Oh, the places we've been!
What was it? Well, there was more than one miracle that day….go to the Sisters of Faith site to read it all….It is Day 23 in the 90 Days with the One and Only!
And don’t forget….pray for my April today….as she labors (pray that it won’t be as long as the first time) and delivers a “healthy” baby! (It’s a boy—totally a quiver full of 5 in the grandchildren department!)
The Scripture references for today are found in: Luke 5:1-11
I want to start out by THANKING you for your awesome comments! Gail, the one you ended with yesterday, really is my jumping off place for today! Let me share with you all— in case you didn’t read–her response-“when asked to take on additional tasks– “Let me pray about that; I’ll let you know what God wants me to do.”
Is that what you do? I have to be honest…sometimes–in the past sometimes I would get so excited about the “project” or idea—that I would completely leave God out of the picture. I forgot that He already has an agenda for me. Some things are permissible. However, some would take my attention completely away from the task He has for me.
I have asked Him to please keep me on the track.
I love everything that Beth had to say to us today, but I want to draw your attention to something the Lord showed me when I was reading. Look up Luke 5:2. If we were in a room, I’d ask you to tell me what you think…but since we’re not exactly there…I’m just going to tell you what I see. “He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.” Luke 5:2
They were washing their nets because they were finished. They had to wash the “lake-gunk” (whole blog right there) out of the nets, and then spread them out to dry. They were done fishing. They were still close enough to hear the message, but were occupied with the chores of their daily lives. Their jobs. They had their eyes on their work, but their ears tuned to Christ. Because, for sure—they were curious!
As Jesus was teaching the crowds, He looked around and saw the boats that had been dragged on to the shore. He walked over, and climbed into the boat belonging to Simon Peter. You may ask–how did He know it was Simon’s boat—well duh–(as the teens say) I think we KNOW how HE KNEW! If He knows the number of hairs on our heads…I am sure the knowledge of a boat owner even without a tag number wouldn’t get past him!
I picture Him climbing into the boat and hollering out to Simon at the same time, “Hey Simon, come row me out into the water a bit”. Or —“hey–be a part of this ministry and let’s see what God will do!” So, Simon stops what he’s doing, and runs over to his boat to do the bidding of Christ. He climbs in and begins to row out to sea a short distance. As he rows, Jesus continues His teaching. And Simon Peter heard the whole thing, up-close and personal–a captive audience if you will!
I cannot begin to imagine the feelings that must have stirred in the heart and soul of Simon that day. Maybe something akin to what we feel when the Holy Spirit is moving in our church services—with a fierce anointing that is almost tangible!
When Jesus finished His message to the people (I’m paraphrasing and visualizing), He leaned over to Simon, as if to say—“want to see something neat?” He told Him, “row on out a ways, where the water is deeper. Then let your nets down–you will get your ‘catch of the day’.” (Remember—I am paraphrasing)
I see poor Simon. It’s me. Sitting in that boat. Hardly believing what I’m hearing. Saying, “look, I’ve been doing the same thing. A long time. I’ve prayed a long time. Still nothing. The Prodigal still hasn’t made it all the way into the “house”. Oh, she’s showed up on the porch. Yes, and she lingers a bit now and then around the table. But before the Prodigal gets all the way back to her dwelling, she is already wearing the cloak of oppression that the enemy has constructed for her. Same thing. No fish today. But because You say to do this, I’m going to humor You. I’ll let down the net one more time tonight. I’ll get on my knees one more time tonight. I’ll pray that prayer one more time tonight.”
“WHEN they had done so”, is what the Bible says, but “when they were OBEDIENT–is what I read. When they LISTENED. They caught more fish than their nets would hold.
