FACING THE SEA< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Mark 4

In every one of JesusÕ undertakings, there is a purpose and message. Mark 4 begins by stating, ÒAnd He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got in the boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea.Ó At that sea, He taught the parable of the soils, parable of the Lamp, parable of the growing seed and the parable of the mustard seed. All of the parables were centered on the word and the need for the word to grow and not be hidden just as light cannot be hidden All the people who were present had received teaching while facing the sea that would have to be crossed over. Having exposed the people to His teaching, the Bible states that, ÒOn the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ÔLet us cross over to the other side.ÕÓ (Mark 4:35) Jesus knew all things and He could have called for crossing-over during the daytime before it was evening. Are you receiving your teaching that will carry you through a sea that needs to be crossed-over before advancing to your next ground of assignment? They were all seated facing the sea not knowing that their next call was going to be to cross the sea that was before them. It is important to pay attention and listen for the word to enter at every gathering of teaching and learning. Also, it is the entrance of the word that will fuel your faith to crossover to the other side. Will you begin to listen every time you are receiving the word of God? It makes a difference if in any gathering understand is acquired. During the journey to the other side, a storm took over while Jesus was asleep and the disciples were awake in fear. Fear sinks and they were all headed in the direction of sinking. Fear is what sinks the believer, but faith is what keeps believers from sleeping in the word.  Wherever storms are threatening you from crossing-over to the next level of assignment, with the word and by the word of God, you will be able to crossover to the next level God has assigned for you. How are you doing in your journey? The word of His teaching that you have been receiving for so many years is there and alive. If you will take to the word, the word will carry you to the next level of assignment. After Jesus had called for peace, ÒÉHe said to them, ÔWhy are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?ÕÓ(Mark 4:40) Does this sound like Jesus talking to you too? If not for the word that He spoke to the storm, the disciples would have failed getting to the other side. Keep yourself alive by keeping the living word as it comes in your direction.