Stumbling Blocks (Part 3)

On Monday, we looked at examples of close relationships (e.g. husband-wife, mother-son, mentor-mentee, etc.) that ultimately resulted in one party leading the other astray. Today, let's delve further into one of those relationships.

Take Jesus' relationship with Peter.

Peter was Jesus’ right-hand man (Matthew 16:15-19). He was a strong, devoted, loyal friend to Jesus. But Peter was also flawed. Just a few short verses after praising Peter, Jesus rebukes him (Matthew 16:23).

At first glance, it might seem as if Jesus was being harsh. Peter simply loved Jesus, so much so that he didn’t want to see Jesus suffer. But Peter’s wrong perceptions skewed his understanding of Jesus’ purpose, and ultimately opened the door for Peter to be used by the enemy to create a potential stumbling block for Jesus.

In Matthew 16:23, Jesus tells Peter, “you do not have the concerns of God in mind, but merely human concerns.” And therein lies the rub. The fact is, we’re all human. We all make mistakes. We all have flawed understandings and perspectives. We also get caught up in "merely human concerns," just like Peter. And this is the reason why we can’t rely on our friends or relatives to give us sound advice. We're all susceptible to "Matthew 16:23" type moments.

So, remember, just because someone is close to you, doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you. And just because someone wants what’s best for you, doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you. God’s perspective is always right. Seek His perspective before you seek anyone else’s.

God bless,
J.W.

The Assignment Bureau (Part 6)

Peter's God-given assignment was to follow Jesus.

That included walking on water like Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33).

But instead of following his assignment, Peter got distracted by the wind and began to sink:

"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." ~ Matthew 14:28-30

Peter's story, then, is a cautionary tale for us. When we take our attention away from our God-given assignment, we fail. But if we stay focused on our goal, we can accomplish God's will for our lives.

Don't be distracted by the winds in your life. Stay focused and walk on water.

God bless,
J.W.

Who Wan Come Test?

"'And try Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." ~ Malachi 3:10

I know it's often times hard to believe in what you can't see. You think something is supposed to be happening in your life and nothing does. Or you're waiting for a sign from God to show you that He exist and He cares.

But God is looking for you to take the first step. He says "try Me now in this and see if I will not open up windows in heaven for you." God is waiting for YOU to exercise your faith. As soon as you're willing to step out of the boat and trust Him (Matthew 14:28-31), that's when He'll show up in your life.

God bless,
J.W.

Taking Risks

"And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus." ~ Matthew 14:29

Success can only be achieved when he have enough courage to step out of the boat, step out of the box, and take a risk.

When you do, God has promised to be right there with you.

But you've got to take the first step.

Take a risk for Christ today!

God bless,
J.W.

Life on the Edge

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him." ~ Matthew 14:29-31

As Christians, we often talk about life through the eyes of Peter, who was able to walk on water through his faith in God. In many ways, Peter lived life on the edge, totally relying about the strength and power of Jesus to guide Him.

But if truth be told, every single one of us live life on the edge. The question is, who's out on the edge with you? Is it God who has promised to catch you when you fall? Or is it Satan who will let you drop every single time?

Whose edge are you on?

God bless,
J.W.