Today's inspiration comes from:
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Today's inspiration comes from:
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The Carpenter and I have established a line of communication—a kind of bond, and the bond has stood many tests and trials. He and I both know that many more trials will come, but He makes me know that because I am truly committed, that I profess Him and let Him know I need Him, He won’t let me slip too low or slide too far before He grabs hold again. ~ Johnny Cash
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. — Matthew 14:29–31 NIV
The kind of bond Johnny Cash talks about can be seen in Peter’s relationship with Jesus. Their bond endured more than a few tests and trials. And in one dramatic encounter, Peter discovered that Jesus would not let him slip too far.
The incident took place at sea. Peter and the other disciples were making a night crossing. In the middle of their journey, a huge wind kicked up. Waves pounded the vessel, threatening to capsize it. To add to the terror, the disciples saw someone walking toward them on the surface of the water.
Their fears eased when they recognized the figure as Jesus. Suddenly emboldened, Peter asked to join Jesus. Jesus invited him onto the water, so Peter jumped overboard and walked toward the Lord.
Just for a moment, Peter stopped to consider the situation. He felt the wind and saw the waves. And he started to sink. But Jesus didn’t let him go under. He grabbed Peter’s hand and refocused his attention—away from the things that frightened him and back on Himself.
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Jesus invited Peter onto the water, so he jumped overboard and walked toward the Lord.
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Jesus invited Peter onto the water, so he jumped overboard and walked toward the Lord.
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This extraordinary encounter offers some important takeaways that can strengthen our own bond with Jesus. First, Jesus rewards humble boldness. Peter didn’t jump out of the boat to get attention. Or because he thought it would be fun to walk on water. He did it because he wanted to be closer to Jesus.
Peter left the relative safety of his immediate circumstances to do something that others wouldn’t. Something that seemed risky to the people around him, but not to Peter, because His focus was on Jesus. And Jesus rewarded him with an absolutely unforgettable experience. A similar reward awaits everyone who steps out in faith.
The second takeaway is that Jesus didn’t calm the winds to make Peter’s walk easier. Instead, He helped Peter walk in the midst of the tumult. Likewise, Jesus will not make our journey wave-free. Trials strengthen us, toughen us, and deepen our relationship with the Lord. They also prepare us to help others who struggle. Jesus will not deprive us of these growth opportunities.
Jesus also let Peter feel the sensation of sinking. Peter took his eyes off the goal—off Jesus—and focused on the dangers and obstacles that surrounded him. And he momentarily paid the price for his distraction. Yet with a single cry, “Lord, save me!” Peter restored the connection. Jesus reached out to help him regain his footing. And He will do the same for anyone who cries out to Him in the midst of a trial.
Heavenly Father, thank You for making the bond possible with Your Son. Thank You for the extraordinary opportunities you give me to “step out onto the water” with Him. Give me the courage to leave my safety zone and the discipline to keep my focus on Jesus as I do. In His name. Amen.
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Are you in the middle of a trial? Cry out to Jesus! He will not let you sink even when you step out onto the water. ~ Devotionals Daily
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Experience God's redeeming love through the eyes of country music legend Johnny Cash
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Walking the Line: 90 Devotions of Truth and Hope Based on the Faith of Johnny Cash
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SUMMER SAVINGS EVENT
$10 off $45+
with code SUMMER
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In Walking the Line, you will enjoy 90 daily devotions with The Man in Black, including never-before-published quotes related to faith, life, hope, and the spiritual struggles we all face.
Life is hard, and struggles are real. But no matter who you are, no matter what you've done, no matter where you are or where you've been, you are deeply and unconditionally loved by a God who wants to forgive you, redeem you, and restore you. A God who longs to be your friend.
In Walk the Line, you are invited to learn from Johnny's life—his hard-won wisdom—and the Scriptures that guided him. In this inspirational devotional, you'll explore how to live, from day to day, in the light of God's truth. Johnny called it "walking the line."
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Each daily devotion features:
- An inspirational, never-before-published, quotation from Johnny Cash
- A powerful Scripture that guided his life
- A brief devotional reflection
- A short, guided prayer
Walking the Line is the perfect gift from friends or loved ones who are fans of Johnny Cash for birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day, or any special occasion.
Come and experience God's love and redemption in a unique way as you see it through Johnny's eyes.
"All your life, you will be faced with a choice. You can choose love or hate. . . . I choose love." —Johnny Cash
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NIV, Outdoorsman Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print
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God Won't Leave You There
Online Bible Study
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God Won't Leave You There Online Bible Study
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What if God has an ultimate purpose for our trials and hardships?
In the God Won't Leave You There Bible study, Anne & Rachel-Ruth use Joseph’s journey to help us discover how God can use even the hardest circumstances for His greater purpose. If you’re walking through a season that feels painfully unfair—or you've been there in the past—this study will remind you that God is still at work.
Join the God Won't Leave You There Online Bible Study and get access to eight teaching videos and other helpful tools—all FREE when you sign up!
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*Sale price ends on 06/30/26 at 11:59 PM.
*Offer valid until June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST or while supplies last. Offer valid online and by phone only. Take an additional $10 off your purchase of $45 or more, after promotions and discounts and before shipping and handling costs are applied. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. Receive free standard ground shipping on non-rush orders of $35 or more, valid within the 48 continental United States or to an FPO/APO address; offer does not apply to Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Territories, rush orders, or expedited shipping methods. Offer only available to customers in the United States age 18 and older. To redeem offer, enter promo code during online checkout or provide the code to a representative during phone orders. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other discount offer. FaithGateway reserves the right to de-activate the promo code in the event of fraud or technical issues and limit quantities of individual items eligible for purchase with this discount. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Not valid for resale.
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