Purpose

John 21: Follow Me

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Journaling Through John Fall Picture leaves falling

“As for you, follow Me.” John 21:20. (NLT)

Jesus appears to some of His disciples for a third time. They are out in their boats and are not catching any fish. Jesus calls to them from the shore and tells them to throw their nets to the right side. They do what He says and their nets are filled. Peter swims to shore to be with Jesus.

Jesus asks Peter 3 times if He loves Him. Peter replies, yes each time. The third time, Peter is a little frustrated that He keeps asking Him, because He does love Him and has said yes. Jesus reply is to tell Peter, then “feed my sheep.” He is calling Peter to go and continue His ministry to people.

Another disciple is there and Peter asks Jesus, “What about him?” And Jesus replies in verse 22, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” Jesus is letting Peter know He needs to mind his own business and do what he is called to do. What the other does or does not do is none of his concern.

What a great reminder for me today. There are things God has called me to do. His plans and purposes for my life don’t match anyone else’s. What others do is not my concern. I must follow Him and obey the call and commands He has placed in my life. My life won’t look the same as anyone else’s. I can’t compare what I have done or have not done to others accomplishments.

Thank you Lord today for the plans and purpose you have for my life. I pray for a continued desire and determination to go after those things you are calling me to. May I not fall into the temptation to compare myself to others. I pray that I would keep my eyes fixed on you and follow where you go. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 21 of John? Share your insights in the comment section below.

Day 23: What is My Motivation? – Proverbs 23

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Day 23 pic of bluebird

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.” Proverbs 23:4-5 (NLT)

My first pass by this verse I thought of “get rich quick” ideas that are out there, you know, sell this product and never work another day in your life!! Or, get a high demand, high paying job so you can acquire lots of money and stuff, which makes you feel secure. But then as I read through this Proverb again, I thought something different. I thought more about why I do what I do? What career path I’ve chosen and what call and purpose I feel God has set before me.

Our society wants to relate wealth with success. If you have lots of money, then you are successful. And though in some sense it is true, you picked a career path and now live comfortably with no financial limits.

I wonder though today, if all my riches, my career, my finances and all the stuff I find comfort in were stripped away, what would be left? Verse 5 tells me that “in a blink of an eye wealth disappears.” I’m asking myself, what will be left?

I’m reminded of David’s sermon this past Sunday, he talked about Job. He was a man who “was blameless, a man of complete integrity, He feared God and stayed away from evil.” Job 1:1 (NLT) And even after He lost everything; his children, all his possessions, his health and his wife, he declared, “God might kill me, but I have no other hope.” Job 13:15 (NLT)

I’m asking myself these questions today; What motivates me? Where do I find my security and my hope? What is the things God has called me to? If it were all taken away “in the blink of an eye,’ what would be left? Could I stand like Job and declare that God is still my hope?

I believe that God is my provider. So why waste my time on things He hasn’t led me to? If I follow His path and direction for my life, I will lack nothing. I can’t let what others have draw me toward things God hasn’t called me to. It may go well, but will the fruit of my labor be lasting?

My prayer today is for wisdom in knowing the things God has called me to and knowing what things are wasting my time and taking my energy. I want to be someone like Job, blameless, full of integrity, reverent of God and avoid evil at all costs! I desire for my focus; my energy and my time be on those things that won’t fade away. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today through Proverbs 23? Share in the comments below or join the conversation in our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group