After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately[a] got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
John 21:1-14
This passage brings several questions to my mind.
1) Why as Peter and the disciples were fishing did they answer a stranger (who called them children) and obey him? Vs. 4-6
2) Why was Jesus' identity hid from them?
3) Why was it John who first recognized Jesus and not Peter? Vs.7
4) Why did John not plunge himself into the water as He shared who the stranger was? Vs.7
5) Why did Peter put on his outer garment and jump into the sea? Or better yet why was this detail mentioned in this passage?
I believe one important part of this passage is Peter's abandonment of himself to come to Jesus. We know from Scripture, Peter was impulsive with his mouth and actions. Acting on impulse is not always the most wisest thing to do. But I believe in the passage listed above it was quite wise, for it shows complete abandonment to Christ. Peter did not reason his actions out. He grab his clothes and jumped into the water.
I wonder about us. When God reveals Himself to us-What is our response? Do we reason it out or do we leave it all to follow/worship Him?
I am a reasoner - I can be and have been impulsive which has gotten me in trouble many many times. Life experience has taught me to slow down, be cautious, be safe and reason. But when it comes to Christ-His ways-His calling upon my life, I must throw all safety aside as Peter did and plunge myself into the water. For waiting on the shoreline is the intimate personal relationship my heart is longing for!
How about You?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
God's Ways
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways. and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Every person reading this blog has preconceived ideas of who God is. Our life experiences have formed a view of God in our thoughts and minds which may not be all true. If you have an absent father, you may view God as uncaring and distant, an abusive father as a dictator, a passive father as a grandfather you can control with your whine. As a child I attended church with friends but was never accompanied there with my parents. I was taught bits and pieces of the Bible from my grandmother and attending Sunday school. It seemed I took these truths and my life experiences and formed my moral compass, which could change depending on my feeling for the day. The sad thing is many of us are living this way today.
It is time to lay aside all preconceived ideas and search God's word for the truth. Our moral compass must be based on the truth of the Word. Our peace must be based on who God of the Bible is. I remember a time I took a Christmas Story quiz. I had heard the Christmas story every year at my grandmother's home. I could share the story myself. The problem was I had a perceived idea of the story...an idea that was far from the truth. This opened my eyes to begin questioning other area I was holding true in my life.
The Bible says in Romans 12:2 "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Friend lay aside all preconceived ideas. Pray and ask God to be your teacher. Read, study, and mediate upon His Word. Struggle with him if necessary until you know and understand His ways. Don't make Him like you, He died to make you like Him.
Every person reading this blog has preconceived ideas of who God is. Our life experiences have formed a view of God in our thoughts and minds which may not be all true. If you have an absent father, you may view God as uncaring and distant, an abusive father as a dictator, a passive father as a grandfather you can control with your whine. As a child I attended church with friends but was never accompanied there with my parents. I was taught bits and pieces of the Bible from my grandmother and attending Sunday school. It seemed I took these truths and my life experiences and formed my moral compass, which could change depending on my feeling for the day. The sad thing is many of us are living this way today.
It is time to lay aside all preconceived ideas and search God's word for the truth. Our moral compass must be based on the truth of the Word. Our peace must be based on who God of the Bible is. I remember a time I took a Christmas Story quiz. I had heard the Christmas story every year at my grandmother's home. I could share the story myself. The problem was I had a perceived idea of the story...an idea that was far from the truth. This opened my eyes to begin questioning other area I was holding true in my life.
The Bible says in Romans 12:2 "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Friend lay aside all preconceived ideas. Pray and ask God to be your teacher. Read, study, and mediate upon His Word. Struggle with him if necessary until you know and understand His ways. Don't make Him like you, He died to make you like Him.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Continue On
I am reflecting tonight on God's goodness. The past couple of months have been spiritually challenging for me. But I can say as I look back, "thank YOU Lord" for every one of the challenges. Not only do I feel my faith has been tested (1 Peter 1:6) but also feel His call upon my life. My love for Him and His people has intensified to the place of great sorrow over sin and ecstatic joy over victories. Amazing is this God we serve!
In the middle of all these changing and challenging emotions is the stability of God and His word. When things are out of control around you, know He never changes.
God is the only stability we have in this life. Read in Psalm 119:28, "My soul melts from heaviness, strengthen me according to Your word." When you find yourself in the midst of a battle remember God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.
Remember Jehovah-Nissi-"The LORD is my banner""The LORD who is my victory" Now I know the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. Psalm 20:6
Remember Jehovah-Sabaoth-"The LORD of hosts" The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and He delivers them.
Remember Jehovah-Shalom-"The LORD our peace" You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in You. Isaiah 26:3
Remember - A man's heart plans his ways, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
I can say I am amazed at God's working in my life. I am amazed at the people He has placed around me. A special thanks to those of you who continue to encourage me...Todd, Kolby, Pam, Catherine, Rebecca and Aaron. I am humbled and honored to serve Him as I serve you. I pray everything I say and do leads others to the throne room. For Jesus alone is your peace, hope, and strength.
Keep serving!
In the middle of all these changing and challenging emotions is the stability of God and His word. When things are out of control around you, know He never changes.
Of old You laid the foundation of the earth. And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You will endure. Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.
