There's No Need To Fear.....

My object for today was a paper boat.  I was so proud of myself for making it.  The problem was....at one point during Sunday School I got up and moved...and when I returned to my seat...I sat on my boat.  Sigh!  

Scripture: He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 (NIV)   See my  paper boat I brought with me this morning. This little boat is to remind us that we are entering into the time of year when many people enjoy getting into their boats and going out onto the lakes, rivers, and streams. Have you ever gone out in a boat? What were you doing? Some people like to go fishing, some like to go water skiing, and others may just enjoying going for a ride in the boat. No matter what you are doing in a boat, it is important to know some things about boating safety. At the very top of the list is... always wear your life jacket!  The boating season is also the season for thunderstorms. It is wise to check the weather report before going out in a boat, but sometimes the weather can change very quickly. A storm can come up suddenly and you may need to get safely to shore.  One day, Jesus and some of his disciples were out on a lake in a boat. Suddenly, without warning, a storm came up. The wind blew so hard, and the waves were so high, that water was coming into the boat and the boat was about to be turned over.  While the winds and waves tossed the little boat about, Jesus slept peacefully at one end of the boat. Some of the disciples became upset that Jesus was sleeping. They went and woke Jesus, and asked him, "Master, don't you even care that we are about to drown?" Jesus got up and spoke to the winds and the waves.  "Peace, be still," he said. As soon as he spoke, the winds stopped blowing and the sea became calm.  Jesus' disciples were amazed! They said, "Who is this man that even the winds and the waves obey him?  We know who Jesus is, don't we? And we know that Jesus can still calm storms today. Sometimes, there are sudden storms in our life. Perhaps it is an illness, a family problem, or the death of a friend or loved one. During these times, Jesus can calm the storms of doubt and fear in our life. He doesn't always take away all of the problems, but if we will trust in him, he will give us peace in our hearts even in the middle of a storm.  Heavenly Father, we thank you for those times when you calm the storms that come up in our daily lives. We also thank you for those times when you give us peace even though we are in the middle of a storm. We ask you to watch over us and keep us safe. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.