Author: Jillian McGriff

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3 and Psalm 4

Good Morning, it’s Monday again! Did your team win last night? I must admit that I didn’t watch a single minute of the “big game” as my husband and I were traveling all weekend. In fact, to be quite honest, what I want most right now is my bed and my Netflix! It’s not always easy to discipline yourself to put Him before your perceived needs. As I’m sitting down now to write, the house is quiet and I’m actively for each of you. Asking God to speak and give me some words that will reach each of you in a personal way. Today, we read about young Samuel. He’s lying down  and resting when he hears his name, “Samuel.” It doesn’t occur to him that God could be speaking directly to him. We might expect that an audible call from God would be given to the high priest Eli. Instead, God calls him again and then once more before Samuel responds:

“ And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10

Despite the fact that Eli was older and more experienced, God chose to speak to Samuel. God’s hierarchy is based on faith, not on age or position. God uses His faithful followers as channels to spread His word. Samuel felt inadequate. He didn’t expect that God could or would use him to advance His word. And there it is. Just as I began this journal entry tonight, lost on how to bring light and life to His word, He showed me the way.

“Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10

 We are all inadequate in God’s eyes. Whether we are in a position as a pastor or new Christian just learning the way to fellowship with Him. Those of you that have been reading my posts for the past few years know that I am that new Christian. I often feel that I have no business sharing my faith much less writing about it. But today, God sets an important example. He will speak to those who are listening. All we need is to quiet our mind and heart and He will speak. As you begin your week, maybe a little bit tired from your football festivities, take a moment to stop and listen. Wait for Him and He will speak. It’s easy to take to our beds and turn on the Netflix but what He wants is for us to take time to truly be with Him.

 

Today’s Reading : Jonah 1;  Proverbs 27

The Story of Jonah is one that is familiar with many of the Judeo-Christian faith. It is the story of how a man survived in the belly of a big fish for three days and nights. It is the foreshadowing of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Jonah is written over 700 years before the birth of Christ, illustrates how God’s grace is not only for one people, but for all people. This story also illustrates that it is not our decision of who, where, and when the salvation and grace will be given. God decides.

As we enter into Jonah, we are presented with him running away from his assignment. He is given the assignment to go to his enemies’ city, Nineveh, and give them a message from God about their behavior and how to correct and repent their mistakes. God chose Jonah to be a vessel of Salvation, but Jonah is choosing to run away. As Jonah is attempting to run away he is presented with several opportunities to witness. While on the ship he encounters a severe storm that threats the ship and the people on the ship. We find that he is the reason for the tempest and the only cure the storm is to throw him off the ship and then the sea will be calm.

As I dissected this chapter there are three points that came into clarity for me:

• The peace in the storm
• The storm that you are in may not be for you but for others
• Worship the storm

Jonah 1: 5-6:⁵ Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. ⁶ So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”

When we are in the midst of a storm, God has given us peace that cannot be comprehended by others. It took someone to physically disturb Jonah, to make him aware of the pandemonium that was happening around him. Sometimes God guards us through the midst of storms that we are not aware are happening. God gives us a unsurpassable peace in the midst of storms that we are experiencing to show others an indescribable calm.

Jonah 1:14-16:¹⁴ Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” ¹⁵ So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. ¹⁶ Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.

In my youth, there were many preachers and pastors that would say “ There are three type of people: People who are about to go into a storm, people who are in a storm, and people that have just come through storm. Which one are you?” This resonates with me in this passage, where we think that the storm is for the “punishment” of Jonah, but it is for the salvation of the people on the ship. God used this “escape” as a training ground for Jonah to show “ the Lord, the God of Heaven, who made the sea ad the dry land”(1:9) is in complete control. The storm allowed the crew of the ship who worshipped other gods, an experience that transformed their life and belief. The storm may have at first been seen as a “turn around” gesture for Jonah, but it actually was a point where others were turned to God. The storms that we experience may be for God’s Glory to be shown through us.

In verse 16, as with the end of all things we must remember to give God praise for the storm. No matter how many storms that we experience, we know that God is in control. His plans are more than we can imagine. The storms are scary, hard, difficult, and painful. But if we have the faith and fortitude to acknowledge Him, we will be able to come through the other side of the storm. When we reach the other side, we must give Him the praise.

