Category: 90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

I’m going to tell you something about me that is quirky. I really, really like the number 3. I have a friend who buys 2 of everything…because she loves 2. Well, I don’t go that far…but I I really like the number 3. Weird huh?…Oh well. You learned something. I’m not sure why. Maybe I associate the number 3 with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. For whatever reason…I love three. And look here—today is Day THIRTY-THREE!

Okay. Now to the lesson. Today’s Scripture reference is found in Luke 7:49-50. When I first saw that it only encompassed two verses I thought—-wow. Must be a power packed two verses! And I was not wrong. Beth highlights the end of verse 50. “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Hang on…I’m going to type it from the Amplified Bible….you’re really going to enjoy this

“Then those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, Who is this Who even forgives sins? But Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go (enter) into peace [in freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin].”

When I read this study today, the sins of my life flashed before me. As if the enemy was reminding me of what my past entailed. As if I needed reminding. I didn’t. I know full well what my past days consist of. But the Lord doesn’t. He has cast it far from Him. Never to be remembered again. Once you confess your sin to Christ, He forgives you of that sin, and expects you to not return to that sin. His blood that He freely gave, was the payment—the price of the freedom from sin— that we are so blessed to have today! I am one thankful girl.

Let me show you a picture of what happens in my house on Saturdays—most of them anyway. We entertain at least one little boy. A grandson. And they LOVE to play outside. In playing outside they get mighty dirty. When they come in for a meal, they know they must be washed. Cleaned. Hands, face and arms. So we trek to the bathroom. I run water in the sink and get a fresh bath cloth. (Yes, Aimee corrected me once, in these parts—it is referred to as a “wash rag”.) Anyway, I add baby soap and squeeze the cloth to release excess water. I start with the face and move on from there. The bubbles are soft and the soap makes quick work of cleaning a cute, albeit dirty face. After his hands and arms are clean —he is free to go to the table and enjoy what I’ve prepared. And it feels good to be clean.

Can you relate? I can both spiritually and physically. When I’ve worked outside and gotten hot and sweaty—and the dirt from being on my knees in the flowerbed clings to me—really telling what I’ve been doing—when I go inside, I take a long shower. Removing all the grime of the day. And when I come out and put of fresh clean smelling, comfy clothes (my favorite is loosie-goosie p.j.’s), my whole being is relaxed. No matter how tired I am. Spiritually the same is true.

When I came to my senses and realized where my life was headed all those years ago, I prayed that prayer, I had that faith that Jesus spoke of to the sinful woman. The woman who was so brave, but knew that Jesus had the answer to her life’s issues. He had the soap that was needed to clean her completely. When He looked into her face, He saw repentance there. He saw faith there. Possibly faith that He’d not seen in days. And her act of faith, became her covering of peace.

Let me share a favorite passage as I close and this will be our prayer, from the Amplified Bible found in Ephesians 3:14-21

14) For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15) For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name].
16) May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].
17) May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,
18) That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];
19) [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
20) Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–
21) To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). (emphasis mine)

Keeping the faith,

Angie

Ya’ll have a blessed weekend! Be sure and pray for one another! And remember Denise’s (Samaritan Women) niece, Sandy and her family, Denise (Shorty Bears Place) for continued improvement in her health, and a special need of Judy, a friend from Ohio who was just diagnosed this week with ovarian cancer. They started aggressively treating her with chemo today. After 3 rounds of chemo, she will undergo surgery after Christmas. I am believing God for a miracle!

At Home in a Pharisee’s House

Scripture reference: Luke 7:36-38

I want to share a passage I read from Matthew Henry Commentary to set the stage:

One of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him, either because he thought it would be a reputation to him to have such a guest at his table or because his company would be an entertainment to him and his family and friends. It appears that this Pharisee did not believe in Christ, for he will not own him to be a prophet (v. 39), and yet our Lord Jesus accepted his invitation, went into his house, and sat down to meat, that they might see he took the same liberty with Pharisees that he did with publicans, in hopes of doing them good. ¹

Reading “between the lines” of the passage of scripture (using the verse 30 to blend what I believe, “But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves…”), I am jumping off here and saying that I think the dinner may have been a trap. Or, at least partly so. I agree with the commentary—it sure wouldn’t harm their reputation to have such a reputable guest for dinner—and they were interested in what He had to say…but something in me also believes they were looking for ways to ensnare Him with His own words.

