"...Jesus said to Simon, 'Fear not; from henceforth you shall catch men.' And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all and followed him." Luke 5:10-11
Jesus, continuing to do the work of the Father who sent him, found himself pressed in on all sides by a multitude desiring to hear a word from him. In that he was on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, he entered the boat of his friend Simon and asked him to put out a little from the land so that he could address the people.
When this was concluded, he instructed Simon to launch out into the deep and put down his nets (Simon was a fisherman). Simon noted the oddity of the request, because the traditional time of fishing had passed and that when he had fished, he caught nothing. Nevertheless, he complied with Jesus' instructions. In so doing, he caught so many fish that his boat and that of his partners, James and John, were in danger of sinking.
Beloved, Jesus gives us the greatest example of being about the Father's business. He showed that there would always be a need to care for the people. Through the metaphor of Simon's great catch, he also showed that "the harvest (of souls) was abundant but that the workers were few." We are to be about our Father's business at all times and in all ways. As all Christians are part of the harvest, we in turn need to harvest others.
As they made it to shore, Jesus supplied them with their mission in life; they were to become fishers of men.
As we bring to a close our Water Gospels and make plans to exit the ship tomorrow and thus bring to a conclusion the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, let us take this final lesson with us: We have learned much on the sea, but the work of the Lord is on the land. That said, we must observe a particular caution.
In John 21, Jesus has been crucified and resurrected and could now be seen interacting with the people, but what about his apostles? "Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter *said to them, “I am going fishing.” They *said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing." John 21:2-3
Once we have left the classroom of the sea, let us not return to it and indulge old habits and practices. We have been given a great mission. Let us pursue it with all vigor. To go back, as the disciples found, produces nothing.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Showing posts with label Water Gospels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water Gospels. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Patience of God-6/17/2011
And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, " You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matt 14:29-31
Jesus had just fed the five thousand plus. He then sent his apostles away to cross the Sea of Galilee while he took some time to himself to pray. Just as Jesus needed time away from the rigors of his mission to spend time with the Father, we likewise are sequestered from our day to day responsibilities to enjoy the Family Gospel Cruise and focus on communing with our Lord.
Soon, the apostles found themselves enduring yet another storm. You'll recall in yesterday's lesson, Jesus was with them on the ship asleep. This time, he walked on the water through the storm to get to them. It is clear that he is the master of creation but more to the point, he is the master over our storms. One might ask why he allows us to go through storms at all. Should you ask that question, ask also if you have not come out of every storm better than when you went in.
Since the last storm, Peter had grown in his faith enough to be convinced that if Jesus would call him, he would be able to walk on the waves as well. Jesus called him and he did just that. The bible says, however, that once he took his eyes off Jesus, the storm began to consume him.
Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we continue to focus on him, we can walk on our storms until we, as the apostles were, are delivered. Jesus saved Peter and by calming the sea, he not only also saved the apostles, he them to be at their destination immediately.
Despite our doubts, fears, concerns and worries, our God is patient with us and if we are willing, He saves.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Jesus had just fed the five thousand plus. He then sent his apostles away to cross the Sea of Galilee while he took some time to himself to pray. Just as Jesus needed time away from the rigors of his mission to spend time with the Father, we likewise are sequestered from our day to day responsibilities to enjoy the Family Gospel Cruise and focus on communing with our Lord.
Soon, the apostles found themselves enduring yet another storm. You'll recall in yesterday's lesson, Jesus was with them on the ship asleep. This time, he walked on the water through the storm to get to them. It is clear that he is the master of creation but more to the point, he is the master over our storms. One might ask why he allows us to go through storms at all. Should you ask that question, ask also if you have not come out of every storm better than when you went in.
Since the last storm, Peter had grown in his faith enough to be convinced that if Jesus would call him, he would be able to walk on the waves as well. Jesus called him and he did just that. The bible says, however, that once he took his eyes off Jesus, the storm began to consume him.
Beloved, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. As long as we continue to focus on him, we can walk on our storms until we, as the apostles were, are delivered. Jesus saved Peter and by calming the sea, he not only also saved the apostles, he them to be at their destination immediately.
Despite our doubts, fears, concerns and worries, our God is patient with us and if we are willing, He saves.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Jesus vs. Our Storms-6/16/2011
"And there *arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up." Mark 4:37
Today's installment of the "Water Gospels" is related as a series of statements and thought provoking questions.
We agreed yesterday (as we considered Jonah's woes) that storms enter all of our lives.
What are some storms that you have endured?
How did you get through them?
The disciples found themselves enduring a storm. The bible says that they were very
frightened.
Have your storms ever frightened you?
What did you do?
Scripture tells us that Jesus was asleep.
What does it meant that Jesus was sleeping?
Is the point really that he was there?
Has he been there in your storms?
The disciples were concerned about dying and questioned whether the savior cared.
Are there times when you think God is not with you, or not paying attention?
Have you ever read the poem "Footsteps in the Sand?"
Our saviour has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Jesus calmed the storm by speaking words.
