Revelation 21: Alpha and the Omega

Alpha and the Omega

I have heard of the verse I will reference, but did not know the context before. It is important to know the context when giving. In Revelation 21:6, the vision starts and says it is done. These are the same words Jesus spoke on the cross (John 19:30). Then he says he is the Alpha and the Omega. These are not just some really cool words that sound cool. Alpha is the first letter in the Greek Alphabet and Omega is the last letter in the same alphabet. Jesus is the beginning and the end. All things are summed up in him. There no need for anymore or any less. And then he says that he will give a free drink to those who have thirst. That drink will come from the "spring of the water of life." This is obviously not physical thirst but a spiritual one. If there is a spiritual thirst, Jesus can help quench it. 

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Wednesday Wake Up #37

Be Patient, Stay Strong in Him

If you have read through Proverbs then you know that there is plenty of wisdom to obtain from that book. In Proverbs 16:7 we read "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." This is not specific to just men, but women too. First, look at the phrase "man's ways please the Lord." These are not ways that you justify that are just what you want to do, but what God wants from you. How do you know what God wants from you? Look at John 13:34 and know that Jesus himself said that he wants us to love others as he has loved us. Remember he died for your sins. Also remember this was a command, not a suggestion. Secondly, "He makes even his enemies be at peace with him." Have you ever heard the term "misery loves company"? It is hard to argue with someone who won't argue with you. Let "Jesus take the wheel" to your heart and soul and steer you away from sin and troubles.

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Friday Focus #36

Be Loving Anyway

It can be very difficult to be loving to someone who is not being loving to you. Maybe they have insulted you or something like that and now you want to verbally retaliate. But ask yourself, does that honor God? If you are trying to figure out how you can insult someone in a round about way, then you are not focused on being loving. You are focused on revenge or vengeance. All we do is to be God honoring, even toward those that do not know or care for Jesus. 

Remember that time they said/did that thing that hurt you? I mean it really hurt. You may have an emotion scar or even a physical one. The life of Jesus says for us to still love them. WHAT?!?! Yes, still love them. That does not mean you let them in your house and trust them. But it does mean get right in your heart and head (over and over again if need be) and forgive them. You may think, how am I supposed to do that? Well, ask God how he does it with you for those times you did people wrong or hurt someone? I struggle with looking at the words of others and think "that's not the Christian response" and then I think of the several things I said that day/week that are also not the Christian response. I need to repent and not just keep sinning. I need be loving like Jesus said in John 13:34.

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Wednesday Wake Up #35

Jesus Eats with Sinners

In my many travels (read this article) I came across an image with some text that seemed to be saying that Jesus would endorse/support sin because he ate with sinners. I may have gotten the message a bit mixed up (I doubt it though), but I do think and know that there are people who believe that because Jesus ate with sinners, that it must mean that he accepted their sinful ways as okay to live in and would encourage these sins to continue. I beg to differ and scripture would disagree with that too (that is what is most important). Jesus does not endorse sin. Many look at Jesus and forget why he came to earth and what his purpose was while he was here. I hope I can remind people today that Jesus would not encourage or endorse sinful behavior.

In Mark 2:13-17, Jesus had called Levi to follow him. Levi was a tax collector and they were known to take more taxes and save some for themselves. While eating with Levi and other tax collectors, the Pharisees got upset with Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus told them that it is not the well, but the sick that needed doctors just as the sinners (the sick) are the ones who needed Jesus. Why would a sinner need Jesus? So that they can follow him. If you love Jesus and what he stood for then understand he was not just a good person, but a servant of God doing the Lord's will while loving the unloving and the sinners.

And remember that Jesus did not want you to sin. Remember the adulteress woman who the Pharisees brought to him to have her stoned according to the law (John 8:1-11)? After he made some markings in the sand, Jesus told the Pharisees whomever had not sinned could cast the first stone. The Pharisees one by one dropped their stones and walked away and could no longer condemn her. When there was no one left to condemn her, Jesus said he didn't condemn her either and that she should "go and sin no more." Jesus wants us to be united with God in Heaven and if we are accepting of God's grace and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior then we get who Jesus is. For those that think that Jesus just accepted everyone and was okay with everything, they still have some reading to do.
 

