LIFE IS A SEA VOYAGE
LIFE IS NOT A WALK IN THE PARK
LIFE IS A SEA VOYAGE
The Parrish Art Museum, Southampton, NY, Gift of Robert Dunnigan, Dunnigan Collection
TO EACH OF US THERE WILL COME A TIME
WHEN WHAT WE THOUGHT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO US
HAPPENS
WHICH IS WHY WE DON’T NEED
JUST A TEACHER
BUT WE NEED
A SAVIOR
ONE WHO WILL RESCUE US
WHEN THE WAVES AND BILLOWS ARE GOING OVER OUR HEADS
A. W. TOZER SAID THAT GOD DOES NOT USE A MANICURE SET
WHEN WORKING WITH STONE
NO
HAMMERS, CHISELS
TOOLS THAT HURT
BUT THAT CAN SHAPE US INTO
WOMEN AND MEN OF BEAUTY
STORMS AND SUFFERING
ARE PART OF HIS MYSTERIOUS PLAN
Last week I was privileged to be part of a team that went into the prisons of Texas to minister to the inmates. This is always such an experience for me, for there is so much more life in the church in prison than in the church outside of prison. They hang on my every word, and afterward, in the small group times, they so want to understand how to be delivered from the power of sin. Everything has been taken from them, and yet I see a radiance in their faces. These are women who certainly know that life is a sea voyage, for many of them had their childhoods stolen from them, and have gone through one storm after another. They know as well about the darkness in their own souls and want to be transformed by the only One who can help them. Some have hurt others terribly, often passing on the sins of the fathers, and long with their whole hearts to be delivered from the beast prowling about within their hearts, holding them captive.
I am also so moved by the volunteers who are committed to these women. Often they too have been through enormous storms, and have experienced the reality of the Lord of the Storm. They are loving as Christ loved.
This time I met Grove Norwood. The moment he stood up to speak I sensed the presence of our holy God. God is using him mightily, but God has also taken him through a tremendous storm, something that seems to be so common for those He uses mightily.
GROVE NORWOOD
Here is an excerpt of Grove’s story from Charisma magazine:
One day on his way home from church, he passes a church and sees a group of men standing outside. He senses that they have a problem, so he stops to see what he can do. Someone has stolen the church’s air conditioner, ripping a hole in the wall. Grover pays for the repairs.
The church Grove stopped by where Ulice Parker was a deacon
Grover’s stop at the church leads to his meeting a member of the church, Ulice Parker. Ulice is also a well-respected, loving and kind man. He and Grover develop a friendship, and their families become family to each other. Grover always makes sure the Parkers have what they need, helping them however he can. He is especially concerned about the condition of their home, and knows he has to make it better, safer, livable.
But then tragedy strikes. The Norwoods’ daughter is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Authorities soon discover that it was Ulice who had unknowingly killed Joy.
Joy Norwood in her daddy's plane
Grover’s response of love and forgiveness is overwhelming. When he finds out Ulice has caused his daughter’s death, his first response is compassion for his friend. He immediately calls the Parkers’ home. But he doesn’t stop there. He buys clothes for Ulice and his wife to wear to Joy’s funeral and makes sure they are seated on the front row—a place traditionally reserved for family.
Joy's grave
Please watch this short video reflecting on Grove Norwood’s life, illuminated by comments from A. W. Tozer about how God molds us into men and women of beauty.
In the prisons last week the video, “The Heart of Texas,” (worth purchasing!) was shown. At the end, when Grove walked out from behind the screen, one of the inmates cried, “Oh — he’s real! I didn’t think anyone could forgive something like that.”
The only way a person can forgive like that is if he knows His Savior deeply. If it is in Christ that he lives and breathes and has his being. And how can a person go on after he has suffered such a severe loss? Only if he believes God exists — that this life is not the end — that the One who spoke to the disciples in the midst of the storm, when He came to them, walking on the water, is who He claims to be.
THE GREAT I AM
Literally, He said the same words that God used to idenity Himself to Moses. It is the covenant name. Literally, Jesus said four words:
I AM: NO FEAR
We must all breathe in the significance of those four words.
When we do, we can become the kind of believers like Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Amy Carmichael, and Grove Norwood. Grove could forgive, go on, and trust that God would bring something good out of his little girl’s death and the suffering of his family and friend. And, indeed, God has. When Grove ministers in the prison, they hang on his words — for they have so much to forgive, and need so much forgiveness.
This next clip about Grove and his ongoing ministry is optional, but demonstrates the beauty that can come from suffering, when responded to with trust.
How warmly we welcome the new women and the dear familiar friends to this seven week journey. I had the thought that the reason one usually wants to do a Lenten study is not to get something from God, but to get God. So I suspect those who have committed will be likely to stay with us. We may stumble and fall, but we will keep going.
Oh — I can hardly wait to see what God will do. Your first week was rich.
This week’s sermon by Tim Keller is amazing, and the Bible passage, though short, is as precious as gold. I do not take it lightly when I suggest a sermon that costs money. I listen to many and choose what I believe is the best. I realize some of you will have to fast a meal just to get the money, but believe me, this is the bread of life. Next week, a sermon directly addressing the name, I AM is free — but this week, you’ll need to pay.
Welcome, welcome!
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Report on how you are doing so far!
3. What will you put off and put on this week?
Monday-Tuesday Bible Study
Read John 6:16-21 and watch this reenactment:
4. Look carefully at this passage:
A. Describe the time of day and the conditions at sea. (John 6:16-18)
B. How did they respond when they saw Jesus?
C. There are two miracles in this passage. See if you can find them both.
D. Every miracle that Jesus does really happened, but is also meant to teach us something. Think of this one as
representing the Gospel power to deliver us from the penalty of sin and see what you can discover.
When Jesus says “It is I,” in the Greek it is Ego Eimi, or I AM — the exact same words that God spoke to Moses at the burning bush. It is a clear declaration of Deity. Last week, one of our newcomers, “Elizabeth from Oz” said she was always hiding behind her idols, hoping God wouldn’t find her — yet also hoping He will because she so needs to see Him. The ways of the human heart.”
When we encounter Jesus in His holiness, in His Deity, we are repelled and attracted. Repelled because we are so aware of our sinfulness. Attracted because we know we need Him. The disciples were terrified by His declaration of Deity and the proof of it. Yet they needed Him, so they took in to the boat — and immediately the boat was on the shore.
What does this mean?
I’m going to have you spend more time on the Keller sermon this week — listening to it the way Susan does. She makes copious notes, stopping and starting it. I’m not going to even apologize for the 2.50 it will cost you to get it — because it so worth it. (And remember, the money all goes to ministries Jesus cares about.)
Wednesday-Friday: Keller sermon. Here’s the link
5. Before you start on the sermon, give us a mid-week report on how you are doing on your Lenten discipline.
6. First Point: God is Sovereign over our Storms
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. What area of your life do you need to commit to God’s sovereignty?
6. Second Point: Jesus is the Ultimate — He is the GREAT I AM
It is huge to realize that Jesus keeps claiming to be the GREAT I AM. Whenever that happens his friends are in awe and his enemies want to stone him, for as R. C. Sproul says, “It is clear declaration of Deity.”
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. This week, in your “putting off and putting on” how will you surrender to Him as Lord?
7. Third Point: Jesus is Holy
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. Last week Alexandria said that as she received ashes on her forehead, she would remember that God was a consuming
fire. How might this be helpful to you also?
8. Fourth Point: I AM: NO FEAR
A. What notes and comments do you have?
B. If you fear God, then you don’t need to fear anything else. How might you apply this?
Saturday:
9. Report on your week and your take-a-way.
