It's Just Wind and Waves

         It was the fourth watch of the night. The storm was raging and causing the boat to vacillate back and forth. It was almost impossible to see as the heaviness of the night and the ferocity of the storm was taking its toll on the frightened disciples. It was not supposed to be like this. They had just seen their leader and master perform a major miracle by feeding thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. He had just a few hours earlier told them to board a ship and he would meet them on the other side. They did not ask any questions, they just followed the directions of their leader. Now to make matters worse, in the midst of the darkness, blustering wind and bruising waves, they spot what they perceive to be a ghost. As it gets closer, it is finally revealed to not be a ghost, but their leader, Jesus. As they are huddled on the boat, still in fear, Peter decides that he would try and see for sure if it was Jesus. He calls out "Jesus, if it is you, tell me to come where you are." Jesus says "Come". With that command, Peter steps out of the boat and heads to Jesus. After some time, Peter gets distracted by the wind and waves and begins to falter. Before he falls beneath the waves, Jesus grabs him and takes him safely to the boat. As I reflect on this well known biblical story, one thing really jumps out at me. When Peter inquiries of the Lord if it was truly him, to let him walk on the water to him. This would seem like a perfect opportunity for Jesus to calm the waters and cease the wind to allow Peter to come to him. However, Jesus does not stop the storm, and bids Peter to come. I wonder what would have happened if Peter would have waited for the perfect time to step out and go to Jesus. This story teaches us that there will never be a perfect time to go after Jesus. There will always be storms that are made up of wind and waves in our lives. But the good news is, it does not matter about the wind and waves when we are focused on Jesus. They can not deny us, only distract us. When you are committed and determined to get to Jesus, remember, it is just wind and waves......PG

UNSTOPPABLE

I just completed a preaching series at Tabernacle Baptist Church on the Book of Acts that lasted 19 months and over 50 sermons. I was so enriched by the study and the opportunity to teach this great book of the bible. I believe our church was helped as well. I do believe that God was sovereignly setting us up. The reason I say this, is that throughout or study of how the early church formed and matured, I began to notice the principles and key elements that transformed a scared group of disciples into a movement that has changed the world. It is amazing what can be achieved by simply having faith and a testimony. The final verse of the book of Acts says that "Paul could not be stopped". Even though he was chained, he still kept preaching and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. In other words, he was UNSTOPPABLE. I believe that this is true for every believer and church that stands firmly and consistently upon its Message, Mission and Master. I am so excited for the future of our church, as I believe God has reignited that fire for Him inside of us all. Its About To BE ON!!!!!!!!!!!! PG