What could that possibly mean to anyone who just stumbled upon this blog - or who purposfully sought it out? Different things to different people I suppose, but for the sake of not trying to be too "Bono" I will clarify for ya all.
I preached a sermon not more than two years ago at Faith Community Church in Santa Clarita. It was a sermon that was crafted in a cold, hard bunk bed in Mexico while on a missions trip. I was desperatly trying to sleep through the rigors of the snores, clucks of chickens and slasa music drifting through the night air. Just when I was staring a good night of sleep in the face....... thoughts started to crystalize in my mind about the need to encourage our church on the subject of faith.
Right there - Right then, I formed up through the prompting of the Holy Spirit a sermon that would have greater impact than I could have ever predicted.
I delivered the message on what my Sr. Pastor (Craig Miller) affectionately titled "Death Sunday" - this is the Sunday between Christmas and New Years. I distinctly remember our Pastor and his family sitting in the front row while I preached this message. What I didn't know is how much the Spirit of God had really crafted this message that night in Mexico 6 weeks prior - for our Pastor and his family were being asked by God to "Get out of the Boat!" This message, apparantly was a confirmation for them as to what God was asking them to do; to serve him outside the traditions and customs that were comfortable and made sense.
Well, it's almost two years later and my family and I are now being asked to get out of the boat.
By the way, let me explain this statement. It is from the account in Scripture (Matt. 14:29-31) where Jesus encourages Peter to get out of the boat and walk on the water with him. The point behind the statement is to act in obedience and walk in faith.
This is where we are and this blog tells our story of getting out of the boat!!
5 comments:
Getting out of the boat is scary. Life defining...do you obey when He calls, is everything that we say in words confirmed to be true by our actions. I am so encouraged by your faith-full actions.
Love and prayers, Brenda
thanks brenda, fairly soon I will start to write about what God has done specifically in our prayers and journey over the past 8 months. It is amazing and inspirational. Our journey is so much better now that we stepped out of the boat!!!!
Hi Jer and family! I was encouraged by your Story! sometimes we fall out of the boat or someone pushes us. We don't always get out the same way. I know God is with us always lifting our heads above water! Thanks again. Dennis R. dmtnbkr@yahoo.com
Jer & Fam,
We miss you guys so very much! Church at FCC feels different. But we know that you are following the LORD and who are we to question Him? We hope to visit you guys at least once a year, and it should be a fun road trip! Weslee & Aaron Koester
Hey ya all - make sure you tune in after the 1st of the year. We will have the whole story ready to go. Please tell me if this helps you in stepping out of the boat and acting in faith -
Just a little faith can grow us a whole lot....
preacher Jer
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