Guojin on 11 March 2005

Scriptures:

Luke 5:5
Simon answered, " Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets".

Luke 5:19-20
When they could not find a way to do this(laying their sick friend before Jesus) because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw THEIR faith, he said "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

Observation:
At Luke 5:5 , Simon Peter toiled all night and it seems hopeless to work on it. But at the command of Jesus, Simon Peter obeyed and let down the nets citing "because you say so".

At Luke 5:19-20, wow these men were so desperate to lay their sick friend before Jesus, that they went through extreme measures, aka go to the roof, lowering from above.

Application:
Man, i could just recall how many times, i reasoned my way out of God's calling and directions due the plain fact that its not possible, been there done that, its not gonna work, forget it and cease to remember that it God telling me that! The author and the perfector of my faith telling me to act on a move of faith. Truly, spiritual warfare is fighting with myself most of the time.

Wow, as i read on the few men that went through that degree of effort not to save themselves but for a friend?!?! Kept me thinking, how desperate i want to 'lay' my friends before Jesus. I dont even go to that degree sometimes to lay myself before Jesus!

Their faith and desperation for God were so great that the difficulties and effort they went through were deemed worthy.

Prayer:
Lord Father, author and perfector of my faith Jesus, I give thanks for today's word that is serve as a sharp knife piercing on my heart lord. Father, give thanks for the timely reminder. Lord, i ask for strength and faith in obeying your calls and direction. Lord, i do not want to wander through this life of faith myself when the author and the perfector of my faith is actually showing me the way which i sometimes purposely refuse. Forgive me Father. Lord, i ask for a greater hunger and desperation for You Gof. Lord, i can sense is there but Lord, i know at times i'm ignoring it. Father, deal with me as you please. Stir inside my heart with your presence. Thank you Lord for your a God that will not forsake me even when i'm actually the one who left you.

In Jesus name i pray, Amen