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Leandro V. Montoya
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 23 ธ.ค. 2012
I am thankful to God for the opportunity to share these insights. I believe these are the teachings that God has given me, and I'm eager to make the Bible come alive for others.
In His Image: Daily Reflection #Beyond the Storm: Looking to Jesus in Our Trials.
I love how the Word is living and active, and how it can reveal new insights, even when you might have missed them the first dozen times you read it.
I recently did a Bible study on Peter walking on water, but there’s an important second aspect of this story that I’d like to highlight.
It is amazing when God sometimes reveals a different part of a scripture that just blows your socks off because you never thought of it in that aspect or light. For me, one of those moments comes from the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter coming out to Him.
Let’s really look at the situation here: These were skilled fishermen who knew the sea well. They had encountered storms before, but this storm was so severe that it terrified them. They found themselves afraid in the boat, filled with fear. Don't forget the miracle that had just happened: Jesus had fed the 5,000, not including women and children (Matthew 14:21). He sent them ahead, and there they were in the boat without Jesus.
As the storm hit, they were so fearful that they thought they were seeing a ghost walking on the water. Matthew 14:26 states, “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.”
Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). That moment was crucial. Next, Peter said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus simply replied, “Come” (Matthew 14:29).
There are two significant points to this. First, when Peter got out of the boat, he began walking on the water, but as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he started to sink. We know that Jesus reached out and saved him. Jesus didn’t say “Peter, come” just for him; I believe He wanted every disciple to step out of the boat and walk on water too. Unfortunately, their lack of faith held them back.
Secondly, why did the other disciples stay in the boat? How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation in our own lives? We see someone stepping out in faith and think, “I could do that too,” but then we hesitate. I reflect on my life and realize there have been times when I knew I should have been doing something-when I felt that calling from God to get involved in church or to develop a stronger relationship with Him. Yet, I came up with excuses: “Oh, my job is too demanding,” or “If I get a new position, I’ll be too busy.”
There were also moments when I felt unworthy, thinking, “God can’t use me. I have too many problems in my life,” which made me hesitant to even attempt to step out. Yet God doesn’t call us to be perfect; He calls us exactly as we are. He knows the intricacies of our lives.
The disciples were looking at the storm, pleading, “God, please fix this storm first.” But Jesus was saying, “Stop looking at the storm and look to Me.” This year, we each need to make the decision to step out of the boat, stop focusing on our circumstances and the storms of life, and pay attention to Him.
Thank you for joining us for “Beyond the Storm: Looking to Jesus in Our Trials.” Now, let’s take a moment to come together in prayer.
Lord, as we come before You, we seek Your forgiveness for the times we've focused too much on our circumstances and personal struggles, forgetting who You are and what You’re trying to accomplish in our lives. You are our main source of strength, and we acknowledge that You have the power to calm any storm at any moment.
Help us remember to redirect our focus towards You, especially when we feel overwhelmed by trials and tribulations. We know that You are always present, even in our most challenging times.
Lord, teach us to rely on You for answers rather than looking to our problems or seeking solutions elsewhere. Help us to prioritize You in everything we do and to not be sidetracked by our issues.
As we take steps to pursue You, open our eyes and ears to understand what You want to reveal to us. Let us be guided by the Holy Spirit that You have graciously given us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
I recently did a Bible study on Peter walking on water, but there’s an important second aspect of this story that I’d like to highlight.
It is amazing when God sometimes reveals a different part of a scripture that just blows your socks off because you never thought of it in that aspect or light. For me, one of those moments comes from the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter coming out to Him.
Let’s really look at the situation here: These were skilled fishermen who knew the sea well. They had encountered storms before, but this storm was so severe that it terrified them. They found themselves afraid in the boat, filled with fear. Don't forget the miracle that had just happened: Jesus had fed the 5,000, not including women and children (Matthew 14:21). He sent them ahead, and there they were in the boat without Jesus.
