Rest is something that I say a lot. "Mommy's tired, she wants to rest JUST a little while!" "Why are you up so early? Just go back and rest for another hour or two." "I worked really hard today - I can't wait to rest on the couch tonight." Anyone else relating to any of these???
A few weeks ago on a Friday afternoon I felt prompted to send out a prayer about rest to my school's staff. OH MY! Can I do that? Well, I did. Like I said, I felt PROMPTED! And, to me, that meant the Spirit's prompting. I'm learning to respond to those promptings/pokings/pushings when I feel them.
I decided today that, instead of cuddling up and taking a short "rest" this Saturday afternoon, I would follow another prompting to work on another Bible study for y'all. So here's our next one... about REST! :)
I found three verses that really spoke to me about rest and peace in the Lord and Father. So I hope you can find encouragement to rest in Him at all times, in any occasion! xo
Mark 6:31
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Hebrews 4:9-10
So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.
Psalm 116:7
Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
Bonus (totally free, I'm throwing it in just because I love ya):
Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
**Don't you LOVE how this video froze on this exact frame???? Ugh - no I'm not crying or picking my nose!!! hahahaha I don't know how to change this frozen frame so I'm just going to accept this and laugh it of. Ha... Ha... Ha. ;)
Intense title, I know! But let's be honest - we have all had moments when our pride has taken over... and then we've all had moments when our pride trips us up and causes us to fall head first into the pavement at the corner of Humility and Grace. You know that corner?? Me too!! I camped out on it this past week. Ha! (hey, just being honest, y'all!) This was DEFINITELY a refining week for me and I'm thankful for it.
I hope you can find a moment to watch this little Bible study I recorded. The verses I shared in it are found below.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10
Pride breeds quarrels; wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you and not your own mouth; someone else's lips, not your own.
Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.
James 4:6
He gives us more grace. Scripture says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up!
I know that is a bit strange of a title, but it comes directly from the Bible. James 2:19 says that "even the demons believe (in Jesus) - and shudder."
Today our pastor shared a sermon he titled "Different Ways to Believe in Jesus". He didn't mean that there are different ways to get to Heaven -- no, there's only one way: through Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He was talking about different ways people believe and what each one looks like in our lives. There is uncommitted believing, discontinued believing, and lack of confession believing.
Have any of you ever read through the book of Proverbs? I did during my "Read the Bible in a Year" plan. But I've wanted to spend more time in it. A dear friend of mine studied it recently and I meant to jump on that study with her. Instead, I missed the saddle. Then, I found out a church that we love to follow online (North Coast Church http://www.northcoastchurch.com/) is starting a focus study on the book of Proverbs. They are chunking it out by topics. That'll be so exciting! You can follow along online, read the notes, and even have follow-up conversations using their Growth Group homework sheets.
Anyhow, I was thinking the other day... July has 31 days and Proverbs has been chunked out to 31 chapters. LIGHT BULB!! Read a chapter a day, read the book in the month. I wanted this to be more than just reading -- I wanted to include studying and reflecting.
So my plan (and I totally want you to join me)...
Read the chapter that correlates with the date. Choose a verse or two that really sticks out and resonates with me. Write it down: post on Facebook, use a pretty image/pic with the verse written across it, write it on a Post-It note, Sharpie it on an arm, get a local tattoo artist to add it to a sleeve... ok, I might be getting a little extravagant with these ideas but do you get the point?? If we read and study God's word and "write" it on our hearts, it's with us. That's HUGE!
So check out the little video attached. And if you are in, let me know!! You'll see me start posting my Proverbs verse(s) of the day. And, yes, we are starting a few days late but you can either play catch-up or get going from here. I promise, it'll be worth the time and effort you put in to this -- wisdom and knowledge are worth the work!!
After a wonderful little trip back to North Carolina to visit some friends (unfortunately I couldn't cram all of them in this time around), I sat reflecting on true friendship: what does it look like and feel like. Give me a break... I teach Kindergarten and we talk about feelings a lot! :)
Below you will find examples of good friendships from the Bible as well as verses about healthy friendships and false friendships. I hope a few of these really stick out for you and they become ones you hold tight. May this study help you reflect on your friendships!
