Fish for People

Mark 1:16-20
"One day as Jesus was walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother, Andrew fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. Jesus called out to them, 'Come be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!' And they left their nets at once and went with Him. A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee's sons, James and John, in a boat mending their nets. He called them too, and immediately they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men and went with him."

I was not along the shores by accident - it was on purpose and with purpose.
Just as I walked along your streets and sent people into your life on purpose and with purpose to call you to Me.
I call you daily - to come and be a fisher of people.
This was not the first time, nor the last time I called them to leave their plans to follow Mine.
It is the same with you.
The key is always in the response.
Compare their response to that of the rich young ruler.
They immediately followed leaving their routine behind - the ruler chose his routine, his "responsibility" over Me.
What a difference a "yes" makes.
Was it easy for them?
No.
Nor will if be easy for you.
But take on my yoke, which fits perfectly, and you will find rest - soul rest - and your burden will be light.
Ask yourself what did they see in Me that made them want to uproot their entire lives and follow Me even to death?
What do you see in Me that makes you want to uproot your entire life and follow Me even to the death of your self?
Aren't they the same?
Compassion
Understanding
Wisdom
Pure Love
Truth
Unconditional acceptance of who you are
An inkling of who you might become if you spend every day in My Presence
Peace
Joy
Comfort
Feeling like there is really no option because you were born to be in relationship with Me
A heart filled instead of empty
Your heart's one true desire
Being beloved
Being free
Your chains are gone and you are free - free to love because you are loved passionately and with wild abandon.
Come to Me and I will show you how to bring people to My Kingdom.

Being Dangerous

John 1: 35-42
"The following day, John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at Him and then declared, 'Look! there is the lamb of God!" Then John's two disciples turned and followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following. 'What do you want?' he asked them. They replied, 'Rabbi' (which means teacher), 'where are you staying?' 'Come and see,' he said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place, and they stayed there the rest of the day. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John had said and then followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means the Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus."

I did not die on the cross for you to be tame.
I died on the cross for you to be dangerous.
Find what's worth dying for and then you will finally live.
What do you want?
Do you want to follow Me?
Or
Do you think I should follow you?
You make your plans, but remember, I direct your steps.
It's when you learn to follow hard after Me that the adventure begins.
Do you want to live as if you are already dead?
Then stay tame.
Die of Boredom.
No?
Then come and see.
Follow Me.
Live for something worth dying for.
Search your heart- your soul.
What makes you weep?
What makes you angry?
What makes you leap for joy?
You see I've already planted the passion in your heart.
The passion only you can live out.
Let me reveal it to you.
Your adventure awaits.
It's going to sound impossible and irresponsible and people, especially your family, will think you're crazy.
But you're not- you're just dangerous!
Others aren't used to people picking danger over tameness.
I call it lameness.
Hold on!
Get ready when you choose to follow Me!
Teach others what you have learned and are learning about a real relationship with Me, about seeking Me with your whole heart.
Find everyone you can who will listen and even those who don't listen and tell them who I AM- the Messiah - the One who loved them before they were even born - the One who loves them despite who they are and because of who they are and who they can be in Me!
Shout it from the mountaintops and from the valleys of your life.
Invite them to come and see for themselves and then leave the rest to Me.
Are you ready for the Adventure?
I AM!

Transformation

Ephesians 3:20

"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

My mighty power is at work in you.
You may not feel Me, but I am in you.
Growing you.
Giving you wisdom, compassion and understanding.
Dare to ask.
Dare to hope.
Even then, My plan is to do more than you can even imagine.
Each day, each step I bring you closer to the image of My Son.
I love you more fully than you can comprehend.
Thanks and praise, even in your darkest hour, will bring you encouragement and closer to Me.
Trust Me. Love Me.
Live your life so that others may see you trust and love Me.
I know you grow weary sometimes - this is when you must return to Me.
Return so that you may never grow weary in doing good.
Look with My Eyes not yours so that you may see what matters in forever versus only what matters in this world.
You are so easily distracted by the things of this world.
Day by day, morning by morning, moment by moment, seek Me and you will find Me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things.
Every day bring your requests to Me and wait expectantly.
Remember that it is I who change you.
In My love you are transformed.
Like a tree that starts with a seed, the seed must die for the tree to grow and live. Your old self is the seed- with Christ you are the tree - a new creation.
Daily a New Creation.

The Battle is God's - show up!

2 Chronicles 20:15b-17
"...this is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march out against them... But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you... Do not be discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"
Psalm 3: 3-6,8
"But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the one who lifts my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety for the Lord was watching over me on every side. Victory comes from you, O Lord."

Oh, but you are a stubborn child.
Lessons you must learn again and again.
The battle is Mine, not yours.
All you need to do is show up.
I promise that I work all things to good.
I promise that the Victory is Mine.
Be encouraged for I AM with you and I fight the battle and win the battle for your good!
Every child of Mine is a work in progress.
Remember that the enemies you fight are not just people - they are temptations, attitudes and the unseen rulers of this world.
Don't be afraid for I am with you. I have promised never to leave you, I have promised you a future, I have promised My plans for you are good, and I keep My promises.
I am your armor - I am your shield.
When you cry to Me, I answer.
My Peace I give you so that you may sleep in My assurance. Fully trusting that I Am Who I say I Am and I will do what I promise to do.
Enemies may surround you, but who are they when I am watching over you?
If I am for you who can be against you?
Remember to look for My lesson in every struggle you face. Never forget that I stand between you and whatever your circumstances you are facing.
Put My Armor on every day. The Armor of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, My Word, and Prayer.