Do You Hear The Whisper? #302

John 6:16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they *saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. 20 But He *said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Jesus and His disciples had just observed one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the Bible; the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves of barley and two small fish. Jesus in a somewhat normal pattern went into the wilderness to be alone. Likely exhausted from ministry during the day He retreated for some time to be alone.

The disciples moved toward the sea, their place of re

treat. Jesus was not with them as they climbed into their boats to travel to Capernaum. It was already dark. The sea became restless as the strong winds began to blow. Three or four miles out into the sea they saw Jesus. He was not in another boat, but was walking on the water; another incredible miracle.

Seeing Jesus walking on the water and coming near the boat caused them to respond with fear. Jesus in His concerned way simply told them, “I am here, don’t be afraid.” He climbed into the boat with them and soon they were in Capernaum.

How often are you afraid? Fear is a driving factor in most people’s lives. The fear includes family, jobs, health, spiritual needs and a plethora of life’s dilemmas. What do your hear when you are afraid? You more than likely have thoughts in your mind that even make it worse. The need is to listen to the voice of Jesus. He is whispering in your ear, “I am here. Do not be afraid.” Jesus has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He is here with you right now.

_________________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from McDonalds in Eldon, MO

My Dad went on to be with Jesus on Friday. His funeral is today, June 4th. 

He would have celebrated his 89th birthday on June 3rd. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His life was an example of his faith. He was a man of impeccable  character. He loved his family and his Savior. His activities in life included his work as a TV repairman, a deacon and Sunday school teacher in his church. No doubt his greatest love of life was his wife who preceded him in death seven years ago. He kept saying all along that he just wanted to go on the heaven to be with her. His wish has been fulfilled. 

He was a great influence in my life. I will miss him and look forward to seeing him again. 

This past week Sandy and I took some of our grandchildren camping. 

We had a great time. Mandy and John brought their two little ones; Justin and Johnny. Collin came along with one of his friends from school. We tried a little fishing, ate a lot of food, and just enjoyed one another. The other two grandsons; Burke and Bennett, are still in school and didn't get to come along. 

Thanks so much for your prayers during the past few days. "God is good" and I am aware of that truth now more than ever. 

Heaven is a little sweeter place because Dad is there. 

May God bless you today.  

                                  ~ DGW

No "Shrinking Violets" Here #303

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The number of disciples had shrunk from twelve to eleven. Jesus had asked them to meet Him on the mountain. The thoughts going through their minds had to be greatly mixed. They may have considered that now was the time for the overthrow of the Roman government. It could be they knew something of major consequences was about to transpire. No matter what they were thinking it was obvious they were meeting with the One who had risen from the dead and was promising to leave them. Their reaction was worship and yet doubt. Is Jesus really God? Is He expecting something from them? What ever was greeting them when Jesus arrived was going to be overwhelming.

It was just that. Jesus announced that He had all authority in heaven and in earth and then spoke to the disciples with the authority that let them know He was giving them that same authority. The words from Jesus could more likely mean, “As you are going about life: MAKE DISCIPLES! They were disciples, but Jesus wanted the message passed on to others. How was that to happen? It would be accomplished as the current disciples followed Jesus’ instructions. “As you go, make disciples of all peoples on the earth. As the nations believed; baptize them. But more than that teach them everything I have taught you. Three years of following Jesus was not just to learn, but to learn in order to pass it on.

The promise of Jesus to them was simply, “I will be with you to the end of the age.” For all of their lives the person of the Holy Spirit would empower them with the authority of Jesus to make disciples much like they had become disciples. That command from Jesus has not changed. You are still called to make disciples.

_____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

I truly appreciate your prayers during this past week. It was a very tiring week. My Dad's funeral was last Wednesday. It was a beautiful service honoring him and bringing glory to His Savior Jesus Christ. It was good to see so many of Dad's friends and family. I was blessed by not only the love and support from people in Eldon, MO, but so many of you who sent emails or comfort and encouragement. (see pics of my Dad, my brother and I and the old home place (now abandoned) of my Great Grandparents on my Mom's side of the family.

It was good to get home. On the plane I was chilling and by the time I got home had a fever. I was able to hold out until Saturday. I went into the hospital on Saturday afternoon with fever and lots of pain: Cholangitis again. Got out of the hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Feeling better. I do plan on being back at my activities including preaching Sunday at FBC Intersect Service. See you there. 

The last three weeks have been a strain on me and Sandy. So appreciate you prayers. 

Blessings to all of you.  ~ DGW