He Will Keep Us From Sinking

 written by Tracey Schultz Graham 4/1/15:

This morning as I was journaling my time with God, I wrote down on my index card Matthew 14:30-31.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was frightened; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

As I was writing I focused on the words "frightened" vs 30 and "immediately" vs 31. There are times I become "frightened" just like Peter, then I start to doubt and just like Peter, I begin to sink. Then I feel guilty because of "my little faith." This verse tells us that although we start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith falters. But this doesn't mean we have failed - failing would be staying in our doubt. True faith is calling out to Jesus to save us, to keep us from sinking, knowing that he's the only one who can. 

Then I focused on the word "immediately" vs 31. Jesus "immediately" answered Peter's cry for help! How awesome to know that God will "immediately" save us no matter how many times we fail him. He may not change our storm right now but he will keep us from sinking. 

Sunset over Lake Okeechobee on one of our camping trips 2021.

Genesis 3 A Deceiver

  

This chapter took place before records were being made so it is called pre-history. Also, it doesn’t specifically tell us how long they lived in the Garden of Eden. 

This chapter continues to discuss, God, Adam & Eve. This is the introduction of the serpent who is described as a deceiver. 

Songs of Faith

Growing up in church and with parents who sang together I learned so many wonderful songs that I taught my own children. They are now passing on those beautiful songs to their own children.

Music is our way of expressing joy, good times together and worship of our God. Some times a song is a good reminder that we are being "held" in the midst of all circumstances, no matter how dark or how difficult. Through joy and sorrow a song can penetrate the soul deeply in many ways. 

The songs of faith that I grew up with are a reminder to me even today of God's goodness and love in everything. Some days when nothing else makes sense a song carries the message of hope and healing.

This picture was taken in Charleston, South Carolina when I visited in

March, 2016.