Monday, July 2, 2012

~ "Everything I need to know about God, I learned in the Bible..."

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 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?” (Matt 14:29-31)

We all doubt! We all fear! At the time Jesus walked on the water, his disciples had not yet seen the full glory that was Jesus. Not until his resurrection would they go bravely preaching his message of salvation! After his death, scriptures tell us that the disciples "hid", but Jesus came to them just the same - he knew where they were and he went to them! 

We try to hide from him as well. We carry our sins (some of them anyway) buried deep within our hearts reminding ourselves that "no one needs to know", but HE knows! We pack them away and pile stuff on top of them - but they are still there! In that respect, we are like an ostrich...head in the sand! For many, the sins committed aren't really sins, or so they think! If it's against what the Lord commands, it is a sin, regardless of our intent or the rationale we use to justify it. Again, everything I need to know is written in the Bible. There are more scholarly individuals out there that can better explain the writings than I ever could. The basic foundation of my walk with Christ began with faith. Faith that he would take my hand and lead me. I had to reach out my hand (as Peter did)! When you reach out your hand to Jesus, he takes it. His footing is secure. He won't let you fall! Sure, there are going to be bumps and bruises along the way, but not death ~ only eternal life!

Jesus does not command us to kill, he commands us to pray! He doesn't give us the authority to condemn or judge, he gives us the authority to pray for such things to pass. All of the "abominations before the Lord" come out of human weakness. Not a soul alive on this plant has the authority to sit on the throne of judgement and decide the punishment for those sins! No one! 

Let your voice be heard - but by the one who hears all, knows all, sees all! Do not be an ostrich - confess your sins to God and he will forgive you. Walk on the water for a while - it's very rewarding!