David and Jonathan – “as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1-3) Naomi and Ruth – “I will follow you” (Ruth 1:16-17) Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:2) Job and his friends (Job 2:11) Jesus and Peter – “I will lay down my life for you.” (John
36:37)
Friendship verses:
Choose wisely
Proverbs 12:26 - The righteous choose their
friends carefully, but
the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Better than alone
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better than
one, because
they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one
can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and
has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will
keep warm. But
how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two
can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Affection
Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in
love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Guidance
Proverbs 27:6 – (NLT) Wounds from a
sincere friend are
better than many kisses from an enemy.
Proverbs 11:14 - Wounds from a sincere friend are
better than many kisses from an enemy.
Strength
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so
one person sharpens another.
Advice
Proverbs 27:9 – (NLT) The heartfelt counsel
of a friend is
as sweet as perfume and incense.
Not forsaken
Proverbs 27:10 - Do not forsake your friend
and your father's friend, and
do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than
a brother who is far away.
Partnership
Philippians 1:3 - I thank my God in all my
remembrance of you
Support
Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who
rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage
one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Closeness
Proverbs 18:24 - A man of many companions
may come to ruin, but
there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Company
Proverbs 25:17 (MSG) - And when you find a friend, don’t
outwear your welcome; show
up at all hours and he’ll soon get fed up.
Unconditional love
Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all
times, and
a brother is born for a time of adversity.
False/Bad Friends
Reflect: would I want this friend for my
child, whom I care dearly for?
Bad morals 1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be misled:
“Bad company corrupts good character.”[
Worldly
James 4:4 - You adulterous
people,[a] don’t you
know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone
who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Anger and wrath
Proverbs 22:24-25 - Do not make friends
with a hot-tempered person, do
not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn their ways and
get yourself ensnared.
Liar, untrustworthy, insensitive
Proverbs 25:18-20 – (NLT) Telling lies about others
is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
19 Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of
trouble
is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a
lame foot.
20 Singing cheerful songs to a person
with a heavy heart
is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
or pouring vinegar in a wound.
Gossip
Proverbs 16:28 - A troublemaker plants
seeds of strife; gossip
separates the best of friends.
Lack of knowledge (fool)
Proverbs 14:7 - Stay away from fools, for
you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
Harmful
Proverbs 13:20 - Whoever walks with the
wise becomes wise, but
the companion of fools will suffer harm.
John 15:13-17 - Greater love has no one than
this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.14 You
are my friends if you do what I command you.15 No
longer do I call you servants,[a] for the
servant[b] does not
know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I
have heard from my Father I have made known to you.16 You
did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and
bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the
Father in my name, he may give it to you.17 These
things I command you, so that you will love one another.
C.S. Lewis quote
“Is any pleasure on earth as great
as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”
Which close friends would you choose to go on a week-long trip, stuck on a boat? :)
Here's the next video study. It covers forgiveness. This can be a very tough topic for believers, but it is one that seems very black and white in the Bible.
As promised, I will type out the verses here for you to view and reference. I am so thankful God prompted me to look further into this topic instead of just reading through my notes from Sunday. Though the sermon was great, God called me to a deeper study. Y'all, I can't say it enough: when He prompts you, pay attention and be obedient!! It's amazing what can come out of something God has led you to - He is all good, all righteous. What flows from His is lovely!
Focus verses: Matthew 18:21-35
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[b]24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[c]25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.26 So the servant[d]fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[e] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[f]until he should pay all his debt.35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Psalm 103:12 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.
Luke 6:37-38 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Colossians 3:13 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
How many times has God forgiven me of my sins? LIMITLESS!
Matthew 18:35 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Romans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 1:18 18 “Come now, let us reason[a] together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Matthew 6:14-15 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Luke 23:34 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Romans 12:2 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
After being discharged from the hospital, I sit in a quiet house and have time to think over the events of the last 24+ hours. Am I resting? Of course! If resting includes sitting on a comfy couch, searching Bible verses that talk about being alone and loneliness. I hope you can take the time to listen to this little study: Alone.
