Matthew 14:28 - 31   “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “ Come ,”  he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.   But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.  “ You of little faith ,”  he said,  “ why did you doubt ?” You of little faith; why did you doubt? Notice Jesus didn't ask, "why did you doubt me?" Jesus was asking about doubt, but not necessarily doubt in Jesus. He could ask us the same question. How often do we have doubt in ourselves or our circumstances? Oftentimes, I find that I have loads of faith in Jesus but doubt that I can do whatever. I don't know if I will succeed or complete the task or do it as well as someone else. I sink.  Instead of trusting in the call - Jesus beckoned Peter "Come", - we trust in ourselves. On a good day, we answer ...

For full disclosure, I want to say up front that this was inspired by a talk that is part of series of talks for the Walk to Emmaus.  The talk is always given by clergy and is titled Obstacles to Grace.  This is not that talk, but it is somewhat inspired by it.  I thought I’d share a bit about the obstacles to grace that we sometimes put between us and God and between us and others. First I want to say that God’s grace is free.   It is endless.  It is for everyone.   It is amazing to me that we are even extended God’s grace, because we certainly don’t deserve it! It is amazing to me that He provides us with anything at all, especially His Grace. What is grace?  Unmerited favor…. It is a gift freely given - the recipient having done nothing to deserve it, and no expectation of paying it back or requirement for paying it forward.  Several years ago, we did a lock in for the youth where Pastor Gil Hubbard was tasked w...