Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

We Have Nothing to Fear

photo credit: ShanePix <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/131518729@N05/29919104495″>Sailing to Cape Cod</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a&gt; <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>(license)</a&gt;

I’m not a fan of spooky movies. I can watch some of the earlier comedy flicks.  Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson (of the Jack Benny program) had a role in the 1941 film, ‘Topper Returns.’  Wide-eyed Rochester was afraid of ghosts; like Jesus’ disciples; he really had nothing to fear.

“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.  But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’

And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’

So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God (Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV).”

 

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

Undisciplined and Hasty

PAM CROPPED 2013

SONY DSC

If a parent or guardian calls their child by their full given name, they are in hot water. If the parent repeats the first name with a “disappointed” tone of voice, a reprimand is not far behind. I visualize an accompanied shaking of the head no and pointing of the index finger in the child’s face. In many ways, Simon Peter was like a child, undisciplined and hasty.

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.’ And he said unto him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death (Luke 22:31-33 KJV).”  Oh really,  Simon?

 “And he said, ‘I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me (Luke 22:34 KJV).”  

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