I’m behind in writing again, but I hope to catch up today. Benediction, a word of layered meaning with the story of Peter and becoming fishers of men, and this week cold, in the midst of changing seasons and the dynamic interplay occurring in our cosmos.
Benediction and Fishers of Men
Simon Peter returned from an unsuccessful night of fishing. When a crowd gathered to hear Jesus, He got onto Peter's boat to teach while Peter and his companions cleaned their nets. Peter listened.
After the fruitless night, Jesus told Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." It was midday, the nets were already cleaned, and fishing was not typical at this hour. Still, despite skepticism, Peter replied, "I will do as You say."
They caught so many fish that two boats began to sink. This miracle prompted Peter to recognize Jesus, marking his salvation, and from then on, Peter was called to be a fisher of men. This moment transitions us from witnessing Peter's transformation to reflecting on its broader significance.
Reflecting on these events, we must ask: Do we fully grasp the meaning and importance of this miracle as the beginning of the church age?
These questions lead us to examine our own responses.
Building upon this reflection, consider how Jesus stood on Peter's platform as a foundation. Can He also work through your life? Yes, He can.
Given this foundation, how many people have come to faith across the church age because Peter said yes to Jesus?
With these thoughts, can we fully appreciate the magnitude and layered meaning of this miracle for the future?
What other mysteries can we uncover or see, if we only have eyes to see?
Buried Deep: Facing Depression after a magnificent victory/ Elijah
Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. When Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled. 1 Kings 19 details his journey from depression to restoration. Verse 4 chronicles his desperation: "It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers."
Rest, Eat, Pray= Healing and the Restoration of Peace
1. Elijah rested, then rose to eat (Jesus is the Bread of Life), repeating this until he was strong enough for God's next journey for him.
2. Elijah prayed three times, seeking God's help. Though angry and pitiful, he told God how he felt. God's voice was not in the strong wind, earthquake, or fire, but came as a whisper.
3. After the drama on Mount Carmel, God wanted Elijah to hear His whisper.
4. God told Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Aram, Jehu king over Israel, and Elisha as prophet—replacing Ahab and Jezebel.
5. God reminded Elijah of the 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was not alone.
Share your burdens with God and listen for His whisper.
Bury Deep in the Cold- Beauty Rises
Scampering about
it's own bucolic beauty,
idyllic daffodils
prelude to butterflies,
dancing with the wind
Narcissus Poeticus
next to its cousin
Gravetye or snowflake daffodils
welcoming spring
#HaikuSaturday #poetry
backyard beauty,
early spring arrival
Spring's statement
My daffodils are in full bloom,
loving the weather, surviving,
soaking up the sunshine.
God's Word is our sunshine.
brontebrown2 
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