"DEEPER DEPTHS"

Luke 5:4-6

"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the net down again.”

And this time their net was so full of fish they began to tear!"

Oh, bless the LORD with me, my sisters, and my brothers! I give God thanks for you always. It's a blessing to wake up to a new day, and knowing that we have a blessed assurance in Christ Jesus! Day by day, we all need an encouraging word to help us on this journey. At times, we are going about our daily duties and desire to grow deeper in the Lord, our bodies can feel weary and tired. I want to encourage you today, to lift up your head! Always remember that, “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Let's ENDURE our race together in Jesus’ name. You might be going through sickness in your body, challenges on the job, or struggles while in school. Whatever the valley you are currently facing, there is one thing I would like you to know, we all must endure in order to grow spiritually. The Lord knows we are human, and His strength will be made perfect in our weaknesses. The Lord said to Paul the Apostle in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), ".My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul replied, "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. " Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, let us fear no evil! The valley represents our trials and tribulations that we must ENDURE so patience can have her perfect work.

HALLELUJAH! This reassuring word from the Lord allowed Paul to find peace in spite of his personal struggles (the Bible says there was a thorn in his flesh). It kept Paul humble before the Lord and prevented him from becoming proud. Wherever you are in this life just continue to grow in His beautiful grace! The Lord wants us to totally rely on Him, a total surrender! In doing so we will be shaped in the Potter’s hands, for in all things, it is necessary for us to grow spiritually. Romans 8:28 (NLT) declares, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

What does the Lord require of us? If you have a desire for a "DEEPER DEPTH" in the Lord, then FAITH, ENDURANCE & A CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE is key! James 1:2-4 (NLT) said, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

As for FAITH, we must remember the Bible declares, “it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6).

Once we activate our faith, we must continue to sincerely seek the Lord for a “DEEPER DEPTH” in Him. There must be a CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE! We need to have the right motives for longing for a “DEEPER DEPTH”. There was a man named Simon (Acts 8:13-22) whose heart was not right in the sight of God and needed to be changed. He had a false faith. He desired the supernatural power of signs and wonders, but lacked a true desire to turn away from sin, to serve Jesus in Spirit and truth and to genuinely receive the glory of His grace. As children of God, we must be intentional that our responses bring glory to God and train our minds for an eternal perspective.

Our focus scripture in Luke 5:4-6, gives us a view of Jesus preaching and teaching His disciples. During this time, He ordered Simon, who was a fisherman, to go out into the “DEEPER DEPTH” of the water and let down the nets to catch fish. Simon expressed his difficulties, explaining that he worked hard all night without catching any fish. However, He trusted God, by saying, “But if you say so, I’ll let the net down again”. Despite our difficulties, failure, imperfections let us remember once we obey God's Word, success will follow! Our ultimate goal should be a desire to serve God!

Has God asked you to complete a task that seems impossible? Trust Him and obey so your faith can grow deeper! Joshua received the principle of obedience after the Lord told him, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (Joshua 1:8, NLT). The Lord knew Joshua would face discouragement, distress and trouble but there was one ultimate goal: fulfilling His God-given purpose.

Let us set our eyes on the things eternal and not the things of this world. Jesus wanted Simon and His disciples to receive a revelation of the spiritual things that matter more than the earthly things. Simon Peter and all his fishing partners were amazed at the miracle Jesus performed. When he obeyed and let down the net, the Bible says, “A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking” (Luke 5:7). Let us push past our trials, counting it all joy, knowing they are merely steps to “DEEPER DEPTH” and heights in Christ. After witnessing the miracle, Jesus' disciples left their fishing nets and boats to follow Jesus in winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

Don’t ever underestimate the power of PRAYER.

Our goal is HEAVEN! No soul left behind, in JESUS’ name!

2 Timothy 4:7-8

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Saints of God, let us too continue to win souls for the Kingdom of God. I thank you for supporting this devotion. Let the Joy of the Lord be your strength. I am praying for you always!