Get Back in the Boat
Fear can creep into our lives at any time, especially when our happiness, comfort, or success is threatened. As we’ll see from Peter’s example, following Jesus doesn’t automatically eliminate our fears. However, we can also see how our fears fade into the background each time our attention turns back to Jesus.
What is something you’re afraid of going into this week?
As you examine this fear more closely, which of the following feels under threat?
– Security and survival
– Power and control
– Affection and esteem
How does God response in each of these areas:
– Security and survival – Matthew 6:25-34
– Power and control – Deuteronomy 31:6-8
– Affection and esteem – Isaiah 41:1, Jeremiah 31:3
Practice Psalm 46:10. Be still and reflect on God’s presence in your fear. What do you sense Him doing or saying in this moment?
What is a short prayer you can use to center yourself in God’s presence this week? It can be as simple as “Heavenly Father, meet with me.” Make it easy to remember to help call your attention back to God’s presence with you.
Searching for the Generous Life
Just like modest investments can grow over time, our investment into God's kingdom generates growth and produces eternal dividends. The apostle Paul presented the Macedonian believers as an example of generous giving to the Corinthian church and to us. Let's explore...
Searching for Reconciliation
Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...
Searching for Courage
On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....
Searching for the Abundant Life
Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...
Searching for Real Friendship
Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...