Morning Devotional 111625 In Our Boat

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

November 16, 2025 

Mark 4:35-41

35 Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. 37 Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” 39 He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” 41 Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

Good Morning! Many Gifts, One Spirit!

Have you ever had a pity party? This is when you decide that no one cares for you. Pity parties often happen when things are going wrong or when we feel like we are alone. We feel sorry for ourselves. The more we fret, the bigger our problem grows. Sometimes we need someone to shame us for being so self-involved so that we can “get over it.” 

The disciples were sitting on the boat, and the storm suddenly overtook them. They began to worry, and they let their fears get the better of them. They awakened Jesus and cried to him to save them. After calming the storm, Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith (pity party). 

Jesus is in our boat, just as He was with the disciples. We are never alone. When we begin to feel the storms build, Jesus is with us to calm our fears. 

Lord, you bless us abundantly! When we are challenged, we sometimes forget that you are with us. Help us lean into your love and strength in all things. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: During life’s storms, focus on God’s word.

Jesus is in our boat! Pastor Liz