As the storm hit, they were so fearful that they thought they were seeing a ghost walking on the water. Matthew 14:26 states, “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.”
Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). That moment was crucial. Next, Peter said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus simply replied, “Come” (Matthew 14:29).
There are two significant points to this. First, when Peter got out of the boat, he began walking on the water, but as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he started to sink. We know that Jesus reached out and saved him. Jesus didn’t say “Peter, come” just for him; I believe He wanted every disciple to step out of the boat and walk on water too. Unfortunately, their lack of faith held them back.
Secondly, why did the other disciples stay in the boat? How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation in our own lives? We see someone stepping out in faith and think, “I could do that too,” but then we hesitate. I reflect on my life and realize there have been times when I knew I should have been doing something-when I felt that calling from God to get involved in church or to develop a stronger relationship with Him. Yet, I came up with excuses: “Oh, my job is too demanding,” or “If I get a new position, I’ll be too busy.”
There were also moments when I felt unworthy, thinking, “God can’t use me. I have too many problems in my life,” which made me hesitant to even attempt to step out. Yet God doesn’t call us to be perfect; He calls us exactly as we are. He knows the intricacies of our lives.
The disciples were looking at the storm, pleading, “God, please fix this storm first.” But Jesus was saying, “Stop looking at the storm and look to Me.” This year, we each need to make the decision to step out of the boat, stop focusing on our circumstances and the storms of life, and pay attention to Him.
Thank you for joining us for “Beyond the Storm: Looking to Jesus in Our Trials.” Now, let’s take a moment to come together in prayer.
Lord, as we come before You, we seek Your forgiveness for the times we've focused too much on our circumstances and personal struggles, forgetting who You are and what You’re trying to accomplish in our lives. You are our main source of strength, and we acknowledge that You have the power to calm any storm at any moment.
Help us remember to redirect our focus towards You, especially when we feel overwhelmed by trials and tribulations. We know that You are always present, even in our most challenging times.
Lord, teach us to rely on You for answers rather than looking to our problems or seeking solutions elsewhere. Help us to prioritize You in everything we do and to not be sidetracked by our issues.
As we take steps to pursue You, open our eyes and ears to understand what You want to reveal to us. Let us be guided by the Holy Spirit that You have graciously given us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
มุมมอง: 32
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In His Image: Daily Reflection # Blueprint for Life.
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1 Peter 3:10-11 " For, Whoever would love life and see good daysmust keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it." Imagine you're at work and encounter a situation where a colleague consistently speaks negatively about others and spreads gossip. Instead of engaging in similar behavior and joining the ...
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We have been liberated from the spirit of fear by the Holy Spirit, who has placed us into the body of Christ. As believers, we have received the spirit of adoption. This adoption provides every believer with freedom from the bondage that we once experienced. The Apostle Paul contrasts slavery and sonship; slavery, which is characterized by fear and isolation, represents our old lives before com...
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Hello everyone watching today! It’s remarkable to think that one year ago, I embarked on this journey of sharing a daily devotion paired with prayer. Initially, I recorded these with my voice, but as time went on, I realized it was taking much too long. However, the most amazing thing is that I not only started but also remained consistent. It wasn’t an easy road, but I took inspiration from th...
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As we welcome the New Year, there’s an incredible sense of possibility that comes with it. For me, it feels like a fresh start-a time for renewal. It reminds me of those hot, humid summer days when you jump into a cool pool or refreshing lake. That sensation of exhilaration and refreshment encapsulates what New Year’s means to me. Although the surrounding environment remains unchanged, you emer...
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Dare to Dream - A Journey of Faith Welcome! Today, we're exploring a powerful question: What is a dream? Do you dare to dream even when others say it’s impossible? Have Faith When we live in doubt and despair, remember the words of Jesus Christ, who said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) Yes, all things are possible to those who believe! Belie...
