The RESET - RAISED EXPECTATIONS

GREETNGS

Mark 4:35-41

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”

36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.

38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

PRAY

INTRO: NY Resolution are a let down; tired of failing.

You don’t have to fail, because God is With You

Smooth Sailing - 35-36

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”

36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.

E - Jesus’ disciples were expecting an easy voyage to a place of relaxation.

R - In 2022 we are looking forward to our NEW JOURNEY. HOLIDAYS.

Kids returning to school; Adults returning to work; commitments of “serving the church.”

A - life is better with Christ.

God has not promised us SMOOTH SAILING. He promised that He would be with us.

SO - We can have RAISED EXPECTATIONS because of HIs promises.

SQUALLING STORM - 37

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.

E - Out of nowhere came a storm.

SQUALL = a sudden violent gust of wind, one bringing heavy rain, or sleet. FURIOUS.

Lives in jeopardy as the Waves filled the boat (NOT A SHIP). EXPECTED to DROWN.

All they were doing was following His instructions.

R - In 2020…SMOOTH SAILING...out of nowhere a pandemic appeared.

A - Like the disciples, many who were fishermen, we felt “WE GOT THIS.”

We expected a little turbulence BUT we can navigate this storm.

Work from home; school from home; binge watching.

BUT 2 years later, we don’t know what to expect...we are still in the SQUALL...

SQUALL of Isolation; Anxiety from being separated

SQUALL of Inability to focus (education);

SQUALL of Depression; from lack of direction (YOUTH and CHILDREN);

SQUALL of Fear of Contagion (Adults);

What do we do?

We RAISE OUR EXPECTATIONS and...

SUMMON THE SAVIOR - 38-40

38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

E - The disciples wake up Jesus. “Don’t you care...” NOT “I need you”…NOT “We’re in trouble”…NOT “HELP!!!” “DON’T YOU CARE!”

HEAR THE ANXIETY IN THEIR CRY? HEAR THE FEAR?

R - SUMMON - Jesus was in the boat, but not in the struggle; DIFFERENT set of circumstances.

It’s not that He didn’t care, but He wasn’t consulted.

After He was INVITED, He did something.

What did He do?

E - He REBUKED the wind…QUIET= Pephimso - be muzzled. Used for dispossessing a demon of his power.

A - When the STORMS of Life rise up against you, The power of God rebukes all demonic powers.

God’s wisdom silences to voice of FEAR!.

You don’t have the WISDOM; power…We try to control with our power...But He Has the POWER!

You don’t have the FAITH...That’s why you need to INVITE Jesus into every situation of your life.

RAISED EXPECTATIONS demand that you SUMMON THE SAVIOR.

RAISED EXPECTATIONS - NOT Don’t You Care? BUT YES! HE CARES

CLOSE: God Cares about The ANXIETY…RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS...

The DEPRESSION…RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS...

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS…You are not a failure. You’re a child of the KING! You’re walking in VICTORY.

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS…Have Faith In God!

Whatever your situation God is With YOU!