Friday, March 17, 2023

As a church, we are reading through the book of Luke in the weeks leading up to Easter. If you haven't signed up yet, text Luke to 419-419-0707. The LivingItOut devotions will be elaborating on one aspect of the Luke reading for that day. Please note that because the LIO is following the Luke Reading Plan, you will receive corresponding devotions on Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the plan.  The LIO will return to its regular M-F schedule once the reading plan is completed.  

Throughout life, most of us encounter various events that we might consider life-changing: a great job, a new home, marriage, children. These are all events that many of us would say are signs of stability. Now imagine giving all these things up to tag along on a journey with a man you may have heard of but barely knew?

This is exactly what we see in Luke, chapter 5. Simon Peter, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus.

Luke 5:4-11
⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” ⁵ “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” ⁶ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! ⁷ A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. ⁸ 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.” ⁹ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. ¹⁰ 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!” ¹¹ And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

I myself have experienced all of the aforementioned life-changing events. If I’m being honest, I couldn’t imagine leaving it all behind to journey across countries without knowing what I was supposed to do or what the future might bring.

In the past five years since attending CedarCreek, I have begun my own life-changing adventure with Jesus. In a relatively short time, I have come to know God, discovered my purpose, found freedom, and am using my God-given gifts to make a difference. I am thankful to be on this journey with Jesus.

My prayer is that you will seek your own life-changing adventure with him, too.

Questions:
Do you know Jesus as the Messiah, your personal Lord and Savior?

Have you started your own life-changing adventure with Jesus? What’s the next step that you need to take?

Next Steps:
Continue reading the book of Luke to learn more about Jesus, or try joining a CedarCreek Group for a more structured experience learning about Jesus with others.

Consider attending GrowthTrack to discover your God-given gifts.

Prayer: 
Father, I know that I am a sinner and far from perfect. I am so thankful that your love, grace, and mercy see past all that I am and focus on what you know I can be with your help. Thank you for inviting me on this life-changing adventure with you. Teach me your ways, Lord. Help me to say the words, “If you say so, I will.” Help me to have the type of faith that produces radical hope and reminds me to always give you praise for all you have done and continue to do in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!