Rough Waters

Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away.  After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.  But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 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 courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”

Matthew 14:22-32 

The disciples were out in a boat, a long way from shore and the sea was rough and they were afraid.  

Then Jesus came to them, walking on the sea and calmed the rough waters. 

That is the way it is with God, when we are afraid, He is right there with us to see us through whatever difficulties we face.

Pray, trust God.    

The Good Book

 

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is our owner’s manual.

God did not call us and then leave us to our own devices to figure out what we should do. God gave us a guide for living and serving Him.

Read the Bible for comfort, for direction, instruction, and a revelation of God’s never ending love. 

The good book is good for you. 

Overcome Evil With Good

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:19-21

This is totally contrary to the way we humans think about people who mistreat us.  We want revenge.  

But that is not what Christians are to do.  We are to take a step back and wait and find an opportunity to do something for them.  In showing kindness we show the love of God to people who need to see it and feel it. 

Kindness costs us nothing and does much to further the Gospel.   

Empathize With Others

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 

As Christians we are to empathize with others, that is to feel what they feel emotionally.  While we like celebrating joy for others, it is more difficult when we feel their sorrow.

This means that it is not always other Christians who we are empathizing with but also unbelievers who need someone to see them as they are - happy or hurting or alone.  

This can be a heavy burden to bear, but it also does much to further the Gospel.  Those who we standby in the tough moments in life can come to understand the love of God for them.  And, in this too we grow more aware of the greater importance of our role as Christians.   

So, when the opportunity arises for us to show the love and compassion of God to others, we can embrace the moment and join with them in their joy or sorrow. 

The Gifts of the Spirit

 

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;  to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Corinthians 12:4-14 

The gifts of the Spirit are given to Christians as God sees fit.  We are no better or more valuable than another Christian based upon the gift which we receive.  God has designed His church as a body of believers whose work supports one another in furthering the message of the Gospel.  

If you are not sure of what your gift is, pray and examine your ministry in the Church and realize whatever that gift might be, that God has given you something special which is your ministry to others.  

Your gift is for the common good. 

The Gentleness of Wisdom

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

James 2:13-18

We all think we are smart, but this scripture warns us to consider our motives when we are trying to get things done.  The question is:  Are we working for our own gain or are working to best serve the needs of others?   

This is not to say, that we are not to consider our own needs, but to consider if our wants and desires are detrimental to other people.  Sometimes it is a matter of how we go about getting things done.

That being said, we are to strive to be peaceable, gentle, reasonable and show mercy to foster a spirit of peace in our actions. 

In this way, we further the work of the Gospel by making peace. 

God's Promises Are For You

This is what the Lord says, He who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Do not fear, Jacob My servant,
And Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 

For I will pour water on the thirsty land
And streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring,
And My blessing on your descendants;
And they will spring up among the grass
Like poplars by streams of water.’

Isaiah 44:2-4 

All of God's promises are for you.   

When we asked Jesus to be our Savior, He took away our punishment for sin and turning away from God, but God left for us all His promises and blessings from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.  

That is why we can be encouraged every day by reading the Bible.  God's promises are to us and for us, so that we will not be discouraged but be uplifted in our faith knowing that no matter what God is on our side. 

Know this:  God will pour out His blessings on you and your family.