January 31, 2018 - RESPONSE TO FEAR

Day 31 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 24:1-31, Psalm 29, Matthew 14:22-36)

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 
    And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  (Matthew 14:27-33 ESV)

The familiar account has much that applies to our everyday lives.

1. How should we respond to fear?
    Listen to Jesus: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

2. How should we respond to His advice?
Obey Jesus: So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

3. What should we do when we are in over our heads?
Cry out to Jesus:  “Lord, save me.”

4. What should we do when He does save us?
Worship Jesus: “Truly you are the Son of God.” 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me by dying on the cross in payment for my sins. Grant me faith to trust You, even when You call me to get out of the boat. Please use me to help others know that You are the Son of God and the Savior of our souls. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!