CAST YOUR NETS
John 21:1-6
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the son of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who He was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then He said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
When you stop and think about your day, is it more self-centered or God-centered? God wants to bless us abundantly, but if we are more focused on self, how can He do that?
The two greatest commandments are:
Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as you love yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
We are to love God and love people! When you read further into this text Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Of course Peter says yes and Jesus tells him to feed His sheep.
While we are loving others, blessing others, praying for others, He will be blessing you, loving you, praying for you and so much more.
John 12:26, Anyone who wants to serve Me must follow Me, because My servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves Me.
2 Cor 9:6-9, Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your own heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
As the scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” I encourage you to read John 17. This is the prayer that Jesus has for you, for me, and for those around us. We are to share in the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Him we are complete and in Him we move forward to share the joy that Jesus has given us, the blessings He has given us, to share with those around us. You cannot out give God. When you focus on blessing others, God will focus on taking care of you and blessing you. When you cast your net He will fill it, just as He did for the disciples. Trust in Him completely, with no doubts and no fear. Believe, and you will receive! Don’t believe me? Try it…test it…see if it’s true.
The evidence is overwhelmingly beautiful. So here’s the question…Will you cast your net?
© Leslie Wittenmyer 2021—All rights reserved