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Friday Focus #31

One Another-ing

It is very easy to get caught up in thinking about ourselves and our wants and even perceive those wants as needs. When we truly focus on what God wants from us we can see how important it is for us to honor Him and be loving to one another. During this times of the year there is much discussion regarding politics and a number of divisive things are being said. While not everyone engaged in these discussions are Christ followers, some of these people are or at least believe themselves to be overlooking that in favor of personal wants that are outside of the glory of God. Doing a Google search of "how many one another bible verses" I found a document that counts 59 uses of one another in the New Testament. Here are a few that I would like to highlight.

In Mark 9:50 Jesus is talking about having salt in ourselves. Salt here can be used as a reference to sacrifices that were covered with salt and/or salt being a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, " Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." This does not mean do it on your own accord but have the Holy Spirit in you as that also relates to a sacrifice of self. By that sacrifice of self and having the Holy Spirit in us, we can "be at peace with one another." It is hard to say or do divisive things when you have submitted your will to God. If you stay focused on being served then you are part of the problem.

We have probably covered John 13:34-35 numerous times about loving one another (Jesus's command) and that is how people will know we are Christ followers. But, let's take it a step further. What task is so beneath you that you would never do it? Cleaning toilets? Taking out the trash? Well, Jesus was so humble in his living that something as low as washing someone's feet was not beneath him. How would you sacrifice for your brother or sister in Christ if they needed you to? Would you allow yourself to be degraded in a sense to meet a need for them? Jesus says in John 13:14-15 that since he has done this that we should do the same type of activity as he has shown us an example of how to be. 

Finally, I leave you with one more. Being a Christ follower does not equate to perfection from the eyes of others. It means being dedicated to God's will. It means accepting the Holy Spirit as your guide and God's grace through Christ. In Romans 15:7, Paul says something very important that often gets overlooked. He says, "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." This does not mean that we accept sin and just say it is okay, but remember where you were when first became a Christ follower. Remember the grace you needed or had. Now apply that to others. We are all works in progress. Love them enough to let them grow.

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Wednesday Wake Up #31

Keeping the Word of God

There is a time when we can lose focus as believers. We do things and say things with great intentions, but it completely overshoots the depth of the meaning of Christ's life. A woman, who it can be understood saw Christ's significance, once said to Jesus in Luke 11:27, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!" While trying to be respectful to Jesus and his mother, he corrects her. In verse 28 Jesus responds with "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Are you keeping the word of God?

First, are you reading the Bible? Are you understanding what you are reading? I have heard people say that the love Jesus and are Christians, but then they follow that up with the Bible is misinterpreted and wrong and blah blah blah. But if the Bible is wrong then how do you know about Jesus? What is it that you know about him? Where did you learn that? If the source that educates you is flawed in your mind then your beliefs may be flawed as well. Read about Jesus in the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read about why he did what he did. Understand him. But in order to do that, you have to read.

And second, are you keeping his commands. Yes there are the 10 commandments, but also the spirit of the 10 are condensed in Matthew 22:36-40. Love God first and then because you love God, you love people. This is not just love like a fluffy Valentine's Day love, but like I will sacrifice for someone I do not know kind of love the way you sacrifice for someone you do know. That kind of love is how you know if you have Christ working through you. Keep the word of God by reading it, understanding and accepting Christ and follow the spirit of the commands.

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Friday Focus #30

No Greater Love Than This

Are you a friend of Jesus? How do you know? How do you check that or test that? Are you willing to do as He commands? Are you willing to lay down your life for your friends? You can say yes to all of these things, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. In John 15:13, Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." What did he mean?

In the very next verse (14) Jesus says "You are my friends if you do what I command you." If you think you are a Christian, it may only be in thought. If you are not willing to submit your will to be in accordance with what God says and how Christ taught, lived and commanded, then how can Christ be in any title that you associate with your spiritual perspective? Are you willing to die for you friends? If so, are you willing to stop, slow down and make a phone call? Visit? Before you say you can do the big stuff, are you already doing the small stuff? Or are you too busy?

Remember Jesus was not "some guy" but he was God in the flesh and was also human. He read the scriptures and learned from them. He applied them when applicable. He sacrificed himself for your sins and mine. We can't even sacrifice time for our friends so how can we say we would lay down our lives. We can't even sacrifice parts of us that make others stumble. Are we really friends of Christ willing to sacrifice? Or are we just being selfish and thinking we are doing what we ought to be. 

