Passage of the Day:
Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn., John 21:2-11.
Reflection:
I spent two years working for a wholesale company in Delaware which made gifts of faith for Christian stores throughout the United States. One of these products is the First Breakfast, inspired by today’s featured passage. This is the first documented meal that the disciples shared with Jesus following the resurrection. This meal would have never happened if Peter’s fishing crew would have given up. After striking out all night long, Peter follows the advice of a man onshore, unaware that this is the resurrected Jesus. When you display fortitude, with a will to never give up until you have reached your goal, God will provide more than you ever imagined.
Prayerful Action:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
In today’s instant age of social media, the relationships that I once held dear have been placed on the back burner. While eating with family and friends is meaningful, there’s something supernatural about Christian fellowship shared over a meal. Peter was so excited to see Jesus that he jumped of this boat, left his crew to pull the nets into shore and ran as fast as he could through the water to reach Jesus onshore. If summer travel plans separated you from Christian brothers and sisters, may today’s devotion inspire you to make plans this fall to reconnect.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Don’t let time rush the conversations that you share with others daily. May the First Breakfast and a desire for Christian fellowship reignite friendships this fall.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 