But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.
They will perish, but You will endure. Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.
But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.
Psalm 102:25-27
Remember Jehovah-Nissi-"The LORD is my banner""The LORD who is my victory" Now I know the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. Psalm 20:6
Remember Jehovah-Sabaoth-"The LORD of hosts" The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and He delivers them.
Remember Jehovah-Shalom-"The LORD our peace" You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in You. Isaiah 26:3
Remember - A man's heart plans his ways, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
I can say I am amazed at God's working in my life. I am amazed at the people He has placed around me. A special thanks to those of you who continue to encourage me...Todd, Kolby, Pam, Catherine, Rebecca and Aaron. I am humbled and honored to serve Him as I serve you. I pray everything I say and do leads others to the throne room. For Jesus alone is your peace, hope, and strength.
Keep serving!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Dodging Bullets!
At times I feel I am caught in other's battles. Last night we were called to a time of prayer for the Ivory Coast. We listened to a native person speak of his home country. We listened to his experiences of supporting, encouraging, and praying for his parents and siblings safely as they live in the midst of a civil war raging in the Ivory Coast. Bakary parents are Christian's living in the country. People like you and I, living out their lives, walking in faith, serving their God. Other's have decided to begin fighting, this fighting is effecting this family, for the bullets are falling around their home. This family is in the cross-fire and to survive must crawl around on the floor and stay as prisoners in their own home.
As I thought about this, I thought about my spiritual life...I see a picture of a spiritual battle raging before me. Raging in other's lives with hurt, divorce, abuse, poverty, sickness, disrespectful children, etc. At times I feel I am caught in the crossfire. This battle raging is not about me. The battle raging is not even my problem. But I do believe God has called me to speak an encouraging word to the hurting. To direct them,as they are shooting bullets and/or dodging bullets,to the Lord. To pray for them and lift them up before the Father. For He alone is their hope and help.
I have discovered lately, many of these bullets are hitting me. I feel beat up in other people's battles. The focus of our great God and Savior, the message of the cross is being lost as I listen. God is merciful and I find I am slow in learning. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God tells us, He is faithful and will make a way of escape when we are tempted.
He has done just that. Having a high view-exalted view of God has been the theme of my life for the past two weeks. I believe God was making a way of dodging the bullets that were being shot at those around me. He was making a way of escape from the cross-fire. Was I listening? I thought I was until I started noticing the bruises and wounds on my soul. This morning I took God seriously. First repenting for not taking Him seriously and then searching His word for His glorious name, the names who reveal who He is, who reveal His amazing character. Two hours later, I made it through two names. I hope these Scriptures encourage you today. That is always my purpose. God comforts me so I can comfort you. 2 Corth. 1:4
Elohim -Strong Creator
The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky proclaim the work of His hands. Ps. 19:1
Ah Lord God You made the heavens and earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is NOTHING to hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17
Thus says the LORD my Redeemer and He who formed me from the womb. I am the LORD who makes all things. Who stretches out the heaven all alone. Who spread abroad the earth by Myself. Is 44:24
Jehovah Yahweh - I Am, Self-existent One, Unchanging One
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:24-25
Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.They will perish, but You will endure. Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will have no end. Psalm 102:25-27
Mediate upon these passages and exalt God. He will be your shield if you are ever caught in the cross-fire.
As I thought about this, I thought about my spiritual life...I see a picture of a spiritual battle raging before me. Raging in other's lives with hurt, divorce, abuse, poverty, sickness, disrespectful children, etc. At times I feel I am caught in the crossfire. This battle raging is not about me. The battle raging is not even my problem. But I do believe God has called me to speak an encouraging word to the hurting. To direct them,as they are shooting bullets and/or dodging bullets,to the Lord. To pray for them and lift them up before the Father. For He alone is their hope and help.
I have discovered lately, many of these bullets are hitting me. I feel beat up in other people's battles. The focus of our great God and Savior, the message of the cross is being lost as I listen. God is merciful and I find I am slow in learning. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God tells us, He is faithful and will make a way of escape when we are tempted.
He has done just that. Having a high view-exalted view of God has been the theme of my life for the past two weeks. I believe God was making a way of dodging the bullets that were being shot at those around me. He was making a way of escape from the cross-fire. Was I listening? I thought I was until I started noticing the bruises and wounds on my soul. This morning I took God seriously. First repenting for not taking Him seriously and then searching His word for His glorious name, the names who reveal who He is, who reveal His amazing character. Two hours later, I made it through two names. I hope these Scriptures encourage you today. That is always my purpose. God comforts me so I can comfort you. 2 Corth. 1:4
Elohim -Strong Creator
The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky proclaim the work of His hands. Ps. 19:1
Ah Lord God You made the heavens and earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is NOTHING to hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17
Thus says the LORD my Redeemer and He who formed me from the womb. I am the LORD who makes all things. Who stretches out the heaven all alone. Who spread abroad the earth by Myself. Is 44:24
Jehovah Yahweh - I Am, Self-existent One, Unchanging One
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:24-25
Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.They will perish, but You will endure. Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will have no end. Psalm 102:25-27
Mediate upon these passages and exalt God. He will be your shield if you are ever caught in the cross-fire.
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