Launch Out Into The Deep:
www.launch-out.com, Acacia Slaton
Read: Matthew 14:22-31
In this passage of scripture we become acquainted with Peter. Peter stands out amongst the other disciples because he was one whose flaws and weaknesses were visible. He was far from perfect, yet Jesus called him a rock. A rock is made of hard naturally formed material. In slang we sometimes characterize a person as a rock because we see them as dependable. Peter became one of the first great leaders in the church. Jesus called Peter a great leader and believed he was dependable even though he often did not measure up to those standards readily. In other words, Jesus saw something in Peter he did not see in himself. Jesus did not focus on Peter's failures or weaknesses because He knew what he could become if he continued to serve and obey Him.
Once Peter and the other disciples were in great trouble; they were far out at sea and the wind and waves were fierce. At about 3:00 in the morning they saw Jesus walking towards them on the water. The disciples were terrified and believed they saw a ghost. Jesus spoke and said, "It's alright," he said. "I am here! Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Then Peter called to Him, "Lord, if it's really you tell me to come to you by walking on water" (Matthew 14:28). So Peter stepped out of the boat and was courageous until he began to look at his surroundings. He became fearful of the raging water and began to sink. He cried, Jesus, save me!" Jesus came to his rescue. "You don't have much faith Jesus said,' "Why did you doubt me?" (Matthew 14:31)
There are many times we may feel distant from God because of the trials we endure in this journey of life. Our trials can become so intense that we feel we can't carry on. It seems the more we pray our debts increase, anxiety increase, conflict with people increase, and our own personal failures increase. Don't be discouraged! You may say that sounds great but what can I do? Cry out to God. He hears your prayer. He desires to answer speedily but we sometimes believe our problem is too difficult for him to solve. Sometimes we have to be honest and say, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (Mark 9: 24)
1) Write about an experience in your life in which you were terrified and believed you were alone?
2) When you go through hard times do you cry out to God in prayer and believe he can help or do you doubt him and believe your situation is too difficult for Him to handle?
3) Share about an experience or trial that you know you would not have come through had it not been for God's grace and mercy.
Inspirational Poetry
Launch Out Into The Deep
Sometimes fear will get in the way and keep us away from our destiny. God calls us out to lead; but we keep looking at reality.
Our current location is not where God wants us to rest.
We focus on our problems they only cause us to stress.
To leave a comfortable place is a hard decision to make;
but remember God is with you every step you take.
God is here to lift you up when you feel weak.
Hold your head up, take your first step and Launch Out Into The Deep!
Words of the Wise
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.
- Martin Luther
Selah (Pause and Meditate): Psalm 69:1 Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold to stand on. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. in Peter he did not see in himself. Jesus did not focus on Peter's failures or weaknesses because He knew what he could become if he continued to serve and obey Him.
Dear Young Black Man,
There is an issue that plagues the mind and heart of every, and I mean every young male. In fact, you can count on it to continue to be around. It can be misunderstood, under-discussed, overly discussed and overly indulged. I am talking about sex and lust.
This is a popular topic. I intend to come off as real as possible. This is from a guy who has seen things. I am not coming of as a prodigy who reads and theorize all day about what is going on in the world. I am here too. Walking the same battles and living the same race. Sex is the basis of the double standards and hypocrisies of this world. Men are praised for it, women are shamed for it. It bolsters the guy’s reputation, while it denigrates the woman’s reputation. And let’s face it guys, if you are not participating, then something is wrong with you. This attitude and mindset leaves women (or young ladies) to choose from a multitude of men who operate with such flaw. This is sad.
So young brotha, if you feel like you have to validate yourself to the women (and guys) to show what a man you are, then you could not be any further from the truth. Thinking like this will only sidetrack you from greatness. Books from “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill to “Makes Me Wanna Holla” by Nathan McCall state the virtues of being straight-laces. These books can be no different from each other, but they share a key similar component. Societal experiences from myself and these people only serves to legitimize the Word from the Bible. See, I have come to realize that God’s Word isn’t just here to “pull rank” or show authority. It is here for OUR OWN GOOD. It gives us nuggets of wisdom and then states the consequences of adhering to it or not adhering to it.
Sex is the product of passion, hormones, and lust. The elements of sex are very powerful. If used incorrectly and unharnessed, it will cause hurt, pain, incarceration, and death. If two immature minds engage in frivolous sex, somebody will inevitably get hurt. It creates attachment and a sense of entitlement to one another that few people are ready for. This leads to a broken heart, mistrust, and trauma. And for a lot of men, it can lead to a callous heart towards women, disenabling you to know what real love is. Sex initiates the connection of two souls. It’s been said that we are spiritual beings living in a human experience. Well, if this is the case then everything we do has a spiritual meaning and connotation to it. Sex is just as spiritual as it is physical. Young brothas, PLEASE REALIZE THAT! It creates baggage, baggage that is carried around from relationship to relationship, person to person. And who really wants to deal with baggage? Life is tough enough by itself without the problems of baggage. Think about that.
It is paramount that you not let lust consume you. The power of lust has put a bevy of promising lives behind bars. Yes, rape is often a product of lust. It has caused an old king by the name of David to kill one of his soldiers. It has also inevitably brought death to his one of his offspring. It has made many men among you fall short of their destiny. The power of lust has started wars. Having said all of that, in naming the few atrocities that is the product of lust, you must remember one thing: it is inevitable. It is a daily battle to rid yourself of these demons. If you find yourself inundated with such emotions, prayer works wonders (It does for me). Extricating or removing yourself out of that situation mentally (and physically if necessary) is the best move. Communicate to somebody about it. It’s as simple as that. We are in a world that SELLS SEX. Things are crazy and it is absolutely vital that you find the willpower to combat engaging in follies such as premature sex. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of controlling this emotion.
In this passage, my intent was to be as real as possible about the realities of my experiences and knowledge. Ponder on this for a sec: Any two people can engage in sexual intercourse. It doesn’t take much to get it started. But for two people, man and woman, who truly loves each other, that’s beautiful. The Bible offers the best solution to avoid the hurts and pains of promiscuity. Sex under the sanctity of marriage. That is the perfect scenario. I tell you from experience, striving for perfection in this case will rid your life of a lot of headache and unnecessary drama. It’s your choice, it really is.
And I didn’t even the mention unwanted pregnancies, STD’s, and HIV/AIDS.
*13% of us in the nation, 40% of the total AIDS population.
The choice is yours. Seek perfection.
*This is according to The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation,a non-profit, private operating foundation focusing on the major health care issues facing the nation.
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