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Wednesday Wake Up #29

Attacking Worry

Recently, a friend of mine exposed me to the word "ruminate." I had no idea what it meant but as we discussed the word I understood it to simple mean worry. An expanded understanding is to think about something over and over and over again- like chewing gum (I'm chewing gum right now). After a while, chewing gum, while initially enjoyable, becomes annoying. the gum loses flavor and your jaw can become sore. It no longer serves the purpose. That can be the same thing as dealing with an issue and not coming to a conclusion. It can keep you up at night. All the possible ways things could go and there ends up being no conclusion. Let's look at how to deal with that.

It is one thing to try to figure out a problem, but it is another to just worry about it. What does worry do for you? Initially one may think it is doing them some good and they will quote some scientific journal about hwy worry is good. But, is worry Godly? It might show you that you care, but then when does worry stop? What else will you worry about? Worry creates anxiety for you to the point where you may need to think about something else or do something else in order to stop worrying. Proverbs 12:25 tells us that anxiety weighs a person's heart down. Good words and words of encouragement make them glad. When you see yourself worrying, change your mind. Do something else. Give your nerves a break.
 

When you worry, I give you a new challenge, seek God's direction. Jesus wants to give us peace and does not want our hearts troubled (John 14:27). God will guide you if you ask Him (Psalm 32:8). God will give you wisdom, if you ask Him (Luke 21:15). We have to be humble enough (Proverbs 22:4) to even want to seek Him. We think we can figure it out on our own and think that we are actually tuned in to God, but we are just trying to figure it out ourselves. We need to unite with the Lord and seek his will for our life in all aspects, not just the one's we choose.
 

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Wednesday Wake Up #28

How Strong Are You?

How strong are you? I don't mean physically, but emotionally. How much can you endure? How much can you handle? How strong are you spiritually? In class last night, we discussed forgiveness and it made me think of how people will forgive an egregious sin or wrong doing done to them and people may say to them "You're so strong" and "I could never forgive that." But, it makes me think, is it really us individuals who are so strong and so awesome, or is it God working through us to make us and shape us to be who we become?

Pride makes us believe that we are so awesome and can do anything on our own apart from God. But that will make us stumble (Proverbs 16:18). That could be working through forgiveness, powering through a project, or anything. People apart from the Lord will say it is all you and you can do anything. But, for those of us that have accepted Christ and seek God's will in their life over anything else, we know that apart from God we can do nothing (John 15:5). Do you want a healthier marriage and stronger bond? Use God's strength! Do you want to forgive who hurt you? Use God's strength! Admit that you cannot do it on your own as the false prophets would say and preach. We have to stay connected to the true vine which is Christ and through him we are connected to God in order to live, think and operate in honor of God.

If we need an example of looking to strength that is beyond humanly possible, look at the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Jesus tells a parable of a father who gives one of his two sons the inheritance/property that was entitled to him. He wanted it before the time he was to have. The father gave it to the son who then squandered it, realized his mistake and had to return home starving and humbled. The father gladly accepted the son back into his arms and was joyful to see his son alive. He treated him well when he returned and did not shame him, but loved him. This is not a man who was operating out of his own power. This is a father who was infused with the Holy Spirit to forgive and not hold a grudge. He was happy to see his child alive. And that is how God sees us. He wants us to see that we need Him and can do nothing apart from Him. We walk away from God when we let our pride control our emotions. The strength it takes to overlook the wrong someone has done takes God strength, not our own apart from Him.

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Wednesday Wake Up #26

Christ-like Valentine

Valentine's Day is this weekend, Sunday to be exact. This is the time of year that we tell our significant others how much we love them and buy them roses and chocolates and dinners and gifts and really try to impress them. We tell them that we love them. All those things are wonderful and you should absolutely tell those that you love, that you love them. But what about a real focus for Christ followers? Does your significant other have Christ-like character? That is something that we Christ followers need to look at. 

When you communicate with your significant other, when you see them walk through life, is their focus on being of the same mind as Jesus? If you read Philippians 2:5 we see that we are to have the same mind as Jesus. This take effort, but overall through grace from God, it takes submission to God's will. Jesus was completely sold out for God and died as it was in God's will so that we could be redeemed through Christ with God. Is your mate completely sold out for God's will? If you are a Christ follower ask yourself that question. But also ask yourself, am I sold out for God?
 

