setup: [E-Mail Ministry] Cast Out The Net

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CAST OUT THE NET

Very early in life (almost from birth) we are trained to be successful
according to the world's definition of success. We are driven by goals and
accomplishments from the day we take our first steps and ride our first
bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to accumulate knowledge and
"things" in order to prove our success.

In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success - one
determined not by what we accomplish, but by our obedience. The disciples
walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many challenges with
faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all night without a catch,
Jesus called from the shore. John 21:6 "He said, 'Throw your net on the
right side of the boat and you will find some {fish}.' When they did, they
were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."

The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand that the
large number of fish did not define their success. They would have been
successful even if the nets remained empty. They were successful the moment
they were obedient and threw out the net. One thousands years earlier, King
Saul was told to "attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that
belongs to them," (1 Samuel 15:3). But Saul allowed the Amalekite king and
the best livestock to survive. He tried to cover His disobedience by saying
the calves and lambs were for a sacrifice to God. "But Samuel replied: 'Does
the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the
voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better
than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22).

In any task we undertake for God, it's easy to become discouraged by our
apparent lack of success. We often feel inadequate - and those feelings
increase when our goals seem to be elusive. But we must remember, the
outcome of the task is secondary to our obedience. God doesn't need our
"fish" - He wants our devotion and trust. He desires that we love Him with
all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let's take our eyes off the
accomplishment of the "catch" and what we can produce. Rather, let's focus
on walking each step according to His leading. Let's concentrate all our
effort on obeying His call to cast out the net. Amen!

Have a Great Day in the LORD!

-- Author Unknown

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