Good morning and welcome in everybody. Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that I wanted to tell you a little story.
I grew up on a lake, and one summer I can remember when everybody got involved building a big swimming raft for our beach. If I remember correctly it was about 12 ft square, and built completely out of 2x4s and 2x8s. A lot of the swimming rafts made during that era would use large 50 gallon oil drums, which kept them sitting fairly high out of the water, but this design was special because the raft would have a very low profile. After the decking was completed, the adults flipped it over and began mounting these huge styrofoam floats underneath the raft. I was pretty confused because I didn’t really understand how styrofoam could possibly hold up all of that heavy weight, but only a few weeks later when it was launched, it floated gently on top of the water just like a loon sitting on top of the lake.
This reminds me of the Christian Life.
It was difficult to believe it at first, but just a few pieces of styrofoam kept that heavy raft afloat, but faith can do the same thing. Just a little bit of it can keep us afloat through the stormiest seas, something that the Apostles learned when they watch Peter walk across the water
Matthew 14:23-33 (KJB) And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Like ships that are passing through a heavy storm out on the ocean, we are passing through some extremely wicked days in this world today, but just like Peter, we can rise above them through the help of our precious Lord Jesus. We are surrounded in this world by people who hate us, spouses who betray us, and relatives who persecute us. But no matter what we must endure in this life, we need not fear what goes on around us. We simply need to keep our eyes focused on Christ Jesus, because just like the captain of a ship, He will guide us safely through troubled waters and fight all of our battles for us!
Hebrews 13:6 (KJB) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Psalms 27:1-3 (KJB) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
When we possess genuine faith in Jesus, we will trust in the teachings of scripture, and submit ourselves to His will rather than our own. When this happens it’s going to create contention and chaos among those with whom you have had close relationships over the years. Friends will turn into your enemies, and your foes shall be those of your own household. Hardships will come to pass to all those who decide to live the Christian Life, but we can know that if we keep our eyes firmly placed upon Jesus, He will take us to the place that He wants us to be.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 (KJB) For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
Acts 14:22 (KJB) Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Some people are very afraid and fearful because of certain events that are going on out in the world today, but genuine faith in Christ Jesus will eliminate fear. This is because we trust Him enough to deliver us through whatever tribulations and suffering that we must go through.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJB) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
When a Christian has faith, they will put their complete trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus and His teachings. When we trust and obey Him, we not only receive His rewards but His Divine protection as well.
Proverbs 30:5 (KJB) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Psalms 31:13-14 (KJB) For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
When Peter placed his faith in the Lord and stepped out onto the water, he was doing fine, right up until the point that he realized the surroundings that he was in and became fearful. But even though he became scared, he cried out to Jesus for help and He saved Him. Although we need to fear and honor God, we need not be fearful of all the things that the world throws at us. We must place our complete trust in Jesus and the teachings of His Holy Word, knowing that when we do, He is going to keep us afloat, just like…
……..Our Swimming Raft
Let’s think about these things for right now. We can be found on your web browser by searching, tlkjbc where you can find our diaries distributed through various platforms. We are not associated, nor affiliated with any other religious groups. You can get our entire podcast feeds directly, along with transcripts at tlkjbc.com or I suppose that you could find us somewhere up here, in the Great Northern Minnesota woods. Peace to you all, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody.
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