Friday, July 15, 2011

Matthew 14:22–25, 28–29

"Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. …
"Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus."
 
 
Jesus sent the disciples away—into a storm. For a time, he left them alone to battle the fierce storm without him. While they struggled, Jesus was praying. Then he came to them, walking on water. He calmly walked on the very water that was causing so much trouble and fear for his loved ones. Remember this: When you battle a storm, Jesus is praying for you. Then Jesus comes to you on the choppy waves of your distress. And, if you keep your eyes on Jesus, as Peter did, you too can walk on the waves of your storm.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Proverbs 9:10

"Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom.
 Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."
 
 
Wisdom begins with God. It begins when we recognize how great God is, when we acknowledge that he is holy and in control—and we are not. Wisdom begins when we realize that we need God to show us the way because we cannot find it ourselves.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Matthew 14:32–33

"When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. 'You really are the Son of God!' they exclaimed.'"
 
The disciples worshiped Jesus as the Son of God—and he allowed it, for that is who he is. That is what his miracles revealed; that is why he performed them. He proved that he had control over something only God can control: weather conditions. Today, remember that the Jesus who lives in you is the one who rules the universe. Worship him, the Son of God. Put your full trust in him.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Matthew 14:24–31

"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, 'It's a ghost!'

But Jesus spoke to them at once. 'Don't be afraid,' he said. 'Take courage. I am here!'

Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'

'Yes, come,' Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me?'"
 
 
 
Peter set up his own test. He could have waited for Jesus to come to the boat. But he concocted a test to prove it really was Jesus walking on the water: Peter, too, would walk on water. He did, and he was fine—until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at his circumstances. We can do impossible things only if our eyes are on Jesus. When Peter looked at his circumstances, he doubted Jesus. When he looked at Jesus, he conquered his circumstances. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Matthew 14:13–14, 22–23

"As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. … Immediately after this [the feeding of the 5000], Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone."
 
Jesus sometimes needed to get away by himself to pray. It was not easy! People and their needs interposed themselves all too often. In this case, it was the crowd who clamored for healing. Jesus miraculously fed them, then arranged again to be alone to pray. This can encourage us when we, too, cannot always have the prayer time we need. Embrace the interruptions, but persist in finding time to be alone.