God, the Lord of the heavens, sea, dry land, and all things. We thank you for taking care of us in all things and even when we choose to runaway. Allow your grace to be upon us and allow your Glory to shine through us in any and all storms. Allow the storms strengthen us in your amazing salvation. Amen

Today’s Reading: Joshua 19 and Proverbs 19

Today’s reading in Joshua is the final settlement of the 12 tribes of Israel. I must admit, when I first read through the scripture, I wondered how I could bring more meaning to His word for us today. What happens in Joshua 19 is primarily a description of the allotment of lands for the remaining tribes of Israel. It’s sort of like the book of Numbers, lots of lineage and description of boundaries but not much dialogue. At the very end though, there’s a lesson for us:

 ^“When they had finished distributing the several territories of the land as inheritance. The people of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun. By command of the Lord they gave him the city that he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he rebuilt the city and settled in it.” Joshua 19:49-50

 Joshua waited until all his tribes were settled before asking for any type of provision for himself. He was content to serve his people before he was served. Imagine that. Imagine walking in Joshua’s shoes, leading the Israelites through the desert, across the Jordan, literally years of striving for a promised land without knowing how long it would take to get there. Then, finally when they do arrive, when they finally conquer and settle in to their territory, Joshua waits. He waits because he knows obedience to his Father requires him to first secure the eternal inheritance for his people. Like Jesus who came to dwell on earth not in splendor but in poverty. Joshua must put the welfare of his people above his own comfort and rest.

Today’s Proverb says this:

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
and a poor man is better than a liar.

The fear of the Lord leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied;
he will not be visited by harm.

Proverbs 19:21-23

 Just as Joshua had plans for his personal inheritance so do we. We scheme and sometimes even manipulate in order to reach our goals. But what we know from these scriptures is that it is only God’s purpose that will prevail in our lives. What he wants from us is our service to others, our steadfast love and devotion to Him. Together, these scriptures have called me to reflect on what God truly has planned for me. What has God promised me? Am I in relationship with Him often enough that He can communicate His promises? Can I still my racing mind and quiet my heart in order to see the invitation to serve my tribe? Lord, help us serve our tribes this week. Help us to minister to our spouse or children, our small group, our colleagues and friends. May we settle in with you in the coming days. Amen.

 

 

 

Todays Reading Joshua 13; Proverbs 13

 

Over the last couple of weeks and months, I have been matured in my understanding of life and death on a major scale. I have recently changed areas of pharmacy practice from community pharmacy to hospital pharmacy. In this transition I have witness the transition from life to death on several occasions. This has made me mature emotionally and spiritually and reflect more on future planning. What is the inheritance plans for my family? What are the plans that my mother and father have for their end of life? What is the portion that will be given to my wife and children? These thoughts have lead to some interesting and challenging conversations with my family, but this communication it is needed to understand the wishes of the individual.

As we read Joshua 13, we are presented with the inheritance of Israel’s sons; Reuben, Gad, and Joseph’s son, Manasseh (half of the tribe).   The detail of the land East of the Jordan is difficult to imagine without having traveled in it for forty years. I have to imagine that the people were very aware and knew exactly what they were receiving. This is the land that the people had inhabited for the past forty years. They knew the ins and outs of the fields, streams, and mountains. They knew the food sources and the dangers of the land. The people were satisfied with the portion that they had claimed. They knew their inheritance and had tasted the fruits of the land.

We have to go back to see the inheritance of these two and a half tribes to get a better understanding of the promise and the inheritance from both Jacob and Moses:   Genesis 49: 3-4, 19, 22-26 and Deuteronomy 33:6,13-17,20-21. The tribes had amazing blessing bestowed upon them by Jacob on his deathbed. They knew that they would possess great portions of the Promised Land and they chose to declare their portions before they knew the fullness of their reward.  These verse have echoes of the the Prodigal Son.

How many times have we been promised something and not allow the fullness to be manifested? How many times have we pushed for something and the timing was not aligned with God? How much have we lost ourselves in the immediate satisfaction, instead of deferring the gratification? I have been the in each of these scenarios at different times in my life, but now I choose to allow God to reveal the greater reward than the one that is easily perceived.

