Just Walk

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  Matthew 14:28-31

When I am tired, where will I find strength?  When I am afraid, where will I find courage?  When I am lost, where will I go?  These are the questions of a person in crisis.  You know this because the questions are not complicated but very important.  They are questions of desperation.  They are the sounds of a person who has looked every which way possible without finding an answer.  All of us have been there before.

It was Freshman year of high school.  My mother and me were living in an apartment, and she had fallen sick during the semester.  Yes, we had other family nearby, but my mom never wanted to be a burden to anyone.  She endured whatever pain she needed to accomplish her goal.  In this case, it was to finish her MBA and ensure her and her son would make it through the year together.  I ended up going to school a good portion of the year on my own.  I would wake up, get my clothes ready, and walk to the subway stop a half mile away to ride to school.  My mother and father were not big on excuses.   So, I just did it.  No fanfare.  No drama.  No poor me.  Just walk.  There is a word for that.  Some might call it ‘grit.’  I call it ‘faith.’  It means that when you end up in the situation where all you have are those three questions, you answer simply, “Start walking.”  When you are tired, you get up, and start swinging.  When you are afraid, you realize you have nothing to lose, and you fight.  When you have no where to go, you make steps in a direction, and you keep walking.  My mother and father always had faith in God.  They instilled it in me.  That’s why I got up, got dressed, walked to the subway, went to school, and then rode back to the hospital where my mom laid in bed writing her thesis paper.

One might ask where was God in all of this?  He was teaching.  Planning.  Preparing.  He is all-knowing that my mother and me would face other storms.  But He was always there.  Carrying.  Protecting.  Guiding.  My mother and me did not make it because we were something special.  We made it because we served an awesome God who watched over us.  He kept us out of Harm’s way, and kept my mother fighting when the pain was too great for her to even sleep.

The storms in our lives (or winds as Peter saw) are the tests of faith where God either found or watched over us.  Think of the storms from your past.  Sometimes, you may not have come out of it like you wanted, and you may not have known what to make of it all.  However, when it was all said and done we looked to God, and said, “I don’t know how I made it through, but thank you!”  Thank you, Jesus, for watching over me.  Thank you, Jesus, for making a way when I could not see one.  Thank you for giving me the courage and strength.  I do not know what you might be facing today, and I am unsure what storm may come tomorrow.  But I want you to remember that God is always there.  Always encouraging you to keep walking.

So as Christ said to Peter, come.  Sure, Peter eventually started to sink, but how many of you have taken that first step only to sink?  Remember the first steps Peter took, he did not sink!  He literally walked on water!  It is interesting that it noted he began to sink only when he saw the wind.  Perhaps that was why Paul said, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Let us live by these words of faith by belief in what God can do.  Not seeing what seems impossible.  My prayer today is we take courage from the words of Jesus Christ and have the faith to just walk.  Amen.

Tues Devo: Prayer and faith

Luke 18:1-8 “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (NASB)

Hello,

I think this is a very interesting passage in scripture. Many times we read the reason for a parable after Jesus tells it, but this time we see the intent right up front. I love that Jesus knows us enough to understand that we struggle with waiting. We want more immediate answers to prayer. But His timing is not ours, so we have to not lose heart.

The He gets into the story of this judge who helped a woman simply out of annoyance and personal reasons. Nothing to do with her, just selfish focus by him. (I can see a lot of us in that judge and the way we operate) Jesus contrasts that man doing the right thing for wrong reasons against the holy God who does the right things for the right reasons, in the right times. But notice carefully the end of this story. Jesus asks “…and will He delay long over them?”. This is a rhetorical style question, with the answer immediately given that God will bring justice quickly. Certainly challenges our view of quick vs long? We scope to a percentage of time out of a handful of years, but His scope is eternity.

Then He challenges even further – will He find faith on the earth upon His return? How long will we endure? One of the challenges I take from this is that we cannot translate God’s speed of answers to prayer into our level of faith. Rather, we need to translate our faith into our endurance for praying.

I hope this challenges you as well.

Will Hill

Wake up!

Friends, we need to wake up!  The bible warned us of how the end times would be and if you read through Revelation, we surely see what the world is looking like today.  I was at a meeting at church yesterday where someone asked about a very touchy topic in the world today.  It was talked about how we are to love everyone, showing them God’s grace and how we are not the ultimate judge.  While these things are true, I was really bugged by the reply. 

Revelation 3:15-16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

While we are certainly called to show others God’s grace, we are also called to take a stance as we have been taught according to God’s word.  We are not to be lukewarm or wishy-washy.  The church should be taking a stance to help lead others to Christ, not merely accepting that the world has changed and it’s all okay for everyone to live as they wish.  If someone wants to be part of the world rather than part of the Kingdom, then that is their choice however as Christians, we are called to be set apart.   

