Psalms 68:5-6
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
But he makes the rebellious live in a sun- scorched land.
Lonely? Interesting verse that seems to promise The Father has provided a remedy for the plague of Loneliness. This mental, spiritual and physical curse affects believers and unbelievers alike! It can take place for a brief period; be reoccurring or constant. The effects can range from sadness to clinical depression and even suicidal! Many are ashamed to admit having this feeling and trudge on alone through life with a fake smile and full range of mechanisms to cover it up.
The solution which may not be limited to believers only, is that a "family" unit is providentially made available by God to give the love, joy, acceptance, peace, purpose and safety that will dispel loneliness. There may be a specific action or step of faith on the part of the individual to "fit in" to the group (family) intended by Father God.
Some years ago a horrible blizzard struck Ohio and I remember reports that some froze to death just yards away from the warmth and safety of a home. For some reason they wandered away from that place into a hostile and deadly environment that cost them their very lives. We read of lonely young people who join dangerous gangs because of the acceptance they crave and cannot find in their biological family. Others have been captured by religious cults who offered a place to fit in, often with tragic results. Finally, others entered personal relationships that were highly abusive while simply seeking for love and acceptance.
The scripture mentions "prisoners" who are enslaved by behaviors or habits and are bound because of their own choices or inherited weakness. God promises to set them free and give them joy. It is not possible to be "lonely" and "joyful" at the same time.
There seem to be three major factors or players in this tragedy of loneliness that are necessary to obtain victory:
1. A loving Father who desires His creation to be happy and fulfilled. He has given mankind "free will" to accept His blessings by faith. We also have the choice to obey or reject His Commands and Principles.
2. The individual suffering from loneliness. They may have providentially been born into a loving family. Some have been raised in Faith from birth. Others, through no fault of their own have been placed in horrible circumstances of abuse and pain. He or she upon hearing of God's Love and positive plan for their life can begin to live in faith, praying and seeking for that place God has prepared for them to fit in. The Father's Promises are clear and unstoppable when accepted and sought after in faith!
3. Us! You and me! The observers! The witnesses! The individuals who previously escaped the clutches of loneliness and see this attacking those we love or those brought in contact with us in life. It is like the "Good Samaritan" on the road to Damascus who stops in the middle of a business trip to offer help to a foreigner who had been robbed and badly beaten. It could be the father of the prodigal son who stubbornly demanded his inheritance early and stormed out of the safety and plenty of home. I believe the father never really gave up on his son. He continued to hope and pray keeping the door open for his return and restoration.
Loneliness can be defeated in our lives, our loved ones and those we are in contact with. Prayer is a great first step! Tell the Father about it in your life or others! Ask Him to show you what to do. Be sure you are where you belong. Are you filling your God-ordained role in your family or body of believers. Be more attentive to those around you. Do you really listen to what they are saying? Take "baby steps" by calling, texting, visiting. Offer a smile or greeting to a stranger. Open your home and heart to others. You may be the one God has selected to bring that one lonely person in from the cold. Your actions or lack of action could mean the difference between life and death!
Daniel Corbett
Reaching One Among Millions
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Standing in the need of prayer!
It's me, it's me, it's me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer! The song goes on to say it's not my mother or my brother. Actually, today it is others more than me that are on my heart who are in need to prayer right now!
While scanning Facebook friends, family members and ministry partners it becomes clear that many are in need of someone to "stand" with them in prayer agreement for their needs. Some of those needs are physical while others are spiritual, emotional or relational. We should be aware of the fact that God has provided for all of the above. The problem is more in the area of "appropriating" the answers to those needs. We know that it is written in the Bible and that His Word does not lie, but how Oh how do we lay hold on the hem of His Garment to get our healing, deliverance or answer?
Some follow the stream of "Name it and claim it" where we confess a scriptural promise and it is over with! Others advocate "spiritual travail" as a woman in childbirth. And some emphasize persistence as contained in the acronym P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens. I am somewhere in the area of the latter. It just happens that I believe that our confession is important. It is also necessary to be persistent as in the case of the "unjust judge" and that there are time of spiritual travail when we come before the Throne of Grace. In the end, I just keep on praying until there is evidence of the manifestation of an answer.