Don't mind the oily hair and the outfit from two days ago. hahaha!!!! :)
The two focus verses for this study are Matthew 28:20 and Isaiah 41:10. Look them up. Underline or highlight them. I'm sure they will come in handy in your life at one time or another! xoxo
And here's a song by Meredith Andrews. I like it better than the one I mentioned in the video (by Amy Grant). This is the lyrical video.
FOUR TAKES!! It took four takes to get it done. Holy moly! If you have time to watch it, I encourage you to... and please feel free to give me feedback either on Facebook, comment below, or text/call me personally! :)
Here's the focus verses from the study:
Isaiah
30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you sayings, "This is the way, walk
in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Proverbs 4:26-27Ponder the
path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right
or to the left, turn your foot away from evil.
Galatians 5:16,
18, 25 ...walk by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…
are led by the Spirit… if we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with
the Spirit.
Proverbs 3:6 In all
your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 4:11- 15, 18 I have taught you the way of wisdom, I have led
you in the paths of uprighteousness. When you walk, your step will not be
hampered and if you run you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not
let go. Guard her for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked and
do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it, do not go on it, turn away from
it and pass on. 18 ...but the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Isaiah 26:7 The path of righteousness is level, you make level the
way of the righteous
Jeremiah 31:9 With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy
I will lead them back. I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight
path in which they shall not stumble for I am a father to Israel.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my
path.
There you go! If you want to look up any other verses that relate to the path we are to walk, I'll attach another list - feel free to look them up and continue this study on your own. Additional Bible Verses
Here's some pics of Chewacla State Park... it's beautiful there. Come visit me and I'll take ya!
We all go through different seasons... I am in the season that most teachers look forward to: summer break!!!
I have mixed feelings... it's very bittersweet. Don't get me wrong, I am THRILLED that it's summer! I am looking forward to my time with my sons and extra time with my husband (since I won't be planning and cutting and organizing and grading ANY school work for the next few months). But I'm also a bit sad. I have fallen more in love with my job this past year than ever before. Though some days were very tough with certain kiddos or circumstances at work, it was my mission field. Now I have to wait until August, until a new herd of kids is brought together for me. So what about this break then? What to do. Oh, I know what I'll do! My list is long... and grows longer each day. To-do lists, activities lists, DIY lists, etc. I am eager to get going on certain projects, check certain boxes, take a load off of our family in a way I really couldn't during my ten months of employment.
One of those boxes to check -- BIBLE STUDY! And honestly, I don't want to check that box for a long time! Hear me out - I WANT to start on a plan of studying the Word more deeply, I just don't want to check the box like I'm DONE studying the Word. Get it? (Maybe I should rename the item on the list to "organize and initiate...") In our house, our two boys are "encouraged" to stay in their rooms until 8 a.m. on the weekends. Now with summer break here, that will continue through the week. I decided that because my alarm is going off at 7:15 at the latest. Y'all... that's more than 2 hours after I have to get up for work during school!! I am SOOOOO excited! Back to focus: that 45 minutes prior to the boys exiting their bedrooms and launching mass chaos coming downstairs full of sweetness will be spent sipping on my coffee and studying the Word. BAM!!! Nailed it! Perfect plan! Except......... what to study? What to read? When I think on that, I get a little ansy or overwhelmed. There's so much I want to read up on and dive deeper into. I only have 8-9 weeks of this! Time is going to fly by!!! Oh no!! WAIT! Stop right there. Breathe. Every moment that I have to read, study, pray, and quietly meditate will be like a piece of gold I didn't have before. A precious jewel added to my collection. I will feel richer and closer to the Father than ever before. So instead of stressing, I am making a list! I carry a little tiny composition notebook with me - pocket size! It takes about .5% of space in my massive mom purse so it's really not much of an addition to carry. When I have a thought, a question, an idea, or something I want to give more attention to I can whip out my teeny tiny notebook and jot it down at that very moment. The notebook actually says Acts 2:42 on it - helps me keep focused what the notebook is for! :) Then when I have time (like from 7:15-8 say, every morning) I can flip through there and figure out what I'm going to focus on. Sometimes my feelings from previous days (or events that occurred) cause me to go with a certain focus. That works too!