All that aside, let’s go into the room. It’s filled with people—all men of course. Some possibly sitting, some reclining, some maybe even standing. Maidservants waiting on them, refilling their cups, replacing empty platters with overflowing ones, for surely to have such a Guest, they really wanted to “show off” a bit. Perhaps the culinary skills of their cook. Maybe the best selection of china—maybe they had even had the best decorator in town come by the house prior to the dinner to give the house a bit of sprucing up!

What they weren’t prepared for was the woman. Amid the details of life, the clatter of dishes in the kitchen and the heavy banter of conversation of the men, she comes in, drawn to the Source of life with an urgency even she can’t quite understand. Some commentaries share the possibility that she was Mary Magdalene–the one He had cast out 7 demons.

Verse 37 states that she was a sinful woman. Most likely a known harlot. Possibly every man at that very table knew her well…some may have “known” her more than others. When she learned of the special Guest in the home of Simon the Pharisee, she made hast in bringing the very best she had. Most likely all she had.

The very presence of Him in the room stirred the air with a tangible excitement. Possibly even the maidservants felt the power as they came and went from kitchen to table. As the sinful woman entered, I wonder if she felt like an intruder. I believe she had one thought, one goal and only one Person in sight. Perhaps all others blurred into the background of the room as she entered and her eyes were captured by His. He saw completely through her heart and soul. He saw the sin, the wasted years, he saw the past, present and straight into her future. And for once in her life, maybe she even believed she had one. It was her undoing. She became a bundle of quivering emotion and tears.

As she knelt at his feet, in His reclining position, He had to turn His head from the others at the table, she had captured His attention as she began to wash His feet with the tears streaming from her eyes. Down her cheeks the tears splashed, falling on His dusty feet. And as she began to dry them with tears of a truly repentant heart, the love she felt for this Man that had pierced her heart with His love and compassion, was something so powerful that it could not be ignored.

I’m going to repeat one of Beth’s questions…”Do you have difficulty picturing Christ in this scene? Fitting into a Pharisee’s home”…complete with harlot on the side? Beth’s words, “He could fit in anywhere….and nowhere.” He has no prejudices. He reached out to all mankind.

I am praying to be more like that. I have had the tendency to avoid those that get on my last nerve. I mean, for crying out loud…it’s the last one I’ve got! And YOU have to KNOW, the guys probably bugged the daylights out of Jesus—always acting like a know-it-all. Better than thou’s. But Jesus looked into the recesses of their lives and saw need. A need that is just like yours and mine.

Father in heaven, we come to You with all we have. We lay it at the very feet of Jesus. Loving You more than life itself. Help us to share that love with other….so that all may know Him. I bring you the needs of the girls in this study with us. They each one come together to meet and learn more of YOU and all long to love You more. Enter in to the daily of their existence so that it no longer feels like dailiness. So that each breath feels as a fresh breeze of the Holy Spirit. Help us to see YOU in everything around us. Walk with us and go with us. Enable us to be Your vessels. Fill us with your power! In Jesus most holy and precious name~Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Henry, Matthew. “Commentary on Luke 7.” Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible. Blue Letter Bible. 01 Mar 1996. 30 Sep 2008.

Scripture reference: Luke 7:23-30

I have recently thought about the words, “Fall away.” Beth explains in the devotion today about the Greek meaning of falling away. The word in Greek for it is: “skandalon” which means “a cause of stumbling.” When you put this in context of the scripture it means the following: “The Hand of God is at work directing divine purpose, or blessing, in all the affairs of the one who doesn’t let the perceived activity or inactivity of Christ trap him or make him stumble.” Beth states she feels it is pertaining to or “falling over a stumbling block into a trap.” Not “falling away from Christ.” The main thing is to follow Christ and listen to His voice and you won’t have to worry about it. The Bible says you are “blessed.”

