A Healthy Heart | Herbert Cooper

Acts 27:13–15 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. (NIV) John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. (NIV) 4 Strategies To Maintain A Healthy Heart In The Middle Of The Storm 1. Have a faithful heart in the middle of a storm Acts 27:29-31 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.  30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. (NIV) 1. Stay on the Jesus ship Luke 22:31–32 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV) Matthew 13:18–23  “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (NIV) 2. Stay on the church ship Hebrews 10:25  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV) 3. Stay on the serving ship Acts 8:3-4 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV) 4. Stay on the relationSHIP Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV) [email protected] 2. Have hopeful heart in the middle of a storm Acts 27:33-34 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” (NIV) Acts 27:36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. (NIV) Romans 5:3–5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV) Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Romans 8:24–25 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV) Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) 3. Have a thankful heart in the middle of a storm Acts 27:35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. (NIV) Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV) Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (NIV) Ephesians 5:20  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV) 4. Have a persistent heart in the middle of a storm Acts 27:43-44 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely. (NIV)