JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Matthew 4:19.
Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”
The Bible notes how Peter and Andrew responded to this invitation. “At once, they left their nets and followed him.”
As they followed Jesus, His words came true. Peter and Andrew were effective witnesses of the Gospel that led to the salvation of many souls. When Peter preached at Pentecost, 3,000 people came to faith in Christ in just one day!
We can follow Jesus as our Savior with a trusting heart, knowing that He loves us, and knows how to lead us to productive places of service. Then, beyond this life, He will have a heavenly home ready for us.
Walking as a follower of Jesus step-by-step is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Connection, today’s Encounter with Jesus examines His encouragement to a disciple overwhelmed by His holiness.
It happened in Luke 5. Simon was fishing all night long, but did not catch anything. At Jesus’ instruction, he let down the nets in deeper water, and caught a boatload of fish. It’s a remarkable event that shows the futility of our efforts without Christ, and the effectiveness of our efforts with the help of Christ.
When Simon saw what happened, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So Simon and his friends pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Jesus.
We may relate to Simon’s internal struggle. In the presence of Jesus and His holiness, we may feel unworthy to be called one of His followers. However, that is the kind of person that Jesus is ready to bless with a productive purpose in the Kingdom of God. He will not shame us when we recognize our sinfulness. Instead, He will lift us out of our shame by inviting us to follow Him. He will replace our fears of punishment with faith in His unfailing love.
A daily connection with Christ gives our life meaningful purpose as we follow Jesus.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
