Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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Godly Abiding Spiritually in Jesus Changes the Meaning of What we See Worldly When Not Abiding in Jesus.

Spirituality is our innate ability to feel the difference worldly or godly thinking makes to the way scripture translates to our daily life and relationships.

All Scripture is a testimony to Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God. He is the complete revelation of God’s will of grace for salvation. Grace is the only unfailing rule of faith and practice for the Christian life.

The Gospel of grace is: rather than trying to be more faithful to become faithful, we become faithful by feeling the Faith God already has for and in us.

The Strength of Christianity is Grace

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Another name for Jesus is "Grace". Another name for God is "Grace". We are saved by GRACE. "Love" is not Love if it is not grace. This is true for "Faith", "Hope", "Joy" and all other theological words of significance in the scripture.

Until someone experiences the grace gift in their lives, all other theological words have no real meaning. Why not begin to use the word "grace" in place of "Jesus", "God", "the Spirit", "Love" and so on? It might seem inappropriate to do so. However, until it is actually experienced it will make no sense at all.

That is what this year is all about. Grace, did you get it?

The greatest tragedy is indifference.

Being indifferent to the Presence of the Spirit of Jesus is the Greatest Story we can never tell. Not being indifferent to the Presence of the Spirit of Jesus is the Greatest Story we can ever tell.

Pray this prayer from the Collect for this Sunday:

”Grant to us, Lord, we pray for the spirit to think and do always those things that are right to be enabled to live according to your will.”

Now quietly move into God's Presence and pray the prayer again:

“Grant to us, Lord, we pray for the spirit to think and do always those things that are right to be enabled to live according to your will.”

Did you feel the difference?

Matthew 14:22-23 “TAKE HEART”

When walking on water, never say “oops”

Jesus is constantly comparing the difference being “in or out” of the Kingdom makes. In the literal mind a parable is an allegory, “it is like this.” The spiritual mind compares and contrasts the stories to discover the difference they make.

This story is a “one shot” miracle. It is for one person for one time only. After he had dismissed the crowds, He went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. He now had His special time to work through the loss of His friend and comrade. The lesson here is about priorities. If he had gone off alone to grieve He would not have had the chance to manifest the Power of God and who He was and why He came. In this way He was able to do both. It is called Wisdom that comes from being in the Presence of God. He is open to all of us when we are willing to be open to Him.

Meanwhile the disciples were crossing the waters. The boat was battered by the waves and the wind. Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. They cried out in fear, “it is a ghost!” “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The wind ceased and the disciples worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

This story is about the meaning of faith. The miracle of Peter’s walking on water was a one shot opportunity. There is a good chance that Peter tried it again.

It was after the resurrection. Peter and some of the disciples went fishing. They caught nothing all night. There was that shadowy figures on shore who called to them, “Did you do any good”.  “Nothing!”  “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Peter wrapped his garment around him and jumped into the water. It was a one time experience for Peter as this time he had to swim ashore.

Where is your faith? In the Greek mind the question can lead to a guilt trip. If only you have more faith. In the grace mind of compare and contrast, it shows the difference being in or out of the Presence can make. When we let the storms of life overwhelm us and we let our rational head take over our conscious heart, we sink. When we open our heart to Jesus He can pull us out of our stress and tribulations and bring His Peace and Wisdom to us.

“Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always
those things that are right to be enabled to live according to your will.”

THE DISCIPLE-SHIFT: The Virtual Small Group: Members share once a week with their group through the internet when a shift from being out to being in the Presence made a difference.