Thank you all for the beautiful service. The music and hymns were wonderful. I Need Thee Every Hour is a childhood favorite, and I found myself getting teary-eyed joining in the singing. All of the testimonies are appreciated.
Thank you Florence for the comforting readings. I rely on Psalm 103 daily. So many benefits to be thankful for! The story of Jesus and his fearful disciples in their boat is a powerful testimony. When confronted with the force of the stormy trials in my life that threaten to sink my boat, I’m so thankful to know that Christ is right with me in the boat.
Rembrandt’s famous painting, The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, captures the whipping winds violently tossing the boat as the waves roar. Yet Jesus is asleep, He wasn’t in the boat, but safe in His Father’s arms where his consciousness always abides. In the painting, Jesus looks to the opening of light in the heavens breaking through the darkness. Everyone else is looking at the fierce storm. The light from heaven glows in Jesus. The 12 disciples each react to the storm in the way they best can… but there is a 13th person represented. Rembrandt has painted himself clinging to the boat’s mast pole– his red hair blowing in the wind, as he holds on for dear life. The artist had many personal storms in his life.
Years ago when I woke up one morning, unable to see, I recalled this powerful Bible teaching. I sat up in bed and quickly reminded myself Christ was right with me in the boat. I was not alone, to keep having faith. Before long, the way opened up and my vision was restored as I followed each step.
I’m so thankful to have gained much more inner strength from the teachings I’m learning from the Bible and the Plainfield Christian Science, Church, Independent.
Joyful blessings,
Rae