Either way, I am looking forward to this plan. It will take self-control (not sleeping in any longer, not being distracted by other things during this morning time, ....). If I can have enough self-discipline in this one VERY important area of my life, I am SURE that I can have the self-discipline to maintain healthier eating habits and active lifestyle that I've been wanting to do better at lately. Prioritizing these, I feel, is very important as well! So I'm going to start with my soul and then work towards my heart and tummy -- and then everything else on my list! :) This is sort of a different type of entry than I normally do on this blog. However, I wanted to get a few things written down and shared with each of you as my summer break gets started. Even if you don't have a summer break, you have summer! I hope you find something refreshing about this time of year, no matter what "season of life" you might be in. Here's a few verses that have popped out at me. I'll get them posted here before the clock dings 8! :) Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety. Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. Let us challenge each other, and hold each other accountable in this season of life, that we find rest in the Lord and renewed strength to grow deeper in our relationship with our Heavenly Father! Dear God, Thank you for this morning! Thank you for being near to us and allowing us to draw near to You. We often can find a gazillion ways to stay busy and overwhelmed with the chores of today, but please help us to be filled with the knowledge to take time and rest in You! I believe You will fill us with the strength to continue on the right path, checking the boxes of things that need to get done. Thank you for Your love, grace, and mercy! Amen!
Where have you been?? Just joking... where have I been?!?!?!
I looked back and saw that I published Part 2 on February 22nd. WOW! That's over two months ago. A LOT has happened since then. And, to be honest (because we always should be... and I don't want to get struck by lightening) I have put this post off for a while. I don't really have a great excuse... so I am sorry! Interestingly enough, God has poked at me over the last few months about writing this. Maybe a song brought this post to mind. Or a sermon. Or a comment from a friend. Today, it was a section in the book I am reading: Next Door Savior (Max Lucado). If you like to read, grab this up! If you don't like to read, well... get it in audio and let it read to you. It is so good! Short chapters, great examples, good scripture references. I think I like his style of writing.
I'm in the 17th chapter and it's entitled "Stormy Places." THAT'S how obvious God has to make it for me! :) A great question from this four-page (front and back) chapter was Where is God in all of this? Answer: Right in the middle of it all.
In Part 2 we talked about how Jesus calls out "It is I" or "I am" and that's all that needed to be said by Him for the disciples to know who was walking toward them on the water. He is, and was, and always will be I AM! Mr. Lucado writes how Jesus said it often enough and loud enough to get our attention: I am the bread of life, the Light of the world, the gate, the good shepherd, God's Son, the resurrection, the way, the truth, the life, the true vine. And the list goes on! How awesome, how amazing! NO ONE and NOTHING can be our Savior, coming to us in the middle of a lake during bad weather, calming and comforting us. Our fitting response: worship!
Dear God, Thank You for this moment we have to sit and enjoy time with You! If it's been a while, please forgive us. If it's another piece to our daily study, let our minds and hearts become open to what we can learn about You. Lord, help us learn from this event and become stronger in our faith and walk. Guide this study. Amen!
Today we focus on Peter (Matthew 14:28-33). Oh, Peter! This was still early in the disciples' relationships with Jesus. Peter was a bit of a fireball from the beginning. "All in" kind of guy. I'm not going to start at the very beginning when we are first introduced to Simon Peter in the Gospels. But I will give you a very short snippet of the man -- Jesus met Simon, the fisherman. He called him to become a fisher of men. So Peter dropped his net and became a close disciple of Jesus. Peter had a wife and a mother-in-law (she got sick, Jesus healed her). Peter's given name was Simon. Jesus called him "Cephas" (i.e. the Rock... aka Peter) at one of their first meetings. Such a strong name to be given to a man who has yet made his own proclamation of faith and salvation in the True Messiah. Powerful! Ok, let's jump in. Ha! Get it?!?!!?
