Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
October 30, 2021
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1 One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. 2 Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” 6 So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. 7 They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” 9 Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. 10 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” 11 As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Good Morning! Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!
Thank you, Lord, for another day! These are well-known verses that it seems I’ve read many times in my life. It’s easy to begin to read and think, I know this passage, let me skip to the end, but I try to remember that God reveals new things to us as we are ready to receive them. So, I took my time and reread these familiar words. As I reflect on this morning’s passage, I try to place myself in Simon’s mind.
Have you ever had anyone who tried to tell you how to do your job? How did that make you feel? For me, it brings annoyance especially if the one offering the advice seems to have no reason to know my job. Even when everything is going wrong or it’s just a bad day, it is common to walk away, blame the problem on something or someone, and think tomorrow will be a better day. The last thing you want is for some bystander to tell you how to do your job. What do they know anyway?
Back to Simon Peter, He may have had all the thoughts that I just described, but when Jesus suggested that he move to deeper water and cast their nets, he did so. Now he did place a qualifier in place, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” But the bottom line is, he did as Jesus suggested. Simon Peter followed Jesus’ words, and he was blessed beyond measure.
Now, back to us, here and now. What would happen if we listened and followed as we are led by the Holy Spirit? How many lost sinners would find their way? Imagine the joy of the bountiful harvest! Jesus, because you say so, I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. May we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us so that we might lead others to Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: The Holy Spirit transforms hearts when I share Jesus’ story.
Light the way for others! Pastor Liz
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