The Daily Dose

Continue in Prayer

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.  Acts 1:14

The prayer of agreement.  It is one of the most powerful ways to pray.  It is when two or more of God’s people get together and come into agreement on taking hold of God’s will for a situation.  In this case, 120 of Jesus’ followers were gathering together daily in the upper room waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus said He would be sending to help them reach the world with His message of love.  During this ten-day span, these disciples were meeting and continuing in prayer, preparing for the purpose they were called to go into all the world and tell the good news.  At that time, they didn’t know how long it was going to be before the Holy Spirit would come, but by faith, they continued in prayer and supplication as they waited.

Notice, they did not find things to be busy with or go out to pursue a living until the Spirit came.  Instead, they were intentionally gathering and praying because they knew Jesus had promised something and they were obedient to stay put until that something happened.  What would have happened if they went back to their former life and professions before they started in ministry with Jesus?  Would the Holy Spirit still have come?  Would He have found them where they were in the fields and fishing boats across the land?  Well, He certainly could have, but not likely.  The Holy Spirit and His power came as a result of their coming into agreement with each other and also because of their obedience to wait as Jesus told them to.  These directions did not necessarily make sense and it is not really comfortable to sit and wait for something when you do not know how long you are going to have to wait.  But these disciples were faithful and thank goodness for that.  They were endued with power from on high and ushered in the Holy Spirit’s presense to be the foundation of the New Testament church.

So, how does this apply to us today?  Let’s start with considering what we are willing to continue in prayer and supplication for?  Are we willing to come together with other believers in agreement to pray for the lives of our loved ones, our neighborhoods or our country?  What about praying for the people around the world who have dedicated their lives to spreading the message of salvation to a lost and dying world?  There is great power in coming together in prayer and many things in the world have changed because of believers calling on the God of heaven for help.  We can change our world today, if we begin to make it a priority to call on Him and follow the direction He gives as we agree with others in prayer.

Today I want to encourage you to come into agreement with other believers in prayer.  Even if it is just one other person, take time to press into Him and pray the prayer of faith.  Pray for lost people, pray for sick people and pray for those who need rescued from the oppression of the enemy. Join together today and begin to form a bond that cannot be broken in the spirit realm.  Then continue in prayer and supplication until the promise of our Savior’s return has come.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:12-26

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 

13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 

16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 

17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 

19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’

21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 

22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 

24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 

25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 

26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The same way

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:11

 A lot of people argue about if Jesus will come back to the earth someday.  Some say He has already come.  Others believe we will only see Him when we die.  Still, there are those who think Jesus will only come when He sets up His Kingdom in the millennial reign.  Then of course there are the ones who have the idea that you just never know what is going to happen.

The truth is, we do know because God put it in His word.  God gave us an entire manual to live our lives by and to prepare us for things to come.  He wants us to know what He is up to and what to expect He is going to do.  First of all, we know He is good and He does good things.  In Galatians 5, we can read about the fruit of God’s Spirit so it is safe to believe that God is all of the attributes listed in that passage.  We also know that God is love and loves us.  We know that God the Father sent His only Son into the world to pay the price for the punishment of sin and we know that Jesus raised up from the dead, spent time with His disciples for 40 days and then ascended into heaven while that group watched Him go.

All of these events were prophesied before they happened but while these things were actually going on, many did not believe because they did not know or understand what God had written in His Word about them.  God was not trying to hide what He was doing at the time, and He doesn’t want us as His people to be in the dark about what is going on right now in His plan and what He is about to do.

We know this because right before Jesus ascended, the disciples asked Him if it was now time to set them free from the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel.  However, after they received the Holy Spirit, they never had this question again.  By the witness and wisdom of the Spirit of God and His Word, they knew what their mission was and how they were to complete it. They were no longer concerned with the circumstances surrounding them, only to fulfill their assignment while they were living in this world.

It is the same for us today.  As we yield to the Spirit of God and spend time with Him in His Word and presence, we will know and understand the things that He has planned for us to be and to accomplish.  We will also have revelation knowledge from the Spirit of God about His plan to come back someday.  Just like Jesus told His disciples long ago the things that were about to happen and what their part would be in the plan, He is letting us know today, too. It is up to each individual to take the time to press into Him and ask for the revelation and the leading of God’s Spirit to know the plan He has for our lives.

