Monday, April 27, 2009

THOUGHT: The Warrior 02: The Hesitant Warrior Followup

Listen to the podcast and then work your way through some of these thoughts over the course of the week. See if it helps you to think more deeply and or to engage more of the spiritual into your physical life. Let us continue to struggle to make these two worlds come together into only one physically lived, spiritually focused way of being.

“ Open war is upon you … whether you would risk it or not.”

In a scene from the film Gladiator, just before a crucial battle the General Maximus reminds his troops of this, “What we do in life…echoes in eternity.” In what ways is your life producing a lasting impact on others?

Objective:

To leave behind a life of safety and security and so we can take the risks God is calling us to take.

Read:

Late one evening Jesus’ disciples were crossing a lake when their boat was unexpectedly caught in a storm. Jesus had stayed behind on the shore but suddenly He appeared, walking toward them on the water.

Jesus spoke to them at once. "It's all right," he said. "I am here! Don't be afraid." Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water." "All right, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. "You don't have much faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" Matt 14:27-31 NLT

What things in your life give you a sense of security, safety and comfort?

How does our desire for safety and predictability result in our fighting for counterfeit causes such as possessions, comfort and status?

Is God calling you, to a safe, predictable and secure life or one where you risk everything?

Walking on water requires God to show up. Where in your life is God asking you to risk everything and “step out of the boat?”

How will God have to “show up” for you to succeed?

Read:

And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?

Mark 8:36 NLT

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

The LORD turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of

Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?’ Judges 6:14 NIV

…"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

Nehemiah 4:13 NLT


Take the next few moments to pray and in your own words ask God this question: God, what needs to change in my heart so I will have the courage to take the risk(s) You are asking me to take?

What does God want you to leave behind today so you can take the risk(s) He is calling you to take?

For Further Study

Matthew 14:22-36

What is the most frightening experience you've ever had?

What is the most worshipful experience you have ever had?

After feeding the crowd of five thousand people, what instructions did Jesus give His disciples? (14:22)

Where were the disciples when evening came? (14:24)

What miracle did Christ perform? (14:25) How did the disciples react to what they saw (14:26)

How did Jesus try to calm the disciples' fears? (14:27)

What did Peter ask Jesus to do? (14:28)

How did Jesus respond to Peter's request? (14:29)

What happened to Peter as he made his way toward Jesus? (14:29-30)

What situations cause you the most fear in life?

What events or experiences have led you to trust in Jesus?

What does this passage teach you to do? What step of trust do you need to take today?

What will help you remember to keep your eyes on Jesus and off your fears?


Think, pray, love, live, make a difference. Be strong and courageous.


g-ram

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