When Peter responds to Jesus in verse 28 saying "If it is you, command me to come to you on the water," he's not looking for Jesus to prove a miracle. I understand it more as Peter believing in the Savior, beckoning for Jesus to call him out so he can draw near to Christ. Friend, think about it: what storm will we go through just to stand by Jesus? Peter always seemed to have this "next to your side" type personality. Honestly, I have that too - so much so, at times I think I turn people off with my over-the-top "smother you because I love you" attitude!! Hey, we all have our issues! :) Peter is that friend who is waiting by the phone, just waiting for Jesus to ring and say, Hey I need ya... and Peter is out the door without even getting directions, time, or a "See ya soon." I think I like that about Peter!
Jesus is walking toward the boat, Peter is ready to go out the boat to Jesus. What faith! The heart just grows fonder... we desire to step out and head towards Him, not really paying attention to our surroundings.
Jesus responds: Come! Peter got the go-ahead. He didn't rashly and haphazardly thrust himself onto the situation. Peter's faith to go was dependent on Christ. Sometimes I forget to wait for a response. Then I can become pushy and overbearing with my friends. And, looking at how I respond to God's will and timing, I can fail in that area too. Sometimes I jump before God says "just stand" or I start a sprint when God says "pace the marathon". Do you face this too? I'm not saying stay a statue but ASK Him... and once you have the go-ahead, rock out! Knock BEFORE you enter, look both ways BEFORE you cross the street. Pray and seek wise counsel BEFORE... (insert your personal issue here). The BEFORE can save us from a bad AFTER.
This action and movement of Peter doesn't seem to show a doubting in the Christ but a way to grow in his trust in the Savior. Unlike the Pharisees trying to "catch" Jesus at something, Peter is eager to grow closer and learn more from Jesus. If you have ever been in a relationship, you know the eagerness to spend time together to learn more about each other. When my hubby and I started dating, he was drilled with 100 and 1 questions about his past, present, and future. I wasn't trying to catch him at something or find a fault in him - I just wanted to know him better! See if he was worth my time. ;) The only way for me to learn about him was to question him and then to spend time with him to see how he really lived - to see if his actions matched his words. Look at Peter. He has already been spending so much time with Jesus. Now, in such an amazing circumstance, Peter yearns to draw near to Jesus in the middle of powerful weather just to be with Him. I know that feeling with Jake and how much greater of a feeling is it when it is toward my loving Savior, the only One who can fill me completely!!
Verse 30 tells us that when Peter saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out "Lord save me!" It's not like the storm had momentarily stopped and all of sudden started back up. No, Peter's eyes had been set on the Savior and all worries and troubles had faded away for that moment. But then REALITY set back in and fear grabbed him. I've been there. You? He cried out just like I have so many times! LORD SAVE ME! No, I wasn't physically stepping out of a boat to walk towards Him but I was suddenly realizing the sinking feeling that was dragging me down - physically, emotionally, spiritually (or lack of...)! What has brought you down? Is there something currently dragging you down? Keep reading...
Verse 31: IMMEDIATELY Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. PRAISE GOD, Jesus is still in the business of reaching out and saving you and me! Psalm 63:8 reads "My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." I have felt Him save me. He's brought me out of some very dark places - all I had to do was cry out to Him. Then Jesus adds a little comment about faith. Yes, there are times I can hear Him say to me just like Peter, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" My fears lead me to doubt. And He calls us out for it. This isn't the only time we read about doubting faith. James 1:6 says But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. The doubting person shows such uncertainty and instability in his trust in God and places it in the world. Oh, faith can be hard because it can be blind. But it needs to be strong and steady, not tossed about to and fro! Let that be a prayer of ours, to remain strong and steady, dear friend.
Peter walked to Jesus in faith. Peter learned of his weakness by sinking (note: his faith wasn't miraculously changed from that point forward... he said he wouldn't deny the Christ and yet he did THREE times). Peter got a confidence check. But this lesson encouraged his faith to grow even more. If you don't know, Peter goes on to be quite the missionary, bold in the faith, reaching out to Gentiles (non-Jewish folk), and learning so much along the way! His ending is that of a crucifixion yet he requested to be hung upside down because he felt he was not worthy to die the same death of his Savior. An amazing man! Worth deeper studying.
