Jer. 45-47; Ps. 105; John 21

  
JOHN 21: This chapter has always puzzled me. Why are the disciples fishing back in Galilee after having seen the resurrected Christ and being commissioned by Him? Then when they see Jesus how can they not recognize Him. “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” (John 21:4) After all, this isn’t the first time they have seen him after His death and resurrection. The first thing that always comes to my mind is, “shouldn’t they be out caring for the church?” Maybe they were taking a day off to go sports fishing. Ok, seriously my friends; Some day this might be clearer but for now we can clearly see Christ working in their lives. This starts with His provision to the disciples, “He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" “No," they answered. He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:5-6) Jesus always meets us where we are at and takes us to the next level whether that is in provision or in spiritual development. He goes on to further affirm Peter and the call on his life even while seemingly challenging him three times.

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" (John 21:15-19)

God has a place for all of us in His ministry so I ask you these questions:

• What area of ministry has the Lord called you to?
• What is the gifting you see or others see in your life that He has given to you?
• How can you put those gifts to work in your church family?
• How can you get started?

See you all on the ministry field.

Blessings,
Pastor Jason



NEXT READING: Jer. 48,49; Ps. 67; 1 John 1

Jer. 10-12; John 14

John 14 is such an incredible passage filled with promises. I am always brought back to a sense of simplicity about the Gospel and the ways of the Lord every time I read this. Jesus lays it all out so well. First we see that Jesus is preparing a place for us and that the ONLY way to heaven is through Him. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….” (John 14: 1-6) The weight of verse 6 is enormous; Jesus is the ONLY way! As we read on we see the introduction of the Holy Spirit and all that He will bring. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)

I can only imagine the confusion the disciples must have had at this time with Christ talking about leaving and sending the Holy Spirit. Fortunately for us we have the printed Bible to read and we can see the “BIG BICTURE”. There is a deep joy and assurance, because of the coming of the Holy Spirit. We will be kept in Jesus and as Jesus is fully in the Father, we will also know the way to the Father. While we are here in this weak body made of flesh and bones we also have the Spirit of God inside us so we should be encouraged as we are not in this fight alone!



Thank you Lord for your Love and Grace….Amen
Pastor Jason



NEXT READING: Jer. 13-15; John 15

I Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

Hope, the experience of hope, through life's tribulations, produces perseverance and perseverance produces character; it is these things that produce that hope that just keeps growing and getting stronger and stronger as we walk this spiritual journey. As we experience God's faithfulness and fulfilled promises, we become more hopeful and that hope refreshes daily translating in to mounds of faith. The Biblical definition of hope means a strong and confident expectation. In Hebrews 11 we can read over and over again those patriachs and followers of the Lord who allowed hope to produce amazing testimonies. One person put it this way, "Where there is hope, there is faith, where there is faith, miracles can happen." Read through the scriptures and you will find story after story of miracles happening because courageous people were willing to put their hope in God. Psalm 42:5, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." The Psalmist is encouraging the reader not to be discouraged, not to look down, don't be disturbed...trust God, put your hope in Him--He is faithful. If you are a child of God, you have the right to hope. It is your position in Christ to have hopeful expectation and trust in God and His promises. May today be the day that you take a courageous steps and allow faith to take wings through hope. "Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Hoping with you,

Carol Danna

Next Reading: I Kings 10, 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6