January 4 2015 Getting Unstuck In My Faith

GETTING UNSTUCK IN MY FAITH

PETER’S STORY OF GETTING UNSTUCK
John 13:38; 18:25-27; 21:1-19

“And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” – Romans 6:4

HOW TO GET UNSTUCK IN MY FAITH
( 3 LESSONS FROM PETER’S STORY )
JOHN 21:1-12

1.  Admit THAT I AM Stuck.

“Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.  This is how it happened.  Several of the disciples were there - Simon Peter, Thomas. . . .  Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ ‘We’ll come, too,’ they all said.  So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.” – John 21:1-3

“When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.” – James 4:10

2.  BE Open  TO God’s Voice.

“At dawn the disciples saw Jesus standing on the beach, but they couldn’t see who he was.  He called out, ‘Friends, have you caught any fish?’’  ‘No,’ they replied.  Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get plenty of fish!’  So they did, and they couldn’t draw in the net because there were so many fish in it.” – John 21:4-6

“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”” – Proverbs 14:12

“‘My thoughts are completely different from yours,’’ says the LORD.  ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’” – Isaiah 55:8

3.  Commit TO God’s Plan.

“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’  When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and swam ashore.  The others stayed with the boat. . . . When they  got there, they saw that a charcoal fire was burning and fish were frying over it, and there was bread. . . .  ‘Now come and have some breakfast!’ Jesus said.” – John 21:7-12

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

Definition of UNSTUCK: Moving forward in my life because I am willing to give God complete control.

Unstuck is simply moving forward in my life because I’m willing to give God

Memory Verse: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” – Romans 12:1-2

June 26 2011 When You Feel You're Sinking

When You Feel You're Sinking

Matt. 14:22-32
Verse 30 -But when he saw he wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord save me.

LESSONS FROM JESUS WHEN I'M SINKING

1. Storms come to God's best people.

Verse 22 – Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side.

2. The Lord of the storm is praying.

Verse 23 – He went up into the hills by Himself to pray.

John 17:9 – I pray for them.

3. He is watching.

Verse 24 – The boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves.

Matt. 10:30 – Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

4. He will also come to us. 

Verse 25 – During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

5. He will help us.

Verse 32 – When He climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Heb. 13:5 – Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.

John 14:1 – Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M SINKING

1. Have courage.

Mark 6:50 – Jesus said to them, take courage, it is I, don't be afraid.

2. Take a risk in Faith.

Verse 28-29 – Lord, if it is You , Peter replied, tell me to come to You on the water. Come, Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came to Jesus.

3. Stay focused on Jesus.

Verse 30 – But when Peter looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. Save me Lord, he shouted.

4. Don't doubt.

Verse 31 – Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. You of little faith He said, why did you doubt?