And he said, come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on water, to go to Yeshua. v.30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid and beginning to sink, he cried saying, Lord, save me, v.31 And immediately Yeshua stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.’ (Matthew 29 – 31)
PRE-AMBLE by Robert
As “Modern Day Disciples,” our walk, faith, and discernment like the early “Apostles” have been deepened, we are being drawn into a very deep personal relationship with Yeshua. Having been shown there will be moments of turmoil which like Peter will frighten us as we may not entirely understand and because of our relationship with our Lord will call out for his assistance when we believe we are failing not realizing we have in our spirit doubted what we have received as truth.
Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) brings to light a reflection we need to ponder on in his commentary. “Special supports are promised and are to be expected, but only in spiritual pursuits; nor can we ever come to Yeshua, unless we are upheld by his power. Yeshua bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord’s power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. When we look off from Yeshua and look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. Yeshua is the great Saviour; those who would be saved, must come to him, and cry to him, for salvation; we are never brought to this, till we find ourselves sinking: the sense of need drives us to him. He rebuked Peter. Could we but believe more, we should suffer less. The weakness of faith and the prevailing of our doubts displease our Lord, for there is no good reason why Yeshua’s disciples should be of a doubtful mind. Even on a stormy day, he is to them a very present help. None but the world’s Creator could multiply the loaves, none but its Governor could tread upon the waters of the sea: the disciples yield to the evidence, and confess their faith. They were suitably affected and worshipped, Yeshua. He that comes to God must believe, and he that believes in God will come (Hebrews 11:6.)”
Full satisfaction is reserved for the future state. Your joys shall be constant. God not only works in them a gracious desire for these pleasures but by his Spirit fills your souls with joy and peace in believing. He quickens whom he will; and whoever will, may come, and take from him of the waters of life freely. May we know, and love, and uprightly serve the Lord; then no proud enemy, on earth or from hell, shall separate us from his love. Faith calleth things that are not, as though they were. It carries us forward to the end of time; it shows us the Lord, on his throne of judgment; the empire of sin fallen to rise no more.
OPENING PRAYER by Robert
“All things are in your control heavenly Father, including our walk to eternal life with you. We ask Lord for you to reveal through the Holy Spirit how to appropriately share our gift with those trapped in the darkness of this world. We pray for Father a deep discernment and understanding of how to use your gifts to be the most effective example of reflecting your light love and compassion to them. Deepen our enthusiasm and determination to withstand the wiles of the enemy preventing us from approaching them. Fill us with determination to expel our doubts and fears. We give thanks to you Lord and pray this in your name Yeshua. Amen and Amen,”
OPENING STATEMENT by Robert
Is it not curious how we hold ourselves back from utilizing the wondrous gifts which have been offered. When I think about how many who surround me declaring their love and desire to serve and be with our Saviour Yeshua. Yet suffer shortcomings in their walk daily when they should be walking in peace and joy praising God for His gifts while using and sharing them. What was shown in “THERE CAN BE NO TRUE PEACE WITHOUT GRACE” published Jan 20, 2020,” For our Salvation to have any value in God’s eyes, it must be shared.” Is now revealing where some of our weaknesses are. This article is going to introduce us on how to recognize we are in God’s Hands and why we should not have doubt in our lives. We are going to find how Yeshua while walking in this world was able through his faith, and without doubt, was through His Father performing all His miracles. (John 8:54).
Yeshua through the Holy Spirit is allowing us to look deep into our commitment to see our weaknesses and fears. He is going to allow us to follow our choices until we recognize our failing ways and will then lift us up so we might truly witness His power that we may obtain a greater level of acceptance thus removing doubt from our being and walk. (Acts 10:38) “How God anointed Yeshua of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him.”
Our past articles I believe, have, lead us to this position in our walks. Yeshua called Peter to come to him and he was walking on water until he took his eyes off of Him. After rescuing Peter Yeshua pointed out why he failed, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.’ (Matthew 29 – 31). In that quick statement to Peter, Yeshua is identifying with us why we are not able to utilize all of God’s gifts. It is a lack of faith and doubt, along with the acceptance of our enemies lies that the time for Healings and Miracles has passed.