In our faith, speaking–what we believe, as we KEEP praying—those Prodigals will take a bulldog grip of determination on the road of following CHRIST…and will win souls along the way! (Small rabbit trail there)
They signal to the other men to join in the “pulling in” of the fish. The boats, so full of fish, begin to sink. It was not the “sinking boat” that made Simon Peter suddenly afraid. It was the power that he had just witnessed. It was the miracle on the sea. In his mind he saw his wayward heart and knew that he was unworthy to be in the presence of such a Man. For this was no ordinary Man. Simon Peter felt sudden abashment in the condition of his heart. He knew–the Man who had called all the fish to the boats, surely knew what was hidden in the recesses of his heart. Clear as day.
But Jesus simply looked at him, I believe with love and compassion at the translucent life before Him and said, “don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men.”
“So they pulled the boats up on the shore, they left everything and followed Him.” v.11. The Message reads this way: “They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed Him.” They had just pulled in the catch of the year, possibly a lifetime. So many fish that the boats were sinking.
Do you think that the thoughts of “what they could buy with the income from that catch” ever entered their minds? Maybe. But weighed in the balance of life, they chose the better. It seems they didn’t hesitate. It’s almost like a temptation though—I mean look what happened. They pulled in enough fish to put them on easy street for several weeks. They could rest. They could buy those new boats they’d been admiring in the showroom. But instead, they gave it up to follow the Master.
I don’t know why I followed this vein of thinking today. It’s where He led me. I intend to follow Him. If I pull in the financial catch of a lifetime, if I landed a job that paid kazillion dollars a year, I want to be so focused on what He is in my heart and life, that I don’t hesitate. I want to be willing to walk away from the nets bursting with fish and the boats and walk away. To follow Him.
What this could mean in our lives, might be walking away from a job that held security. Big salaries, bonuses, medical benefits, retirement plans, profit sharing plans, houses, cars, and yes, even family. Are we willing? To get back in the boat, row out into the deep and allow Him to use us? I want to be.
Before I close—I just have to share a nugget that hit me while I was studying. They were on the Lake of Gennesaret, a.k.a. The Sea of Galilee, also Sea of Genneseret, Lake Kinneret or Lake Tiberias was the very body of water that Jesus walked out on further in the scriptures. The one that Simon Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” I can’t help but think that Peter remembered back to his encounter with Jesus in the boat that day.
Father God, I am just blown away by what You are doing in our hearts and lives. But what You WANT to do is so much more. You reveal to us as much as we can handle or comprehend at the time. Help each one of us to be willing to leave it all, should you ask it of us—to follow You. Give us the vision to see the plan that You have for each of our lives. I want to feel Your Holy Spirit guiding me each step of the way. Thank You Lord for Your AWESOMENESS! Go with each heart and life today. Use us to bless a life—sharing Your love with others, in the powerful Name of Jesus~Amen.
Keeping the Faith,
Angie
The questions are: 1.) What worthy activities or pursuits often lure you away from your main priorities? 2.) What answer could you give to those who think you’re being lazy or indifferent by not sharing the same zeal they possess for some cause or ministry or emphasis?
Beth talks about how Luke shared the same event, but expressed how Christ said, “He must go” or how He had to keep on traveling no matter how much they wanted to keep Him there with them – He had to continue sharing in other places. Sometimes, we, like Beth mentions, let the urgent sidetrack us from what’s important. I know I can be easily side-tracked. I have to remind myself of this, I must keep my focus on Him.
Jesus has always had compassion on people, and He expressed that in His earthly walk. However, He was never side-tracked from His ultimate mission. He was time conscious. I know I need to be a better steward of His time.
My husband has always been a list maker. He is very time conscientious. He makes lists, He plans ahead, organizes, tries to structure his day, even though being a pastor things can get jostled around. He still tries to follow the plan, as well as, he can. Me, on the other hand, sometimes I run around in circles and feel like I don’t get anything accomplished. (Angie, one day I’m going to surprise you and really get organized.) I even bought the book “Organization for Idiots” just haven’t ever found the time to read it. I’m going to continue to try. I do know when I give God my “to do” list and ask Him what He wants me to do, it always goes much smoother. I am so glad God is concerned about our every need.