This devotion joins hand in hand with Angie’s from yesterday. After seeing the doubt that John seemed to struggle with, but yet he held on. He was having a “I believe, but help mine unbelief” kind-of-day. John had his questions, but Jesus had patience with him.

Not many months ago we began a fierce spiritual battle in our lives, and I remember my teenage daughter making a simple statement to me. It gave me a gentle nudge that my God is bigger than any circumstance we may face. She said, “Momma, if God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.” I stopped dead in my tracks and was reminded, He knows the beginning and the end, and our circumstances did not catch Him off guard! Maybe you need to be reminded today: “He’s in the midst of your storm.” And maybe you need to know, His arms are underneath you holding you up!

Beth also mentioned that when Jesus said, “the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he,” Jesus was talking prophetically speaking. Comparing the “old Covenant with the new era unfolding in the kingdom calendar.” Paul says in Romans 9:26 “AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM, YE ARE NOT MY PEOPLE; THERE SHALL THEY BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD.” We are His children through adoption. Praise-the-Lord!!! I’m thankful along with Beth that “I live this side of Calvary!”

Let’s join in Beth’s prayer: “Lord Jesus, I pray that you will continue equipping us to live in a manner worthy of Your gospel–standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith, and not being frightened in any way by our opponents. For it has been given to us on Your behalf not only to believe in You but also to suffer for You(Phil. 1:27-29). May we do so with perseverance, humility, and eternal gratitiude.” In Jesus name–Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

Faith and Doubt Inside the Four Walls

Scripture reference: Matthew 11:2-5

This one was mine. While I didn’t look ahead in the book and say, “I want this day”…when I read it, I knew it was laid out as mine for this “time”. Has the Lord ever just laid something out for you to read? Have you ever opened the Bible randomly and have your eyes fall on a passage of scripture that seemed penned just for your…for your circumstances? Has He ever painted you a picture in the sky and then whispered in your heart…”look up my child”?

Well, I am not sure what my personality “name” is…but I am a cloud watcher. I am a star gazer. I am a hopeful. But in all the cloud watching and star gazing…when life hits me in the face…doubt has come in at times. A hard issue to deal with.

Pardon me today…I may do a little wandering back a few months….to when my faith was sorely tested.

However, before the wandering begins, let me read you this passage from the Message. I will begin with verse 1. “When Jesus finished placing this charge before his twelve disciples, he went on to teach and preach in their villages. John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” Jesus told them, “Go back and tell John what’s going on: The blind see, the lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side.”

I really wanted to read on…but Aimee will take that tomorrow.

Let’s get back to John’s predicament. He’s in a fine mess. Surrounded.

I can hear a whole message in Beth’s words, “Four walls closing in surely must limit your vision.”

Here was John, the wild man preacher who had roamed freely preaching to anyone with ears to listen, now surrounded by four walls with no glimpse of a future. The picture that rushes to my mind is a long-haired man standing out in the middle of nowhere yelling all the words from the prophets he had learned at his mothers knee of the Messiah. The One that he was related to…The description for John the Baptist comes from Mark 1:8 .

John had a job to do, and he didn’t know how long he’d have to do it…he was all about the Message and the Man and there was no room for himself. Then his time was up. Instead of being surrounded by listeners…he found himself in chains and surrounded by walls.

Beth talks about “head doubt and heart doubt”. I’ve had some. This is where I will be wandering around a bit. I went back to February 10th of this year. My prison. Aimee’s prison. Wanda’s prison. The four walls of a hospital room. I am only speaking for myself here…Aimee may not have had the feelings I had. My heart KNEW that God was a healing God. I knew that God could very easily heal Wanda. I knew the verse by heart. By His stripes we are healed. (“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:24)

We had grown up hearing it…had experienced healing ourselves—we just KNEW. But we also believe that God has a reason and purpose in everything in our lives as we live according to His plan and will. We wanted His will. Not our own. We wanted our sister alive and whole—but we couldn’t pray against what God’s plan might be. That’s where the doubt crept in. The limited vision.

