How is your Faith, are you ready for something more?

Greetings everyone, I pray that God's grace is and has been sufficient for you and your family. Initially, my message was planned around parenting and the importance of leadership in the home. However, as I have stated on more than one occasion, God and I converse on a daily basis and His plans supersede mine. Over the past several weeks I have been dealing with concerns of several people battling some health issues. What struck me were the past two messages that our Pastor, Lon Solomon has been preaching about, regarding prayer. Even more so, was the message today regarding being "All In."

I realized that our faith in Christ requires a commitment beyond our wildest dreams. As one of the Associate Pastor's (Dale Sutherland) stated, this commitment is scary. Many of us think that we have to give up having fun and happiness to follow Christ (When fun and happiness is what Christ is). Others feel that their past is so bad, God will never forgive them. My problems don't involve sacrifice, but patience, wisdom, service. My lack of faith caused me to believe that I didn't know enough to help someone, or could not wait long enough for God to move, or never thought I did enough to help. Whenever it came to speaking with the Lord, the response came back cloudy. However, I believe that God does and is what He says He is/will. For some time know, that weakness has been depleting. My daily studies and desire to be better acquainted with Christ, has increased my faith. I pray daily for the Lord to intercede regarding the status of those who are dealing with health issues, and for the strength to help were I can, be patient with their care, and be wise in my actions. Please read the scriptures below and see the comments afterwards.

Nelsons New Testament Survey (1999)
Book: Matthew 14:22-33

Author: Matthew - Tax collector, son of Alpha us, also held the name Levi (Mark 2:14; L use 5:27).

Time: The Gospel was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., because he referred to the city as it was still standing (4:5; 27:53). Based on the other verses; 28:8 & 28:15, it implied sometime after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Most believe that it was written in 50 A.D.

Purpose: Matthew recorded select events from his life and ministry of Jesus Christ in order to confirm to a Jewish audience that Jesus is indeed the Messiah and to explain God's kingdom program for the present age in light of Israel's rejection of her King.

Jesus Walks on the Water 14:22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew Henry Commentary: Matthew 14:22- 33 Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace to them and for them. He can take what way he pleases to save his people. But even appearances of deliverance sometimes occasion trouble and perplexity to God's people, from mistakes about Christ. Nothing ought to affright those that have Christ near them, and know he is theirs; not death itself. Peter walked upon the water, not for diversion or to boast of it, but to go to Jesus; and in that he was thus wonderfully born up. Special supports are promised, and are to be expected, but only in spiritual pursuits; nor can we ever come to Jesus, unless we are upheld by his power. Christ bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. When we look off from Christ, and look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. Christ is the great Savior; those who would be saved, must come to him, and cry to him, for salvation; we are never brought to this, till we find ourselves sinking: the sense of need drives us to him. He rebuked Peter. Could we but believe more, we should suffer less. The weakness of faith, and the prevailing of our doubts, displease our Lord Jesus, for there is no good reason why Christ's disciples should be of a doubtful mind. Even in a stormy day he is to them a very present help. None but the world's Creator could multiply the loaves, none but its Governor could tread upon the waters of the sea: the disciples yield to the evidence, and confess their faith. They were suitably affected, and worshiped.

Nelson ' s New Testament Survey: Walking on the water (14:22-33): Jesus needed to pray and the disciples needed to exercise faith. So Jesus dismissed the crowds and sent the disciples out in a boat. The lake of Galilee was a place of danger, and several times storms were occasions for Jesus to test and teach the disciples. Twenty-five to thirty stadia would equal between 3 and 4 miles. The 4th watch of the night was between 3 and 6 in the morning. Several important lessons can be learned from this account. (a) Courage comes from knowing Jesus is present. (b) The answer to fear is faith, and faith is best placed in the One who is identified as the "I Am." (c) Doubt is an evidence of a divided mind. (d) Confessing Jesus' divine son ship is evidence of faith. (The final statement about the continuing miracles of Jesus [14:34-36] verified the truth of the disciples' confession that He is the Son of God.)

Ok, so you have got to admit, fear at one time or another has been a barrier to much of our success. Even more, our lack of faith has been a greater barrier to our relationship with Christ. It is so easy for people who are on the outside of your life to tell you that everything will be ok, or that they have either been in, or know someone who has been through your situation. This was similar to those who sat around Job (Job 2:11-13). However, just as Job's friends forgot, they weren't Job (you). However, remember these scriptures, (Prv. 19:20-21) “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand; and (Prv. 15:22) Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Focus on those who consider friends and those within your circle.

Often, this interference and the ways of this immoral society, has the potential to prohibit any chances of getting to know Christ. However, with Christ all things are possible. Again, I know that God will provide and prevail. Your choice today or the next will be to determine your level of faith. What are you willing to give up, to enter into this awesome friendship? What are you afraid of? The 12 Apostles were experiencing a level of fear that we could not have imagined. Giving their lives to Christ during a time where the Bible did not exist, the Jewish and Roman laws guided everything and their following Christ, was certain death. Therefore, I pray that you chose to seek Him, and build a new or renew your relationship with Christ. May God richly bless you.

If you have time, please take a look at this video sermon - http://www.mcleanbible.org/media_player.asp?type=large&messageID=201142, if you are unable to find it, please go to the McLean Bible Church website and look at the sermons link for the 2/1/15 message, "All In.”