quick question for you …
Hey there, friend.
It’s Jennifer. Because I want to serve you well in 2018, I’m wondering if you could take three minutes to give me your feedback, by taking this short survey.
I’ve been blogging for nearly ten years, and for the first time, I am surveying my readers! I want to know what you care about, and how I can continue to encourage you in the years ahead with blogs, books, and more.
Would you take a couple of minutes to give me your feedback? I’d love that so much.
Find the survey here.
Gratefully yours,
Jennifer
A Special Welcome to Our New Friends
So many of you have been with us since 2009, but we’ve added lots of new friends in the last few weeks and months. If you’re new here, welcome! Below, you’ll find the kind of content that I provide (usually once a week, on Tuesdays), right here on the blog, as well as on my social media channels: Instagram and Facebook.
Read on for encouragement …
In Oceans Deep, My Faith Will Stand
It’s one remarkable moment in history. With a single word, Jesus calls Peter out upon the waters. “Come.”
Peter started out with good intentions, but faltered and began to sink. When his faith fell, Peter reached out for Jesus.
“Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31).
Do you know the song “Oceans” by Hillsong United? Every time I sing it, I think of that moment between Peter and Jesus, where Jesus IMMEDIATELY reaches out a hand.
When I sing that song, I sing it with all my heart: “In oceans deep, my faith will stand.”
But here’s what I know, it’s not my OWN self that keeps me afloat. It’s not my boot-strappiness, my ambition, my energy level, my abilities, or my intellect. Yes, my faith will stand — but never on its own.
Without Jesus in the water with me, I will sink. Every time.
In oceans deep, my faith will stand — but only, only, ONLY because Jesus holds me and my faith in His hands.
Where are you today? Are you sinking? Is your faith faltering?
Look for Jesus. “Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand.”
Dear Lord, Thank you for being faithful, even when we are faithless. Thank you for taking our mustard seeds and moving mountains. Thank you for immediately reaching out for us, even when we fall. Thank you for loving us, not for how far we walk on water, but simply for the fact that we are stepping out and walking toward you. “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters,” straight to you… In Jesus’ name, Amen.
#TellHisStory
Hey Tell His Story crew! It is a joy to gather here every week with you. The linkup goes live each Tuesday at 4 p.m. (CT). If you would use the badge on your blog, found here, that would be great! And if you would visit at least one other blogger in the link-up and encourage them with a comment, that would be beautiful! Be sure to check the sidebar later. I’ll be featuring one of you over there!
Our featured writer this week is Tara Ulrich. If you’ve seen The Greatest Showman, I think you’ll love her post. But even if you haven’t seen the movie, her words about being beloved children of God are sure to encourage you. Find Tara here.
To be considered as our featured writer, be sure to use our badge or a link to my blog from your post. xo Jennifer
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Ten years of blogging. That is a wonderful milestone. In my own journey of brave faith, Matthew 14:29 came up over and over. The whole story of Peter walking on water was pivotal in my faith journey. I also love the song “Oceans” and sing with everything in me. I just heard a new version by Caleb and Kelsey that takes “Oceans” and “You Make Me Brave” and puts them together. It is amazing.
Your song is calling out an even older song from my memory bank:
“Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus.
Vast, unending, boundless, free.
Rolling like a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of your love.
Leading onward, leading homeward
To your glorious rest above.”
Congratulations on ten years. Wow. I can’t remember when our paths crossed. I think I found you through the (In)courage site, and am very grateful for your ministry, and for your testimony of perseverance and faithfulness in all kinds of weather.
10 years! Congrats. Still praying for Mom and Dad Dukes!
What a great reminder…love this post! And imagine my surprise when a friend commented on my post and told me that I was the featured writer this week! Thank You! I am so honored!!!
I love that when Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately took his hand. Jesus didn’t give a pep-talk, shame him over his wavering faith, or watch to see how far Peter would sink and watch to see if Peter could swim without him.
Congrats on ten years of blogging. You ae an inspiration to me.
That is one of my favorite songs ever. I’m glad to be reminded of it again here, Jennifer. And I love that even our faith isn’t totally dependent on us. Jesus knows that we want to believe even more than we do, and he gives us grace. His love is so much bigger than everything.
It’s a beautiful song, and I sing along with it too when it plays on my local Christian radio station. Glad they play it frequently. Blessings to you!
I love that song. It brings tears to my eyes every time. God is so good. In answer to your question, no my faith is not faltering but I want it to be ignited. I have walked through deep waters and closeness I felt with God was unbelievable. I don’t want a crises but I want that feeling. Joy, is my word this year and your book is on my reading list. I want to sing and dance with our Lord.
Jennifer, “Oceans” is one of my favorite songs. And that line you quoted at the end? “Let my trust be without borders?” I love that line and am convicted. Every. Single. Time. Because I’m the one who places borders on my trust. I’m working on this . . . What a great, encouraging post!
This reminds me of another old song, a line of which says, “He’s only a prayer away.” Yet He’s even closer than that, being there for us and putting in motion the answer to our prayers even before we ask. Praise His Name!
I love this song! Such a heart cry
Congrats on 10 years of blogging and thank you for all your encouragement. So so true:
” it’s not my OWN self that keeps me afloat. It’s not my boot-strappiness, my ambition, my energy level, my abilities, or my intellect. Yes, my faith will stand — but never on its own.
Without Jesus in the water with me, I will sink. Every time.
In oceans deep, my faith will stand — but only, only, ONLY because Jesus holds me and my faith in His hands.”
Oh yes! He’s the only reason I’m standing too. Praise Him!
I hope your Mom is doing okay today. May our God continue to reveal His beautiful Presence to you all through it all. Love, Anna
Thank you for hosting!