Remember when Jesus gave us a new commandment? Do you remember what it was? It was that we love others as he (Jesus) has loved us (John 13:34). This isn't about religion and all of that, this is about dedication to Christ and being loving to others. Others is everyone. Loving others as God would have us love them. That means remove the condemnation. Remove the denigration. Remove the bitterness. Remove the hate. Add unconditional love. Add grace. Add respect. Add Christ-likeness to cover it all. If you really want to know if they are the "one" check their character against that of Christ. Check your character against that of Christ. If you are united in Christ's love that is a great start to this Valentine's Day as well as many others.

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Wednesday Wake Up #21

If Today Is Your Last Day

The topic of salvation has come up numerous times in the last few weeks with friends and family. I have been asked questions Bible choice (translation) to the second coming and people should be scared. I'm no Biblical scholar, but I am seeking to learn and teach other as I learn. I have directed people who do not read the Bible to start with a simpler book, proverbs, but then I was later corrected and told to introduce people to the Book of John so that they can be introduced to Jesus. That is what I realized what was missing. I talk to numerous people every week and sadly I have not brought up Jesus or their salvation through him. I was doing people a disservice and as best as I can through the Holy Spirit, I want to help guide them toward resources to answer the question, if today was your last day on earth, would you go to Heaven or Hell?

You cannot earn salvation. There are no works to complete in order to get to Heaven. You cannot be baptized by your parents and get into Heaven. You cannot be saved because your family is. Following Christ and accepting him as your Lord and Savior is your choice. Yes!, YOUR choice. If you are on your death bed and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are forgiven and welcomed into the family of believers. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no once comes to the father except through him. Jesus is not a way, or one way, or anything other than THE WAY (J0hn 14:6).

For those of us who are not on our death beds and can repent for our sins, then do that. Our sin is what draws us away from God. It is our sin that brought Christ to earth to be the last sacrifice for us to be reconciled to God. No more slaughtering of animals, just accepting that Christ's blood paid the price for us. When we repent of our sins that does not mean we all of a sudden stop sinning, but our minds change on the sins that we have committed and sought to justify as just part of being human (Got Questions article on repentance). If you have accepted Christ then the old ways die and you become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

To further understand Jesus, I would also check to see if you know and understand that Jesus is God in the flesh. Do you know that he was resurrected on the 3rd day after his day bringing truth to prophecies that existed before he was ever born? Do you know that he is the only way to God? If you understand these and accept Christ, then welcome to the family of believers. If you think Jesus was just some rebel who was just counter culture, then you need to read more and put down your remote for your TV. If you want to be saved seek to know Christ and accept him as your Lord (of your life) and Savior (from eternal damnation). Our life is not very long and the after life is longer. Where will you spend yours?If you are ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can pray this prayer "Jesus is the Lord of my life. He is my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead. I believe that you are God in human form. I believe that you are the way the truth and light. I thank you for dying for my sins. Thank you for saving me. Amen."

Please see Francis Chan's 3 min explanation on eternity (click his pic)

Please see Rick Warren's 13 min message on Jesus and Salvation (click his pic)

(Please feel free to leave comments to add to the discussion)
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Friday Focus #20

No Clock Needed

As I write this on December 31, 2015, I know that it will not be read until January 1, 2016. By that time, many will come to make a list of New Year's Resolutions. This list is compiled of things/items to be checked off as completed as the year progresses. I used to make these lists and put a ton of things I wanted to change in my lifestyle and then it hit me, what am I waiting for? There is no clock needed for change. No calendar is needed in order for me to change the way I think, act or behave. Change can happen in an instant if you want to. When you first started following Christ, was that a New Year's Resolution? If the change is that necessary, then why wait?

If you want to make changes in your life that keep you from doing things the wrong way with relationships (I bring these up often obviously) or money management or especially if there are sinful ways you want out of your life, look at this verse in Ephesians 5:15-16: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." We must stop wasting time in our lives so that we can be more free to do what it is God wants from us. In order to live abundantly as God wants us to do (John 10:10), we cannot be covered in sin and old ways of living if God is to bless us and allow for the abundance to come. We cannot have better relationships if we keep doing things the same way. We cannot have healthier lives if we keep eating the same crap. We cannot be in God's will if we are covered in sin. Anytime is a good time for a change.