Maybe you have a need – and you feel hopeless or helpless. Jesus is still the “miracle man” for us
today. “His compassions fail not and they are new every morning” Lam. 3:22-23.
In closing, let’s make Beth’s prayer ours, too: Lord please help us pay careful attention to our life’s walk– making the most of the time. I realize that the days are evil and filled with temptations, which not only entice us to sin but also to mistake activity for purpose. So help us not to be foolish but to understand what Your will is (Eph. 5:15-17).
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
I have stopped writing….I haven’t. I have been over at my “sister” site—EVERY.SINGLE.DAY since September 1!
I do come back home (here) too though, so don’t give up on me! I have been blessed by the awesome messages in the book, 90 Days with the ONE and ONLY!
In searching this morning, for just the right song for Sunday—to reach out to you today…I listened to many….until I heard and saw this one. Listen in.
http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf
Click on the player. It Is Well With My Soul–by Wintley Phipps
We are reminded today of the early days of the ministry of Christ. The role of the accuser in His life. On day 16 we covered the temptation of Christ in the wilderness.
Okay, you know the enemy doesn’t stop if you overcome him once…right? Well, I know he doesn’t me. He knows exactly the vulnerable places of our lives.
I want to remind you of something that Beth shares, “No matter what authority satan and his subjects have been temporarily allowed in this world system, Christ can pull rank any time He wants.” (page 93)
There have been many times I have seen Christ pull rank. I remember once, many years ago at my home church, a woman entered and sat on the back row. No fuss –no muss. A few Sundays later, she is back. But sitting on the second row. I think this was during a revival at our church. She came as the tool of the enemy. She came to divert attention, cause confusion and through the tactics of the devil, she performed quite a show. The Spirit filled elders or “deacons” as we call them, of the church gathered round her and prayed until there was peace once again restored to the service. I was not up front where this happened and did not get a first hand look, but the presence of Almighty God was so real in that church it was an unmistakable moving of the Holy Spirit—and an unmistakable battle for control by the enemy. But his plan was thwarted.
Whether we wish to believe it or not, the powers of darkness do hover in any area of our lives —when we give them access. They gain access through any part of our lives left uncovered by the blood of the Lamb. I am not saying that we become “possessed”. We are washed in the blood of Christ, freed from sin and the devil cannot pass the bloodline! Do I hear an Amen!? But what I am saying is that we can become oppressed—and when we neglect our prayer lives, our Bible reading, even our fellowship with like minded believers, that is an open access if ever I saw one. How do I know? Well—from experience.
Girls, it’s everywhere. And the closer we get to the trumpet sounding (yes, Denise—I am listening for it too!), then the more he (the devil) will work to wreck havoc on our lives. Wherever he can get a toehold. Wherever he can gain access. But I’ve read the last page of the Bible. His days are numbered! Let me share this from the Amplified Version—Revelation 12:10 “Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come–the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out! (emphasis mine)
Do you know who the “them” are? Them is us. Poor grammar—but you get the point. We are those that the accuser is “tattling” on day and night. What he don’t get—what he can’t possibly understand—is when we repented of our sins—and gave Christ full control of our hearts and lives—He took our sins and washed them clean—with the blood shed on Calvary. Our sins have been cast into the depths of the seas! Never to be remembered again!
“He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19
Father in heaven, thank You—for You for the promise of a future—for protection –for deliverance from sin–through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ! We are truly listening for the trumpet! Give us wisdom and knowledge to act on what we know is truth from Your Word. Please touch the lives of the dear sisters that have joined with us for this journey of faith in every aspect of their days. Give them strength and peace—bless them and open up Your Word to their hearts and ours. In the precious name of Jesus I pray~Amen.
Girls, don’t forget to read your weekend days! I have peeked ahead—-this weekend is as good as last weekend! I took my book to Barnes & Noble today at lunch and shared with two friends over tea and coffee some awesome things we had been reading! I pray that the Lord will open up more doors for each of us to share His Word and His love!