In His Image: Daily Reflection #Lukewarm No More: The Urgency of Faith in Action
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As Christians, our faith in the Word of God invites us to reflect on the nature of the Church today compared to the early Church described in the Book of Acts. It’s fascinating to consider how different our gatherings and experiences are from those of the early believers, who faced intense persecution for their faith. Have we perhaps left the door ajar for comfortable and lukewarm Christians? R...
In His Image: Daily Reflection # The Heart of Jesus' Ministry: Unpacking the Importance of Prayer
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When we read about the miracles performed by Jesus in the Bible, we often feel a rush of excitement. However, we may overlook the most crucial aspect of His ministry: His relationship with the Father. Jesus came to guide us in living as true Christians, and central to His life was the deep connection He had with God through prayer. The Gospels give us remarkable insight into Jesus’ prayer life....
In His Image: Daily Reflection # Business as usual
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Romans 8:21-22 "That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Looking back on 2020, it's sometimes hard to believe that an entire country experienced a complete shutdown. During that challenging time,...
In His Image: Daily Reflection #Embracing God's Love: Finding Purpose in Pain
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One of the craziest aspects of life is how I remember times when I was angry at God. There were moments I felt overlooked, experienced injustice, and encountered circumstances that made no sense. I often questioned why bad things happen to good people. Reflecting on this now, I realize these feelings were signs of my own immaturity, especially in my walk and relationship with Him. In 1 John 4:1...
In His Image: Daily Reflection # Sovereign Strength: Finding Purpose Through Humility and Faith
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The first key to being useful in God’s kingdom is humility. The Bible warns us that pride can isolate us from God and from one another, leading us to believe that we can accomplish God’s work without relying on His power. When we act out of pride, we may start doing for God without including Him in our decisions, neglecting to seek His guidance through prayer. However, when we surrender our act...
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Christmas is indeed a lovely time of year, a season where many people express kindness and generosity towards one another. The joy of giving gifts and witnessing the expressions of love on the faces of those receiving them is a highlight of the season. However, it is important to recognize that many of the traditions we celebrate during Christmas do not have their roots in the birth of Jesus Ch...
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Gentlemen, Get Ready for an Unforgettable Holiday Breakfast!
มุมมอง 4321 วันที่ผ่านมา
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In His Image: Daily Reflection #Breaking the Cycle: From Tears to Transformation.
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In His Image: Daily Reflection #The Astonishing Story of the Bible
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Just M.E.N. Holiday Breakfast 12/14/2024
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Praise the lord! Wow one year and here is to many more.
Great job, Leandro! Your Bible studies have become my new norm as well every morning. I thank you for your personal insight and for sharing your personal struggles. It shows us that we're not alone in ours and we keep fighting the fight with our Lord and Savior every day. God bless and Congratulations!
Happy New Year
Amen amen
Thank you for sharing this story Leandro. It's tough when we think people are doing things to spite us. But when we honor our Lord in Heaven, he clears things up for us. You two are an inspiration! Merry Christmas to you all.
Amen
❤
good stuff brother
Excellent, thank you Leandro!!!
Great word Leandro!
Hunger and Thirst ❤
Amen
great insight
Amen. Thank you God for everything you do for me and my family and friends 🧡. I'm speechless at the moment 💖. So be it.😇
❤
Great message Leandro.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to listen. I believe tomorrow, December 4, 2024, will be much better-at least i thinks so.
Thanks Leandro for sending these out every day. Truly do enjoy them.
