It's Time to Get Out of the Boat!

Please turn with me to our scripture reading from Matthew chapter 14 verses 22 through 33.

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

 ²⁵During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

 ²⁷But 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. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

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

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

Change.  It's a dirty word.  No one really seems to like it.  We like what is familiar and comfortable don't we? In the scripture we have just read, Jesus had just finished feeding the 5 thousand and now sends his disciples away.  Jesus commands his disciples to get into a boat, to go on ahead of him and meet him on the other side.  Most of the disciples were fishermen by trade, so getting into a boat was an easy task for them. It was familiar and I bet they knew the Sea of Galilee like the back of their hand.  And as was typical for the Sea of Galilee a storm blew in quickly.  They fought to keep the boat afloat for hours and when Jesus came, it was after 3 in the morning.  I bet they were tired and they were scared.  Jesus appears to them, walking on top of the water and as usual they don't understand what is going on.  After hearing their cries, he reveals his identity to them.  Peter wants confirmation, and Jesus tells him to join him on the water.  What was so amazing is Peter did, Peter was able to walk on the water.  Peter got it- he understood that to follow Jesus meant that he had to get out of the boat. 

So the question that needs to be asked is-what is your boat?? You can figure out what your boat is by what scares you the most.  Your boat is whatever keeps you so comfortable that you won't give it up even though it is keeping you from walking on the water with Jesus. What is your comfort zone? Is it your job? Your financial portfolio? An addiction? A relationship? Is it complacency – never taking any risks? We all have our comfort zones and God is saying come out of the boat and experience the miraculous.

What seemingly impossible thing is God calling you to do? Is He calling you into full-time ministry, like He did with Moses, Noah, and the disciples? Has He given you an idea for a business or an invention? If He has, then you have received a water walking invitation. The question is, will you get out of your comfort zone, so that God can do something really big in your life?

Everyone has a call on their lives.  And God has the uncanny knack of asking people to do things that scare them.  But this is not just a story of risk taking, it is a story of obedience.

If you know anything about getting in and out of a boat you have to be committed. You don't get one foot out and have one foot still in and decide to change your mind.  If you do you might end up head first in the water.  You've got to be committed! But I believe we are living too comfortable.  Jesus wants you to decide to get out of the boat and keeps your eyes on Him.

It's important to know that there are three things that will keep you in the boat. The first is fear – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of what people will say or think, fear of how it will look. Fear and faith are polar opposites. Fear is what Satan uses to keep you from fulfilling your God-given purpose here on earth. Faith is what God has given us to access the spirit realm to do the impossible. With just a little faith, Peter slid over the edge and out of the boat. Imagine what you might accomplish with a little faith – perhaps faith the size of a mustard seed.

The second thing that will keep you in the boat is comfort. If you feel you have too much to lose, you'll stay in the boat. The disciples didn't want to lose their lives. The rich young ruler in Matthew 19:20 had great wealth and didn't want to lose it. Is your comfort level or material wealth keeping you from accomplishing some great thing for God?

Doubt or unbelief is the final thing that will keep you in the boat. Peter was sure that if Jesus said "come" that he could walk on water. The disciples probably thought he was crazy. Peter was operating in faith and the disciples in unbelief. Peter walked on water and the disciples just watched in amazement. Unbelief destroys more of God's plans than anything else. Do you really believe God? Do you really trust Him?? If so, then move into faith by moving out of your comfort zone. Take some steps toward what God is calling you to do and watch what God does with that little faith.

Peter did something miraculous, he walked on water. To my knowledge, Peter is the only person other than Jesus who has ever walked on water (except of course frozen water). For a few seconds or minutes, Peter did the impossible. He defied the natural laws. All this happened because he was willing to get out of the boat. Now, keep in mind that Peter was a career fisherman. He knew that in the middle of a storm, staying in the boat was safe and getting out of the boat was sure death. Yet, because he trusted Jesus, Peter was willing to get out of the boat.

That's not to say that you wont fail.  Peter realized that after getting out on the water that the wind was still blowing and storm was still going on and he took his eyes off of Jesus.  When he did that he started to sink.  If you truly step out in faith and try to do what God has called you to do then he wont let you drown.  God will be there to grab your hand.

Now is the time for action.  I truly believe that as a church we are at a crossroads.  We either are going to go forward and get serious or we will continue to keep going backwards.  The Lord has been speaking to me lately about the state of our church.  In Romans 13:11, Paul writes "And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." We are slumbering when we should be up and active. That means that those of us who are part of this church need to WAKE UP! Either we are going to choose to get behind this pastor and choose to get serious about our relationship with God (and our relationships with each other) OR we will end up closing the doors for good someday.  I don't want to see that happen and am sure you don't either.

This is not a story of doom and gloom but a story of hope!!! With faith, God can help us accomplish what seems to be impossible.  God is still in the miracle business.  For a change to start with our church it has to start with each and every one of us. It time to get out of the boat- join me by deciding to get out of your comfort zone and letting God transform you. 

