WINDSTORM

 

WINDSTORM

 On the same day, when evening had come, 

He said to them, 

"Let us cross over to the other side." 

Now when they had left the multitude, 

they took Him along in the boat as He was. 

And other little boats were also with Him. 

And a great windstorm arose, 

and the waves beat into the boat, 

so that it was already filling. 

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. 

And they awoke Him and said to Him, 

"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, 

and said to the sea, 

"Peace, be still!" 

And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 

But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? 

How is it that you have no faith?" 

And they feared exceedingly, 

and said to one another, 

"Who can this be, 

that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

Mark 4:35-41

A windstorm 

A windstorm on the sea. The boat was filling with water. The sea depicts the world, its systems, values and mindset. We must expect such storms in this world, as the LORD Himself said,  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Again in Matthew chapter 24, JESUS spoke about the storms in this world especially in the end times.

JESUS was not affected by the windstorm. He rested His head on a pillow and was asleep in the stern. His soul was resting in the Holy Spirit, the True Wind that was blowing over the stern because His soul was set to catch the Wind of the Holy Spirit that was beyond the windstorm on the sea!

The LORD had authority over nature. He stilled the storm by saying, "Peace, be still!" 

storm in the soul

This storm affected the souls of the disciples who were with JESUS in that boat. Their souls became restless and reflected the windstorm on the sea. Faith is the rope that raises the sheet of the sail of the soul to catch the True wind of the Holy Spirit so that our sailing may be smooth. 

They cried out saying, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Their souls were filling with the water of the worldly mindset! 

Like the LORD JESUS, we need to be overcomers in this world. Storms will come but we must trim the sail of our soul and yield to the move of the wind of the Holy Spirit. We must yield even our rational thinking and our good intents to the Holy Spirit. We must wait on the LORD and listen to His voice and know the direction of the True wind and submit our soul to the Spirit until we experience that rest to our soul.

spiritual storm

 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me." For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!" Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many." Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them." And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
Mark 5:1-15

Legion was constantly living in a spiritual storm. He was possessed and controlled by many demons. The LORD JESUS was full of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit was upon Him because He lived and walked in obedience to the Spirit. Therefore He did not fear the less powerful demons, but had authority over them.

Those who feared the windstorm, became fearful of JESUS, when He demonstrated His authority over the storm.

The pig keepers became fearful of JESUS, when they saw His authority demonstrated over the demons. JESUS used the pigs as a cleaning cloth to clean up the demon possessed man. The unclean spirits left him and entered the pigs, leaving the man clean! The unclean pigs were disposed of in the sea!

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, 

And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 

Though its waters roar and be troubled, 

Though the mountains shake with its swelling. 

Selah There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, 

The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; 

God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 

The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; 

He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. 

Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, 

Who has made desolations in the earth. 

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; 

He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; 

He burns the chariot in the fire. 

Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth! 

The Lord of hosts is with us; 

The God of Jacob is our refuge. 

Selah

Psalm 46:1-11

SAILING - Part one

SAILING - Part one 

Each of us is like a sail boat and our life on earth is like a sailboat on the sea.

Clear instructions about sailing are available, and it is necessary to take time to learn and understand the basics, before launching on an expedition on the water. This is important so that you, together with those on the boat would be safe and arrive on land without a 'shipwreck'!

So it is with our spiritual journey on earth. Clear instructions are available in the B-I-B-L-E -  as someone said, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 1 Timothy 1:18-19

SEA - THE WORLD 

Sailing needs water and wind.

We need the wind of the Holy Spirit to sail on the waters of this world.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:7-11

WIND - HOLY SPIRIT

It is necessary to determine the direction of the wind all the while you are sailing. That is the reference point from which everything else is determined.

The spirit of an individual is revived by the Holy Spirit of GOD, when he/she is born again by receiving the forgiveness offered by the LORD JESUS. Such a person has the direction and the power of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious life on earth.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

John 3:8

SAIL - SOUL 

We have no control of the wind, but we have control of the sail. The sail can compare to our soul that comprises of the intellect, emotion and will of our mind.

If you want to make use of the power of the wind for your journey, you must learn the skill of getting the main sail up quickly and safely! As Christians who are connected to GOD through the Holy Spirit in us, we must learn to quieten our soul and bring it under submission to the Holy Spirit. This is spiritual 'Trim'. Only then can we live a victorious Christian life.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6

MAST - MASTER JESUS

Vertical pole on which the sail is hoisted.

This can be likened to the cross on which our LORD was crucified.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 SHEET - FAITH

The rope that is used to control and adjust the sail which is a sheet of fabric.

Our Christian life should be one of faith. We can imagine our faith to be like a rope that connects our Spirit to GOD. JESUS is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. This faith enables us to see and hear beyond the natural, into the spiritual realm through the word of GOD.

 "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:4

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

BOOM - HUMILITY 

A horizontal pole that extends from the base of the mast, to which the base of the mainsail is attached.

The boom swings from side to side and is used to control the trim of the mainsail while sailing. This also helps to adjust the speed of the boat.

Boom injuries are the most common injuries in sailing. When you turn the boat suddenly while sailing, you must make sure to duck your head, to prevent being hit by the boom! The swinging boom with the full force of the wind can hit a head that is in the way, so hard, that it can cause great injury and bleeding and even death! It is necessary to be aware of such a danger from a boom! 

The boom teaches about humility. Especially when we are enjoying a free sail with the wind, if we are not careful to be humble, pride can hit us hard on the head, causing great spiritual injury and spiritual fall!

