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.
I've really enjoyed having this blog as an accountability piece between me and God AND me and you! Seriously! Yes, this is a cyber friendship (frien-bership ??) buuuuut... we stay connected through the Word and it is wonderful!! Enough mushiness... {tomorrow is Valentinue's Day -- that's my excuse}
Our focus for a few posts is going to be on a storm and Peter. This prompting came to me when I started the last blog post about learning to float. I kept thinking about Peter and the moment he lost focus. Instead of cramming that into the last post, I decided to make it its very own study. I'm not going to rush through it - there's a lot of GOOD stuff. So let's get started!
Dear God, We are so thankful to be sitting here again and studying more about Your love and grace. In every story and event that we read and learn about, we find more of Your love, promises, and truths to hold close. We ask that You guide us in this study of storms and Peter, and that You reveal great things to us. Let it grow us closer to You, Father. Amen!
Our focus story is Matthew 14:22-33.
At the beginning of Matthew 14 (after John's beheading) we find Jesus and his disciples hanging out with lots of folks. Jesus has the best catering business around (just being silly) -- from a few fish and loaves He is feeding 5,000 men (that number does not include all the women and children in attendance BY THE WAY). So as the hillside feast is wrapping up, some amazing events follow. Let's look at the first few...
Jesus sends His disciples away. And not just away, like a walk down the path. No. In a boat. Out in the water. To head towards the other side. "I'll catch up with you later, guys!" In verse 22 it says "immediately". So prior to dismissing the crowd, He instructs the men to head out. The seas were fair, weather nice at the start of the travel. And the men had followed His guidance and set out on the course.
While His men are sailing away, Jesus dismisses the crowd and heads to a quiet location for some prayer time alone. What a great example He sets for us today! Get away, get alone, and pray, y'all!!! We don't know what all took place during that prayer time but He was there until night fall. At this time, we find out our friends the disciples are out a ways in the water. And at this time, the waves are pounding the boat. The wind is blowing quite fierce. Does this story sound familiar? A boat. A storm. Hmmm? Check out Matthew 8. I wonder if these men (some former fishermen) had a thought like "Seriously? Again?! And this time Jesus isn't with us!!! He calmed the sea with his voice last time. I guess we will suffer through this one... if we're lucky. Ugh!!" Or maybe they thought about His words during the last storm: "Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith!" Maybe they were determined to hanker down and keep the faith in this storm.
At this point, we are going to push pause. I have some thoughts to share with you to wrap up this moment of the study. There's still so much I want to dive into in this story. We aren't even to the amazing walk yet!! But let's ponder together...
*There were fair seas at the start of the travel. Then a storm came before the arrival at the destination. Take a moment to think of this little nugget of truth. Oh, how many events and moments in my life are exactly like this process!! "This is easy enough... smooth sailing from here!" And woooooooo goes the wind and CRASH goes the waves! If you've read the chapter, you know how this stormy story ends. As for us in our daily lives, if we are believers and have faith in Jesus, we too know our ending! The storms may rage but our faith shall not fail. Do we learn from the lesson of the past, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" He was there once. He will always be there.
*They had followed His guidance to set out towards the other side. Now, they faced another storm! Experiencing the first storm together where Jesus calms the seas, they now find themselves facing this storm alone. I'm not saying God wasn't THERE, but Jesus wasn't there (in the physical sense). Had the first experience left enough of an imprint on them? Would their "training" suffice? I believe with all my heart God tests us for many reasons. One of the reasons is to see our maturity and test our trust in Him. Where we fail, He will refine us and train us up if we allow Him the opportunity. Where we stand and not fall, we know we are gaining a stronger foundation. Are we allowing God to train us up? A personal trainer can only train someone in the gym if that person shows up! Then, in a competition, the trainer stands to the side, cheering and shouting out little tidbits of knowledge and technique but it's pretty much up to the contestant at that moment to take all the knowledge and experiences gained and make it through whatever event successfully. Can you connect with this? And don't miss the obedience part of this point. They followed His command. Do we listen to Him when He guides us? Are we obedient when He calls us? Even if it means a storm lies ahead (it's a broken world... storms always lie ahead).
*The disciples did not detract or go off-course. Now, it's highly unlikely they could get to any shore with ease in the battle with the waves. But we are not told that the disciples abandoned ship or changed headings. So with that, their travels might have been disturbed but they were not driven from them. They pressed on. They stayed the course. Oh, the waves of this world crash hard on us and at times we feel so bogged down and swamped that it is so difficult to even think about moving one tiny step forward. But are we willing to just stay the course?! No matter the storm: no matter the winds or the waves!
So what are your thoughts? We are only a few verses in and I feel like I am overwhelmed with some amazing truths and applications for my life. As the rest of this story unfolds, we will focus in on some more amazing moments that hopefully impact you. As our Messiah shows up in the next scene, so many more golden nuggets can be found. So come back shortly and let's study some more together! Let's pray...
Dear Father, Thank you so much for putting this study on my heart. There's so many awesome parts remaining in this event that I pray You make it clear for our understanding. Lord, I ask as we go about our lives we think about these few points we have pulled out of this story. God, please train us up. Please guide us. And I pray that we are obedient and respond to Your guidance. No matter what storms lie ahead. May that strengthen our faith! Amen.
Ladies, I try very hard to make my thoughts clear. And I try to provide an organized flow to every posting. So it is my prayer that even if there is a loop-dee-loop somewhere in this, that it does not take you off track in your studying and understanding!