Today I want to encourage you to know that some day Jesus will come back the same way that that group of people saw Him leave so many years ago just as His word promises.  Begin to fill your heart and life up with the word of God and the promises He made in it. Take time each day to yield to the Spirit of God and His leading you step by step in life.  Ask Him for wisdom and insight into the plans He has for your life and for a filling of His Spirit.  Then you will no longer ask the questions that are temporary to your circumstances and you will align your life with the plan God has instead.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:6-11

6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 

10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 

11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Copy that!

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Have you ever heard the phrase “Copy that!” in movies or on television shows?  Like when someone gives a response over a CB radio or walkie talkie. (Though I’m not sure those devises are used anymore) Or maybe at the end of a phone conversation?  The response is given to let the listener know that their request or statement was understood and being carried out or acted upon.  For instance, if you say to a friend “I will pick you up for group at 7.”  They could respond with “Copy that!”  Meaning they understand and will be ready to go when you get to their house.

In today’s key verse, Paul says copy me as I copy the Lord Jesus.  It reminds me of what he said to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 5:1 except there he tells the believers to copy or imitate God as dear children.  So, what if you did copy Paul as he displayed copying the Lord Jesus?  What would that even look like?  Would it mean you had to become a prisoner, be beaten and ship wrecked like Paul was?  Would it be that you were going to be harassed and persecuted everywhere you went.  Maybe you would copy Paul by becoming a tent maker?  However, that is not what Paul says to copy.  He says to copy him in the same way he imitates Jesus.

So, when you have thoughts of doubt and unbelief, combat that  by saying: “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.” (Romans 8:37) “Copy that!”  When you are filled with feelings of fear and anxiety, cast them off with saying “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but I have power, love and a sound mind.” (1 Timothy 1:7)   “Copy that!”  When you are nervous and worried about upcoming events or appointments, turn your faith to “Letting the peace of God rule in your life and be thankful!” (Col. 3:15) “Copy that!”

Whatever is coming against you, don’t agree with the circumstances, your thoughts or your feelings.  Instead, copy what the Word says to do to be an overcomer.  Use your struggles and issues as triggers to remind you that you do not want to speak or imitate them at all, you want to know what God says in His Word and the way of escape from these situations and then: “Copy that!”

Today I want to encourage you to not copy the ways of the people who are without the hope of God in their life.  When you see others fretting and speaking all the negative things that are going on around them, turn to the life or Paul or better yet, the life of Jesus.  Look at how they handled difficulties and the words they spoke when they were up against the pressures of life and then, “Copy that!”

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1-3

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

 Be Edified

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify and strengthen me.  1 Corinthians 10:23

I have been struggling this week with a decision about plans for an upcoming holiday.  We thought it would be nice to have a little get away.  Not far, but just something to step away from life for a day or two.  I had become preoccupied with trying to figure this out to the point that I was not able to sleep.   As I looked at options and wrestled with thoughts about getting a place during a holiday weekend, I finally had the thought: “You know what?  I am going to turn this over to the Lord!”  Maybe I had been talking to Him about it some, but mostly, I was just trying to put a plan together by myself.  So, finally I prayed: “Heavenly Father, we thought it would be nice to get away for a few days, but it is turning into pressure and anxiety trying to figure out the details.  Would you please open the doors for the right timing and place to have a little break?”  As I then went back to bed and started drifting off, I heard these words deep within my heart: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not want.” (see Psalms 23)   I thought “Yes! That is exactly right!”  He is the One that leads me in the right path, and I know He will lead us to the right place at the right time!!  I do not need to stress or feel pressure or force anything, I just need to follow my Shepherd.

My point is, it is not wrong for us to get away, and it is not wrong for us to put together a plan to take a short get away trip or even a long trip around the world for that matter, but there is always a better way and that is God’s way.

In the verse today, Paul says a similar thing.  He said all things are lawful to me, but not everything is helpful to what I am working toward.  Even though all things are lawful to me, not everything grows and encourages my spirit man.  In this passage he is talking about food offered to idol, but the same is true concerning all things in life.  It is up to you to not associate with the demonic realm and to base your life decisions on the leading of God’s Spirit and God’s Word.

There are many options we face each day.  Where we will work, where we will go after work and even where we will live.  Although making these decisions and many other life choices are not sinful, there is always the best choice they can be made, and that is to follow your good Shepherd.  He will lead you in the path of righteousness and to the still waters and even THROUGH the trials and the valley of the shadow of death.

Today I want to encourage you as you face decisions in life.  All things are fine for you to do, but not everything is useful and beneficial.  Even though a plan may look good on the surface, it may not be the most productive or profitable for the purpose you were called to.  Turn it all over to your good Shepherd and let Him lead you on the right path at the right time with the right people!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything?

