Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?”  Matthew 17:19

The disciples were perplexed. They did everything that Jesus did, yet they still couldn’t cast out the demon. Do we ever feel like the disciples do? We tried everything we think God would want us to do, but yet we still can’t cast out that demon, sickness, anxiety, addiction, ect.  The disciples went to Jesus “privately” to ask him why. They were feeling defeated but let’s see Jesus response:

And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.  Matthew 17:20

They didn’t fail because of their lack of trying, they failed due to their lack of faith. Some of us might even be lacking faith reading these scriptures! But Jesus said if your faith is as small as a “Mustard Seed” you can move mountains.

A mustard seed was the smallest known seed in Israel, so if you have just a little true faith you can move your mountain. A lot of us are still in disbelief when we read this, and that’s why we don’t move any mountains. Faith is what activates Gods miracles.

We can never expect to see Gods miracles without faith. So how do we obtain faith? Your faith is like a seed also, the more time you spend with God, praying and reading his word. The stronger the roots of your faith will grow in Jesus Name Amen

An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. Matthew 16:4

What is the sign of Jonah? People are always challenging God to show them a sign, but Jesus explained, we can look at the sky and tell what the weather will be then why can’t we interpret the season we are in right now?  Do people really not see the signs of the immoral collapse of society? Or do people just play dumb to challenge God as the Pharisees did with Jesus.

To understand the “Sign of Jonah” we must first look at what Jonah did. We all know Jonah spent 3 days and nights in the belly of sea monster (whale). The same is what Jesus predicted he would spend 3 days and nights in the heart of the Earth.

Jesus was predicting his crucifixion and resurrection. The crowd he was speaking to didn’t know about these events to come, but they did know the story of Jonah, which is why he referenced him.

Is our generation still looking for a sign? God sent a sign through his only begotten Son. He took the wages of sins and then defeated death and hell. The sign of our salvation has been sent , so are you still looking for a sign? Look no further then the truth, life , and way in Jesus Name Amen

But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; Exodus 14:13

Are you faced with a great obstacle today? Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, out of the bondages slavery, only to be faced with the Red Sea. In front of him was the Red Sea and behind him was the Egyptian army looking for revenge.

But notice what Moses says , Do not fear! Many people always try to portray Moses as desperate or hopeless when he called out to God to part the Red Sea. But Moses was confident, he knew how great our God is and he will never forsake us.

Notice also Moses said , “see the salvation of The Lord today” we can see the salvation of God today also through his only begotten Son , Jesus Christ. . The name “Yeshua” which is the Hebrew name of Jesus means “Salvation of God”

Later God responds to Moses saying “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward “ (Exodus 14:15-16) God is saying why are you even hesitating or doubting me?  If our faith is strong, we know exactly what God is capable of doing and he will deliver us.

Just as with Jesus it says “Anyone who calls upon the name of The Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13) Jesus is your salvation from God. Do you need to be saved today? Call upon him and he will part your “Red Sea”, he will calm your storm in Jesus Name Amen

“But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. Matthew 15:18

The religious leaders tried to condemn Jesus for not practicing there rituals, but Jesus teaches us its what comes from your heart and mind that defiles you. We all heard of the term “Garbage in , garbage out”. This is practical for our own lives. When we continiually listen and watch evil things , its plants the seed in our own minds and hearts and grows lawlessness.

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

When we set our minds on holy things, we are planting the see for righteousness. Our goal is to live like Christ. When we follow Jesus we are setting ourselves free from the bondages of this world.

So what thought and words are coming from your heart and mind? Are you defiling yourself with profanity and blasphemy? Or are you speaking words of faith , hope , and love? Its important we watch the words we speak, as they have power.

Remember God breathed life into our bodies,(Genesis 2:7) the breathe we speak is essentially the Spirit of God.  Are you defiling yourself with your words and actions or are you speaking life?

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.  James 1:15

Your thoughts and actions gives birth to sin which equals death. Its important we control what we allow to be put into our minds and hearts. Don’t defile yourself with the birth of your sin. Set your mind and heart on God in Jesus name Amen

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27

What is your initial reaction when your life enters a storm? Just as Jesus told his disciples, he is telling you today, Take courage and don’t be afraid!

In life we may feel helpless sometimes like the disciples, floating in a boat in darkness. Sometimes were not sure what is going to happen next, but we should always remember God is with us. Just like the disciples, who thought they were alone in the darkness, Jesus was right by their side.

Only Peter had the courage to ask Jesus if he could walk on the water with him, and when he took that “leap of faith” he was walking on the water with his Lord!

But just as in life, a storm started to come in, Peter quickly lost his faith and began to drown. How many of us start off with strong faith and then begin to whither as the storms rage in?  God tells us to “Be strong and courageous, for God will be with you wherever we go” (Joshua 1:9)

Peter immediately cried out to Jesus, and he saved him. (Matthew 14:30-31) Even when we lose our faith or get off track, its always important to return to God. Even though Peter temporarily lost his faith, Jesus didn’t hesitate in saving him.

Remember if you’re in the storm today, if you feel like your drowning in that boat in the dark sea, Jesus is standing right there with you. Just as Peter did, cry out Lord Save me! And Jesus will grab you from the drowning waters and into his arms Amen!