As we close out this final part of the study, please hear me: our lengthy trials will often show us a possible weakness in our faith. That's okay... grow from that!! Don't think you are a failure because you waivered in the storm! Peter did... and look at what all he became for the glory of the Father! Fear might get mixed in with a strong faith and great courage - we are only human. But strive, my friend, to remain strong. Be grounded in the Father and the Truth. The moment Peter and Jesus climbed into the boat "the wind ceased." The test, the trial, the scary situation ended like THAT (finger snap). And so we worship! We praise! We proclaim just like the men in the boat... "Truly You are the Son of God!"
Dear God, We believe You are God, Jesus is Your Son, and You won't ever let us go under! If we cry out, even in our lacking of faith, Your right hand will uphold us and not let us fall. Thank You! I pray we have learned more about Your awesomeness in this final part of our study of the Storm. In just 11 verses we learn so much about You. Thank You for leading this study and helping us grow in our relationship with You. Let us be spurred to do so more often and become stronger in our faith. Amen!
If I prayed as often as I felt led, my knees would be busted, bruised, and raw from so much hit-the-floor praying. It's not that I don't want to ruin my knees or dirty my pants -- it's just that I don't... I JUST DON'T! Poor excuse -- no excuse. (I'm being very honest and transparent, y'all). Can you relate?
I have found myself leaning more on other things like calling my spouse/a friend/my mom to talk. NOT that that's wrong to seek advise and support -- but that shouldn't be my first source. GOD should be the first lifeline!
I have found myself detouring around prayer with things like Facebook and Pinterest. If you know me, you know it's getting ridiculous when that detour includes laundry and housecleaning!!!!!
I have found myself consumed with other important projects like additional school work (not required) and extending projects that shouldn't require much but I put more into them just for the extension.
Man, if I was a friend of mine being treated by me like this we wouldn't be close friends much longer!
There's the difference though. I don't know why - I just don't understand it! The God of the Universe, the Creator Himself continues to seek me in a relationship when I put Him off and drop Him on my list of priorities.
Have you ever heard someone say, "Why do people treat the ones they love so disrespectfully or rudely?" Then a reply comes like, "Because they know their loved one will always be there and they just learn to take it - the other person really doesn't feel that way, they just give their loved one the leftovers." Let's be honest... that's a crummy attitude. And leftovers get mushy, tasteless, and cause too much heartburn or gas at times. Just ask my loving husband!
So going beyond my marriage and close relationships here on Earth, I give my Heavenly Father my leftovers?!? Ugh!!!
So now let's try to turn this around... when we dearly love someone and want a deep, intimate relationship with them we give them so much of our time, energy, and focus! We make sure to give them the first minute of our day and the last thought of our night. We run to them with any news that comes our way. We lean on them for strength, support, and wisdom during trials and events in our lives. We even just sit there with them with nothing much to say but just spending quality time together!! And through this, we feel so full - so complete - so _____________ (what word would you use for this feeling?!?!?!?!)
Reflection time: Have you ever been in this rut? (I seriously believe it's just a rut - but yet this rut could become a lifestyle that would become displeasing to our Father -- let's NOT go there!) So then with it being a rut, what action(s) do we choose to take? And when are we going to implement this action plan? (sounds fancy... I guess it's all this professional adult stuff I have in my life lending way to fancy-shmancy lingo) I know this doesn't wrap up our STORM study - that's coming shortly. I just felt the need to write about this. I have no doubt that I'm not the only one who is going through this (or has gone through this) sort of thing. And if we are honest with each other for the purpose of accountability, we will find ourselves meditating over our relationship with God and, through conviction, changing what needs to be changed PRONTO! If the Spirit is tapping on us, convicting us, calling us to draw closer to God and we keep putting it off, pushing it aside, or turning our backs... just stop right there!! Why would we keep doing that??? Let's respond. Let's have some of the holiest of jeans, rawest of skins, and bruisiest (??? sure, why not) of knees!!
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
AMEN!!
Deuteronomy 6:7
Deuteronomy 4:9
Deuteronomy 11:19
Isaiah 38:19
God, this just felt right to type about this tonight! Oh, I have become lethargic in my Walk. Some days I feel on fire, but then most days I feel like I'm barely plugging along. In all of this, it still amazes me that You are so loving and willing to let me come back and cling to You! Why would I ever grow lazy in such relationship??? God, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. And help me each day to commit to this relationship with You. I know You know me but You want to KNOW me more... and as I continue reading and studying Your Word and spending time with You, I desire to know You more too! Just as with any relationship, the more time I spend with You, the more I am drawn to You and want to seek You out more. God, this is my prayer! Reignite the flame in me. I want to be on fire for You and be close to You! Thank You, Lord Jesus!!! Amen.
God definitely showed me some things this week!! I found myself in some really interesting positions. A few of those times, I know selfishness, pride, and lack of self-control got the best of me. But I am thankful that God didn't give up on me in those foolish moments! I learned a lot. And if I take the time to reflect on each of those moments, God teaches me even more! Isn't that what we should want? For God to teach us, mold us, refine us even more?? SPOILER ALERT! None of us are perfect. (Gasp!! --don't be hurt! Please try to resist from exiting out of this post... I promise it gets better!) I learned a long time ago that He takes us where we are at and, if we are willing, He makes us better. I feel closer to Him when I go through moments like these if I take the time to come to Him and say, "Father, fix me! Show me where I went wrong... help me to do better next time. And not so I can just be a 'better person' but so You can be glorified." It is definitely not easy apologizing. And it's not something I really like to do (especially to another adult...), but when I know it will grow me as His daughter and He will be glorified (because it's definitely coming from Him!!!!!) then it's worth the clammy hands, racing heart, nervous look, shaky voice, and need for extra deodorant!! ;)
Let's get going on today's post...
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for this blog. For this moment to study You more. To visit stories from Your Word and learn from them. God I thank you for these quiet moments when we can reflect on our week, seek Your help in growing us, and asking You to guide us back on the path of Your will. As we read and study the powerful wind today, would You open our minds and hearts to what You would have us gain from this moment in time? Please let us be in Your presence and be filled with the Spirit. Amen!!!!!!!!
So last week we started reading about the storm (heavy winds) in Matthew 14, verses 22-33. Jesus is not on the boat with them. He stayed back to dismiss the crowd and to have some quiet prayer time on His own. So at this moment, the wind is raging... the disciples are in the middle of the Sea, far from land... the boat is being tossed by the waves... and our Lord is not with them...BUM! BUM! BUUUUUM! (just giving it that mystery movie feel).
Picking up in verse 25... And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
BAM!!! Now THAT is a powerful chunk of verses! Did you catch all that??
Jesus is so good! He did not leave the disciples out there in the windy weather on the Sea of Galilee. NO! He came to them! There's high winds tossing their boat about. The men were probably a bit nervous - let's be real! Stomachs turning. A bit concerned for their well-being. And then they see this Man who has been doing amazing things. Some of them are believing in who He really is (Peter hasn't been asked yet "Who do the people say I am? Who do you say I am?") and others still have questions or just that "not sure" mentality. Let's wait for a moment to discuss the walking on water moment and just focus in on the fact that He came! In the middle of a storm (the weather could change in the blink of an eye on this sea), He came! In the middle of chaos, He came! To some very ho-hum men in a boat, He came. Why??? To show His power? To hop a ride the rest of the way to shore? To show He cared? To show His love for these men? I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt this part of this story proves an amazing truth: no matter the situation, Jesus will be there!! As much as snowy weather keeps us stranded or rain slows our travels, we still try our best to get to someone we love when they are in need. How much MORE our Savior will come for us! Just even think on the point that He was willing to come from His place up in Heaven to this Earth, coming down to save us of our sins! Yet in the storms of this world that we will go through in our lifetimes, He will still come to us!
