Walking on Water

Hey, it's David again. Today was such a powerful day at church, I just had to write about it. Our service was a look back at the journey that God has allowed us to be a part of for the last 3 years. Seeing what God has brought us through over the past years reminds me of the decision I had to make one Sunday evening. I remember it like it happened yesterday. It's a story I like to call "Walking on Water".

The months leading up to the launch of Vinings Lake was very stressful in the Smith home to say the least. Rhonda (aka Mitzi) had already surrendered to God's will on this matter, and in normal fashion I simply was NOT going to go down without swinging. If you know Rhonda, you know she is a woman of God. She is a prophet (just like Pastor Johnny Hunt's wife), and when she decides to do something (if its in God will) it is going to happen, no matter what. The subtle hints of supporting Vinings Lake were miminal at first, and were usually confronted with my continuous denials and refusals to even listen to the idea. God began to turn up the heat as well. Not living in God's will can be miserable to say the least. As most of you already know, I once did broadcast audio at FBCW. I was content with doing this, telling myself this is my way to serve the Lord. FBCW is a wonderful place. But if your not careful you can become too comfortable with it. God made this very apparent to me one Sunday night while serving in the studio. Pastor Johnny was preaching about getting out of your comfort zone. I beleive he called it "Getting out of the boat". It was about the story of Jesus walking on water, and Peter's initial and brief experience of putting TOTAL trust in the Lord. I began to think of the experiences in life I may be missing out on sitting there in my comfort zone. After his sermon, I decided then and there to give this a shot. I remember it so well because my son was there with me in the studio. He was 8 at the time, and probably doesnt remember it as well as I do, but I asked him to kneel and pray with me about this journey God had prepared for my family to experience. Looking back on the journey, I have learned so much over the last 3 years. And just as Peter did in the story, once your eyes are removed from the target there will be trials and difficulties. This MUST be pointed out as well: if you never get out of the boat, you will NEVER experience the joy in life that God has prepared for you. And NEVER become comfortable in your walk with the Lord. Jesus challenged Peter to step out of the boat that stormy night, and he challenged me to do the same that night at FBCW.


Matthew 14
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[b] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Random Verses for Today

"We don't reduce Christ to what we are, he raises us to what he is."

"Forget about self-confidence, it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence."

Verses from 1 Corthians 10, The Message

Happy Valentines Day!

The older I get the more I am understanding true love. You can see true love in his eyes. You can feel it in his touch. You can see it when he's worshiping God. You can hear it when he prays with you. You can see it in his love for our kids. You can see it in the things he does, especially helping me when I know he doesn't want to. It is unconditional, loving me at my worst and my best. It means I sometimes have to say I'm sorry. It means putting his needs ahead of mine. It's in the joy I get from making him happy. True love never quits, true love never fails.