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: KJV This Old Testament verse has made a major impact upon my life. Not out of fear of retribution or punishment from an angry Father, but fear that I may give up before the answer comes or that someone needs the simple spiritual covering that my prayers may provide. A few years ago I realized that there were many precious Japanese people who had no one else in this nation praying for their salvation. What would happen to them if I failed to hold their souls up before the Heavenly Father? Of course, there are thousands of people who pray for the people of Japan and engage either in direct ministry or support of ministries here. There is a part that I have been destined to play in the salvation of many Japanese who have been brought into our lives.
How about you? I imagine you have many family members, neighbors and friends who are in need of prayer also. Let me know if you have any specific prayer requests that we can join in with you about. However you choose to pray, let's keep on ringing those "Prayer Bells of Heaven". God is on His Throne and He still answers our prayers!
God bless you as you pray!
Dan Corbett
Reaching One Among Millions
It's me, it's me, it's me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer! The song goes on to say it's not my mother or my brother. Actually, today it is others more than me that are on my heart who are in need to prayer right now!
While scanning Facebook friends, family members and ministry partners it becomes clear that many are in need of someone to "stand" with them in prayer agreement for their needs. Some of those needs are physical while others are spiritual, emotional or relational. We should be aware of the fact that God has provided for all of the above. The problem is more in the area of "appropriating" the answers to those needs. We know that it is written in the Bible and that His Word does not lie, but how Oh how do we lay hold on the hem of His Garment to get our healing, deliverance or answer?
Some follow the stream of "Name it and claim it" where we confess a scriptural promise and it is over with! Others advocate "spiritual travail" as a woman in childbirth. And some emphasize persistence as contained in the acronym P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens. I am somewhere in the area of the latter. It just happens that I believe that our confession is important. It is also necessary to be persistent as in the case of the "unjust judge" and that there are time of spiritual travail when we come before the Throne of Grace. In the end, I just keep on praying until there is evidence of the manifestation of an answer.
1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: KJV This Old Testament verse has made a major impact upon my life. Not out of fear of retribution or punishment from an angry Father, but fear that I may give up before the answer comes or that someone needs the simple spiritual covering that my prayers may provide. A few years ago I realized that there were many precious Japanese people who had no one else in this nation praying for their salvation. What would happen to them if I failed to hold their souls up before the Heavenly Father? Of course, there are thousands of people who pray for the people of Japan and engage either in direct ministry or support of ministries here. There is a part that I have been destined to play in the salvation of many Japanese who have been brought into our lives.
How about you? I imagine you have many family members, neighbors and friends who are in need of prayer also. Let me know if you have any specific prayer requests that we can join in with you about. However you choose to pray, let's keep on ringing those "Prayer Bells of Heaven". God is on His Throne and He still answers our prayers!
God bless you as you pray!
Dan Corbett
Reaching One Among Millions
Thursday, January 17, 2013
"Never grow old, we'll never grow old"
The words for this old hymn go to to explain that we are going to a "land" where we will never grow old, obviously referring to Heaven. But, what about aging while we are still residents of the earth? Many scripture references speak of our outer man dying and (physical) corruption.
Several years ago I was traveling with a senior church leader and the subject of aging came up. He (now deceased) quipped that he wasn't getting older. Then he went on to explain that our spirit does not age. It was a refreshing thought! Perhaps if we spend more time in the Word of God basking in His Presence and Walking more in the Spirit we may act, talk and think much younger than our chronological or biological age.
Recently, I have been very engaged in Japanese/English translation and proof reading. It is amazing to me how much my sixty plus year old mind can still process and retain in respect to at least, three of the languages I have learned over my lifetime. Some worry about memory loss and spend a lot of time talking about the subject, even making a lot of jokes about "losing their mind". I am a little cautious about joking in this area. I have made too many visits, as a pastor, to nursing homes and seen those who have lost their memories, no longer clearly aware of their surrounding not even able to recognize close family members who come to visit them.
There is a Japanese expression (石の頭) which roughly translates to "stone head" in respect to not being able to learn something new. I have repented over that negative confession I used to make over myself. It was an excuse for struggling to learn the Japanese language. Now I am much more positive about Japanese and in a more advanced age I am finding myself able to learn and utilize both oral and written Japanese better then 20 years ago.