Keeping the Faith,
Angie
See ya’ll on Monday!
I ran across this today. It’s old. You can tell from the hairstyles. But the message is the same. God’s love is far reaching…ever searching…always longing for YOU. And me. When I fail to listen…He never walks away. He is waiting. AND He will show up in sometimes the oddest circumstances…He wants time with you. This video clip is Chonda Pierce. I love the message. I’ve been there in my life—maybe you have too. Watch the video and let the LORD speak to you the way He did me.
I love you. AND if you thought I’ve fell off the earth…I haven’t….I’ve just been over DAILY at the Sisters of Faith site! Click there for your daily devotion on the life of Jesus!
http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf
In reading this passage of Word today—several thing are mentioned by Beth that I want you to know. She quotes Luke 4:18 and gives the Greek meaning for the word “poor” which is ptochos— and it indicates: “utter helplessness; complete destitution; afflicted; distressed”.
How many have been in the pit of “utter helplessness”? Or, perhaps your pit was destitution—maybe affliction…distressed was a pit nearby…been in that one? I think, most of us, at one time or another could relate to one of these words—for “poor”. Maybe not necessarily poor in the pocket book—but poor in the heart. Poor in the spirit and soul. I have been in the poor of pocket book before and it can absolutely cause you to feel the others—destitute, helpless, distressed….and before long even afflicted.
Hang on to your hats girls…we are the ones He came for! He came to fill our lives to overflowing.
I am thinking of a young women I know, which could easily be you or me. She knows the Truth- that has not allowed the Truth to completely set her free.
When Beth gave the statement, “like beggars we grow from person to person with our empty cups crying, can’t you add anything to my life?” – I instantly had a clear mental image of this young women – carrying a sack of burdens and each person she went to seeking love and admiration – all she received was more weight in her already bulging sack. This is true poverty of soul.
Jesus came to preach the truth – bring the good news to the poor – heal the broken hearted – release us from our oppressing. And only when we cease going to others for our life answers, and turn completely to Him – will we ever have true and complete freedom. Then the heavy bag can be emptied.
When the young women releases the cumbersome bag to the Master – she is freed from her iron bands of bondage. She can be a dynamic testimony of what Christ can do, and longs to do, in the heart and life of each one of us!
Today I read an article of a singer/songwriter, that has allowed the enemy to infiltrate his life and ministry in such a way that he is completely blind to what is going on. The enemy has oppressed his heart and mind so that he perceives a false freedom in giving in to the sin that has clouded his vision. This false freedom is robbing him of every blessing the Lord had bestowed into his life.
In essence, he has denounced the life and ministry of Christ. He has chosen the wider path, the path that ends in destruction.
The last note for today is found in vs. 19. “To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” I remember as a young teen, talking to a young cousin several times about his soul. About him not putting off giving his life to Christ. He always turned me down. Many years later, when I was in a backslidden condition, it was his mother that came to me at the close of a revival service (that I attended only because my granny couldn’t drive at night and she wanted to go), she talked with me and right there I gave my life back to the Lord and I ceased my wandering. I am thankful as well, that son of hers is a minister/pastor today!
I am going to close with Beth’s prayer. “Lord, You have said to the prisoners, “Come out!” And to those who are in darkness, “Be free!” Therefore, because of Your grace and power, we will feed along the pathways and will find pasture even on the barren heights. We will no longer hunger or thirst, and the scorching heat of the sun will not strike us, for our compassionate One will guide us and will lead us to springs of water (Isa. 49:9-10).
Keeping the Faith,
Angie
IF you aren’t already involved in a good Bible Study….I have a couple of suggestions: Sisters of Faith (click on the blogsite) and Amy (my bloggity designer!!!) of In Pursuit of Proverbs 31!
Feed your soul….some good nourishment—
May God’s best blessings be poured out “onya”!
Jeff & Angie 