Let us pray:

God give us the courage to get out of our comfort zones and join you out on the water.  Give us strength and direction for the times ahead AMEN!!

I figured since not every one got to hear my sermon on the 25th that I would put it on the blog.... 

Sermon for Sunday, January 25^th

Title: Come into the party

I believe that every sermon you hear doesn't have to be on something new but it needs to be something that you need to hear.  When Emil asked me to preach, the idea for this sermon came to mind.  It's on a very familiar parable found in Luke chapter 15 verses 11-31.

(Scripture:  Luke 15:11-31)11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.  13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.  17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.  "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.^[b]'  22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.  25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'  28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'  31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

I am sure that you have read or heard this story.  This is the story of the prodigal son that you probably heard in Sunday school growing up. We are going to look at both sons in this parable.   First you have the younger son.  He asks his father for his inheritance, which was unheard of in his day.  It was believed to be an offensive act—he was indirectly saying to his father that he wished he was already dead. Then he took his money and went off and did his own thing.  He wasted everything he had.  He ended up broke, hungry and miserable. He came to his senses though and came back home humble.  His father ran to greet him, which would have been almost indecent for this elderly man to run to him because he would have to pull up his skirt to run. But he ran anyway and greeted him with a kiss.  The father gave him the best robe of the house, which would have meant it was probably his own robe. He loved him, forgave him and restored him.

I identify so much with the prodigal son.  I was part of the family of God but after my brother passed away, I spent so much of my life off doing my own thing.  And I spent some miserable pitiful years in the hog-pen of life.  Just like the prodigal, I finally came to my senses, humbled myself and came home.  God was already there with arms open, saying come home and He RESTORED me.  I am not considered a lowly person like one of the servants but back as part of the family. 

But there is the other son that is usually not focused on—the older brother.  The older brother was out working in the field.  He heard the party but after he found out it was for his brother, he became angry and REFUSED to go in.  He was in the family but not in the house. In verse 28, the father came out and pleaded with him to come into the party.  But this older brother would not.  Who was he hurting though?? They were going to have the party anyway!  And I am here telling you this morning that God is having a party whether you come in or not.

This older brother was resentful because his younger brother was favored.  He wasn't to lose any of his inheritance because that was already set aside for him, so he had nothing to lose because of his brother's return.  He just resented him. He was jealous of him.

  There are some people officially in the family of God that won't go into the Father's presence because they are angry or have been hurt or they feel like someone else gets favored.  One of the things Jesus died for, was for us to be able to be in the presence of God and to have a relationship with Him.  In His presence you find rest, peace and joy.  In His presence we are fully and completely satisfied. But how many dissatisfied Christians do you know? They are part of the family, and I believe are going to Heaven but they never went into the party, never enjoyed God's peace and joy.   I feel the Holy Spirit is pleading with some of you today to come into the party. Give God your pain, tell him about your anger, forgive each other—we are to love one another.  God will heal your pain and help you forgive. 

 Do you  identify with either of these sons??—are you like the prodigal and was once part of the family but have wandered off and done your own thing?? Well I am telling to get out of the hog-pen, humble yourself and come to the father. He is running to greet you with open arms and He will RESTORE you.  Or are you the older brother, part of the family of God but holding on to some kind of resentment, pain or unforgiveness??? The Father is pleading with you, to give that to him and come inside into His presence.

I have decided to go into the party—I have wasted too much of my life being miserable---I have actually been both of these sons.  I went off doing my own thing..and had to come back home.  But I also relate to the older brother because even after I came back into the family, I was holding onto my past resentments and pain.  I was in the family but not in the house. I finally got tired of being bitter and full of pain and went to God and he healed me.  Now I am in the middle of the party!! I have a joyful life—not because its perfect but because I have peace.  And God is taking me places I would never have imagined.  He will do the same for you, just come on in.

Whichever you identify with today, know that God loves you. Don't stay out of the party!

Some people said they would like the recipes from the breakfast.  I have three of them-- one for Sherry's cinnamon buns and the one for the breakfast bakes (eggs and sausage or eggs and ham) and the last one is something yummy Nancy made.

                                          Cinnamon Buns Made Easy-Sherry's cinnamon buns

2 – loaves frozen bread dough

1 – stick margarine

1 – large pkg. vanilla pudding mix (not instant)

1 – cup brown sugar

1 – tsp. cinnamon

2 – tbsp. milk

1 – cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

Thaw bread dough.  Grease 9 x 13 inch pan.

Pull pieces off 1 loaf and put into greased pan.

Melt margarine in a pan and add pudding, brown sugar, cinnamon and milk.

When dissolved, pour over bread pieces.

Pull second loaf apart and fill in empty spots. 

Add raisins or nuts (optional)

Cover with waxed paper and towel and let rise for 3 hours.

Bake at 350 degrees for ½ hour, no longer.