Someone once said, "when one stops learning, they begin dying"! There is so much to learn in life. I am thankful for the health and strength to rise in the morning and be able to put in a full day of work at the age of 70+. How about you? The scripture says, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! There is no mention of age in this verse. I claim the promises of Psalms 92:14 "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age and be fat and flourishing..." In fact, I am fulfilling this scripture in the very literal sense, both bringing forth fruit and being fat and flourishing. Seriously, one New Years resolution is safe and sensible weight loss.
Thanks for taking time to stop and read these thoughts. As believers in Christ, we are preparing and looking forward to Heaven and that definitely is a place where no one will ever grow old.
God bless you as you walk daily in His Spirit, Love and Power!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
The words for this old hymn go to to explain that we are going to a "land" where we will never grow old, obviously referring to Heaven. But, what about aging while we are still residents of the earth? Many scripture references speak of our outer man dying and (physical) corruption.
Several years ago I was traveling with a senior church leader and the subject of aging came up. He (now deceased) quipped that he wasn't getting older. Then he went on to explain that our spirit does not age. It was a refreshing thought! Perhaps if we spend more time in the Word of God basking in His Presence and Walking more in the Spirit we may act, talk and think much younger than our chronological or biological age.
Recently, I have been very engaged in Japanese/English translation and proof reading. It is amazing to me how much my sixty plus year old mind can still process and retain in respect to at least, three of the languages I have learned over my lifetime. Some worry about memory loss and spend a lot of time talking about the subject, even making a lot of jokes about "losing their mind". I am a little cautious about joking in this area. I have made too many visits, as a pastor, to nursing homes and seen those who have lost their memories, no longer clearly aware of their surrounding not even able to recognize close family members who come to visit them.
There is a Japanese expression (石の頭) which roughly translates to "stone head" in respect to not being able to learn something new. I have repented over that negative confession I used to make over myself. It was an excuse for struggling to learn the Japanese language. Now I am much more positive about Japanese and in a more advanced age I am finding myself able to learn and utilize both oral and written Japanese better then 20 years ago.
Someone once said, "when one stops learning, they begin dying"! There is so much to learn in life. I am thankful for the health and strength to rise in the morning and be able to put in a full day of work at the age of 70+. How about you? The scripture says, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! There is no mention of age in this verse. I claim the promises of Psalms 92:14 "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age and be fat and flourishing..." In fact, I am fulfilling this scripture in the very literal sense, both bringing forth fruit and being fat and flourishing. Seriously, one New Years resolution is safe and sensible weight loss.
Thanks for taking time to stop and read these thoughts. As believers in Christ, we are preparing and looking forward to Heaven and that definitely is a place where no one will ever grow old.
God bless you as you walk daily in His Spirit, Love and Power!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
Monday, January 14, 2013
Happy New Year!
January 14, 2013! I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote the last blog on the Jpnwatchman Blog! Time has passed so quickly! In this brief blog several things need to take place. One is an apology for neglecting this important spiritual discipline of writing (blogging). The other is to inform you that, as the founder of Japan Prayer Network, we basically have been without a functioning web site for nearly a year. It has been up and down for weeks at a time. I still am using Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Youtube. Most of those pages can be found by using the key word of "jpnwatchman". We are considering a new domain and website in the near future. In the meantime, I hope to be much more faithful in maintaining this blog.
I noticed the URL for the blog ends in ".jp". Depending on your location and operating system language, you may find some Japanese characters on the page. Once you get into the blog I think everything should be in English.
For those of you wishing to get in direct email contact please feel free to write me at: jpnpray@gmail.com. Especially if you are interested in receiving a periodic email update of what is going on in Japan with Sharon, me and family. There is a lot of good news to be shared. Let us know how we best can pray for you!
Gonna let you go now. It is time to ring the "Prayer Bells"! There is much to be prayed over in lives of family, friends, ministry partners, cities and nations of the world.
God bless you richly as you pray!
