Encountering Jesus

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”  When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.  Luke 5:4-6

Jesus had been preaching in Simon’s fishing boat.  I reckon Simon was feeling tired and discouraged after being out fishing all night and not catching a single fish.   

I am sure Jesus knew this when he asked Simon to lower the nets into the water.  The culture and etiquette of the time dictated Simon do as he was asked even though it made no sense at all to him.  Obviously Simon didn’t expect anything to happen, so image his surprise when his simple and illogical action resulted in a net breaking catch of fish. 

In the end, Simon had to call the other fishermen to help him haul in the huge catch!  

I honestly believe, when you have a real encounter with Jesus, he breaks off your preconceptions and gives you more than you ever asked or expected.   And those blessings he gives you will then overflow to all those who surround you.

Running the Race That Lies Before Us

As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. Hebrews 12:1-2

This past week, on the news, quite a number of commentators have been talking about the Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia.  Because the games haven’t actually started yet, most commentary has been about anything but sport.  The topics have ranged from human rights to terrorism to the colours of the various teams uniforms.

However, the Olympians who are competing in these games have been training for years for this moment in time.  Their focus has been on being faster, stronger and better than before.  These athletes clearly have their eyes fixed on the highest prize possible, a gold medal.

The Apostle Paul said we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and to rid ourselves of the things that hinder us.   Things that hinder are like weights around our ankles that stop us running as fast as we can.  These weights can be guilt, unforgiveness, jealousy or any one of a number of things that take our eyes off Jesus.   

I believe the best way to get rid of these hindrances is to know who you are and in whose team you are competing.  You need to know in your heart of hearts that you are a beloved child of God and you have every right to be in this race.  You also need to remember your position in this team has been bought with the precious blood of Christ.  And if you fall, the grace of God along with the power of the Holy Spirit will pick you up and help you get back on your feet.   

We do all this because the prize for which we are striving is a deep and eternal friendship with the creator of the universe and the saviour of the world, and I am sure we all agree that this prize is worth more than any gold medal or any other earthly award.

Loving One Another

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”  John 13:35

The other day I was cleaning out my sideboard cupboard and I came across an encouraging note, which a dear friend had given me several years ago.   I found it a bit difficult to read the short note, not because of his hand writing but because I had tears in my eyes thinking of my friend who has since passed away.  

I’m sure, when my friend wrote the note, he had no idea how special it would become to me.  I honestly can’t remember what was going on in my life when he decided to encourage me this way, but the way my friend loved me, will be etched in my memories forever.

Maya Angelou is quoted as saying “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

 

This encouraging note from my friend was a demonstration of how to love another.  I truly believe, when the world sees our love for each other, there is no force on earth that will keep them from beating a path to our door.  Loving each other may not seem like active evangelism but I reckon it shouts the love of Jesus louder than anything we say or do in our outreach programs.

I can think of a few other ways to show love for each other: spending time together, shared meals, lending a hand when needed, phone calls etc.   Can you think of other ways?

How To Become the Disciple Who Jesus Loves.

I used to think John was Jesus’ favourite disciple, until I realised one day that the phrase ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ is only found in Johns own gospel.    In fact, John called himself ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ or ‘the beloved disciple’ five times.  I’m positive Jesus loved all the disciples but it seemed only John really knew it in his heart because he proudly claimed it as his identity.  

Once you start to get an understanding of what Jesus actually did for you on the cross, it’s natural to want to do as much as you can to show your love for him.  However, I believe God wants us to boast of Jesus’ love for us, rather than our love for him. I’m fully certain he wants each of us to confidently claim “I am the disciple who Jesus loves” just like John. 

Why not try claiming this truth for yourself?  Each morning when you first get out of bed, say “I am the disciple Jesus loves”.  It might feel funny at first, but I’m confident, after just a few days of speaking out Gods love for you, it will sink into your spirit and you will begin to claim your true identity as the beloved disciple.  

If you decide to take up my challenge and start claiming Jesus’ unconditional and boundless love for yourself each day, let me know how you go.  

Packing Away the Christmas Tree

 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.  Jeremiah 29:11

On Monday I took down my Christmas tree and packed away the decorations in boxes ready to be stored until next December.  As much as I enjoy putting the Christmas tree up and decorating the house, I always feel some pangs of sadness as I pack the ornaments away.    

To me, putting the Chrissy decorations away signals not only the end of the Christmas season and the end of one year, but it also marks the beginning of a new year.  

Endings and beginnings can be hard.  Last year I had a number of personal difficult times where I had to search hard to find positives in them.  No matter how many times I tried to roll with the punches, it still wasn’t easy.

A few days ago I read this quote by Joyce Meyer  “If you're supposed to be looking backwards, you'd have eyes in the back of your head.”   

I’ve made the decision to look forward, and to try to be more positive about 2014.  I’m going to do my best to put hurts behind me, to walk in forgiveness and to stop grumbling..   Even in the midst of turmoil, I want to remember that my God has plans for me to give me peace and hope. 

I know it won’t be easy but as long as I keep my eyes on my Daddy God, it will be doable.