 

I also want to share with you Romans 12:2 which tells us not to be conformed by the world's ways but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. And we cannot forget that if we really are looking to have something change in our lives, we need God's help. We can read a bunch of self help books or listen to pastors (no names needed) who say we are all just great people and we can do everything on our own power, but the truth is, we need the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our steps. Without the Holy Spirit, I am lost in life and stuck trying to do things the way I want to not knowing that there is a different way to do them.

My inspiration today comes from a message (9 min video) from Bishop TD Jakes "Free Your Mind"

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Wednesday Wake Up #17

When You Get Angry

When was the last time you were angry? I don't mean angry that your favorite show got cancelled or your favorite team lost, but angry to the point where you could not sleep. Do you have your answer? Now, I ask you what did you do with that anger? Did you just ignore it like it didn't exist or did you let it explode? Please don't tell me that you went to social media to complain about things that you just need to deal with. But there are much more productive things to do with anger and knowing how to handle it than just ignoring it or letting it consume you. Do you agree?
 

As we read through Proverbs (which is a great start if you have never read through the Bible), I come across Proverbs 29:11 which let us know that giving full vent to your anger is foolish. It also informs us that self control is what the wise people do. That means when you are angry, don't go punch someone. That means do not go yelling at them. There are time we are angry about how we perceive someone's words rather than what they really mean. I have been guilty of that before and had arguments with people about what they said and how I perceived what they said without actually having a conversation about it. What we need to do is focus on what would actually anger God and seek to be surrounded by the Holy Spirit and walking with the Holy Spirit (more on that later).

We also need to deal with the anger in that moment. I know from personal experience that if I do not deal with that anger, it will stew. That is when the devil take a hold of my thoughts and pulls them away from the Holy Spirit. Then I will keep replaying what was said or done and start trying to connect things and maybe even add an attitude of righteousness on the other person. That is letting bitterness grow. How many times do we get mad at someone and then completely ignore them based on what happened? Deal with the problem. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us that we can be angry, but in that anger do not sin. We cannot let the sun go down on our anger. I mean truly, how often do you get mad at someone and talk about it the next day and settle it? I would be willing to assume that not many people confront and deal with issues in the moment. They walk away mad...and got to the passive aggressive Facebook post. Let's stop Facebooking and start facing the problems with the use of the Book (Bible)!!

And when we do respond, do we respond with gentleness, or do we respond with yelling, sarcasm or undercutting people with insults? It is interesting that when we get angry, we throw the ways of Christ (like being loving at all times) out of the window. Then we run those ways over with our car. C'mon people!! Let's start responding in love for others and know that whether we know someone well or not at all, our words reflect our heart and have an impact on other. Respond in love and not in wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

Whether it is anger or sadness or lust and knowing how to deal with these feeling and thoughts when they arise, we must rely on the Holy Spirit. That is God's will for our lives has to be our will. If it is not, then one cannot expect the Holy Spirit to guide them if they have not sought that guidance in the first place. Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). He is the only way to the Father, not one of the ways, THE WAY. He tells us in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. If you are not with the Holy Spirit and you keep having the same problems, then the answer is pretty clear on what needs to happen in your life in order for you to deal with the problems as they arise. Follow Christ and the Holy Spirit will guide you.

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Wednesday Wake Up #15

Giving Thanks to God and Loving Family

As we get ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow let us not forget what is really important. It isn't about the food and the fixin's. It isn't about the football games (hard for me to say that one haha). But our focus should be on God first and then the family unity.

As we look at Psalm 100, the title of this chapter is A Psalm for Giving Thanks. The focus is giving thanks to God. The opening 2 verses tell us to make a joyful noise to the Lord and serve Him with gladness. We are to come in God's presence with singing. We are to be singing the Lord's praises. Yes, there are times were God needs to hear from us that we are upset, but are we complaining more to God than we are giving thanks to Him. We overlook what we are thankful about many other days of the year. Can't this be the year the beginning of a time where we let God know that we are thankful to Him for all He has done. Personally, God has done so much in my life from the jobs I have had, the people I have met, the schools I have attended. But, even more so the things I overlook every day. I don't always thank God for the fact that my car works (a huge blessing if you have known me since my first car in 1997). I have forgotten to thank God for where I live. I could have lived in a horrible neighborhood with horrible neighbors and crime, but I don't. When was the last time I thanked God for those simple things? Now is a very good time. And tomorrow. And for years to come.

