Briefing: Have you ever gotten that prime assignment, transfer or promotion and took all the credit for getting there? Frank Sinatra had a big hit song, “I Did It My Way”. I have been guilty of thinking that way.

Dispatch (Assignment): Research the internet to see if there are any law enforcement Bible study groups in your area. Read Matthew 14:22-36.

On the Street: Peter’s walk is much like my own. I know Jesus is the Christ and I trust Him. Sometimes He leads me to do great things and as long as I keep my eyes on Him, I’m ok. My problems start when I begin to think my success is coming from me. As I begin to fall and come back to reality, I remember who I belong to and I cry out.

Peter starts out walking in the spirit by faith. Soon he reverts to his flesh and begins to sink. I imagine it like being at work and having one of those days when walking in the spirit is going well. I am being the person Christ wants me to be and my focus is on Him and obeying His will for me. Next thing I know, my co-workers, my boss, and people around me start yelling and pulling me down in to the crowd and I begin to sink.

It is just like the seed Jesus talked about that landed along the path but fell amongst the thorns. The plant got choked out by the worries of this world and the deceitfulness of life. We are always going to work with thorns, at some time in our life and we may have even been one.

I recently met a young man who had enrolled in a local police academy. He asked me if I knew of any police officer Bible studies in his area. I looked and the closest one I could find was in a town about 15 miles from him. He was so excited to have one that close. He told me he wanted to get his career off on the right foot and was looking for a good Christian law enforcement accountability group. I only wish I had his focus when I started in law enforcement. We can’t do this alone. I believe that is why Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs (Matthew 10:5).

Highlights from this Read: Jesus sent the disciples into the storm. Why do you think He did that? Do you think He knew the storm was brewing? I do. I think we are often sent into storms to see how we react to it. I also think He wants to see how we emerge from the other side. Are we going to be like Sinatra and say, “I did it my way” or are we going to give glory to God?

Here is some interesting information on the Sea of Galilee. It was known for its quickly developing and violent storms. The sea is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills that rise to 2000 feet above sea level. It is a very shallow lake at only 200 feet deep.

Investigational Resources: For a different view, see Mark 6:45-56 and John 6:16-21. This is the sixth time that they realize He is Christ. See also 7:28-29, 8:27, 9:8, 9:33 and 13:54.

Officer Safety Principle: As we walk with Christ, we must keep our focus, but if we lose it and start to sink, refocus on Jesus!

from The Gospel of Matthew Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
Click here to check out the entire Through the Eyes of a Cop series!