The enemy of our souls does NOT take a vacation when you are facing the hardest thing in your life. He feels no pity for your circumstances. But you know….as we clung to the garment of Christ for our help—He bathed us in His grace and mercy and the enemy’s plans were thwarted. Because we were clinging to Christ. With all the strength we could muster up. Although we couldn’t see—didn’t know—what God was about—He was about to either heal her or take her. This much we knew. Both by heart and in our heads. While we really wanted her healed…we wanted God’s will in her life more. Not our will Lord, but Thine.

That may be where John was. He knew that God was about to release Him one way or another. Either by freedom from his chains and walls….or freedom through his chains and walls.

Where are you today? Are you at a place where the problem seems bigger than the answer? Well, I can assure, the Answer is bigger. The answer is Christ.

Seeing and believing is one thing. But knowing and believing without ever seeing, is FAITH—even inside the four walls.

Father in heaven, there are some tough days ahead. We hear it everywhere we turn. Faith may be shakey for some today Lord. Renew our faith. Strengthen our walk through Your word. Help us to encourage others and stoke their flames of faith, instead of prodding the embers of doubt. We believe and trust completely in You. We thank you for taking our lives and creating useable vessels in each of us. Pour in us so that we may pour out on others—Your Holy Spirit. Go with each heart and life gathered here today. May we be ever watchful! In Jesus name we pray~Amen.

Keeping the faith,

Angie

Scripture text Luke 6:1-11

Criticism- a nasty word. My mother always said, “If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything!” Praise- is a beautiful word and to me, it’s the opposite of criticism. We all face critical people from time to time. These type of folks can really pull you down, lower than a snakes belly.

Some people will hide behind the false- negative of “constructive” criticism. Criticism is one thing, but Godly guidance and teaching is another. Christians should never be found being critical of another brother or sister. Have you walked in their shoes? Watch out! One day we might. Jesus faced critical Pharisees. They were always “straining at a knat and choking on a camel.“

These particular Sabbaths in today’s text, were probably, only, some of the many times these Pharisees wagged their tongues. Jesus was ready for their comments. Look at vs. 9. He asked them the question “Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?” I like to ask people who are afraid of what others might say about them this question: “How do you avoid criticism? The answer is simple. Say nothing- Do nothing- Be nothing.” I don’t know where I heard that, but it has stuck with me through the years.

I love the way Beth depicts the man with the withered hand. Her thoughts “behind the scenes” of possibly his life routine. It’s hard to do very much one handed. In those days, it would have doubled the work load for him. Jesus healed Him in front of the Pharisees very eyes, and vs. 11 said, “They were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.” Now that I don’t understand! What were they thinking? Why “bite the hand that feeds you?” I think, they realized, they were no longer in control, God was and still is today!

Now, I’m hearing the tune in my head: “Give up! Let Jesus, take o—0-ver….” That’s my song and now it’s time to pray! God bless all you sweet sisters!

Dear Lord, help us today to think before we speak, and if something critical comes up in conversation, help us reverse it and find some praise. You are always worthy of our praise. Touch all the ladies today that are in this study and continue to draw us closer to you. Surround them with your perfect love. Help us always to see the withered through your eyes of restoration and compassion. In Jesus Holy name- – Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

Scripture references for today are: Luke 5:17-26“We have seen remarkable things today”. I’m beginning with the end. But it struck me.

When I see a sunset. I’ve witnessed the remarkable. A sunrise…remarkable. The birth of my number 5 grandson yesterday? Beyond remarkable! Everyday the Lord shows up and shows us the remarkable in His kingdom.

