The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Friday, April 30, 2004
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Read your Bible more in 2004!
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I come to You today confessing that it is difficult to risk myself for You. I want security in my life, and I know that the only true security in life comes from You, and yet the world tells me that I need to rely on money, or position, or rules and regulations for safety and security. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may have the boldness to be and do what it is that You would have me be and do. Let me “get out of the boat” and trust that You will hold me up regardless of the storms and waves of life. Lord, fill me with a confidence in You that will allow me to take every risk You call me to today, that others may see that my security truly is in You, and You alone. I pray that my life will bring You glory today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Matthew 14:28-32
28Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.”
29“All right, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. “You don’t have much faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
Reflecting on God's Word
Has Jesus ever called you to “step out of the boat”? How did you respond?
What is the most daring thing You have ever done in Jesus’ name?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What test did Peter give Jesus to determine whether it really was Jesus walking on the water toward them? (14:28)
How did Jesus respond? (14:29)
What was Peter’s response to Jesus’ offer to “get out of the boat?”
Understanding God's Purpose
What do we learn about God’s purpose in our lives from this Scripture?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What is one area where Jesus is calling you to “step out of the boat” right now?
Thoughts...Risking Everything...
Following Jesus is not for the faint-hearted. We in the American church have often “domesticated” Jesus. We have made Him a nice, polite, Savior who never caused anyone any discomfort or challenge. The pages of the Bible paint a picture that is 180 degrees the opposite! Jesus was considered a radical by the religious leaders. The crowds followed Him for the miracles that He performed, but He challenged the crowds to deny themselves and follow Him, and most walked away. Jesus asked those first disciples who would come after Him to leave their jobs and “security,” to risk everything and follow Him. How many sermons have you heard where a pastor tries to explain that Jesus’ call to risk everything is not every everyone? While it’s true that Jesus doesn’t call everyone to leave their home and families to follow Him, He certainly calls every last one of us to be ready to give our lives and our all for Him. In one sense, it’s almost easier to give our lives for Jesus in a one-time act of martyrdom, than it is to pick up our crosses EVERY day, and follow Him. After all, we can only die once for Jesus, but Jesus calls us to live for Him 24/7! That means setting aside our selfish-desires (dreams) and putting His dreams for our lives first. It means trusting Him no matter what He asks us to do, or where He asks us to go. That kind of risking everything isn’t just for missionaries or a few “radicals.” It’s for each and every one of us. You don’t have to move to Africa to risk everything for Jesus. Any person who takes his finances and says, “Jesus, this is yours. Show me how to use it to glorify You,” is risking everything, because He WILL use it to glorify Himself and that will mean apportioning it differently then most of us would do on our own. Any person who says, “I will pursue your dream today regardless of who ridicules me, of who tells me it’s impossible, of who tells me I’m crazy, is risking everything, because following Jesus can cost us relationships with friends and family members who don’t understand our zeal for Him. Anyone who says, “What can I do to advance the Kingdom of God?” instead of what will God and the church do for me, risks everything, because putting others first is a risk. Who’s willing to do it? Who’s willing to step out of the boat?