Holy Father, Thank you for being the portion of my eternal inheritance. Thank you for your peace of spirit and clarity of understanding that allows us to not settle for the easy or quick reward. Thank you for empowering us to continue on to see the fulfillment of your Promise. Amen

Today’s Readings: Joshua 7 and Proverbs 7 

Good Morning, it’s Monday again and I’m looking forward to sharing the word with you today! For many of us, this Monday marks a sort of new beginning. Although the first day of January has past, there are still lots of “fresh starts” on the horizon. At our house, it’s back to school for our kids, the start of new activities like swim team and back to regularly scheduled work for me. As I read through our scripture today, I couldn’t help but really identify with our Israelite friend Achan. This new generation of Israelites are really committed to following God’s will. After conquering Jericho, they move on to the tiny town of Ai. Joshua relies on the strength of his army to defeat the small city and instead in driven out. Only after this defeat does he turn to God in despair and ask for guidance. Enter…Achan. The poor guy has to come forward and confess in front of the whole nation of Israelites that he gave in to temptation.

“Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” And Achan answered Joshua, “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” Joshua 7:19-21

 First of all, way to go Achan! How difficult it must have been for him to stand before his people that are so very disappointed in him and tell the whole truth. Achan’s sin was not merely keeping some of the treasure, but disobeying God’s explicit command to destroy everything related to Jericho. He underestimated God. He didn’t think that taking these seemingly small things would have far reaching consequences. It’s easy to judge him from our point of view. Looking back on the last few chapters of Joshua you sort of just want to call out to him and say, “Achan…it’s not worth it!” But aren’t we just the same? Don’t we often justify our sins by telling ourselves they are too small or too personal to truly hurt anyone but ourselves? Although Achan’s sin represents only one man’s failure to follow God’s word, it brought judgement on the entire nation. God wants us to turn away from the desire for personal gain and turn toward a life of spiritual obedience to Him. When we do that, we are blessed with His encouragement, His guidance and His promise of victory.

Of course, because God wants to reinforce his message and show us that he is near, His words for us in Proverbs 7 echo those of Joshua 7:

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you;
keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 7:1-3

 Lord, help us to treasure your commandments and live them with joy this week!

Todays Reading: Joshua 1; Proverbs 1

Be Courageous

Todays Reading Joshua 1; Proverbs 1

It is a pleasure and privilege to introduce the New Year to you. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to start the biblejournal with you. We are starting a new journey this year beginning with the book of Joshua. In this first chapter of Joshua the main theme that resonated with me was “Be Courageous”.   The journey that comes with each New Year is one that is filled with excitement, anticipation, hesitation, and some anxiety. As we work our way into Joshua we are presented with a new journey that is filled with the same trepidations and hopes.

The message of hope comes in the first verses of Joshua. Joshua 1: 6-9

⁶ Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success^[a] wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The first chapter Joshua, we are presented with “Be strong and courageous” four times in the introduction of the chapter. This makes me want to dig deeper into the true definition of courage. Courage is defined as by Webster as the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. I have often used courage when speaking with others as being brave, but the portion that I have not experienced is the true definition in the face of danger, fear and difficulty.

The people of Israel are faced with true fear and danger as they are going into the Promised Land a glimpse of the magnitude of this is in Numbers 13. Moses sent spies into the region close to the Promise Land before they went in.

Number 13: 17-20; 23-24

¹⁷ Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, ¹⁸ and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many,¹⁹ and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, ²⁰ and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

²³ And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs.²⁴ That place was called the Valley of Eshcol,^[a] because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.

 

The people of Israel are going into the land of plenty and they are somewhat fearful, but God is speaking to the people to be encouraged. The message for us today is prepare and be encouraged for the journey of the New Year. We have experienced many difficulties, hardships, and trials this past year, but we have to be encouraged and believe that there are things that are waiting for us are so amazing that we would not be able to explain, like a single cluster of grapes that takes two men to carry. Let us face this New Year with courage and boldness and allow God the Spirit to take us over this Jordan to the land of plenty.