The most remarkable I’ve felt and witnessed was my forgiveness. But something that made a piercing mark on me was my forgiveness of another. I didn’t want to. But I needed to. I had to. For you see, I once had sin…that needed forgiving. Without forgiving another—I can’t be forgiven. (But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15 NLT)

In talking with a dear friend recently, the pain etched on her face and in her eyes was intense–flowing from what was inside her heart. She had been betrayed. She in turn had lashed out. She was filled with the anguish of that betrayal. That marriage built from love and trust was now as confetti lying on the sidewalk. Just bits of something that had once been whole. That is what the enemy has set out to do to each of our lives. And without forgiving one another—it will remain confetti. Shreds of a previous existence.

I remember years ago when someone had inflicted a pain to my heart that was serious. I remember having conversations with the individual in my head—where I too lashed out. But that never seemed to bring any peace. Only further pain. The only thing I knew to do was take the pain to Jesus. So, on my face I cried out to him. Like a small child bringing a broken toy that had once been dearly loved, I brought my broken heart. A friendship and love was on the line. The Healer took it under His wing. The ointment of forgiveness and healing began to flow. Both in my heart and the individual.

Without forgiving one another—our lives will soon become paralyzed—and with a paralyzed heart…we soon will cease believing, trusting, loving —and even living. Our lives become stagnate. Christ died on the cross to GIVE life….to FORGIVE sins—bring hope and restore us to the relationship God intended from the beginning.

Instead of using every opportunity to reveal my gaping wound, I used opportunities in my pain to share the Word. I taped and mailed scripture notes where they would be found. Notes of love and forgiveness. Notes on the Peace that surrounds us and the Peace we cannot comprehend. It was as much for me as the individual. I was reminding my own heart where my peace was found. In accepting forgiveness for my own sin. In believing in Christ for my own salvation. In loving Him and relying on Him for all my needs.

I will share with you Beth’s closing thoughts for today, “Lord God, I behold Your face today with a shout of joy, knowing that You have restored Your righteousness in me. I can now tell others, “I have sinned and perverted what is right, yet, I did not get what I deserved. For the Lord redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and I continue to see His light” (Job 33:26-28)

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Scripture Text: Luke 5:12-16, Matt. 9:28, James 4:2

Questions: When you need a miracle, are you afraid to ask, not sure if it’s God’s will? Or do you feel confident asking Him to minister healing, trusting He will act according to His own plan and timing? How do you square these conflicts and questions in your mind and heart?

In what areas do you (or someone close to you) need His supernatural touch right now?

I might as well tell you (hope you won’t look down on me), but I have said in my own heart: “Lord, I believe you can do this…., but I struggle with, if you will do it for me.” Have you been there? Maybe you are there. I think I can almost see the struggle the Leper was having. Maybe because I’ve had that t-shirt. Bought it and wore it.

Thinking back to the physical problems Wanda had, her faith was strong. I believe she had resigned to the fact, God would heal her when He was ready and she would be ready. She focused her life and days on God molding and shaping and using her the way He chose. For whatever purpose her life could serve – she was willing. I know many of you didn’t know our sister, but please humor Angie and me as we share about her. Without any doubt in my mind she trusted the Lord. Even though she, or us didn’t understand, she was willing to follow His plan.

Trust is a complex word, powdered with self-denial. Let’s look at this leper in vs.12. “He was full of leprosy“, but he was looking at Jesus. Do I look to Jesus when my circumstances are looking bad, or do I look at myself? Do I call out to Him? I would like to say yes, every time, but sometimes I worry a while. This leper did receive his healing. He didn’t have to say a word and people knew a miracle had happened. And to read of the multitudes that followed Him later, lets me know they all knew where his healing came from. I hope my life is read that way.

Dear Lord, thank you for your presence in our everyday lives. All the circumstances each one of us face seems big to us and we believe, but help our unbelief. We know your way is better and your ways greater. Help us to turn our eyes off of us and on to you. Thank you for caring about the things that concern us. Continue to move in this Bible study and help us grow and listen to your sweet voice. In Jesus name – – Amen.

Aimee

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