Put Out, Let Down, and Catch!

Daily Reading: Luke 5

Scripture Focus: Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. (Luke 5.4b)

Devotional Thought: "You have to get out on a limb if you want to pick fruit. You don't get any off the trunk." I agree in principle, but in practice those limbs can be so scary!

Jesus told Peter basically the same thing in Luke 5. He told him to...

• Put out into the deep. My son-in-law recently did some deep sea fishing off the Carolina coast. He sent pictures of a nice fish, one he wouldn't have caught off his dock in the tidal marsh. In order to get the big fish, we have to go where they swim. What 'big fish' does God want to help you catch? What 'big deal' does God want to help you close? What 'big idea' does God want to bring into reality in your life? Put out into the deep!

• Let down your nets. That's work! Peter had just got in from fishing all night. He even explained it to Jesus. "I've already worked that area, and there's nothing out there." He was tired. He wanted to rest. But, because Jesus told him to do it, he went out and let down his nets. How about you? I can identify with you if you say you're tired. But, is Jesus whispering, "Don't give up. Try one more time"? May God give you faith and strength to let down your nets.

• Catch! When Peter went against what his experience told him, when he went against his pride and wisdom as a fisherman, when he went against his "flesh," he caught so much he couldn't handle it alone! The blessing God intends for you will not only fill your nets, it will pour out and bless the lives of those around you. Catch!

Prayer: Jesus, help me to hear you as you stand beside me. And though I may be weary, help me to put out into the deep, to let down my nets, and to catch! All for your glory. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast; 9 who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants; 10 who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, 11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel. 13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages. 14 For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. (Psalms 135:8-14)