20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake;

26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.

28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience?

30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,

33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

But first, wait

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; Acts 1:4

Most of us know what the great commission is.  It is in the gospels and now here at the beginning of Acts.  Jesus told His disciples to: “Go into all the world and be His witnesses.”  It was the new mission the disciples were given after His resurrection.  However, in the scripture reading today and, in the gospels, there was something Jesus told them to do first.  Jesus told the people that were with Him the day He ascended into heave to go back to Jerusalem first and wait.  He told them to wait in Jerusalem until the promise of the Holy Spirit had come.  Jesus said that after they were baptized with the Holy Spirit, then they would receive power from on high to complete the assignment of being witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Sameria and to the end of the earth.

This revelation helps me immensely.  Having grown up in the church, it was continually stressed that we are to be witnesses, but it always seemed like a hard thing to do. When I learned that there was power available to be a witness, it made all the difference in the world.  Now I understand how to be a witness and also how to be effective at it.  Anyone can go out and talk about Jesus, but to truly get the results of others receiving the message, you must first receive the power of heaven from the Holy Spirit.

This truth actually carries over into everything you are called to in life.  It is the key to following the leading of the Holy Spirit.  As we begin to step into our purpose and God’s plan for the direction for our lives, the first thing to do is press into Him and wait for the power from the Holy Spirit to accomplish the instructions He gives.  This is a vital step to the success of your life mission.  Once that power comes on you, you will be able to reach your home, neighborhood, your city, country and the world.  The Holy Spirit’s power and direction in you will propel you into the assignments He has for you each day and will cause you to produce fruit every where you go.

Today I want to encourage you to wait.  Wait for the promised power of the Holy Spirit to fill you and direct you each day.  Just as the followers of Jesus in the beginning of the church needed to be filled up continually with His Spirit’s power, we do too.  Ask the Father for a fresh filling of His Spirit and begin to follow the steps He gives you to help and encourage others in life.  Be aware of the promptings and ideas that come to your heart throughout your day and be ready to step out when you know that power is there for you to produce fruit.  Become full of the power from on high that is available for you to walk in each day by filling up with Him before you start it.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:4-8

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 

5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Who are you writing to?

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,  Acts 1:1

You can write!  We all can. I have been a proponent of writing for the past several years.  I encourage people to journal to capture what is in their heart and thoughts.  Journaling is so simple, just write scriptures that you are meditating and want to remember or the impressions you get during your quiet time with God.  Write your story and the many wonderful ways you see God moving in your life.  Write a note or letter to someone you care about or randomly think of.  Write a text message to let someone know you are praying for them.  You can even write a social media post to tell the world there is hope.

Writing helps not only the people you are sending to, but it also is for you.  Writing things out reinforces them in your mind and also in your heart.  Writing also gives clarity and helps you organize ideas and plans.  Writing to others can inspire and motivate them to take a next step in life and writing your testimony can help you be ready to share it at any moment.

Today we are starting in the book of Acts. It is one of my most favorite books in the New Testament.  Mostly because it is stories of how the first Christians started living by faith and grew in their walk with God though the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Once again, Luke the physician is writing this account of the beginning of the New Testament church, He is also the only man not of the Hebrew people that wrote books in the bible, so his writing brings a different perspective than the other New Testament writers.

He started out writing to Theophilus because he wanted to reinforce the things that were taught him to let Theophilus know they were true.  He said a lot of people have written things about Jesus and have been passed along from person to person, but Luke’s account was an eyewitness account of those who spent time with Jesus.  His encouragement was for Theophilus, but it is also for us.  Luke’s writing 2000 years ago is impacting us still today all these years later.

That brings me to my final point.  Your writing will live on after you.  You have the opportunity today to impact the generations of tomorrow.  So start writing today at least in a journal so that your words will continue to speak the love of God long after you have left this world.

Today I want to encourage you to write!  Write daily scriptures and thoughts.  Write letters and messages to help others get up when they fall down.  Write notes and text to tell people you love them and they are doing a great work no matter how small it may seem.  Impact the world around you for years to come by writing what is on your heart today.

