Simon had fished all night and caught nothing. He was washing his nets, finished for the day, when Jesus said, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4).
Every instinct of a seasoned fisherman said no. Simon went anyway: "But at your word I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5). Before long, the nets were breaking.
The shallows feel safe because we can see the bottom. But the catch was never there.
Simon didn't haul in that catch alone. He signaled his partners in the other boat to come help (Luke 5:7). How can you serve others this week?
Dear God,
Prayers for a soul loved and admired by many, Keith.
Please be beside him. With every prayer, your will, and his strength, may his breath and stamina improve each day. Please give him and his family peace, rest and strength.
Amen
If anyone ever had reason to feel anxious or afraid, it was the apostle Paul. Here’s just a glimpse of what life was like for him, as told in the apostle’s own words: “Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:24–28 NLT).
One of the things that amazes me about Paul is that he always seemed to rise to the top of every situation and seize every opportunity to preach the gospel, no matter how frightening his personal circumstances were.
Paul was fully convinced of the faithfulness of God and was sustained by that conviction. He chose to embrace boldness and contentment over fear. Let us do the same, with God’s help.
How can you choose boldness and contentment over fear in your life?
Father, we miss our friend and brother @KeithMalinak and thank you for being with him to sustain him and his family as he goes through the process of healing. We ask for his restoration, as only you can provide. In Jesus' name. Amen. #MalinakMiracle
#MalinakMiracle an hour old update out of ICU, and into PCU baby steps, but forward progress!! Thank you Heavenly Father we know you are the finest Dr and we continue to pray for Keith that you may fully reestore him for his family. Thank you for all your blessings
Thank you, God for this great step forward in Keith’s recovery! We ask you to keep healing his body and help him through this difficult time. And please strengthen him and his family and help them feel your presence. Amen. #MalinakMiracle