August 25, 2013

The Dream
And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, It is a ghost! and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. 28 And Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. 29 He said, Come. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me. 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? Matt 14:26-31 (ESV)

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. Im absolutely convinced that nothingnothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkableabsolutely nothing can get between us and Gods love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Rom 8:31-39 (The Message)

Dont believe everything you _______________________!

I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23 (NLT)

Jer 31:3; Is 49:16; Psa 139:13

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didnt hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldnt gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of Gods chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for uswho was raised to life for us!is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christs love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

Life Group Questions 1. What was the highlight of your week? 2. Look up Jer 31:3; Is 49:16; Psa 139:13. Write them out in your own words. How could these affect our thinking, feelings, and actions if we strongly believed them? 3. Jot down some negative things that you have heard or assume to be true about yourself, God, and others. As a group, determine whether these facts are really true, or are false beliefs. Help one another find scripture to replace these lies with truth. 4. Pray for one another.