What does that say about him?
Does it remind you of the creation account?
What does it say about your storms?
What does our fear say about our faith?
The disciples wondered what manner of man he was?
What does that tell us about them?
What does it tell us about ourselves?
In our next lesson, we will talk about how they found out just what manner of man he
is.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Today's installment of the "Water Gospels" is related as a series of statements and thought provoking questions.
We agreed yesterday (as we considered Jonah's woes) that storms enter all of our lives.
What are some storms that you have endured?
How did you get through them?
The disciples found themselves enduring a storm. The bible says that they were very
frightened.
Have your storms ever frightened you?
What did you do?
Scripture tells us that Jesus was asleep.
What does it meant that Jesus was sleeping?
Is the point really that he was there?
Has he been there in your storms?
The disciples were concerned about dying and questioned whether the savior cared.
Are there times when you think God is not with you, or not paying attention?
Have you ever read the poem "Footsteps in the Sand?"
Our saviour has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Jesus calmed the storm by speaking words.
What does that say about him?
Does it remind you of the creation account?
What does it say about your storms?
What does our fear say about our faith?
The disciples wondered what manner of man he was?
What does that tell us about them?
What does it tell us about ourselves?
In our next lesson, we will talk about how they found out just what manner of man he
is.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Spiritual ADD-6/15/2011
"Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep." Jonah 1:2-5
Oftentimes, we as Christians suffer from spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). With our minds and mouths we acknowledge God as the King of our lives, our Creator, the Almighty and our Father. We are His people and we know it. We are to be obedient and we know it. He loves us and wants the best for us and we know it. Our actions from time to time, however, belie these truths. In fact, we will sometimes go out of our way to be out of His way.
Jonah was a prophet of God. His whole reason for existing was to impart God's word to those whom he was charged to give it. That said, not only did he refuse direct instructions from God to preach to a people desperately in need of the word, he actually paid money to get on a ship headed the opposite direction.
As we continue in our "Water Gospels" during our study time on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, note that it was on the water that God got Jonah's attention. The bible said that a great storm came upon the ship causing all to fear and seek out divine intervention.
Beloved we all have storms in our lives. They come in a variety of guises, but none of us is ignorant of a storm when we are in one. During these storms, we must ask ourselves if God is trying to get our attention.
It is interesting to know that once guilt ridden Jonah was thrown overboard at his own request, the storm that was afflicting the innocent around him ceased immediately. Further, Jonah spent the next three days in the belly of a fish. This was plenty of time to contemplate both the benefits of obedience and his relationship with God.
What will it take for God to get your attention?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Oftentimes, we as Christians suffer from spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). With our minds and mouths we acknowledge God as the King of our lives, our Creator, the Almighty and our Father. We are His people and we know it. We are to be obedient and we know it. He loves us and wants the best for us and we know it. Our actions from time to time, however, belie these truths. In fact, we will sometimes go out of our way to be out of His way.
Jonah was a prophet of God. His whole reason for existing was to impart God's word to those whom he was charged to give it. That said, not only did he refuse direct instructions from God to preach to a people desperately in need of the word, he actually paid money to get on a ship headed the opposite direction.
As we continue in our "Water Gospels" during our study time on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise, note that it was on the water that God got Jonah's attention. The bible said that a great storm came upon the ship causing all to fear and seek out divine intervention.
Beloved we all have storms in our lives. They come in a variety of guises, but none of us is ignorant of a storm when we are in one. During these storms, we must ask ourselves if God is trying to get our attention.
It is interesting to know that once guilt ridden Jonah was thrown overboard at his own request, the storm that was afflicting the innocent around him ceased immediately. Further, Jonah spent the next three days in the belly of a fish. This was plenty of time to contemplate both the benefits of obedience and his relationship with God.
What will it take for God to get your attention?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
God Punishes, God Preserves-6/14/2011
"Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark — you and your sons and your wife, and your sons' wives with you." Gen 6:17-18
Today, men and women are given in marriage. Today there is a lot of evil present and things are being done that are scarcely imaginable. These things grieve God. People are corrupt and filled with violence. Despite this, however, there are some good people who follow God.
Though all of these statements are true in 2011, you will find the same conditions discussed in Genesis 6:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13. Then, it was these very stated situations that caused God to bring about the greatest calamity in history. To be sure, we have earthquakes, droughts, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods but nothing compares to what He brought about then.
Despite this, God ensured that mankind would survive by preserving the righteous Noah and his family. It should also be said that He gave all of mankind time to repent and seek safety in the vehicle prepared for salvation.
As we (on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise) look away from our own ark of safety in the midst of the sea, we can view what Noah and his family saw: water as far as the eye could see in all directions. In that the same conditions of Noah's time persist today, if they were deserving of destruction, what of us? Is the story of Noah a warning to the church? Is it a warning to us in our own personal lives?
God certainly punishes. According to Gen 8:1-5, God also relented in His punishment even as He does with us.