I believe amen
Amen amen
Amen amen
❤❤
Powerful truth!
powerful,as a young Christian I find the word STEADFASTNESS the key to true transformation, even when I stumble, I find God's love to be true ,we are a work in progress,never stop fighting always strive to change and become Christ like he is my peace in life. I will not stop I will ALWAYS fight the good fight its the best life I've ever had
@@victorcastillo9153 It's incredibly inspiring to hear your dedication and faith! Your understanding of steadfastness as a key component of transformation resonates deeply. The journey of faith is indeed one of continual growth, where stumbling is often a part of the process, but it’s comforting to remember that God's love remains constant, welcoming us back every time. In 2 Peter 3:18, we are encouraged to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This highlights that our transformation is a lifelong journey, and each step, even the missteps, can bring us closer to Him. Your resolve to "fight the good fight" reflects the spirit of perseverance that Paul talks about in 1 Timothy 6:12. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for God to refine us and shape us into who He desires us to be. Your commitment to strive for Christ-likeness is a testament to your faith, and it is this very journey that allows you to experience His peace more deeply. Keep pressing on, knowing that you are not alone. God walks with you every step of the way, and your fight for goodness and faithfulness glorifies Him. Continue to lean on Him, and may your heart always be refreshed by His unwavering love and grace. You are making a difference in your life and the lives of others around you through your steadfast spirit!
Awesome bro you did great 4:34
🔥
🙏
good stuff brother
Yes and amen brother!
very powerful brother Leondro,I never heard of such thing,is there a book I can find to read more about this
Foxe's book of martyrs
Wow, that was really good Leandro! I personally didn't know he hung on a cross for 3 days. I also didn't know that he continued to preach from the cross. Absolutely amazing! Even hanging from a cross, the enemy couldn't silent God's will.
This is a wonderful message. Thank you Brother
Super message Leandro! Certainly made me think what I can do differently when sharing my journey and how I came to Christ.
Awesome word this morning!
Gods mighty love and power of restoration:it reminds me of a story I read (I might have the character wrong) of Jacob how after many years HE was restored and blessed even more
Amen,beautiful and powerful
Great testimony of Faith, praise the Lord!! No matter what, we are in His Hands!!
wow,this is so heavy,love it
Amen
I needed this today.
Amen
Good job in trying to deal with the verse.
The Law convicts us that we have sinned and are deserving of of death on the cross as a criminal. The Law does not justify us, it brings conviction of sin. That's why people many times commit suicide because they have failed, but if they are given the Gospel -Good News of what Christ did for us in taking our place and was treated like a Criminal, died for us on the Cross, and rose again to conquer sin and death and respond in faith, they will be saved from the punishment they deserve. The Galatians were trying to be Justified by the Law, but real justification/Righteousness comes by believing God's love for us shown in Christ finished work and receiving His Lordship His Right to rule in our lives to do His Will, not our own will. The Podcast by Ray Comfort of Living Waters shows this process so well -see it for yourself!!!
Great word! We can't skip the discipline part and still be a disciple!
@@GrahamMayfield so true!
Me and Sheri missed you when you’d be gone!!!! But I would tell all my friends of how you travel the world on your missions. No matter what paths have been put in front of you you over come whatever it is. You truly were and are an inspiration to your younger cousins even if we don’t or didn’t tell you enough. ❤😊
I wanted to address a small mistake I made in my recent TH-cam video. In one of my earlier edits, I mentioned, “infamous Johnny Cash; although he sings about Folsom Prison, he only spent time in jail but did have his run-ins with the law.” As I worked on the video, which took me about 2.5 hours at night after my regular job and family has gone to bed. I overlooked this detail. I edited the content on my phone through OneNote but didn’t update it on my computer before finalizing the video. I appreciate your understanding, and I hope you can see the bigger picture of what I’m trying to convey. Thank you!
All good!❤🎶🎸☮
Cash never pulled time ,just visited
❤
Johnny Cash was never in prison. He was arrested and jailed seven times but no prison. And he was not in county jail for more than just the one night any of the seven times that he was arrested. Get your facts straight please.
Thank you for pointing that out! I appreciate the correction-Johnny Cash's rebellious image often blurs those details. It's fascinating how his music reflected those brief run-ins with the law, creating a powerful narrative that resonated with so many. Always good to have the facts straight while discussing such an iconic artist!
Thanks for the word, the truth of God. And for the prayers
Love you so much my lord jesus ❤❤❤