Today's Photograph: Boating in South Texas (MQ)
Bible Study Verse
Luke 8:22-25
Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out. But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?" (NASB)
Thoughts
I love boats. It hardly matters what kind--rowboats and powerboats, speedboats, ski boats, canoes, and kayaks. But I think I love small sailboats most of all; not tiny ones necessarily (although I love them too!), but about the size that Jesus' disciples used on the Sea of Galilee. In a museum near the Sea of Galilee, I remember seeing one that they believe is from the time of Christ. I have one of my own about that size. When I take it out, I enjoy fantasizing about being with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. Can you just imagine what it must have been like? As much as I would have loved to have been there with Him, in some ways we actually have it better than the Lord's disciples. Think of how often they were confused by the Master's teachings. On this side of the cross we have the complete picture and the whole counsel of His Word that His disciples did not have. But one thing they always knew to do was to run to Jesus with everything. Even though they were experienced seamen, when they thought they were going to perish on the sea, they ran to Jesus. (DWH)
Action Point
Don't wait till you think you are perishing! Run to Jesus now! Stay by His side continuously. Remember: the disciples did not attempt to rebuke the wind and waves, it was Jesus! Let the Lord fight your battles for you (2 Chronicles 20:15b). We don't struggle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). We have no power of ourselves to fight these forces, we need the Lord! Now I am not suggesting that we be unprepared. We are told to prepare for the battle, but it is the Lord that gives the victory. Continually ask yourself the question the Lord asked His disciples: "Where is your faith?" Make sure it is in the Lord!
This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4b).
A Daily Study of God's Word for Christian Sportsmen June 27, 2008 
