When someone believes in you, it has the power to change your life!

In reading Luke 5 this past weekend, I was reminded of the influence we can have in the lives of others, especially when we believe in their potential. So, why do I say this? Well, take note of these words from Luke, as a starting point:

"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. 

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. -  Luke 5:8-11

Simon Peter was very honest about his sinfulness and his lack of faith, yet Jesus sees beyond these faults, to the person that Simon Peter can become. It is almost as if Jesus says to him: 

"Simon, I know who you are, and I know your sin. However, I created you for more than this. Work with me and we will begin to change the world!"

It is little wonder that the disciples left everything to follow Jesus. Who wouldn't want to follow someone who knows your worst secrets and yet still loves you enough to bring you onboard their team? 

Living in Grace

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What matters most

Gary Keller - "Make sure every day you do what matters most. When you know what matters most, everything makes sense."

As I read these words I find myself whole-heartedly agreeing with them, however I must admit that this is not always easy to do. We may know what 'matters most', but there are plenty of other distractions that take our eyes off the important things in life. 

Jesus was very good at keeping his priorities in the forefront of his mind. By spending time in quiet prayer Jesus drew his spiritual strength from his Father long before the pressing crowds started to make their demands of him.

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:16

What can we do to make sure that we focus on what matters most?

Living in Grace

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Thinking with your heart

Is it possible to think with your heart? My gut response is NO, but Jesus seems to think so.

"Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?" - Luke 5:22

So, what does Jesus and Luke mean? Don't we usually 'think' things in our minds? Well, it is perhaps because of the close link between our thought pattern and our actions that Jesus points this out. Our actions begin in our hearts, then go to our minds and finally come out in the open. Jesus cuts to the root cause of all our actions - the 'thoughts of our hearts.'

Is this why Paul went on to say these words:

^"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you." - Romans 12:2 (Living Bible)

Living in Grace
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The Magnet

Magnets either pull objects towards themselves or repel them in the opposition direction. The magnetic field that surrounds a magnet is invisible, but we know that it is there, because we can see the impact of that field.

When I think of the life of Jesus, it is interesting how he had a similar affect on people. Either he drew them to himselves or he repulsed them. However, what is the most interesting thing about Jesus is that he attracted the people we would least expect him to attract - Jesus seemed to draw people who were considered to be scum by the religious people. And on the other side of the scale, Jesus repelled those religious people who were challenged by him - they were deeply threatened by his Life and ministry.

 ·       “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” – Luke 5:31

If you considered yourself as a magnet of sorts, are you attracting people to Jesus or repelling them?

Living in Grace
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Persevere

An elderly lady was once asked by a young man who had grown weary in the fight, whether he ought to give up the struggle. 
"I am beaten every time," he said dolefully. "I feel I must give up." 
"Did you ever notice," she replied, smiling into the troubled face before her, "that when the Lord told the discouraged fishermen to cast their nets again, it was right in the same old spot where they had been fishing all night and had caught nothing?" - Source Unknown.

Did you notice that? If not, then read Luke 5 to see it again.
Even though the disciples had tried something, Jesus still wanted them to persevere. He wanted to teach them to be obedient and to trust in his direction. Perseverance is sometimes about trusting that we were right the first time and that the thing we are attempting is worth another go.

Remember that our Faith is never going to be an easy commitment to live out. We are going to have days were we feel like giving up. Hang on for one more day and listen to the promptings of Jesus.

Thought: Can you imagine what would have happened if Jesus had given up just before he had completed his Life's work?

Living in Grace
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