Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 1-3; Luke 5
Devotional Thought:
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. In Isaiah 6, Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up and his only response was to worship Him by crying, Holy, Holy, Holy! As Isaiah saw the Lord in all His glory, the view he had of himself was that he was undone, unclean, and unholy. When Peter saw the power of God on display, his response was, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (vs. 8) Any time we have a proper view of God it helps us to have an accurate opinion of ourselves. However, any time we have an improper view of God it leads us to have an inflated opinion of ourselves. I believe the Christian life can be boiled down to simply keeping a right view of God. It is obedience that brings us to the place of blessing. Peter’s response is precious, “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” Peter was admitting that according to what his experience taught him, there was no reason to do any more fishing. How sad it is that too many Christians have such an inflated opinion of themselves that they trust their experience, education, and expertise more than the declared word of God. Peter, however, admitted what he thought, but was willing to obey what God has said. The blessing of his obedience not only affected him, but it affected his business and all his business partners. Obedience to God’s word brings physical, emotional, intellectual, and financial stability, but it enhances our faith and brings spiritual maturity. What an immediate test followed this amazing miracle. This was an amazing night of fishing to be sure, but as fisherman, this was an incredibly profitable night financially. However, Jesus immediately tests these successful fishermen by giving another command, “…from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” (vs. 10) “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” (vs. 11) When God is blessing your business the most, would you be willing to walk away from the cash to serve Him in a humble cottage in a remote region of the world, just because He asked you to serve Him there? When you are climbing the corporate ladder the fastest, would you be willing to walk away and train for the ministry just because Jesus asked you to walk away from corporate America? When we have a right view of God, we will be willing to do anything He asks of us. When we see God in all of His holiness, majesty, power, and glory; we will have a right view of self, our stuff, and the society in which we live. Oh that we might look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, and do whatever it is He asks of us.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to love you more every day. I want to know you better and to walk with you, talk with you, and obey your every command for me.
• Lord, thank you for revealing stories like this to increase my faith, and to remind me of your amazing power over life and the control you have over the life I live.
• Lord, please help me to model my life after these men who forsook all and followed you.