DAILY MANNA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021
WHEN DROUGHT BECOMES “DRAUGHT”
TEXT: Luke 5:1-11
KEY VERSE:
“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” - (Luke 5:4)
Charles H. Spurgeon told the story of his first student who walked up to him and complained that he had been preaching for several months without recording a single conversion. “And do you expect,” said Mr Spurgeon, “that the Lord is going to bless you and save souls every time you open your mouth?” “No, sir,” he replied. “Well, then,” said Mr Spurgeon, “that is why you do not get souls saved. If you had believed, the Lord would have given the blessing.”
Peter believed Christ when He instructed him to launch out into the deep and let down the nets for a catch. The result of his faith and obedience was “great multitude of fishes”. They had toiled all night - with all their professional skill - but caught nothing. This was at the Sea of Galilee (here called the Lake of Gennesaret). A vast multitude of people had gathered to listen to Christ by the seaside because there was no public facility that could accommodate such crowd. Peter volunteered his fishing boat in which Christ stood to minister to the people and in return got this miracle of draught of fishes.
Like Peter, we can go from drought (lack) to a draught of desired blessings. But we must first be willing to lay our all on the altar of sacrifice for the Lord. If Peter begrudged Christ the use of his boat, he would have missed the great catch. Also, we labour in vain when we rely only on our own wisdom, experience, strength and talent (especially in ministry). We must learn to act at God’s word and the Spirit’s prompting - even when it seems unreasonable in the circumstance.
In addition, disappointments and failures should not deter us from taking steps when God prompts us. No matter how discouraged you have been to have toiled in vain, resolve, like Peter: “...nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Faith in God’s faithfulness forestalls failures and frustration.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Exodus 39-40
HIGHER EVERYDAY
THURSDAY JANUARY 28, 2021
TOPIC: DEBORAH DELIVERS ISRAEL
TEXT: JUDGES 4:4-14
MEMORY VERSE: "And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him" (JUDGES 4:14).
Deborah remains a model for all women who desire to be used of God to do exploits. Her rise to prominence at a period when Israel was in dire need of a judge and deliverer was ordained by God.
The Lord knows why you are in the kingdom at such a time as this. Deborah was a woman of valour and no mean virtue, who left no one in doubt about her intimate relationship with God, the Source of her strength.
She was willing to go and fight the battle of the Lord. Her words to the Captain, Barak, were: "... I will surely go with thee..." She carried out her promise. Through her inspiring prophecy and courageous stand with Barak, Israel defeated Jabin, king of Canaan. Deborah was a highly talented and gifted prophetess, poet and songwriter, yet a successful home keeper.
Beloved, you know God's will about evangelism and service in His kingdom, how much are you doing for Him? God's grace is sufficient for all who are willing and available!
QUOTE: She was a woman of valour.
CHALLENGE: She was a talented and gifted prophetess.
PRAYER: Lord, give me grace to give myself fully to Your service.