Vineyard Community Church: Greenwood, Indiana

(Jesus) “I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm – I will come to you.” John 14:18 [TLB] Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. Psalm 77:19 [NIV] The Miracle of Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:15-21) What Does Jesus Do When I’m Sinking? 1. Jesus sees my struggle. - He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Mark 6:48 [NIV] 2. Jesus comes close to me. - About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. Mark 6:48 [NIV] 3. Jesus reveals himself to me. - When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought he was a ghost, and they started screaming. All of them saw him and were terrified. But at the same time he said, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:49-50 [CEV] What Am I To Do When I’m Sinking? 1. Take courage. - Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 [NIV] Mark 2:1-12 How To Put My Faith In Action 1. Care for people who are hurting. - When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Philippians 2:3 [NCV] - We must not think only of ourselves. We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith. Romans 15:1-2 [GW] - The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7 [NIV] 2. Have faith for people who have lost hope. - When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20 [NIV] - Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18 [NLT] 3. Expect Jesus to do a miracle. - Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 [NLT

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14 [NIV] How To Experience A Breakthrough Miracle 1. Invite Jesus into my situation. - Jesus got into one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, and asked him to push off a little from the land. Then Jesus sat down and continued to teach the people from the boat. Luke 5:3 [NCV] 2. Admit that my efforts have failed. - “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing.” Luke 5:4-5 [NLT] 3. Obey whatever Jesus tells me to do. - “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 [NIV] - Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. Luke 5:5 [KJV] 4. Expect a breakthrough miracle. - This time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brou

Things That Get Us Off Track Sin messes everything up. - Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1 [NIV] Disappointment discourages us from trying. - The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him; “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 [NIV] - “You will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 [NLT] Comparison takes your eyes off the target. - When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:21-22 [NIV] How To Stay The Course 1. Keep the vision in front of me. - Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 [NIV] - “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” N

But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 [NLT] So You’ve Heard From God… Does It Pass The “L.O.M.P.” Test? 1. Line Up with God’s word? - “But the word of the Lord remains forever.” 1 Peter 1:25 [NLT] - Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 [NLT] 2. Others confirm? - Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 [NKJV] 3. More like Jesus? - In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 [NCV] - I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 [NIV] 4. Peace experienced? - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank in for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] “When t

As the LORD was passing by, a fierce wind tore mountains and shattered rocks ahead of the LORD. But the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the LORD wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire. But the LORD wasn’t in the fire. And after the fire there was a quiet, whispering voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12 [GW] I can better hear God when I… 1. Create more space in my life. - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 [NIV] - I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 [NIV] 2. Get familiar with God’s voice. - Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 1 Samuel 3:7 [NIV] - “I am the good shepherd: I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:14 [NIV] - “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 [NIV] 3. Actively listen for God’s whisper. - “I

“Pay attention…and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.” Job 33:31 [NIV] God is always speaking. - He will speak what He hears. He will tell you of things to come. John 16:13 [NLV] God speaks in different ways. - For God does speak – now one way, now another. Job 33:14 [NIV] People do not always understand. - For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. Job 33:14 [NLT] God Speaks… 1. Through His Word. - All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT] 2. Through Other People. - Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 1 Timothy 4:14 [NLT] 3. Through Conviction and Impression. - Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power,

Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:17 [NIV] Beginning to Understand How God’s Will Works 1. God’s Will is Ultimately Good. - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 [NIV] 2. God’s Will is both Universal and Specific. 3. God’s Will is Redemptive. - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called to his purpose. Romans 8:28 [NIV] ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30 [NIV] How to Get Myself Ready 1. Examine My Heart. - Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. Psalm 26:2 [NIV] 2. Care for My Soul. - He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3 [ESV] 3. Reset My Mind. - The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind