Matthew 14:22-33 NIV

Matthew 14:29 NIV — Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 

Today’s scripture is the basis of our blog. Years ago, Julie and I took a step out of our boats and walked on water. Each day, week, month, year, we have put one foot in front of the other and now it has been nearly 10 years. Some posts come naturally and easily, while others are a struggle and require true walking on water. Like Peter, if we take our eyes off of Jesus, we begin to sink. As we call out to our Savior, He comes to our rescue and walks alongside us to enable us to share His words of love, grace, mercy, and acceptance. 

This week we will explain what water walking means to us and we pray you will examine what it means to you. Have you ever given it any thought when looking at your own life? How has God challenged you to be a water walker? How have you stepped out of your boat? 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunities You give me to be a water walker. Open my eyes to Your calling. Give me the strength and courage I need to step out of my boat of comfort and be a water walker. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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As you prepare for our week ahead, spend some time reading and meditating on our featured scripture.

Matthew 14:22-33 NIV

Matthew 14:29 NIV — Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 

Hebrews 11 NIV

Hebrews 11:1 NIV — Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

2 Corinthians 5 NIV

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV — For we live by faith, not by sight. 

This week we will explore the meaning of water walking. Begin your week by listening to Oceans by Hillsong Worship. Take a moment to brainstorm how you define water walking.

Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NIV‬ – Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Join us on our YouTube channel as we finish out the week sharing on summer.

Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NIV‬ – Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

We never have to worry about receiving an invitation when it comes to our relationship with God. We don’t have to wonder, will we make the list? Will we get an invite? Our social status is nonexistent. There is always a place we can retreat with God. Are we accepting the invite to retreat with God? Are we choosing to follow God? Are we choosing rest? 

Sometimes we are forced to rest because of sickness or a change in plans. I am talking about true and intentional rest. One of my favorite quotes by Mark Batterson is: 

“Change of PACE + change of PLACE = Change of PERSPECTIVE.” 

Notice today’s photo collage. Each photo represents a time when either Deborah, Ray, or I changed our pace and place. The opportunity to sit and rest with God just may be the rest our perspective needs. I hope we can all lean into God today and accept His invitation. As we conclude our week sharing the summer season, I encourage you to look at next week’s schedule and carve out some time to rest with God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your invitation to rest. As I look through my calendar, help me to find opportunities to change my place and pace to sit with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Last week Deborah shared on gratitudes. This week I am sharing the summer season. In reading today’s key verse, I want us to think about gratitudes we can find during the summer months. What is it about summer that brings you joy? I have listed a few of mine:

Gratitudes

1. Feeding birds
2. Planting flowers
3. Running and riding bikes
4. Walking on the beach
5. Gathering with family and friends

On a recent visit to the beach, my daughter shared a fun fact with me. Did you know that only 5 percent of the ocean has been discovered? This makes me think of the vastness of the ocean and how God created that. There is so much we can discover of God through our gratitudes, if we open our hearts and minds to the blessing of today.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the blessings of today. May my heart and mind be open to see and receive them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Numbers‬ ‭15:40‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.

This week I am sharing the summer season. On a visit to the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson, I never knew that succulents could grow through the dirt in rock. This beautiful rock wall pictured here had many beautifully, thriving succulents. Not surprised that succulents are a very easy plant to take care of. They will grow and multiply as you are mindful to water them when the soil gets dry. 

How about our daily Christian walk? Are we mindful to nurture our faith so that we can grow and multiply? Are we mindful of following the commandments so that we can be consecrated to God? Do we listen to or ignore the nudges from the Holy Spirit? 

A quote from Oswald Chambers: “Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting in you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing that must go.”

Let’s give God our full attention so that we are conscious of every moment. I encourage you to listen and pray through the song, Let My Life Be Worship by Jenn Johnson.