Today’s scripture reading:  Acts 1:1-3

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 

2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 

3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Not my concern

_{Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remains till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”  John 21:22}

When you were a child, did you ever get in trouble with your parents or a teacher?  Maybe you were involved in something you should not have been with a friend or a sibling and when you got caught, you were the only one that got punished?  When you asked about what was going to happen to the others that helped you, you were told not to worry about what happened to them, and to just keep yourself clean and on the up and up.  Chances are that did not make you feel any better and you probably felt like you were singled out and treated unfairly but there was nothing you could do about it.

In today’s reading, there is a similar situation going on.  Not that anyone was being punished, but after Jesus told Peter that one day he would stretch out his hands and be carried where he didn’t want to go, Peter immediately asked, what about John?  It seems humorous to consider the scenario of an adult man giving this childish response. Probably, Peter wanted to hear that he was not going to be the only one with this destiny.  However, Jesus didn’t give Peter the answer he wanted.  Instead, He said it was not Peter’s concern what happened to anyone else, only to give attention to his own calling to follow Jesus’ example and plan.

This is our part still today.  It doesn’t matter what someone next to you is doing in their walk with the Lord.  Maybe you notice that some are not serving as much as you are, and others are doing more.  It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking and even becoming frustrated when it doesn’t look like others are doing their part in the work of the LORD.  But, as Jesus said, “What is that to you?”  Keep your focus on your own calling and your part of the plan and let the Holy Spirit do His work of leading the others.

Today I want to encourage you to take your eyes off people and put them back onto the One who is leading and blessing your life.  Make it your mission in life to complete down to the last detail everything that you have been assigned to do.  Certainly, when you see those around you struggling or missing it you can reach out a helping hand, but not to accuse or rebuke, only to love them and gently help them to get back on track.  Decide today that you are going to follow Him wherever He leads and then encourage others to do the same.

Today’s scripture reading: John 21:20-25

20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 

21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Do you love Him?

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15

This is the point after Jesus’ resurrection when He reaffirms Peter after denying Him before the crucifixion.  He asked Peter three times if Peter loved Him (Jesus)?  Some people say Jesus asked him three times because Peter denied Jesus three times.  While I don’t know what Jesus’ real intention for asking Peter the question that many times was, I do know that the question is relevant for us to answer today.  Do we love Him?

This is a question we can ask ourselves daily and after we answer the question, consider how am I going about showing my love for Him?  Is it by setting aside special quiet time to press in and get the plans He has made for you each day?  Maybe you show your love for Him by telling testimonies of how He changed your life?  You can even show Him how much you love Him by showing kindness to others and loving people despite their shortcomings. 

That is actually what Jesus told Peter to do.  He said if you love me then feed my lambs.  Lambs are young believers.  Then He said if you love me tend to my sheep.  That is taking care of the needs of His people when given the opportunity.  After that, Jesus said: If you love me, feed my sheep.  That can be done by encouraging God’s people with the promises of God’s word.  We are told in the scripture to feed on His Word.  Lastly, Jesus said to: “Follow Me!”  That is the ultimate in showing your love for Him, be His disciple and follow His example and leading.

Today I want to encourage you to begin a fresh love for your Savior by examining how you really feel about Him.  Take a deep look at the time and attention you give Him in your every day life.  Then begin to show your love for Him by spending quiet time with Him each day.  Spend time praising Him, spend time worshiping Him, spend time reading His word and take some time to talk with Him.  Then as you go through your day, look for opportunities to show your love for Him by loving and caring for those around you.  Show the Lord that you love Him more than all the other things in life by not only telling Him, but also by being His hands and feet to the world around you.

Today’s scripture reading: John 21:15- 19

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 

18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 

19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Business as usual

_{Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.  John 21:3}

Have you ever gone on a trip or planned a big event, but then when it was over felt let down?  Even though the vacation or celebration was a success, you still experienced feelings of sadness and even depression because the occasion was over.  What happened?  Why the disappointment? Was it because there was something wrong or were you just not ready to go back to your everyday life again?  After such a happy occurrence, you just felt like you were not quite ready for it to be over or maybe you just didn’t know what to do with yourself now after so much activity.  We all have experienced this kind of remorse and glumness, but in the end, we went back to business as usual of our job, home and quietness.

In today’s reading, we find the disciples in this type of circumstances.  After spending the last three years in ministry with Jesus, then going through the fear of losing Him at the cross, they were just figuring out how to deal with the fact that He had raised up from the dead but didn’t quite know what that meant for their future yet.  After Jesus had shown Himself to them in the room where they were all hiding out, a group of the followers decided it was time to get back to business as usual.  That is before Jesus called them out of that life.  So, Peter and the guys went fishing.  It was a good plan to keep them busy and come up with some food and provision, but after spending the night at work on the boat, they ended up with nothing to show for it.  However, when the morning came, they saw Jesus at the shore, and He told them to cast their nets one more time on the other side of the boat.  That is when success came and that is when they knew He showed up to help and be with them yet again.  Even though they hoped for more of these meetings with Jesus, they never really knew when it was going to happen.  So they went back to business and life as usual as they waited.

