In the account of Jesus walking on water the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the water and were afraid.

Matthew 14:27-31 writes, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Like Peter, why do we doubt God? It seems like a rhetorical question, but it is worth considering deeper. Jesus told Peter, “You have so little faith.” But why?

We are naturally uncomfortable with uncertainty, and when we are uncertain, we look for evidence to reduce our uncertainty. If we don’t find evidence, our human nature leads us to assume the worst. In addition, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, there are spiritual forces working against us and our faith.

So what do we do to overcome our doubt? Pray for faith, read our Bibles and gather evidence from the Bible accounts demonstrating how God’s power and love supported those who trusted him like Ruth, David, Solomon, the prophets, Peter, Paul, and apostle’s. Also, we need to remember times in our own lives that God made seemingly impossible situations work out for us. Then take action with confidence in God’s power and His love for each of us.

Dear Lord, our fear and doubt often prevent us from living the faithful confident lives you desire for us. Help us remember to come to you and your word for the strength to overcome our doubts and fears so that we can glorify you with our courageous works. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is sometimes hard to believe how people can have such bad judgment and do some of the things they do today. This is not anything new. In fact Jesus tells us this will happen in Matthew 7:13-14, saying, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It takes a discipline, courage, and commitment to follow the path God wants for us. We cannot just go along with what is popular or trendy. We need to as written in Proverbs 4:26-27, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

Dear Lord, The devil is expert at tempting us, and the desires of the world are so appealing. We know with your help we can overcome these distractions that can lead us away. Help us set our own straight path, following your teachings so that we enter the narrow gate by your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There are many promises in the bible. God promises to answer our prayers, to be with us, to protect us, and most importantly to save us for eternity. However, we do not always know exactly how he will fulfill the promises.

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many, at a time Abraham and his wife Sarah were unable to have children. Many years after this promise, when Abraham and Sarah were well past the age they could naturally have children, they had Isaac.

Hebrews 6:14-15 writes, [God said] “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

God has a plan for us, and timing to go with it. “Waiting patiently” as Abraham did, is often part of the plan God has for us. Part of being faithful is maintaining our faith and hope with patience while we wait. Often our prayers are answered when we finally relax and surrender to God’s timing.

Dear Lord, Your view of our situation is complete, and ours is limited. Help us remember that you care about us, our desires, and you hear our prayers. Help us be at peace with your timing. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is amazing how much has changed in the broadcasting and internet content businesses in the last several years. There are hundreds of television channels available, hundreds of satellite radio channels, you can find a video on Youtube of almost anything, and there seems to be a podcast for just about any area of interest you might have.

For Christians, the great thing about this proliferation of information is the amazing opportunity we have to learn more about God’s word. Some of the best and most insightful preachers and Bible teachers are available to you on these media, if you look. Ultimately it is through more exposure that we learn and grow our faith.

Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

These technology alternatives are fantastic, but they cannot take the place of finding a “home church” where you feel comfortable and connected to other believers, and can worship, pray, confess, and commune with them.

Dear Lord, thank you for the incredible blessings of technology that allow your word to be spread and heard by more and more people. Help us take advantage of these technologies to strengthen our knowledge and faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is not uncommon for some Christians to be entirely focused on the writings in the New Testament. This makes some sense, because that is where the stories of Jesus and the early Christian church are written. However, there is knowledge and wisdom for us in the Old Testament as well.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”

The prophets include those more familiar, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, but also the less familiar, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obediah, Jonah, Micah, and others. Most of the prophets were giving the people of that time messages from God, trying to get them back on course after having strayed from God’s will. There are messages in there for us today also. One of the additional benefits for us is the historical evidence for the bible. Many of the prophecies have been the fulfilled, and modern archeology has confirmed these bible prophecies including the first destruction of Jerusalem and Babylonian captivity of the Jews, the return of the Jews, and rebuilding of the temple.

Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:19-21, “… we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”

Dear Lord, We thank you for the confirming evidence of the Bible available as a result of the prophecies. Help us read them with introspection into our own lives and how we may be off the track you desire for us, and bring us back in line. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.