Happy Tuesday!

The beginning of the school year always has its stresses. There are so many things to learn and so many things to turn in at the beginning of the year. It is at times difficult to remember which ones need to be turned in on which day. Today, our substitute folders were due. One of my colleagues at school had a substitute template that required only a basic change of information to make it applicable to my classroom. Geni came to the school for a visit this afternoon and helped me complete the folder and get it turned in on time. There were other things just as critical to be turned in and they still wanted me to teach the children all in the same day! Imagine that…

Luke 5:11 …and when they had brought their ships to land, they left everything and followed Jesus.”

Those first disciples were just ordinary working class people just like many of us. And yet Jesus took the skills they had in place and made them fit for the kingdom on earth. These simple fishermen had heard the message of Jesus and were so awestruck by His words and the miracle catch of fish. But more important, these disciples not only followed Jesus, they lived in communion with each other and with the Master.

They were taught all of the same lessons before Jesus ever sent them out to share the gospel with the people. The Disciples took the Words of Jesus, the very words spoken to them, as a command and then committed them to prayer. These disciples were taught the art and practice of prayer by Jesus Himself. I feel sure that before Jesus sent them out with preach, teach and heal in His name that they prayed together as a worshiping community bound by the love and grace of God through Jesus.

What happens when you meet Jesus? Are you willing to dock the ship you are sailing and follow Him? God took the fishing skills of the fisherman and called them to fish for men. He called them to share the love of God and preach the forgiveness of sins.

What does He call us to do? God calls us to do the same thing He called those disciples to do. We can share the love of God with those with whom we work. We can help someone who is hurting and afraid. We can share what we have with someone who is in need. We can listen when someone needs to talk and we can sit with those who are in need of feeling God’s presence. Is it time to dock the boat and follow Him? God doesn’t ask us to walk the plank, but He does ask us to take a leap of faith and land in His loving arms.

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes, count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other. Love you, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.