Jesus is so powerful! Think about it... He walked on water!!! I know y'all have seen the silly posters and pictures out there relating to this event (some in good humor so we all chuckle along...). He has sovereign dominion over all matter. I recently taught solids-liquids-gases to my Kindergarten students. It was neat exploring water in these three states. And then a little girl shouted out, "So did Jesus walk on ice?" I smiled, always excited when Jesus and God are brought up in conversation in my public education classroom!! I told her the best answer I knew: No, sweetie, the Bible tells us that Jesus walked on the water - doing the impossible to prove His awesomeness, something that no one here on Earth could ever do! Isn't it amazing??" I heard a preacher once speak on this regarding the molecules and scientific make-up, these momentary changes that might have occurred the moment His feet touched the water surface. To be honest, I don't really need to spend my brain's energy thinking through it like that. It is just so amazing, such an "awe" moment that I can leave it at just that. I don't ponder too hard about God parting the Red Sea. Or Jesus raising Lazarus. But I believe with my whole heart it happened, that's the truth, and my God is powerful beyond my brain's understanding!!!!!!
Jesus is... Jesus (His voice tells it all... no name needed)! As He is approaching the boat, the guys freak out thinking the "being" is a ghost. Jesus calls out, "It is I!" Is there a group of friends that you know so well that you could walk into a darkened room where they sit and say "It is I" and they'd know your voice? How about your spouse? (I sure HOPE you could do that to your spouse and he/she would know your voice!) In Song of Solomon 2:8 it reads, "Listen! My beloved! Behold, he is coming." That person knew the spouse's voice. I know my sons know my voice!! And I'm sure some folks would know my voice over the phone if Caller ID was taken away. But here we are in a storm, during the Fourth Watch (so like between 3 and 6 a.m.), dark all around, wind howling, waves crashing. And this man comes walking on the water and says "It is I!" How shocking maybe at first!! Holy cow, a man is walking on the water! Oh, but I know that voice!! Comfort and calmness rush over me. I'm still a bit confused at what is taking place... BUT I KNOW THAT VOICE... HE IS HERE! Friends, isn't this such a beautiful thought!?!? True believers who are in an intimate relationship with our Savior KNOW His voice!
One final thought for our study today...
Jesus is reassuring and comforting! After the men grow terrified and fearful of this approaching ghost, Jesus IMMEDIATELY calls out to them to "take heart... do not be afraid." Jesus did not have them sit there in the tossed boat full of fear for long. He immediately called out to them and shared words of comfort. I do not believe fear and doubt come from God. They are feelings we gained from being part of this fallen world. So the Son of God squashed their fears the moment they were expressed out loud. How amazing! When we bring our fears and doubts to Him through prayer (our conversations with Him) He can immediately fill us with peace. We still have to work through some things - I'm not saying the situation that caused that fear or doubt will instantly be removed and erased out of our lives. But the feelings that filled us will be covered over by this supernatural peace that only comes from our Heavenly Father!! Think about it: peace is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. So that peace that washes over us comes from the Spirit filling us, which is a direct connection to the Almighty. WOW!!<<<mind blowing>>>
Friends, there is still one more major part in this story that we will dissect next post (Peter takes an amazing step in faith...). But for now, let's just reflect on the points of today's post: Jesus is good... Jesus is powerful... Jesus is Jesus (we know His voice)... and Jesus is comforting. The men were faced with some pretty extreme conditions (If you want to look more into the Sea of Galilee and its weather, check out http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/ednk-seaofgalilee.html for more info) and then they got to experience something amazing. Let us remember this story and know that when we might be in a horrific storm in this life, Jesus can still do something amazing!
Have you experienced "something amazing" in your lifetime? Or have you seen it take place in someone else's life? I have the faith to know that my God will come to my side, offering me peace like no other, whatever the situation may be because He is the Almighty!
Dear God, Thank you so much for this study time. I know we were in Your presence!! And I have full faith that You guided this study. God, when we face the storms of this life as we go about our week let us please remember Your goodness and Your peace, Your voice and the comfort that only You can provide! How amazing is this story so far! Please be with us as we start this week. Let us remember to seek You often and keep our focus on Your will for our life. Amen.
