by Mike Daugherty

Mike Daugherty was our guest minister today. He shared a beautiful message based upon Matthew 14:22-33.

Matthew 14:22-33
New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

With personal stories, he reminded us that God often comes to us through the whispers, as He did to Elijah. God is found in the ordinary moments of our lives and we can recognize his presence if we are willing to quiet ourselves, focus and listen.

 

Creator God – We each come to You from different places, different circumstances and with different concerns on our hearts.  Despite those differences, we come as one community, united in our love for You and for one another.  Within our midst, there are those grieving the loss of one they loved, healing from recent medical procedures, going through cancer treatments, facing upcoming surgery and dealing with uncertainty of the future.  As a community, we lift each person and each circumstance to You for the blessing of Your healing, reassuring presence, for the blessing of Your peace.  We thank You for the assurance that we have of Your love and abiding presence with us.  May we recognize the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, prompting us to be instruments of blessing in the lives of others.  May we find ways to share the peace that this world so desperately needs.  May we be courageous even when that sharing is not easy, knowing that same Holy Spirit that prompts us, will accompany us.  This is our prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.