Thursday Devotional - Control and Outcomes

After James’ first and second day at school, his teacher sent me a couple great email reports! I was thrilled! I know it won’t always be smooth sailing, but this helped me relax some. I will continue to encourage him in the right direction, give him regular (if not daily 😊) reminders, and appropriately discipline, but I’m not the one in control. God is ultimately in control of everything and everyone.

Paul lovingly and carefully instructed the Romans, and then ended his letter acknowledging they were in God’s hands.

Romans 16:25-27        ²⁵ Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, ²⁶ but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

God has given Joe and me the responsibility to lead James and Sarah well, as their parents. As we seek to be godly parents in our interactions, instructions, example, and choices, we can trust the outcome to God. He’s the One in control, with all power, all wisdom and all authority for all eternity!

What relationship, situation, person, or potential problem do you and I need to leave in God’s care? We’re called to follow God, do our part, and lead well, but the outcome is in God’s hands. Let’s trust Him with it!

Alice

Filling The Gap

Be good to your servant,
    that I may live and obey your word.
Open my eyes to see
    the wonderful truths in your instructions.
I am only a foreigner in the land.
    Don’t hide your commands from me!
I am always overwhelmed
    with a desire for your regulations. Psalms 119: 17-20

One of the first things I tried to do when I became born again was give up something for lent. The funny thing was I was never successful.  I would slip up somewhere along the line, and eat the chocolate cake, or I would have that night out where the cheesecake looked too good.  Eventually, I would give in.  Then one year, I put it all together and found success!  There was so much joy in my heart that I enjoyed cheesecake that year much more!  In retrospect, each passing year where I failed, I also learned something from my failures.  I realized to avoid certain places, or had greater will power to never ‘give up.’  I was overwhelmed with a desire to make it.  The whole thing reminded me about reading a section of a book that talked about ‘failure.’  It noted that we look at failure as something to avoid.  However, many people view failure as an opportunity.  Their failure was not because they did not plan well or perform at their best.  It was because they were missing something, and thus, their quest was to look at the gap between what they wished to accomplish and where they ended up.  They had lofty expectations where they learned a great deal about themselves striving to become something they would not ordinarily grow to become.  It was the gap that became the key to their finding greater energy and ambition to make the final changes and adjustments to achieve their goal.

This is what spiritual growth with God sounds like.  We see the perfection of His son Jesus Christ, and we try so hard to meet that lofty expectation, but we often fall short.  We should see our failures as opportunities to learn about God’s plan and grow from it. In reading David’s 119^th Psalm, I was struck by his passion to truly learn about God’s purpose for his life.  I noted that he prayed to live and obey His word.  The key word here was ‘may.’  This was an acknowledgement that he studied and focus on God, but he was not always perfect.  He hoped that he was following God’s word.  Additionally, he was overwhelmed with desire to learn more.  Thus, he further understood the ‘gap’ between where he was and where God wanted him.

This is incredibly powerful for us when we are focusing on our own spiritual growth. We will fail.  We will not always hit the mark.  However, we must not be deterred by the loftiness of our goals to become followers that Jesus Himself would be proud of.  Thus, we must look at Christ’s example and see where the ‘gaps’ are.  Then continue to adjust and make changes that will make us more in His likeness.  This can be both scary and challenging.  However, as Hebrews 12:2 says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

God is very intentional in His pursuit of us. He sets the stage and moves things so that we know of His presence, and He provides protection, comfort, inspiration, and of course love to solidify that relationship.  Is it no wonder that we should be “overwhelmed with a desire” to know more of Him.  That is what a true growing and loving relationship is like.  Famous football coach Vince Lombardi said to his team once, “Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence.”  This is exactly what being a Christ follower is all about.  Let us ‘chase’ Christ in such a way that truly honors Him.  Where is your obsession to learn more of God’s word?  How will to continually raise the bar to be more like Jesus?  My prayer is that we are honest with ourselves and are overwhelmed with desire to fill the gap between our ways and God’s.  Amen.

Tues Devo: Don't fear hair loss

Luke 12:4-9 “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. “And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (NASB)

Hello,

So perhaps the meaning of this section is not “don’t be afraid of hair loss”…..but maybe an application J.

Naturally, I have been thinking about change lately. It is everywhere, and here at work certainly has not been an exception. But what is our approach to change – or other things that can induce fear? I think we need to repeatedly go back to the personal knowledge that God has of us, and personal attention He pays. We are valued in His eyes – the circumstances that we live in and operate under are shifting and moving, but His presence and control are steady and constant.

I pray this encourages you today.

Will Hill

Be an example

Ephesians 5:1-2

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Have you ever uttered the words, “Do as I say, not as I do” to your child?  I know I heard it growing up from time to time.  I am not saying that my parents did anything horrible by any means.  All I am getting at here is that if we want someone to do something a certain way, it will be best learned if we model it for them in the way we want it done. 

God knew this.  This was one of the reasons he sent Christ to earth.  He came to be an example to us of how we should live. He lived a perfect life and demonstrated how we are to be loving and put others first.

