down in green says, "He lets me lie down in green says, "He lets me lie down in green pasture. He leads me besides the quiet pasture. He leads me besides the quiet pasture. He leads me besides the quiet water." The word of God shows us that water." The word of God shows us that water." The word of God shows us that the shepherd Jesus Christ is leading his the shepherd Jesus Christ is leading his the shepherd Jesus Christ is leading his people into rest. people into rest. people into rest. He's leading us who are weary and He's leading us who are weary and He's leading us who are weary and burdened to come to him and receive the burdened to come to him and receive the burdened to come to him and receive the rest. Where do we get the rest? People help me out. Jesus, help me out. Jesus, rest is not weakness. Rest is worship. rest is not weakness. Rest is worship. rest is not weakness. Rest is worship. It says, "Lord, I trust you enough to It says, "Lord, I trust you enough to It says, "Lord, I trust you enough to stop striving on my own strength. I stop striving on my own strength. I stop striving on my own strength. I trust you enough to lay down what I trust you enough to lay down what I trust you enough to lay down what I cannot carry. I trust you enough to cannot carry. I trust you enough to cannot carry. I trust you enough to sleep while you remain awake. sleep while you remain awake. sleep while you remain awake. Amen. Amen. Amen. This allows us to say rest is not This allows us to say rest is not This allows us to say rest is not weakness. Rest is worship. Rest is not weakness. Rest is worship. Rest is not weakness. Rest is worship. Rest is not fear. Rest is faith.

fear. Rest is faith. fear. Rest is faith. This month, our nation is celebrating This month, our nation is celebrating This month, our nation is celebrating 250 250 250 years of its birth. Happy birthday, years of its birth. Happy birthday, years of its birth. Happy birthday, America. Amen. And when we think about July the 4th and And when we think about July the 4th and we think about the birth of our nation, we think about the birth of our nation, we think about the birth of our nation, we also think about all the soldiers, we also think about all the soldiers, we also think about all the soldiers, all the warriors, all the warriors, all the warriors, many who gave their life many who gave their life many who gave their life for the freedom that we have today. for the freedom that we have today. for the freedom that we have today. I want to share a little story about a I want to share a little story about a I want to share a little story about a soldier. soldier. soldier. I want you to consider a weary soldier. I want you to consider a weary soldier. I want you to consider a weary soldier. He's tired. He's tired. He's tired. Who returns home after battle. The war Who returns home after battle. The war Who returns home after battle. The war outside may be over, but the war within outside may be over, but the war within outside may be over, but the war within still echoes. still echoes. still echoes. He's listening to the fireworks of July He's listening to the fireworks of July He's listening to the fireworks of July the 4th. As they sound like artillery, the 4th. As they sound like artillery, the 4th. As they sound like artillery, celebration feels like pressure. He celebration feels like pressure. He celebration feels like pressure. He defended freedom for others, yet finds defended freedom for others, yet finds defended freedom for others, yet finds himself bound by fear, guilt, and himself bound by fear, guilt, and himself bound by fear, guilt, and exhaustion.

exhaustion. exhaustion. Pray for our veterans. pray for our Pray for our veterans. pray for our Pray for our veterans. pray for our soldiers. soldiers. soldiers. One night, this soldier walks into a One night, this soldier walks into a One night, this soldier walks into a quiet chapel and sees a reference to quiet chapel and sees a reference to quiet chapel and sees a reference to Matthew 11:28 Matthew 11:28 Matthew 11:28 where it says, "Come to me all, where it says, "Come to me all, where it says, "Come to me all, not some, not a few, but all who are not some, not a few, but all who are not some, not a few, but all who are weary and burdened and what? and I will weary and burdened and what? and I will weary and burdened and what? and I will give you rest. give you rest. give you rest. Jesus invites the weary and the burden Jesus invites the weary and the burden Jesus invites the weary and the burden to come to him for rest. It was in that to come to him for rest. It was in that to come to him for rest. It was in that moment that the soldier realizes that moment that the soldier realizes that moment that the soldier realizes that earthly freedom is precious, but soul earthly freedom is precious, but soul earthly freedom is precious, but soul freedom is found in Christ. He does not freedom is found in Christ. He does not freedom is found in Christ. He does not need to carry the weight alone. The need to carry the weight alone. The need to carry the weight alone. The commander of his soul is able to give commander of his soul is able to give commander of his soul is able to give peace that no circumstance can peace that no circumstance can peace that no circumstance can manufacture. manufacture. manufacture. That my friends is the invitation of That my friends is the invitation of That my friends is the invitation of this sermon. Not merely to admire Jesus this sermon. Not merely to admire Jesus this sermon. Not merely to admire Jesus sleeping in the boat, but to trust the sleeping in the boat, but to trust the sleeping in the boat, but to trust the one who can give the rest in the storm.

