Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then
Author: Gary Combs
Get out of your comfort zone!
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. (Matthew 14:28-29) Many of us think that the call of Christ is a call to play it safe, but the reality is much different. Christ is calling us not to safety, but to significance. Jesus is inviting us
The empty pursuit of safety
“Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag” (Matthew 19:26, Message). I think Americans are becoming too safety conscious. We’ve become the most risk-adverse generation in history. We’ve made everything so safe, that the only danger we’re in is of taking all the
Of gratitude, generosity and firewood
“Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Have you noticed how gratitude and generosity are connected? People who see their possessions as a gift from God show gratitude. They are full of thanks. Since they recognize God as their source, they worship Him as Owner and Provider. They see themselves as
Paperwork vs. Peoplework
“Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked” (Matthew 20:32 NIV). Jesus was always “stopping.” His ministry was marked as much by its singular focus on the cross as it was on its willingness to accommodate interruptions along the way. Jesus accomplished His mission as Savior without overlooking
Help from Canada
“Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God” (Zechariah 6:15 NIV). Back in early 2002, I was going through a difficult season of
Simplify life
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 NIV). Are your hands too full to enjoy life? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and almost dizzy with the busyness and urgency of the day? You’re not alone. Americans are suffering from a modern malady known as “burnout.” We’re over-scheduled,
Study break
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). I started taking an annual study break at the end of the year over 10 years ago. I have found it to be one of the wisest practices in my
Where is this Prince of Peace?
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). “Peace, peace, they say, when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11 NIV). The prophets foretold of a
Everlasting Father and the Last Adam
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). “The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit”