Luke 8:16-25

v. 16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed.  Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."  When we get the Good News we tend to want to share.  That is part of our job to tell others about Him.  I never used to understand that before studying His word.  I always thought religion was personal and private.  I believe that is not the case the more and more I learn the Word.  We are supposed to be that bright shining light for others to see.  Seek opportunities to be that light in the world. 

v. 17 "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."  That verse always confused me, I could never really wrap my brain around it.  Thank God for so many bible versions!  The Easy to Read Version (yes there is such a thing) says this "Everything that is hidden will become clear.  Every secret thing will be made known, and everyone will see it." Ok, I like this version so much better!

v. 18 We are warned to consider carefully how we listen.  Any time there seems to be a warning or a woe, I tend to really pay attention.  I guess it was like putting words in bold, capitals & highlighting to really get people's attention. 

v. 19 Jesus' family had come to see Him and could not get to Him.  Someone told Jesus that His family was there.  Jesus said "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."  Isn't that wonderful to think we have such a large family out there!  Satan wants us to think we are all alone.  This is proof that we have a bond that is greater than blood.  There is a catch, those who hear AND put it into practice.  That first part is easy, the second is extremely hard to apply to all areas of your life.  I know, I'm battling every day and failing. 

v. 22-25 Jesus and the disciples got into a boat to cross the lake.  Jesus had fallen asleep and a terrible squall came upon the boat.  A squall is a sudden, violent gust of wind often with rain, snow or sleet.  The disciples woke Jesus up and said "We're going to drown."  Jesus got up to rebuked the wind and raging waters and the storm subsided, then all was calm.  Jesus asked "Where is your faith?"  At this point the disciples had see many miracles.  When we see something happen to another it can be great and amazing.  When we are going through something it is a completely different story.  The storms in life often come on quickly and violently.  We tend to be like the disciples when we do not have steady faith.