You came out to listen to Jesus. You came out to listen to Jesus. You came out to listen to the parables. You came out to listen to the parables. You came out to listen to the parables. You came out to listen to the sermon, You came out to listen to the sermon, You came out to listen to the sermon, but you're still on the shore but you're still on the shore but you're still on the shore and you haven't made that decision and you haven't made that decision and you haven't made that decision to allow Jesus in your life. to allow Jesus in your life. to allow Jesus in your life. The good thing is that you're here today The good thing is that you're here today The good thing is that you're here today and this could be your appointed date and this could be your appointed date and this could be your appointed date and time to allow Jesus and time to allow Jesus and time to allow Jesus to come into your life to come into your life to come into your life to be [music] in your boat to be [music] in your boat to be [music] in your boat BECAUSE THE STORMS WILL COME. I BECAUSE THE STORMS WILL COME. I BECAUSE THE STORMS WILL COME. I guarantee it. You've been there. You've guarantee it. You've been there. You've guarantee it. You've been there. You've done that. There's nothing [music] like going There's nothing [music] like going through life alone when we could have through life alone when we could have through life alone when we could have Jesus on our side. eager to please God, eager to please God, but still relying but still relying but still relying on your own strength.

on your own strength. on your own strength. still relying on your own strength, your still relying on your own strength, your still relying on your own strength, your own wisdom, your own skills. And how many times have you said, "I got And how many times have you said, "I got this." And you get into the boat And you get into the boat and everything's fine, and everything's fine, and everything's fine, but then that wind starts to pick up and your life begins to rock. Is there and your life begins to rock. Is there anybody that is with me on this one? And anybody that is with me on this one? And anybody that is with me on this one? And your boat begins to rock your boat begins to rock your boat begins to rock and you kind of feel that inside of you and you kind of feel that inside of you and you kind of feel that inside of you like I don't know like I don't know like I don't know this this may be a big one, this this may be a big one, this this may be a big one, but you know what? I I I can rope. but you know what? I I I can rope. but you know what? I I I can rope. I'm strong. I can row. I've been to the I'm strong. I can row. I've been to the I'm strong. I can row. I've been to the gym. I've been doing my push-ups. I can gym. I've been doing my push-ups. I can gym. I've been doing my push-ups. I can do this. I can get behind the stern and I can and I can get behind the stern and I can and I can try to navigate and and and get us I can try to navigate and and and get us I can try to navigate and and and get us there and I'll get I'll get us through.

there and I'll get I'll get us through. there and I'll get I'll get us through. I KNOW MY MARRIAGE IS FALLING APART, BUT I KNOW MY MARRIAGE IS FALLING APART, BUT I KNOW MY MARRIAGE IS FALLING APART, BUT I I CAN FIX THIS. I I CAN FIX THIS. I I CAN FIX THIS. I know that my kids are not SERVING YOU, I know that my kids are not SERVING YOU, I know that my kids are not SERVING YOU, LORD, BUT I CAN FIX THIS. LORD, BUT I CAN FIX THIS. LORD, BUT I CAN FIX THIS. I don't have a job, LORD GOD, BUT I CAN I don't have a job, LORD GOD, BUT I CAN I don't have a job, LORD GOD, BUT I CAN FIX THIS. I'm sick, I'm sick, but I can fix this. but I can fix this. but I can fix this. My loved ones are getting old, but I can My loved ones are getting old, but I can My loved ones are getting old, but I can fix this, God. God is saying, just call on me. I'm God is saying, just call on me. I'm right here. Because it wasn't up to the point where Because it wasn't up to the point where the disciples had tried everything they the disciples had tried everything they the disciples had tried everything they could could could and until they called on the master that Jesus was able to bring the peace that Jesus was able to bring the peace that they needed.