And when it comes to family, how often do we tell them not just that we love them, but how we appreciate them? Do we come home and complain about work and life problems? Can't we start greeting each other with love and a "holy kiss? (Romans 16:16 and GotQuestions.org)" Let us pray with the family as we should. If we are not praying with the kids and our spouses and significant others, how then are our relationships based in God's word? We need to honor our parents, not just during holidays, but at all times (Exodus 20:12). Fathers need to not provoke their children to anger (Colossians 3:21). Mothers can wisdom and kindness to their children (Proverbs 31:26).

No matter which holiday has arrived let us remember to give thanks to God and let Him lead us as we connect with our families and friends whether it is a holiday or just any old day. Let us love regardless of the day (John 15:12).

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Friday Focus #14

The Open Doors of Freedom

Now that I am taking steps to live outside of my "box", I recognize my freedom. This is not just freedom in the choices I make, but the freedom from that which I fear. I feared heartbreak, broken relationships, and not getting what I wanted in life. I even feared being humbled from being wrong. But the perfect life where everything goes my way is not realistic, and it is not what scripture teaches us either. We are taught to follow Christ and submit to God's will in our lives.

I wanted freedom from fear, yet I did not ask. I didn't ask God for His strength in my daily life. I just adjusted my life based on what I thought the right decisions would be, yet it was not based in Biblical principles. We know about "Ask, Seek Knock" from Matthew 7:7-12. If it is in God's will and I ask Him for it and seek it and knock on the door it will be provided to me. If it is not in God's will then there may be a problem with my motives.

I wanted to be free from condemnation. If anyone person or group of people condemned me for a dream, goal or a sin I committed or if I felt they did not support me, into the "box" I would go. Jesus wouldn't condemn me or want me to go inside my "box." Not once have I ever read about Jesus condemning people for their sins, only calling out hypocrites who used God's word to undercut others for personal/political gain (like the Pharisees did). We read in Romans 8:1 (one of my favorites) that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. I am free from the condemnation and judgment from others (we are not called to condemn Luke 6:37) and I am free from the condemnation of sin. Others look at the outside and do not see the heart as God does (John 7:24).

But with my freedom, I need to also be responsible. Just because I am coming out of my box it does not mean that I should run around and do all the things I want to do either. Yes God will forgive me when I repent, but what about my influence on others? What I do in my life can definitely affect others. I read in 1 Corinthians 8:9 about being careful that just because I can do something, I need to be careful not make another brother or sister in Christ stumble. While learning myself in God's will, I need to check my influence on others and make sure that I am in His will and not my own.

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John 21: Cast the Net on the Right Side

Cast the Net on the Right Side

When we live our lives and do things that are normal to us with work, marriage/dating, school, friendships, etc, we do things based on what we know. We do things the way that we have often done them. That way is sometimes based on the idea of "what can I get out of this." That is not the way God wants you to think.

 

After the resurrection of Jesus, he appeared to the disciples. After he appeared to them, Simon Peter and the other disciples went fishing. This was their work. This was their livelihood. This was how they operated. While out fishing the men were not catching any fish. Jesus called out to them (but they didn't know it was Jesus) from the shore and asked them if they had caught any fish. They answered no and Jesus said "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They caught so many fish they were not able to haul them all in (John 21:1-8).

 

What does this tell us? When you heed the Lord's direction and guidance the blessing can come in an abundance. They can be so abundant that it can be overwhelming, but not in a bad way. Can you imagine following God's direction and being blessed by what you needed? Following His direction sounds like the magic word...obedience.

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John 20: The Resurrection

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of Christ (to me) is symbolic of how our former lives were and our current lives are after we accept God's will fully into our lives and submit to His will (James 4:7).

Mary Magdalene, John, Peter and Simon Peter went to the tomb to check on Jesus but he was no longer there (John 20:1-4).

The pieces of clothing that he was buried in were left in the tomb and folded neatly and left behind by Jesus (John 20:6-7).

When we set our hearts and minds and souls on being fully sacrificial to God's will, we too can leave the old ways behind us like Jesus left behind the linen cloths from his burial. Those burial cloths represent what was, not what is. People we knew before full obedience to God come to see us, metaphorically speaking, it seems like we are not there. We are not the same. We are different. Our submission is to God's will, not the way things used to be. They can only see pieces (similar to memories) of what used to be us, just like the burial clothes of Jesus. We are made new through the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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