 

Happy New Year

 

Psalm 144

In small group last week, we went around the circle recalling our favorite Christmas songs. Many had the traditional “Silent Night”, “ O’ Little Town of Bethlehem”, “ O’ Holy Night”, and “Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart”, but my favorite tune is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. This has become one of my favorite tunes because of the style of the Gregorian chant and melody. But the refrain is the best part for me “ Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel” translated to mean “Take abundant joy at the coming of God in flesh”

In studying for the blog today on Psalms 144, I found in my bible that the theme for this psalm is: Rejoicing in God’s Care. Whether in times of prosperity or adversity, blessed is those that are in care.

This Advent season, I made a commitment to study and prepare my mind, body, and spirit for the coming of the Christ-child. At the beginning of the study, my friends and I were made aware of a small, yet significant rate-limiting variable. During this season of joy and excitement, the enemy will attempt to derail your purpose and joy. It has been a wonderful journey, but there have been many times in the last 25 days that have shaken many of my closest people in my life to the point of shattering. There have been journeys transitioned to heaven, journeys derailed, and financial instabilities for many of my closest friends and family. I have taken refuge in the words of this psalm:

Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
² he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples^[a] under me.

³ O Lord, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
⁴ Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.

 

No matter what is happening in my life or our lives, God is ultimately in control. Rejoice.  Even though we are like a passing shadow, a vapor, or a breath, God’s provision for us is never compromised. Rejoice. He’s love for us does not change and is always there for us. Rejoice.  It is evident by the gift that we celebrate today. Rejoice. He loves us. Rejoice. Merry Christmas.

Today’s Reading: Mark 13 and Psalm 137

Today’s reading in Mark is noted in several commentaries as one of the most difficult chapters in the New Testament for the modern reader to understand. Throughout the chapter Jesus is using language, context and historical reference that is quite significant for the Jews. This history isn’t as familiar to us as Christians and so some of the language is confusing. In the first section of Mark 13, Jesus foretells the fall of Jerusalem:

“…And Jesus said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down.” Mark 13:2

 Peter, James, John and Andrew take Jesus aside and ask him when the destruction will begin. They ask for a sign that the devastation is near. Jesus responds with another warning:

“Many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and shall lead many astray. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be earthquakes in places; there shall be famines: these things are the beginning of travail.” Mark 13:6-8

 Sounds pretty terrifying, doesn’t it? On one hand, as Christian’s we are all anxiously awaiting the day when Christ will come again but on the other hand it seems as if we must endure great suffering before that day comes. In fact, after studying Mark 13 I got to thinking that I’m really pretty much ok in my little house in Central Illinois. I’m not ready to flee to the mountains or stand on my roof while the world burns around me. The idea of this apocalyptic end seems like something we should only see in the movie theater. So, what can we draw from today’s message from Mark? How do we reconcile our modern life with this ancient prophesy that we believe will one day come to pass? As I read the passage above I’m keenly aware that nations are already rising against other nations, that there are indeed earthquakes happening around the globe, that famine is absolutely happening in far off places today. Perhaps more importantly, I’m also aware that there are many coming in His name claiming to be him. So how do we go to work, bring the kids to school and plan dinner with the knowledge and awareness of what’s to come? Jesus says:

“Watch, therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at evening or at midnight, or at cock crowing or in the morning, lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:35-37

 Jesus tells us in Mark 13 that even he does not know the day or the hour when he will come again. Only our Heavenly Father knows the timetable. Jesus draws the very practical conclusion in verses 35-37 that we are like men that know our master will return, but who do not know when. Study Light Commentary says, “We live in the shadow of eternity. That is no reason for fearful and hysterical expectation. But it means that day by day our work must be completed. It means that we must live so that it doesn’t not matter when He comes. It gives us the great task of making every day fit for Him to see and being ready to meet Him face to face.”

 In the next week we’ll get to meet our Savior on the day of His birth. Although we may not see His face or touch his tiny hand, we’ll meet Him in smaller ways. We’ll see His majesty through giving to the poor, feel His presence in the Christmas songs we sing. We’ll have the opportunity to look for signs of His coming. We know that in this life there will be suffering, there will be sadness and tears but at the end there will be Jesus. If your heart is heavy this Christmas season, watch for Him. If you are afraid, watch for Him. If you feel the ground shaking beneath you, watch for Him.

