GOD’S WORD FOR  NOVEMBER 12

Our  book excerpt today, and ongoing,  is from “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand”  Lessons from the Life of Peter, by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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Read Matthew Chapter 14

WE MUST GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE PROMISES OF SCRIPTURE.

If the disciples had clung to Christ’s every word, they could have enjoyed their battle against the waves, absolutely assured that no harm would come to them.  Why?  Because when Christ said good-bye to them that evening, He expressly said that they were to “go to the other side.” (v. 22).

If the Master of the Universe said they were to arrive on Galilee’s eastern shore, they should have known that, come what may, they would make it!

Some of those disciples were chosen to die a martyr’s death, so there was not a chance that they would drown now in Galilee.  Christ asked Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  If only they had listened and believed, fear would have vanished.

Christ’s promise to the disciples the night before, as well a His command to Peter, was unconditional.  It was not, “come if the wind will allow it,”  or, “Come if the water is not too deep,” or, “Come if you have the strength to fight the storm.”  No, that single word “Come” was more powerful to Peter than all the opposition and weariness that permeated his bones.  Neither angels nor demon nor men can withhold God’s blessings if we respond to His invitation.  Though there was much greater danger to Peter attempting to walk on the water than there would have been had he stayed on the boat, he was perfectly safe as long as he depended on the power of Christ’s single word, “Come.”

Christ’s instructions to His disciples that they “go to the other side” was also a specific promise to them and has to be understood in that context. Christ did not always promise them such deliverance; but He did often talk to them about heaven, their eventual destination (John 14:1-3).

Christ is with His people in every storm, even if the storm should kill them.  Regardless of what happens on earth, our place in heaven is assured.  No storm, loss, or situation on earth can disturb the calm of heaven.

I must caution however, that it is necessary to interpret the promises of God correctly.  Some have been disappointed because they have believed God for miracles that He has not specifically promised.  For example, He has not promised that the sick will always be healed or that His people will be spared accidents, illness, or even violence.  His promises state that He is with us through the trials of life, but not that we will be exempt from the tragedies that befall other mortals.

SOMETIMES HE CALMS THE STORMS ON THE LAKE; SOMETIMES HE CALMS THE STORM IN OUR HEART.

To believe our Lord’s explicit promises is our first assignment.

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2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

1Cor. 9:8—And God is able to make ALL grace abound toward you; ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in ALL things, that you may ABOUND in every good work:

Ephes. 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.                

Ephes. 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 29:11

The Lord will give strength to His people….

ICor. 2:9

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

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