Have Faith
let me start by saying, Jesus Loves you! You have made mistakes, you have fallen short, and you aren't where you want to be in this walk...BUT that doesn't change the love that he has for you. His love is never changing, remember that.
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Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 1:11) In Luke five we see prime examples of faith. The fishermen putting out into deep water and letting down their nets was an act of faith. The men going up to the roof and lowering their friend through the tiles so he could be healed by Jesus was an act of faith. The disciples leaving their lucrative businesses to follow Jesus was an act of faith. The man with leprosy begging Jesus to make him clean was an act of faith. In fact it was a huge act of faith! As you know, this man was SICK. He didn't just have a little common cold, he had Leprosy. Leprosy was a highly contagious, incurable disease. Still, the man believed that Jesus could heal him, and Jesus did just that. Do you have faith that God can make the impossible, possible. These people didn't know what was to come from their actions. This is what faith looks like, letting down your nets not knowing if you'll catch anything but trusting God anyhow. Even when you don't know what's next, trust him. Even when you don't see him, trust him. He is more than able. I have "crazy" faith because i've seen God do "crazy things in my life.
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Simon felt unworthy of the overflow that Jesus had blessed him with(Luke 5:6-7), so much so that he said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8) Sometimes I feel unworthy of all the wonderful things God has done for me, do you ever feel that? I even believe that Simon felt unworthy to even be in the presence of Jesus. Jesus's response was, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." Jesus saw something in those fishermen that they didn't see in themselves. If only we would see ourselves how Jesus sees us. You are worth it, and you are enough. (Psalm 139:14) - They left everything behind to follow Jesus. It will come a time when we will have to leave our old lives and commit our futures to him. Are you willing to drop everything?
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Oddly enough this was the disciples second call. After the first call Peter, Andrew, James, and John had gone back to fishing. (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20) What was different this second time? They had seen the power and authority Jesus had, they were even more blown away by how Jesus had helped them in their work by providing the fish. Just like those men, we may not accept the first call, or the second, but Jesus won't stop pulling on you. He won't give up on you, and he is always there to welcome you back home. (Luke 15:11-32) Jesus can use anyone! He even called Levi to follow him, and Levi was a tax collector. Remember tax collectors in this day were known for being dishonest and keeping some of the money for themselves. (Luke 3:12-13) Jesus even ate with these people; sat at their table! The religious leaders were not happy about this, that had so much to saw. People are going to talk, they are going to say things that might get under your skin, but remember you bible is your weapon. (Luke 5:27-31)
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In Luke 5:16 after Jesus heals a man from leprosy he went into a place of solitude. In yesterday's reading, Day 4:Luke 4, he did the same. (Luke 4:42) Jesus knew where his strength lied, so every now and again he would withdraw to quiet places to pray. I encourage you to take time and renew your strength as well. Life can get chaotic, our schedules can get a little messy, and we get sidetracked. However, it is important to take time away from all the madness and pour into YOU and your spiritual. Okay?
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Drop a comment! Let us know what you learned in today's chapter.