Lynden and I wish you a blessed Christmas. We pray that your heart and home will be filled with the love of Christ.

 

 

Todays Reading Mark 6; Psalms 130

The second week of Advent is upon us.   I am so excited for this time of renewed joy and warmth. My family and I have gotten the tree up, the Advent Calendar is replenished every day, and the presents are being wrapped. The Spirit of Christmas is real and you can sense it in many places. On the radio we hear many songs and see many movies and classics that remind us of the season. The lyrics of one song spells it out so well:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see, is the holly that will be
On your own front door

A pair of hop-along boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again

We begin to let our hearts and minds drift from the true meaning and essence of Christmas and the start to redirect our focus to ourselves. In Mark 6, we can see that while in the midst of Christ many of his close people were not able to fully understand the Essence of Christ that that they had in their midst and the ability to comprehend what he brought.

Mark 6: 1-6

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? ³ Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,^[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” ⁵ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ He was amazed at their lack of faith.

How many times have we believers in Christ, not acknowledged the full manifestations of his presence? How many times we seen the miracles that happen in our daily life and not see Christ in them. How many times have we experienced the unimaginable and then question the validity of the Spirit?

We have to be mindful in this time of preparation for the coming Christ because he might have a particular purpose for us and we may not be aware of his presence. Lets look at an example of this in Chapter 6.

Mark 6:45-52

⁴⁵ Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶ After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

⁴⁷ Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, ⁵² for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

I pray that as we continue through these two weeks of Advent that we will be able to have our hearts be light and warmth by the presence of Christ. Let us not be afraid, if during this time we come into “rocky waters”, let our hope be in him. He who has us ever in his sight and ready to step into the boat at any given time.

As a final thought, a couple of days ago, my son and I were talking about life and then he makes a profound statement for a six-year old. “Dad, did you know that Christmas is Christ-mas. We have to remember that it’s all about Christ.” Wow, my heart is overjoyed that he is allowing God to speak through him. Let us adults also remember that it is not about the presents, cards, parties, cookies, or anything else. Its about Christ. Be Blessed.

Today’s Reading: John 21, Psalm 123

“Just as the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to the, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So, they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” John 21: 4-7

In today’s reading we hear this story of Jesus’ third appearance to his disciples after his resurrection. It’s striking that again, despite witnessing his miracles, Simon Peter and the other men do not recognize Jesus for who he really is. After an evening and the following morning of empty nets, Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael and the sons of Zebedee return to shore empty handed. There stands Jesus. He instructs them to go back out into the Sea of Galilee and again cast their nets but this time on the other side of the boat. Of course, the net is filled to the brim with fish! It is then that they realize the man on the shore is indeed the Christ, their Risen Lord.

After reading today’s text a few times, I’m struck by a few things. First, the notion that the disciples returned to the sea at Jesus’ order despite not knowing who he really was. The second is the mere fact that this is the third time he had appeared to him and still they didn’t recognize him until after he had performed a miracle. This got me thinking about how often we as Christians miss those moments in which Jesus simply shows up for us. How often he is standing on the shore giving us the roadmap for success, but we mistake him for just another guy on the beach. Those of you that attend Eastview Christian Church may have heard Mike preach this Sunday on the importance of remembering the miracles that God performs in your life. How often Sunday morning tears and pleas turn into Monday morning miracles. And yet by the following week we’ve forgotten what He’s done for us and more importantly failed to spread the good news of God’s grace.

When I place myself in Simon Peter’s shoes, I too would jump out of the boat when I realized my mistake! How do I act in the moment when Jesus calls me to be a disciple and cast my net yet again? Following the call of Jesus means putting your net back into the sea even when you’ve had no success and you’ve grown weary. Even when we don’t feel like reaching out to that co-worker and sharing the message of hope or when we just don’t want to forgive and mend a relationship…Jesus is on the shore asking us to cast that net one more time. My prayer for this Christmas season is that we may be present enough to look for signs of Jesus on our shore and follow him. The miracle of Christ’s birth is upon us. Can we recognize Him when he comes?

I pray that we each find the time to put Jesus Christ into our lives this week. That we are attuned to His presence in the coming days. I pray for you to cast your net in faith this week. Peace.