I believe Peter in Acts 10:34 dispells this lie by saying “Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. So, in my humble opinion “for what it is worth,” do not believe God has stopped bestowing the Gifts received at Pentecost through the Baptism of “The Holy Ghost.” and here is why! When we read the following (Acts 10:42) ” And he commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. v.43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins, v.44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the word. v.45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. v.46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, v.47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Well I, know there will be those who will question my position which is their right. However, I cannot nor will not set aside this evidence showing as Yeshua states ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.’ (Matthew 29 – 31). I am calling all those walking as “Modern Day Apostles” to recognize what Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) revealed “Yeshua bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord’s power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace.”
This article “THE COMFORTING HAND OF GOD” for me relates where I am with God, and there should be no “DOUBT” in my walk which will affect my performance as His obedient servant. Meaning, and remember, it is up to God who he bestows His heavenly gifts too, not as a respecter of men, but as the omnipotent Father who knows the true position of a believer’s heart, faith and journey.
So it now becomes clear why we were lead to analyze our walk through the past article “ARE YOU KNOWN BY YOUR FRUITS” published Jan.14, 2020? Here, it is becoming clear how God is leading us to follow His Son’s footsteps and those of the early Apostles. Matthew Henry (1662 – 1774) explained it “Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do. Not only toward God but toward men, not only toward those of our party but toward all men.” The Holy Ghost fell upon others after they were baptized, to confirm them in the faith; but upon these Gentiles, before they were baptized, to show that God does not confine himself to outward signs. The Holy Ghost fell upon those who were neither circumcised nor baptized; it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. They magnified God and spake of Christ and the benefits of redemption. Whatever gift we are endued with, we ought to honour God with it. The believing Jews who were present were astonished that the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the Gentiles also.
By mistaken notions of things, we make difficult for ourselves as to the methods of Divine providence and grace. As they were undeniably baptized with the Holy Ghost, Peter concluded they were not to be refused the baptism of water, and the ordinance was administered. The argument is conclusive; can we deny the sign to those who have received the things signified? Those who have some acquaintance with Christ, cannot but desire more. Even those who have received the Holy Ghost must see their need of daily learning more of the truth. Peter then commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert
I truly believe the following comments quoted here best describes how the early assemblies were being established through the devotion of the Apostle Peter as described in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Our lives may be very ordinary and commonplace, the events may succeed one another in the most matter-of-fact style. There may seem in them nothing at all worth the attention of a Divine Ruler, yet those ordinary lives are just as much planned and guided by supernatural wisdom as the careers of men concerning whom all the world is talking. Only let us take care to follow Peter’s example. He yielded himself completely to the Divine guidance, trusted himself completely to the Divine love and wisdom, and then found in such trust not only life and safety but what is far better, perfect peace and sweetest calm.
There are men never tired of running from one committee to another, and never weary of seeing their names in the morning papers. They count they have been busily and usefully employed if their names are perpetually appearing in newspaper reports as speaking, or at any rate being present, at innumerable meetings, leaving themselves no time for that quiet meditation whereby Peter gained the closest communion with heaven.
Pure and undefiled religion is sometimes found where we least expect it. Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and of piety, neither will excuse from the other. Doubtless, Cornelius had true faith in God’s word, as far as he understood it, though not as yet clear faith in Yeshua. This was the work of the Spirit of God, through the mediation of Yeshua, even before Cornelius knew him, as is the case with us all when we, who before were dead in sin, are made alive. Through Yeshua also his prayers and alms were accepted, which otherwise would have been rejected. Without dispute or delay, Cornelius was obedient to the heavenly vision. In the affairs of our souls, let us not lose time.
Like Peter as “Modern Day Disciples, “we should follow his leadership, Peter was successful in opening the door of faith for many. Because he prepared himself for doing the Divine work by the discipline of meditation, deliberation, and prayer with his Risen Lord. Here I will remind you of the template I revealed at the start of the article. We must recognize a period of pause, repose, and quietness should proceed with a new onward movement of development and of action.
CLOSING PRAYER by Robert
Father as you have us in your presence and hold us in your hands we ask for your gentleness to be upon us that we may know how it feels and are able to share it. Receive our devotion and submission to your will as dedicated servants humbly bowing before your throne, Shape and mould us into the disciples you desire Father. Fill us with your wisdom that we might hold no fear or doubt as we go forward sharing your light, living water, love, compassion, and healings as your “Modern Day Disciples. This we pray in your name Yeshua Amen and Amen.
Remember these articles are from a humble obedient servant doing Yeshua’s bidding as He reveals His warnings. I pray our Lord Yeshua blesses each and everyone along with your families. Go in peace.
Genesis 12:3 “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Robert
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