YES LORD:

YES LORD: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word....'” Lk1:38 wp.me/p29yfQ-x9

Miraculous Catch of Fish

Miraculous Catch of Fish – Alistair Begg

Luke 5:4

We learn from this narrative the necessity of human activity. The catch of fish was miraculous, but neither the fisherman nor his boat nor his fishing tackle were ignored; they were all were used to take the fish. So in the saving of souls, God works by means; and while the present economy of grace shall stand, God will be pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. When God works without instruments, He is glorified; but He has selected this plan of human involvement as being that by which He is most magnified in the earth.

The means themselves can accomplish nothing. "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" What was the reason for this? Were they not experienced fishermen going about their business? They were not novices; they understood the work. Was the problem that they lacked skill? No. Were they lazy? No; they had worked. Did they lack perseverance? No; they had worked all night. Was there a lack of fish in the sea? Certainly not, for as soon as the Master came, they swam to the net in large numbers. What, then, is the reason? It is because there is no power in the means themselves apart from the presence of Jesus. Without Him we can do nothing. But with Christ we can do all things.

Christ's presence confers success. Jesus sat in Peter's boat, and His will, by a mysterious influence, drew the fish to the net. When Jesus is lifted up in His Church, His presence is the church's power-the shout of a king is in the midst of her. "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."¹ Let us go out this morning on our work of soul-fishing, looking up in faith, and around us at the great opportunity. Let us work until the night comes, and we will not labor in vain, for He who tells us to let down the net will fill it with fish.

¹John 12:32

 

BIG VALLEYS

“Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life....” 1Kg19:3 wp.me/p29yfQ-x3 #nofear #trustGod #GodisGood #faith

Expect Trouble

James 1:2-3 says. . .

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Notice that it does not say if you face trials. Instead it says when you face trials. Whenever you attempt something that has the potential to make an eternal impact, it should come as no surprise that there will be trials—or even blatant opposition. These verses encourage us to embrace difficult times because the end result is perseverance and faith strong enough to withstand trials.

Clearly Define

In any situation, two factors exist: those outside your control and those under your control. Knowing the difference between the two is a game-changer. Whenever you experience a trial, take a moment to clearly define these elements before you react.

Pray Specifically

For the things you cannot change, pray specifically and expectantly for God to do the things that only He can do. For the things you can change, pray for wisdom, strength and courage. Pray that God would strengthen your resolve during the times when it would be easier to give up. Pray for God to clearly show you His purpose for this time of trial.

Take Action

For the things you can change, it’s time to get going. Move with boldness and confidence knowing that God is with you. You’ll discover that His movement is often even clearer during times of adversity as you learn to trust and obey.

Finally, be encouraged by the words of Psalm 46.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

Questions for Reflection: Are you experiencing a trial? If so, have you identified what is under your control and what isn’t?  Have you specifically prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage to move forward as God directs? Is there something that is stopping you from taking action for the things you can change? If so, ask God for the courage to get moving.

By Jake Sumner from Blueprint for Life

HEAVEN AWAITS:

HEAVEN AWAITS: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself....” Jn14:2-3 wp.me/p29yfQ-wU

FRUIT INSPECTION:

FRUIT INSPECTION: “... for the tree is known by its fruit...." Mat12:33,34 wp.me/p29yfQ-wY #checkup #witness #bearfruit #change

Prayer in Times of Inadequacy

Prayer in Times of Inadequacy - Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 2:1-10

 

After Nehemiah heard about the desperate condition of the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, his heart was burdened (Neh. 1:3-4). By getting his attention in this way, the Lord could reveal what He wanted Nehemiah to do. Scripture doesn't spell out the man's reaction on realizing that he was to be a part of the solution, but we can imagine a sense of inadequacy probably engulfed him. How could he possibly help? He wasn't even near Jerusalem, and as a servant of the king, he didn't have the freedom to pack up and leave.

 

But whenever God puts a burden on our hearts, He will open a door to accomplish His will. In this case, the Lord used Nehemiah's sad expression and desperate prayer to prepare a pagan king to send him on his mission.

 

How do you respond when you sense the Lord is calling you to a task that seems beyond your abilities? Do you list all the reasons you can't possibly do it? God already knows everything about you and the situation. He's not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn't make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it.

 

God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, we have all we need to fulfill the Lord's mission. Instead of letting inadequacy hinder you from obeying, let it drive you to your knees so you can arise with renewed insight and power.