Topic: Lending To The Lord [Sunday January 28th, 2018]
Text: Luke 5:1-11 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Key Verse: “And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.”(Luke 5:3)
John Mason, preacher and bestselling author, was right when he observed that “the big problem is not the haves and have nots; it’s the give nots. The Lord loves a cheerful giver – and so does everyone.” Unfortunately, many people strive to get as much as possible and give little or nothing away. That way, they continue to miss the ample blessings attached to giving.
The experience of Simon Peter in the Bible reference for meditation bears testimony to the blessedness of giving to the Lord. Peter gladly released his boat to Christ to minister to people who had come to hear God’s word. After ministering to the multitude, Christ turned to Peter and instructed him to launch out into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. He did and the catch was so huge that his boat almost sank!
Simon Peter lent to the Lord and got much more than his professional skill and experience could ever fetch him – something way beyond his imagination. The secret of getting is giving. We deprive ourselves of blessings when we begrudge the Lord the use of our “boat”. Again, those who rely on self-management and others who thrust themselves into ministry without God’s approval should remember how Peter and his colleagues toiled all night and caught nothing. True success comes when we act on God’s word.
What is it that you are keeping from the Lord? Does the Lord have access to your heart? Can He use your time and property freely? Is your talent at His disposal? How much are you “lending” to the Lord? The Lord requires that you lay your all on the altar today for only then are you assured of constant divine flow.
Thought For The Day: A closed heart and clenched fist shut out God’s manifold blessings.
Bible Reading in a Year: Genesis 46-47.
Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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