October 2010 Edition

My favorite guy in the Bible is Peter, a.k.a. “Rocky”. He is a guy I can identify with in many ways. Some people might say that I don’t have “an unspoken thought”. I sometimes speak before I put my brain in gear. Peter was like that. For example, when he was with James and John at the Transfiguration when Elijah and Moses appeared with Jesus, Peter says, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. if you wish, I will put up three shelters ___one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Scripture adds, “(He did not know what he was saying)” What in the world did he mean by that? I don’t think he knew what to say, so he said the first thing that came to mind. Then again, at the Last Supper, Peter replies to Jesus’ statement that all the disciples would desert Him, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you”. He didn’t respond well under pressure. Neither do I. Peter had his failings but finished well. I hope people say the same of me at the end of my time here on Earth.

One of the most instructive stories about Peter took place on his “home turf”, the Sea of Galilee. The disciples had been rowing across the sea late at night. They had left Jesus back on shore, figuring He would “hitch a ride” later on. In the dark of the night, when the sea was choppy, The disciples saw something coming towards them. At first, they could not make out what it was. Then as the vision came closer, it appeared to have a human form. They thought it was a ghost! They were scared out of their wits. Peter was the first to recognize that it was Jesus. What’s more, He was walking on the water! So what does our hero do? He asks Jesus quizzically, “Lord. if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” A normal response…not! Jesus responds, “Come!” “Whoa”, thinks Peter. “What do I do now?” “Oh, well, here goes.” I imagine Peter did not sprint to Jesus. He probably stepped gingerly out of the boat, but here’s a big deal. He stepped out of the security of the boat. You do not see any of his friends clamoring over the side to join him. He had the courage to take that first step of faith. When met with a challenging situation where faith is involved, do you and I have the courage to take that first step?

What happens next is what challenges me the most. Peter’s euphoria of being able to walk on water wears off as he glances to the side and sees these big waves all around him and notices the wind howling about him. At that moment, fear and doubt win out and Peter begins to sink and yells to Jesus that quick but effective prayer, “Lord, save me”.
Immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand and catches him. “You of little faith,” Jesus says, “Why did you doubt?”

Difficulties face many of us right now. It may be health issues. It may be employment and financial issues. It may be relational challenges. Whatever the threat to our well-being, emotionally, relationally, or financially, are we engulfed by the “waves of peril” that
seem so real and so overpowering? Are the winds of doubt questioning how we can survive this crisis? Or, are our eyes fixed squarely on Jesus, trusting in Him to be with us in the storms of life, walking confidently forwards, knowing that even when doubts creep in and we begin to sink, we, too, can utter that simple Pete Prayer, “Lord, save me.” and know He will be there to lift us up.” As one of my favorite verses in Scripture says,
“Humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, and, in His own good time, He will lift you up. (A promise) You can cast the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him for you are His personal concern.” (You can take it to the bank!) In the words of the old familiar hymn:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”



MINISTRY NEWS:

The ministry, both group and individual, goes extremely well.
There are new opportunities daily to minister.

I have counseled two gentlemen recently on career issues.

I have counseled a gentleman on a very difficult marriage situation.

I have assisted a gentleman in finding help with legal issues.
I am currently involved in assisting a handicapped gentleman with his financial and personal affairs.

These are just a few of the many ways Net Work ministers to men and their families every day. Thanks for helping to make this possible! I am blessed by your partnership in ministry by prayer, encouragement, friendship, and financial support.

Salary remains unpaid for August, September, and October. All other obligations met. Cutting expenses continues.

“I thank my God in all of my remembrances of you.”