Beloved, the promise that He made then still holds true today. He will never destroy the earth with water again. He has always ensured that there will be a remnant of His people to continue to live and glorify His name. 1 Peter 3:20-21 says that, "the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." As there was a vehicle to save man in Noah's time, there is one that remains to save us to this day. Let us heed the warning while there is yet still time. God preserve us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Today, men and women are given in marriage. Today there is a lot of evil present and things are being done that are scarcely imaginable. These things grieve God. People are corrupt and filled with violence. Despite this, however, there are some good people who follow God.
Though all of these statements are true in 2011, you will find the same conditions discussed in Genesis 6:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13. Then, it was these very stated situations that caused God to bring about the greatest calamity in history. To be sure, we have earthquakes, droughts, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods but nothing compares to what He brought about then.
Despite this, God ensured that mankind would survive by preserving the righteous Noah and his family. It should also be said that He gave all of mankind time to repent and seek safety in the vehicle prepared for salvation.
As we (on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise) look away from our own ark of safety in the midst of the sea, we can view what Noah and his family saw: water as far as the eye could see in all directions. In that the same conditions of Noah's time persist today, if they were deserving of destruction, what of us? Is the story of Noah a warning to the church? Is it a warning to us in our own personal lives?
God certainly punishes. According to Gen 8:1-5, God also relented in His punishment even as He does with us.
Beloved, the promise that He made then still holds true today. He will never destroy the earth with water again. He has always ensured that there will be a remnant of His people to continue to live and glorify His name. 1 Peter 3:20-21 says that, "the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." As there was a vehicle to save man in Noah's time, there is one that remains to save us to this day. Let us heed the warning while there is yet still time. God preserve us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, June 13, 2011
God Provides-6/13/2011
Beloved,
Heartfelt thanks for all who prayed for the success of the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise. We had a glorious time in the Lord and all who went came away encouraged, edified and more educated. It was wonderful to see the beauty of God's creation, fellowship with the saints, study His word and build new bonds.
Each day, our study focused on a lesson that took place on the water. This week, I will share those lessons with you, faithful reader.
"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Gen 1:2
On a cruise, we are surrounded by water. This can be a very surreal sight. Just hours ago we were surrounded by asphalt, brick, mortar, steel and cement. Today, we visited a small island in the Bahamas with no asphalt, brick or mortar to speak of. As the travelers debarked for a day of fun, individuals were noticed, then people by the tens, hundreds and then thousands. There were big ones, small ones, male ones, female ones, young ones, old ones and folks form dozens of countries.
This all served to remind me of creation. In Gen 1:1, the scriptures reveal that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 2, the focus of the account is the earth. Water is the first created thing mentioned. In fact,the argument could be made that all that could be seen in the beginning was water. By simply looking out to the horizon, we can get a glimpse of what the earth may have looked like in it's infancy. Verse 6 goes on to say that the sky was created to separate the waters on the surface from the waters in the sky (clouds) and verse 9 sees the gathering of the waters into their designated areas thereby giving place to the land. On the land grew the trees and lived the animals and man. So even on the fist day of our journey, we have been reminded of the first days of the Master's creation.
Beloved, allow these true wonders to remind us that God provides. In His eternal self existence, He needed nothing. He embarked on this creative enterprise for His own glory and for the benefit of His creation's pinnacle, mankind. In creating all that we know, see and are, He has provided all we need to be fruitful, multiply and give Him all the glory!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Heartfelt thanks for all who prayed for the success of the first annual St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise. We had a glorious time in the Lord and all who went came away encouraged, edified and more educated. It was wonderful to see the beauty of God's creation, fellowship with the saints, study His word and build new bonds.
Each day, our study focused on a lesson that took place on the water. This week, I will share those lessons with you, faithful reader.
"The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Gen 1:2
On a cruise, we are surrounded by water. This can be a very surreal sight. Just hours ago we were surrounded by asphalt, brick, mortar, steel and cement. Today, we visited a small island in the Bahamas with no asphalt, brick or mortar to speak of. As the travelers debarked for a day of fun, individuals were noticed, then people by the tens, hundreds and then thousands. There were big ones, small ones, male ones, female ones, young ones, old ones and folks form dozens of countries.
This all served to remind me of creation. In Gen 1:1, the scriptures reveal that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In verse 2, the focus of the account is the earth. Water is the first created thing mentioned. In fact,the argument could be made that all that could be seen in the beginning was water. By simply looking out to the horizon, we can get a glimpse of what the earth may have looked like in it's infancy. Verse 6 goes on to say that the sky was created to separate the waters on the surface from the waters in the sky (clouds) and verse 9 sees the gathering of the waters into their designated areas thereby giving place to the land. On the land grew the trees and lived the animals and man. So even on the fist day of our journey, we have been reminded of the first days of the Master's creation.
Beloved, allow these true wonders to remind us that God provides. In His eternal self existence, He needed nothing. He embarked on this creative enterprise for His own glory and for the benefit of His creation's pinnacle, mankind. In creating all that we know, see and are, He has provided all we need to be fruitful, multiply and give Him all the glory!
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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