Maybe you are in a time of waiting or just getting things back to normal after some extenuating circumstances?  Or maybe you are just at an impasse and don’t know what is next for you.  As you commit each day to the Lord and continue in the business as usual, He will show up and He will lead you in the next step.  Your part is to be ready to follow the direction and go through the doors that He opens up for you to walk through.  Each step of the way, the disciples were given opportunities to take the next step and make the decision to obey or continue to go their own way. When they did what Jesus said, that is when their miracles showed up.  Your miracle and change of course will come to, but it is up to you to follow through.

Today I want to encourage you to first of all commit your whole life to following the leading of the Holy Spirit.  He has a great plan for you and when you do follow, you may experience some low points, but they will just be times of rest not disappointment or discouragement.  If you feel that you are stuck or at a point of being ready to step into what is next for your life, ask the Holy Spirit to make that path plain and clear and to give you the faith and grace to take the next steps when it is time.  Next, expect Him to show up and be watching out for the open doors that He puts in front of you.  You may even have thoughts of “That’s not it” but be sure to check in with Him to make sure you are not walking by and missing out on that opportunity just because it didn’t make sense to you at the time.  He knows what is best and He also knows what you will enjoy if you just give it a chance.  If the disciples had not been willing to throw their net in on the other side of the boat even though they had already be fishing all night long and caught nothing, they would have never experienced their miracle and worst of all, they would not have recognized that the LORD was there with them.  Make the decision today to always be willing to take the risk of following Him even when it doesn’t make sense in your “business as usual” world.  You will never know what is on the other side of those options until you take the step of faith He points you in.

Today’s scripture reading: John 21:1-14

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 

2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 

3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 

4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”

6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 

8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 

9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 

12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 

13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

Always an escape

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation!  It seems like it is always out there haunting us.  Whether it’s big or small, it is still a trick of the devil to lead us off course.  Temptation is the lure that draws us into the enemy’s trap to be devoured by him!  We know from scripture that Satan is like a roaring lion looking for those he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8) 

Today’s scripture says, there are no new tricks.  Satan is still using the same old lies he used in the Garden of Eden, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Every one of us has been subjected to them at one point or another. Whether it’s something we see that we just have to have, something we feel that pushes us over the edge, or the desire for power and fame.  However, we do not have to give into these deceptions.  Often, we rename these things and call them: addictions, desire, ego, even television and social media.  The bottom line is anything can fall into these categories that steal our heart away from God.

So, what’s the solution?  God’s faithfulness!  The passage says God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to resist it.  You can count on it!  God wants to protect us from the enemy’s jaws, so He has given us a way to escape and it starts in our thoughts.  If you are allowing the lust of eyes, flesh, and pride to dominate your thought life, you are going to struggle with every temptation that comes your way.  James 1:14 says, we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desires and enticed (aka thought life).  This takes us back to what we are putting into our hearts through our eyes, ears and even what is going in our mouth, or coming out.  What are you feeding your spirit?  This is why I cannot stress enough how important it is to put God’s Word into your heart every day.  Have a daily diet of the Word and then meditate on it and keep it in your heart and thoughts and on your lips often.  The Bible says to meditate on it day and night. (Psalms 1:2) What?  Is that even possible?  Well, I’ve concluded that we are always thinking about something.  Our brain is always going.  It is our responsibility to direct and take authority over our thoughts and not give them the ability to control us.  When your thoughts are in control of your life, you will fall into temptation every time.  By letting your spirit purposefully direct your thoughts to God’s Word, God’s plan and God’s purpose, then you will allow the Spirit of God to be in control and that is where your escape route is.

Today I want to encourage you to take inventory on your thoughts.  Recognize which thoughts you are following and which thoughts you are initiating.  It is totally up to you.  This is good news because you have the power to replace tempting thoughts with the Word of God!  Have a verse for each day ready to put in the place of these unwanted thoughts such as worry, doubt, confusion and fear.  Putting a plan in place will assure your victory every time!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,

2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,

3 all ate the same spiritual food,

4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”

8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;

9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.