November 23rd, 25: Lessons from the Storm: Faith, Obedience, and Awe Inspired by Jesus

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One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you.

TODAY'S EPISODE:

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Heather guides us through Matthew chapters 14-16, exploring powerful moments from Jesus' ministry—feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and challenging traditions with compassion and truth. Along the way, Heather reflects on what it means to follow Jesus through life's storms, reminding us that faith often grows in the midst of hardship and awe. With heartfelt prayers and encouragement, she invites us to rely on God's presence, embrace the journey of faith, and remember that, even in difficult times, we are deeply loved. Settle in for Scripture, reflection, and encouragement for your spiritual walk, right here on the Daily Radio Bible.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

Jesus teaches us through the storms. Watching the storms roll in on the Oregon coast can be mesmerizing. But there's a lesson that goes deeper when you're in the middle of the storm yourself. That's just how Jesus teaches—sometimes he places us right in the thick of it, not as punishment, but for our growth. In today's passage, we see that after the miracle of feeding the multitudes, Jesus insisted his disciples get in the boat and cross the lake. It was his idea. Why did he insist? Maybe because they wanted to stay wrapped up in the excitement of the miracle, or perhaps, as fishermen, they sensed a storm coming and wanted to avoid it. We don't know for sure, but what we do know is that Jesus was adamant, and they obeyed.

Their obedience didn't buy them smooth sailing—instead, they found themselves far from land, battling heavy waves. This reminds us: just because we're obedient doesn't mean we won't be tested, and it doesn't guarantee calm seas. Sometimes Jesus directs us straight into the storm, knowing what awaits us. The truth is, storms will come, even in the center of God's will. But when we are in those storms, Jesus cares. He knows our burdens and our fears, and he is praying for us.

Jesus was teaching his disciples to rely fully on him—removing every comfort and prop so that faith would truly grow. He brought them into open water, into trouble, to teach them to walk by faith, not sight. Faith is a process, not an event. Our strength may fail, but Jesus never will. In the storm, he speaks to us: "Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here."

Awe at the presence of God is the beginning of faith. Peter experienced this awe and, for a moment, stepped out onto the water—not on his own power, but fully dependent on Jesus. If you're surrounded by wind and waves today, listen for the voice that calls you forth: step out, take courage, and let awe lead you to faith.

Let this be our prayer: that we might learn in our storms to trust the abiding presence and love of Christ, and have the courage to respond in faith—one step at a time. May we move from fear to faith, knowing he is with us in every season.

That's a prayer for my own soul, and a prayer for you. May it be so.

TODAY'S PRAYERS:

Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.  

Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near.