When Jesus Is In The Boat

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

“But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.” -John 6:20-21 KJV

“but he called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here!‘ Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!” -John 6:20-21 NLT

All it takes is simply the sound of His voice. He speaks peace, and the storms of our life stills. He speaks and the calm of His voice brings a comfort that is inexplicable. The disciples of Jesus experienced that peace at the sound of His voice.

When they were on the shore, they were waiting for Jesus. Jesus had not yet arrived even though it was dark. They got into the boat and rowed out to sea. Three to four miles into the sea, the boat was buffeted by waves because of a great wind that had come over the waters. Then, some time during the early hours, Jesus had come out walking upon the waters. He was getting close to the boat. They had seen him in the distance, and they were frightened thinking they were seeing a ghost.

His voice and the words He spoke calmed them, “It is I; do not be afraid…” There is something so calming about Jesus reminding us of who He is. He is the Prince of Peace. He calms us during the storms of our life. He calms us when we are scared. He comforts us when we are hurting. When it seems like our life is about to capsize, there He is, “It is I; do not be afraid.” We, like the disciples, can willingly receive Jesus onboard. We don’t need to worry. He’ll take care of the situation and handle all our cares and our anxieties. All we have to do is rest and trust in Him, obeying what He tells us to do.

The word “received” in this verse comes from the transliteration of the Greek word “lambanō,” meaning to clasp onto or take hold of. They knew Him. They knew His voice which calmed them. They willingly received Him and clutched onto Him. They took hold of Him. Above all, with Jesus, they knew they were safe.

Those who are children of the Lord recognize His voice. He speaks, “Peace! Be Still!”; that alone is enough to give us assurance of His presence, dispelling all fear and doubt. We can rest in Christ with the knowledge that He has everything under control. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” (John 14:27).

Lord, thank You for the assurance You give us and for Your Words of Truth. You, O Lord, are the Prince of Peace and there is none like You. Because we trust and hope in You, we do not need to be afraid for Your perfect love expels all fear. We willingly take hold of You, clasping and clinging onto You. Help us to always cherish and embrace the Truth You speak. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

Our Standing Before God Matters

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

HOLY FIRE 1

Our standing before God matters. Either we are hot or we are cold.  If we’re lukewarm, God will spit us out of His mouth. The Word of God states, in Revelation 3:15-16(BSB), “I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of My mouth!”

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Have you ever had a lukewarm drink? It’s not pleasant. It tastes horrible, and like a lukewarm drink was the Church of Laodicea in the mouth of God. The Church of Laodicea was made up of nominal believers. They were self-satisfied and self-reliant, hardened in heart, and didn’t stand up for anything. They were so content with their possessions, having all they wanted, they did not realize they were spiritually bankrupt as we are shown in Revelation 3:17(NLT), where Jesus said to the Church, “And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,” (Revelation 3:17NLT).
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This is not a position any of us want to be in before God.
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REFLECTION: “So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference,” (Revelation 3:18-19NLT). This is the counsel of Jesus Christ to the Church of Laodicea, but it is very much for you today. The purpose of the Lord’s discipline is to turn you back to Him, the only one in whom salvation can be found. If you are finding yourself lukewarm in your devotion to God, then draw close to Him through repentance and confession. Don’t wait. Be washed and cleansed through the reading and study of His Word. Consecrate yourself to Him in both service and worship, and answer His call to you. Let Him restore you. “‘Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches,'” (Revelation 3:20-22NLT).

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PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, salvation is found in no other. Only You are able to restore and make a person whole. Father, I’m sorry for compromising Your Word and for being indifferent to the things of God. I’m sorry for relying on my own self-sufficiency. Father, I ask You to forgive me, and wash me clean.  Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, O God, and restore me as only You can do.  Father, I give myself fully to You, to live for You and to honor You.  May I seek out Your ways, and may I always stand for the Truth of Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles
“Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him.'” -John 14:23(BSB)