Someone once said Jesus is a perfect Someone once said Jesus is a perfect gentleman. gentleman. gentleman. He's not going to interfere in your life He's not going to interfere in your life He's not going to interfere in your life if you think you've got it together. if you think you've got it together. if you think you've got it together. If you think you got it figured out, If you think you got it figured out, If you think you got it figured out, he's not going to intervene. But I he's not going to intervene. But I he's not going to intervene. But I guarantee guarantee guarantee when you call on Jesus, when you call on Jesus, when you call on Jesus, he's going to get up. When you call on Jesus, he's going to When you call on Jesus, he's going to get up. Because there's no storm, get up. Because there's no storm, get up. Because there's no storm, there's no wind, THERE'S NO DEVIL, there's no wind, THERE'S NO DEVIL, there's no wind, THERE'S NO DEVIL, THERE'S NO DEMON, THERE'S NO SICKNESS, THERE'S NO DEMON, THERE'S NO SICKNESS, THERE'S NO DEMON, THERE'S NO SICKNESS, THERE'S NO STRUGGLE THAT OUR GOD CANNOT THERE'S NO STRUGGLE THAT OUR GOD CANNOT THERE'S NO STRUGGLE THAT OUR GOD CANNOT OVERCOME. And when he wakes up, he's like, "What's going on? Who's he's like, "What's going on? Who's messing with my child? messing with my child? messing with my child? Who's messing WITH MY DAUGHTER? [snorts] Who's messing WITH MY DAUGHTER? [snorts] Who's messing WITH MY DAUGHTER? [snorts] WHO'S MESSING with my son? WHO'S MESSING with my son? WHO'S MESSING with my son? IF YOU MESS WITH THEM, YOU MESS WITH ME. IF YOU MESS WITH THEM, YOU MESS WITH ME. IF YOU MESS WITH THEM, YOU MESS WITH ME. And he stands up and he begins to rebuke And he stands up and he begins to rebuke And he stands up and he begins to rebuke the wind, the wind, the wind, he brings peace he brings peace he brings peace to your life.

to your life. to your life. But you got to allow him to do that. As But you got to allow him to do that. As But you got to allow him to do that. As the care team gets ready and free the care team gets ready and free the care team gets ready and free worship gets ready, I want us to stand worship gets ready, I want us to stand worship gets ready, I want us to stand this morning, this morning, this morning, this afternoon. The message today of the book of Mark The message today of the book of Mark is not that the storms will never come. is not that the storms will never come. is not that the storms will never come. The message is that Jesus is greater The message is that Jesus is greater The message is that Jesus is greater than the storm. than the storm. than the storm. Peace does not come from pretending the Peace does not come from pretending the Peace does not come from pretending the waves are small. waves are small. waves are small. Peace comes from knowing [music] Christ Peace comes from knowing [music] Christ Peace comes from knowing [music] Christ is in the boat. is in the boat. is in the boat. We can go to sleep in peace because God We can go to sleep in peace because God We can go to sleep in peace because God is awake. is awake. is awake. Release the storm. Surrender [music] the Release the storm. Surrender [music] the Release the storm. Surrender [music] the burden. Trust a king who rests in burden. Trust a king who rests in burden. Trust a king who rests in authority and rises with power. If Jesus authority and rises with power. If Jesus authority and rises with power. If Jesus is in your stern, is in your stern, is in your stern, your storm does [music] not get the your storm does [music] not get the your storm does [music] not get the final word.

And we can say today, go to sleep in And we can say today, go to sleep in peace. peace. peace. God is awake. God is awake. God is awake. Release the storm. Christ is in the Release the storm. Christ is in the Release the storm. Christ is in the stern. The storm does not get the final stern. The storm does not get the final stern. The storm does not get the final word. Jesus does. This is what a person word. Jesus does. This is what a person word. Jesus does. This is what a person who's living a life in complete who's living a life in complete who's living a life in complete surrender to God is able to say. surrender to God is able to say. surrender to God is able to say. So what storm is trying to convince you So what storm is trying to convince you So what storm is trying to convince you that God does not care? that God does not care? that God does not care? I don't know what that storm is for you, I don't know what that storm is for you, I don't know what that storm is for you, but I know where the answer is at. but I know where the answer is at. but I know where the answer is at. What burdens are you carrying today that What burdens are you carrying today that What burdens are you carrying today that God is asking you to release? God is asking you to release? God is asking you to release? Who is steering your boat? Is it fear? Who is steering your boat? Is it fear? Who is steering your boat? Is it fear? Is it circumstances? Is it people? Is it Is it circumstances? Is it people? Is it Is it circumstances? Is it people? Is it emotions? Or is it Christ? emotions? Or is it Christ? emotions? Or is it Christ? What spiritual maintenance [music] do What spiritual maintenance [music] do What spiritual maintenance [music] do you need to restore? you need to restore? you need to restore? Because when the storm come, it's not Because when the storm come, it's not Because when the storm come, it's not time to fix the rudder. The time is now time to fix the rudder. The time is now time to fix the rudder. The time is now through prayer, through the word, through prayer, through the word, through prayer, through the word, through worship, through repentance and through worship, through repentance and through worship, through repentance and obedience. Close your eyes.