What kind of example are you to those around you?  Are you leading others to Christ by the example that you display in your daily life?  My prayer today is that my life will be a positive example for Christ to those that I come in contact with.

Thursday Devotional - Loving Concern

James started kindergarten last week! He was super excited, but I was quite nervous. In fact, over the past month, he told everyone he saw that he couldn’t wait until school started! He then would add, “but Mom’s worried…”

James is a loving, compassionate and caring child. He loves life, has lots of energy and is quick. So, he often doesn’t think before he acts, needs re-direction at times and is easily distracted. I talked to the kindergarten teacher about that at orientation. As much as we’ve reviewed appropriate school behavior this past month, I’m still concerned about his discretion in the moment.

Similarly, Paul was concerned for his “children in Christ” and gave them some final reminders as he closed his letter to them.

Romans 16:17-20 ¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ¹⁹ Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. ²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Like James and the Romans, where do you and I need reminders?

How can we prepare well now, so that in the moment we make wise decisions and aren’t easily misled or distracted?

Let’s welcome those giving us godly warnings, out of loving concern, so we can make wise choices in the moment.

Alice

The Beauty of Wisdom

I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech.
Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
    I have insight, I have power.
By me kings reign
    and rulers issue decrees that are just;
by me princes govern,
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.
I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
    enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than fine gold;
    what I yield surpasses choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    along the paths of justice,
bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
    and making their treasuries full.  Proverbs 8:12-21

Some of the most beautiful things one might hear comes from the poetry.  My middle name comes from a famous poet; Ralph Waldo Emerson (FYI – My initial is E  😊).  There are many quotes that are attributed to him.  For example, “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is in God’s handwriting.”  Not bad, eh?  One of his poems, Give All To Love, says about love:

‘Tis a brave master;

Let it have scope:

Follow it utterly,

Hope beyond hope:

High and more high

It dives into noon,

With wing unspent,

Untold intent:

But it is a god,

Knows its own path

And the outlets of the sky.

Now to many, this may not sound special, but to a romantic at heart like me, it is where I can just sit back and let it marinate in my mind for days.  There are some of you who would focus on the poet’s mention of love being ‘a god,’ and of course, there is only one true God.  My thought is Emerson’s point is we are to focus on the limitless potential of love we have.  This is not only toward others but also God.

I bring this up to discuss today’s verse focusing on the topic of Wisdom.  We all aspire to have it, and some might say we aspire for it more than anything.  Even love.  So, what is it?  What does it look like?

Wisdom is an amazing gift given by God.  The verses in Proverbs 8 speak in words that initially come across as if wisdom is the finest girl at the dance.  But if we take a poetic approach to it, perhaps we read it as God sharing with us a vivid description of when we are blessed with it.  Wisdom is “fear the Lord.”  Additionally, there are other characteristics it has.  Counsel, sound judgment, hating of evil, pride, and arrogance, but in the path of righteousness and justice.  Thus, it becomes a guide of what wisdom both ‘sounds’ and ‘feels’ like, and like all things God gives us, wisdom “loves those who love it.”  Thus, today’s verses in a poetic sense is God’s instruction of how we are to desire, embrace, and share with others the wisdom that He bestows on us.  It provides clarity on how it is gifted as a reward for one who follows Him with discipline, devotion, and love.

We should desire the wisdom that God provides.  It is more than just being the right thing to do.  It is God inspired for even as Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, God had granted him incredible wisdom as noted here:

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29

The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:24

Let us aspire to be guided by the same kind of wisdom God placed on Solomon’s heart.  What areas of your life are you praying for God’s wisdom?  What wisdom has God placed on your heart to share with others?  My prayer is that we embrace and understand the poetic beauty of wisdom.  Amen.

Tues Devo: One item

Hello,

This past week I was reading through 1 Kings. Certainly a time of trial for the fledgling nation of Israel. Wars from the outside, struggles for power from the inside – to the point of splitting Israel and Judah. While there are many chapters written for David and Solomon (starting sooner in Samuel for David) – those that follow were given less detail and description. But watch what happens:

(All from NASB)

1 Kings 15:3 “He (Abijam) walked in the sins of his father which he had committed before him; and his hear was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, like the heart of his father David.”

1 Kings 15:11 “Asa did what was right in the sight of the Lord.”

1 Kings 15: 25-26 “Now Nadab the son of Jerboam became king over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel two years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father and in his sin which he made Israel sin.”

1 Kings 15:33-34 “In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah become king over all Israel at Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel sin.”

1 Kings 16:25 “Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, and acted more wickedly than all who were before him.”

1 Kings 16:30 “Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him.”

1 Kings 22:43a “He (Jehoshaphat) walked in all the way of Asa his father; he did not turn aside from it, doing right in the sight of the Lord.”

1 Kings 22:51 “Ahaziah the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned two years over Israel. He did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin.”

While there are many ways to remember people, and things to say – look at the characterization: either they followed God or they did not. There is no middle ground. What will be said of us? If we follow, what will be said of those we influence?

I pray this challenges you today.

Will Hill