Invert onto a cookie sheet covered with foil.

Serve warm or cold.

In the sermon today Pastor reminded us of the commitment we made (if you were baptized or confirmed Methodist anyway) by committing your prayers, presence, gifts, service and (a new one from General conference) your witness.  It brought me back to my baptism and confirmation which was in May of '88.  I took that commitment as seriously then as I do now.  Actually probably even more so now because I understand the level of devotion God desires.  I realized today that all of these are so important for the church because all of them are needed to build up the church.  Church isn't all about what I get out of it (imagine that, its not all about me lol) but its also about service.  I feel like I get a lot out of church though because I put a lot into it.

In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul refers to a "thorn in the flesh" that he had.  He asked God to take it away from him, not once, but three times! And God answered him all three times "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." The Message version of the Bible says it like this, "My Grace is enough; its all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."  This tells me a couple things --first that sometimes there will be things in your life that God will allow you to endure, he doesn't always take away the painful things in your life.  He will however give you the strength--whatever it takes-- to persevere through them and be content in them if you will put your trust in Him.  Also this tells me that I need to admit to my weaknesses (which I have found lately to be an empowering part of my faith journey) Paul not only admits to them, he BOASTS in them!  He boasts so that the power of God can work through him.  I have found that people can see God's power and grace in your life if you admit to having weaknesses. 

I wanted to thank everyone that turned in an activity survey.  One of the activities that some people said that they would like us to do is have a hymn sing.  SO...On June 1st we are going to do just that!  We are trying to make this a community thing and are inviting all the local churches.  If you love to sing come and bring a friend--the Alloway Bell Choir may play and someone else from Alloway wants to share some music also.  Plus we are having an ice cream social afterward -- we are going to have a great time of praising God and fellowship with each other so don't miss out!!

Another activity that had some interest was visiting the nursing home.  On April 20th we have the opportunity to go with someone from Hancock's Bridge UMC to go and sing hymns with people at the Salem Nursing Home.  If people want to do more personal visits I will find out more about doing that on the 20th. 

There was some interest in a Men's Prayer Breakfast and also a Women's Bible Study.  You can talk to Emil if you are interested in the prayer breakfast.  I am thinking of hopefully starting up a Women's study in the fall (hopefully our house will be done by then). 

I am going to review the surveys I received more closely and we should have some different opportunities and get togethers coming up soon. 

If anyone has any suggestions of activities but didn't remember to get in their survey, don't hesitate to let me or anyone on the Leadership team know.

Praise God!  I was so encouraged by the turnout for the breakfast yesterday!! It almost brought me to tears when I saw everyone there.  Thanks to everyone for coming out and for all those who made stuff.  And to those who helped clean up and do all the "little things" THANKS!!!!  :)  The fellowship was great!  We also collected $140.00 to go towards VBS!!!

I was reminded last night of how your faith and your attitude changes over the years.  I remember as a kid and early teenager going to Good Friday services and thinking, "wow what a bummer Good Friday is."  I still went to the services but I had the tendency to want to skip right to Easter Sunday.  And if you go to the service during the day, its THREE hours long and in some old churches with no cushions that can be hard on the butt!!  I even had my birthday on Good Friday once (that kinda was a bummer ).  Now I see Good Friday for what it is, a day to remember all the suffering Christ went through for us (for me!).  It's the day that Christ willingly went to the cross and all my sin and my hurts went there with Him.  I go to church on Good Friday now so I don't forget that.

For one of the Bible Studies I am involved in, part of the readings for this week includes the interactions of Jesus and His disciples right before and after His resurrection (and in between also) from John.  Right before Jesus was tried and crucified He and His disciples got together for a meal and Jesus washed the disciples feet.  Of course the first thing I am reminded is that I need to be a servant --true leaders serve.  But what never stood out for me until today was Jesus washed ALL their feet, even Judas' feet, the man that betrays Him.  They ALL set down to eat his last meal together. Jesus loved even Judas. What nerve Judas had to stand there and watch Jesus kneeling and washing his feet knowing what he had already done and was planning to do!!

Peter denies Jesus three times but when Jesus encountered him after the resurrection, He forgave him. Jesus had Peter declare his love for him three times.  That reminds me that even though we (more like I!)  still fail God, if we open our hearts to Him, He will restore us.  Peter became a key leader in the early church even though he failed Jesus so badly.   That gives me hope AND no excuse. 

There are numerous opportunities this week to worship during Holy Week --

Maundy Thursday service, at Hancock's Bridge UMC, 7pm

Good Friday-- 7 Last Words of Christ service at Haven UMC in Quinton, 12-3p

******Evening service at Alloway UMC, 7pm

You have a choice of Easter Sunrise services...6am at the LAC ballfield or 7am at 32 E. Canal Street, Alloway

Of course you will see me at most of them :)  I have heard the comment that I go to church a lot, but I need it a lot, lol. There are good people at the Bridge and Alloway so check the other services out!!!