cannyben

Mathew 14:23-33 "But Jesus immediately said to them : Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. " Mathew 14:27. One night, Peter and the other disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee when a strong storm arose. All of a sudden, Jesus showed up walking on water! This took the disciples by surprise. He reassured them - "Take courage ! It is I. Don't be afraid. " Peter impulsively asked Jesus if he could join Him, and stepped out of the boat, and walked towards Jesus. But he soon lost focus, became aware of the dangerous and humanly impossible circumstances he was in, and started sinking. He cried out, "Lord, save me! ", and Jesus rescued him. Like Peter, we can learn that Jesus is with us, even in the storms of life.

Numbers 13:30. 14:9 "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. " Numbers 13:30. Caleb and Joshua said, "... the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. " Unbelief never lets us go beyond the difficulties. It engages us with human resources. Faith, on the other hand, though never minimizes the dangers and difficulties of any situation, looks away from them to God, and counts on His invisible presence and power.

Matthew 6:8 "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." When we pray we need to shift our own concerns and praise God for his love and protection with thanksgiving. God already cares about our concerns -- a loved one's cancer, a broken family, a rebellious teenager, financial concerns --- our Father knows more than we do ! All that we need to ask what part we can play in His work on earth. With this new starting point for prayer, our perceptions change. Prayer channels God's supply to our needs.

Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Through prayer God prepares us for the encounter and our prayer is a part of His providential care. Even in the most mundane moments, God directs our paths and keeps us in His mercy, strength and love.

Proverbs 11:23-31 "A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. " Proverbs 11:25. When we are generous with others, we're likely to experience generosity. But we shouldn't give, expecting something in return. But when we're generous, God is pleased, and often finds a way to refresh us.