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:16
 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7

BOW - HEAD

The front of the boat.

We must constantly renew our mind according to the word of GOD so that we may head in the path of righteousness in humility. We must surrender our will to the LORD in worship so that we may live a victorious spiritual life.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6

 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

LUFFING - RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Heading the front of the boat, which is called the bow, into the wind so the sail flutters and the boat slows.

This way of sailing can be compared to the arrogant attitude of standing against and resisting the Holy Spirit. Such a person's soul flutters and is restless.

The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken. Psalm 37:12-15

NO-GO ZONE - CONTRARY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT 

This direction of sailing is also referred to as 'In Irons'.

Sailing directly against the direction of the wind is impossible.

None can fight against GOD and win. It is wise therefore not to resist the voice of the Holy Spirit when he speaks from within us or speaks through others.

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

Acts 9:3-6

"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"-- because they said, "He has an unclean spirit." Mark 3:28-30

HULL - BODY

Floating part of the boat. The body.

As long as we have life in this body, we must use it to glorify GOD and fulfil His purpose for our life. We must offer ourselves to GOD, spirit, soul and body so that He might live and work through us. Then our lives will be profitable for the Kingdom of GOD.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

 KEEL & BALLAST - TRUTH

The keel is a flat blade that protrudes from the bottom of the boat into the water. it also holds the ballast - the weight. These give stability to the boat and prevent it from swaying side to side and from tipping over while sailing.

We must understand that although we are spiritually minded, yet we live in the flesh, with all its weaknesses and limitations. This truth enables us to be understanding towards the physical  and emotional weaknesses and needs of others. Without this understanding, we cannot live our Christian life, effectively reaching out to others. Interestingly, the role of the keel is very important, especially while sailing 'Reach'! The LORD JESUS is our example.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:15-17

 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:15-17

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also.
Hebrews 13:3

It is the truth of GOD's word that keeps us stable while progressing in this world towards our eternal destination. The girdle of truth which is a part of the soldier's armor gives us the balance and stability while taking our stand and while marching.

STERN - SUBMISSION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

It is the rear of the boat. The shape of it influences the hydrodynamic force that propels the boat forward in the desired direction. 

When we live in obedience to the LORD JESUS by submitting to the Holy Spirit, we progress in the path of righteousness with peace and rest.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

RUN - MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

When you are sailing downwind in the direction of the wind, the energy and power you need to move is released by the wind. You need to only turn the boom so that the sail is in the right direction and to trim the sail. Then it is a RUN!

When we submit our mind to move in the direction of the Holy Spirit, we will progress towards the LORD JESUS. Then we also experience the strength and power to live victoriously and find peace and rest to our soul. We will pray, speak, work and walk as led by the Spirit of GOD.

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Acts 1:8

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

REACHING - REACHING OTHERS

Reaching is when you are sailing at right angles to the direction of the wind. The wind blows over the side of the boat.

Just as the LORD JESUS lived for others and died to save mankind, we also must live to reach others with the love of GOD.

Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:27-29

RUDDER - TONGUE

A blade or fin that is mounted to the base of the stern on a hinge. The rudder is controlled by a tiller and is used to steer the boat in the right direction. you must understand the reactions of the boat on the water to the tiller, so that you can handle the tiller correctly.

The words our tongues speak that come out of our mouth, are an indication of what is in the heart and hence show the direction we are progressing in our spiritual life. Even the truth should be spoken in love.

 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

James 3:4-5

Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."

Matthew 15:17-20

 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.
James 1:26

Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 34:13

And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long.
Psalm 35:28

TRUE WIND - GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

The speed and movement of the real wind that is not affected by the motion of the observer.

It is very important for us to be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, especially when operating in the gifts of the Spirit. Any soulish motive or wrong attitude should not alter, take away or add to anything the Spirit says. The prophetic words, words of knowledge or wisdom should be accurate, like the 'True Wind'

 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. 

John 16:13-15

 Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

DYNAMICS 

The two external forces operating on the boat are caused by the water (hydrodynamics) and wind (aerodynamics).

Similarly, while living on this earth, we face the pressures of the world and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

While sailing, the boat is subject to four different forces.

1) The weight of the boat pushes it downward.

2) The buoyant force of the water pushes it upward.

3) The drag which is the backward pull of the water.

4) The wind that pushes it forward.

The carnality of the flesh can be compared to the weight of the boat that gives in to the water of worldliness to drag us backwards while the wind of the Holy Spirit over our soul causes us to move forward and upward spiritually. This aerodynamic force enables us to be the light of the world according to the LORD's command. The self promoting values of the world push the carnal 'self' in us upwards to give in to the pride of life. This force should be overcome by our disciplined humble, selfless physical life that makes us humane and understanding in our relationships with others. This is good hydrodynamics that makes us the salt of the earth as JESUS has commanded us to be!

 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

 

BOAT RULES

As much as possible, the crew should be grouped together in the centre of the boat. This would give the boat a good balance and also prevent unnecessary turbulence.

Believers are called to live in unity in CHRIST. Together we represent the Body of CHRIST in this world. As someone said, 'Fellowship is, unity among all the fellows in one ship'!

 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
Ephesians 4:1-4

 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:17

TRAFFIC LAWS 

When two boats are headed in the same direction, the slower moving vessel has the right of way.

In our spiritual walk, we must be humble to understand and be patient with those who are young and weaker in their faith.

And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 8:11-13

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:6