Comments on: Look at Me

By: Renae

Renae — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:32:20 +0000

Me too, Jackie! In the boat, out of the boat, sometimes sinking, sometimes walking . . .

By: mother of this lot

mother of this lot — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:45:52 +0000

You know what they say Renae, having faith means that sometimes you have to get out of the boat! (Actually, I’m out of the boat more than I’m in the boat)!

By: Renae

Renae — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:36:06 +0000

Thanks, Baby! <3 <3 <3 (Those are supposed to be hearts.)

By: Mark Brumbaugh

Mark Brumbaugh — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:44:38 +0000

Thank you, Renae, for the insightful Bible study on one of the greatest gospel stories. We will all have our stormy days, and thus the opportunity to either look to Jesus and walk on top of our storms, or take our eyes off of him and drown in our storms. But, yes, even when we do the latter, He is there. I am so glad that He is. Great job, as always! I am proud of you.

By: Renae

Renae — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:38:35 +0000

Hi Pam! That sinking feeling isn’t a great feeling, is it? But read Jean’s comment . . . more there to think about.

Jean, Thanks so much for this! I have not read that book. I’ll have to get it. Such a good point that we have to sink – mess up – in order to grow in our relationships with Him. That is when we learn how truly great He is, and where real worship begins. Again, thanks for sharing this.

And good morning, Duchess! So great to see you here. I hope you’ll visit often!

By: Duchess O'Blunt

Duchess O'Blunt — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:15:52 +0000

thank you for this blog. I am continually finding others who are not afraid to say their peace! Good. It’s about time the internet was used for Good.
God Bless you

By: Jean Hall

Jean Hall — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:52:15 +0000

Renae, have you read Michael Card’s book /A Fragile Stone: the Emotional Life of Simon Peter/? He says about this incident (page 53):

“But there was a deeper lesson he had to learn, and Jesus is intent on him not missing it, even as now you and I must learn it if we are to move forward as we walk through the wind storm of following Jesus. It is almost never heard in American churches. Indeed there are some congregations who would call it heresy. The lesson is that Peter needed to sink in order to take the next step of faith in Jesus. Because walking on the water does not ultimately increase our faith, only sinking does! Those who ask for miracles and receive them soon forget. But those who suffer for Christ’s sake never forget. They have their own woulnds to remind them.”

He points out that until this incident the disciples had followed Jesus, but had not worshipped Him. Here, after Jesus rescued Peter & the two of them climbed into the boat, THEN, the 12 were amazed at Jesus & worhsipped Him.

Card ends this chapter like this (page 56):

Worship is the language of our new reality. But we must never forget that it always begins with a cry for help. It always begins that way. It ends when we find ourselves doing the unreal and impossible, when we discover that we, if even for a moment, have risen above the noise of the wind and the confusion of the waves. We find in the darkness a Face. We discover in the tumult a Hand. And we worship Him for it all.”

Gives you something to think about…

Jean

By: Pam

Pam — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:26:58 +0000

Thanks for another great reminder! Unfortunately, I know that sinking sensation well.

By the way, I sent a couple of submissions to Jim Watkins just now. Probably too late for the fall issues, but I thought I’d give it a shot.

Thanks for your biblical teaching here, and for all of your help and encouragement.