|
|
 |
 |
Dailies August 2021 |
 |
 |
09/04/2021 Daily Devotions: by Christina Farris 1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Just as I am a famous altar song. A song that helped many people down to the altar to make a decision for Christ. However what spurs the person to make a decision to believe in Jesus. It is never enough to say he is a good teacher, but to know when we obey the word of God over our own basic instincts miracles do happen. The disciples in the ship, had pulled away from shore after fishing all night, no doubt they were tired, yet Jesus taught from the boat the people on the shore and when he was finished, he tells the men present to cast their nets into the water. Peter said we been fishing all night but because you a prophet/teacher said to cast my net back in, I will do so. He did so out of respect for the teacher. And when the fishermen let down there nets, the ship begins to sink to the point they had to call to the other boat to come help. Peter then declares to Jesus that he is a holy man and tells him to leave because he is a sinfulness man. Jesus told Peter and other fishermen not to fear but for now on they would catch men. The open door of decision came with the draught/net of fish. The decision came when they realization of who this teacher truly was as a man of holiness. Decision came when they left their nets to follow Jesus. How great was God's faithfulness to deliver the fish? How faithful was God to deliver to convict the one's in need of salvation. What about our own experience of salvation. It maybe simple just by conviction of the Holy Spirit on our life. Yet for others it maybe miracle that took place before their eyes. I do not doubt the disciples had faith in God and were raised to believe, what I do doubt was their conviction to believe Jesus was more then a teacher. James and John the other men were cousins of Jesus. We can not stop and not gain insight to what it would taken someone raise around Jesus to believe who he was. These men were Galilean. Would you accept a minister that was your kin if raised up near them, what about far away? Jesus was more then a minister he was/is the Son of God, the word of God and God. Yet we have to ask what convicted the fish being caught, or the abundance of fish that was caught. Our faith comes with Christ acceptance of us in our sinfulness, or his knowledge of repentance as Peter knelt before him. Jesus did not turn away but said you come and I make you fishers of men. God timing great is his faithfulness to deliver those that believe to know who his Son is. Many accept the teaching of Christ and do not know him. Yet when belief begins at receiving the teaching of Jesus, then God is going to be faithful to deliver you to your knees in repentance. The story of the good Samaritan we all understand, the story of the Prodigal son is simple enough. The fact that one would only give good gifts to their children and that God wants to give good gifts to his children. Jesus was a gift from God. Many wait for the promise Messiah for years, never receiving the promise of visibly seeing the Messiah walk the earth, but believed in his coming. Many of us wait for Christ return with hope and yet we may not see the coming on this side of eternity. The open door to Peter, James and John were to become disciples, followers and fisher of men, to bring them to salvation. Did they understand it all when they went to follow, I doubt it. However the conviction of who Jesus was and who they were was apparent as they bowed before him. Christ must convict our hearts to know who he is, for us to receive him as Lord and Savior. Most can see him as a good teacher, a prophet, no question there, but to see him more then man must come by Holy Spirit conviction and sometimes evidence. God is willing to bring one to conviction, but never in a person's own time frame. It will happen when you least expect it, or when you ready to be convicted, yielding to God saying LOrd I want to believe, teach me, show me and I remember your greatfulness to deliver this salvation in my life. It as time to begin his ministry and the need for helpers in his journey on this earth for three years, to tell the world God loved them. Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remember your greatfulness in teaching us who your are by your Spirit, in our unworthy state of unbelief. In Jesus precious name, Amen. Continual Scripture Study: Acts 10:22 KJV22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 1 Corinthians 3:6-11 KJV
|