obedience. Close your eyes. obedience. Close your eyes. Close Close Close your eyes. Bow [music] your heads. If you're here maybe for the first time If you're here maybe for the first time or maybe you've been coming and you've or maybe you've been coming and you've or maybe you've been coming and you've just been standing in the side of the just been standing in the side of the just been standing in the side of the shore, shore, shore, Jesus wants to come into your life. Jesus wants to come into your life. Jesus wants to come into your life. He wants to come [music] into your He wants to come [music] into your He wants to come [music] into your heart. heart. heart. He wants to control. He wants to be the He wants to control. He wants to be the He wants to control. He wants to be the master of your life. He wants to give master of your life. He wants to give master of your life. He wants to give you victory [music] and not defeat. you victory [music] and not defeat. you victory [music] and not defeat. If that's you here today and you want to If that's you here today and you want to If that's you here today and you want to give your life to Jesus, I want you to give your life to Jesus, I want you to give your life to Jesus, I want you to raise your hand right there where you're raise your hand right there where you're raise your hand right there where you're at. [music] Hands are going up. I want at. [music] Hands are going up. I want at. [music] Hands are going up. I want Jesus in my boat. I want Jesus in my Jesus in my boat. I want Jesus in my Jesus in my boat. I want Jesus in my life. Amen. I'm going to ask you those life. Amen. I'm going to ask you those life. Amen. I'm going to ask you those that raise your hand to come [music] up that raise your hand to come [music] up that raise your hand to come [music] up to the altar to the altar to the altar and one of our care ministry and one of our care ministry and one of our care ministry leaders will pray for you.

Like Pastor Ray said, this is a miracle. Like Pastor Ray said, this is a miracle. This is a miracle. Come on. Come on. This is a miracle. Come on. Come on. This is a miracle. Come on. Come on. Come on. Let's give it to Jesus. Lives Come on. Let's give it to Jesus. Lives Come on. Let's give it to Jesus. Lives are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming to are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming to are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming to Jesus. Lives Jesus. Lives are coming to Jesus. Lives Jesus. Lives are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming are coming to Jesus. Lives are coming [music] to Jesus. [music] to Jesus. [music] to Jesus. The word says that there's a celebration The word says that there's a celebration The word says that there's a celebration in heaven right now because of the in heaven right now because of the in heaven right now because of the decision that you're making. Now, some of us here today are like the Now, some of us here today are like the disciples. We've been on the boat. We've had Jesus, We've been on the boat. We've had Jesus, but we've been trying to do it by our but we've been trying to do it by our but we've been trying to do it by our own strength, by our own merits. own strength, by our own merits. own strength, by our own merits. Today, Jesus is saying, "I need you to Today, Jesus is saying, "I need you to Today, Jesus is saying, "I need you to give me that control. Let me bring the peace you need in your Let me bring the peace you need in your life. life. life. If that's you today, brother and sister, If that's you today, brother and sister, If that's you today, brother and sister, I want you to join us too at the altar I want you to join us too at the altar I want you to join us too at the altar as a sign of Lord, I'm surrendering. as a sign of Lord, I'm surrendering. as a sign of Lord, I'm surrendering. I've been fighting this thing. I've been I've been fighting this thing. I've been I've been fighting this thing. I've been fighting this thing. I've been fighting fighting this thing. I've been fighting fighting this thing. I've been fighting this thing, but I need you to [music] this thing, but I need you to [music] this thing, but I need you to [music] bring peace into my life. I need you to bring peace into my life. I need you to bring peace into my life. I need you to bring peace into my home. I need you to bring peace into my home. I need you to bring peace into my home. I need you to bring peace into my marriage. Come on bring peace into my marriage. Come on bring peace into my marriage. Come on up. Come on up. Come on up.

up. Come on up. Come on up. up. Come on up. Come on up. I need peace for my kids. I need peace I need peace for my kids. I need peace I need peace for my kids. I need peace in the workplace. in the workplace. in the workplace. I need peace in my finances. I need I need peace in my finances. I need I need peace in my finances. I need peace. Don't leave here today Don't leave here today the same way you came in the same way you came in the same way you came in because tomorrow [music] that storm is because tomorrow [music] that storm is because tomorrow [music] that storm is going to be waiting for you. going to be waiting for you. going to be waiting for you. And you're going to keep trying to do And you're going to keep trying to do And you're going to keep trying to do the same thing over and over again. the same thing over and over again. the same thing over and over again. And no change in the results unless you And no change in the results unless you And no change in the results unless you allow God to take control.