Daniel Corbett
Reaching One Among Millions
January 14, 2013! I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote the last blog on the Jpnwatchman Blog! Time has passed so quickly! In this brief blog several things need to take place. One is an apology for neglecting this important spiritual discipline of writing (blogging). The other is to inform you that, as the founder of Japan Prayer Network, we basically have been without a functioning web site for nearly a year. It has been up and down for weeks at a time. I still am using Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Youtube. Most of those pages can be found by using the key word of "jpnwatchman". We are considering a new domain and website in the near future. In the meantime, I hope to be much more faithful in maintaining this blog.
I noticed the URL for the blog ends in ".jp". Depending on your location and operating system language, you may find some Japanese characters on the page. Once you get into the blog I think everything should be in English.
For those of you wishing to get in direct email contact please feel free to write me at: jpnpray@gmail.com. Especially if you are interested in receiving a periodic email update of what is going on in Japan with Sharon, me and family. There is a lot of good news to be shared. Let us know how we best can pray for you!
Gonna let you go now. It is time to ring the "Prayer Bells"! There is much to be prayed over in lives of family, friends, ministry partners, cities and nations of the world.
God bless you richly as you pray!
Daniel Corbett
Reaching One Among Millions
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Between Blessings!
I wrote the phrase below on my facebook profile the other day. Several commented on it and many more indicated that they "liked" it. It seemed proper to give a little background about where that came from. It gives it greater meaning!
When things get really tough and someone asks how you are doing, tell them that you are "Between Blessings" at the moment! God is still in control!!!
A couple days ago while driving in our town I was thanking God for an open door that is coming for me from January. It will give some financial relief for the "dry spell" that we have been passing through for the past several months. As I gave thanks for the anticipated blessing, my logical mind spoke up and said what are you going to do in the meantime?
The Holy Spirit gently reminded me of an experience we went through 37 years ago when we returned to the USA from serving as missionaries to Korea. We had to stay with my grandparents for a short period of time since we owned nothing and had no home of our own either, rented or bought. After some very difficult times of testing of our faith, it was determined that we would be appointed to a small church in Ohio to serve as pastor. Praise God! That would mean we would have a home, ministry and income for us and our two small children.
We still had a problem in that there were still three months before we actually would move to the new location to take up our duties and a little longer before any funds would come in. One night we were invited to the home of a building contractor. He and his wife attended the nearby local church, but were not church members. After a delightful Italian meal he invited me into his office. After he closed the door he pulled out a long white envelope and handed it to me. The man cautioned me not to tell any of the church people about the gift inside. We thanked them and returned to my grandfather's home where we were staying. Holding the envelope up to the light I began counting zeros - one..two.. three and a one! He had given us a donation of $ 1,000! That was a lot of money 37 years ago and still is today. Right?
We praised God for providing our needs during the three month waiting period before the promised "Blessing" came into our hands. It reminds me of Joshua 6:2 when Joshua was told by God that He had given him the city of Jericho. The walls were still standing strong and tall as the young leader heard God's Promise. David was anointed King of Israel as a young man, but did not sit on the Throne of Israel until years later.
God is with us at the time of blessings and He is with us in those intervals between however long it may be. We are not blessed because of what we have received from God, but because of who He is and who we are in Him. We may be waiting for a particular blessing to be manifested in our lives, but we are definitely "Blessed" right here and now!
May God continue to bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
Still "Reaching One Among Millions"
When things get really tough and someone asks how you are doing, tell them that you are "Between Blessings" at the moment! God is still in control!!!
A couple days ago while driving in our town I was thanking God for an open door that is coming for me from January. It will give some financial relief for the "dry spell" that we have been passing through for the past several months. As I gave thanks for the anticipated blessing, my logical mind spoke up and said what are you going to do in the meantime?
The Holy Spirit gently reminded me of an experience we went through 37 years ago when we returned to the USA from serving as missionaries to Korea. We had to stay with my grandparents for a short period of time since we owned nothing and had no home of our own either, rented or bought. After some very difficult times of testing of our faith, it was determined that we would be appointed to a small church in Ohio to serve as pastor. Praise God! That would mean we would have a home, ministry and income for us and our two small children.
We still had a problem in that there were still three months before we actually would move to the new location to take up our duties and a little longer before any funds would come in. One night we were invited to the home of a building contractor. He and his wife attended the nearby local church, but were not church members. After a delightful Italian meal he invited me into his office. After he closed the door he pulled out a long white envelope and handed it to me. The man cautioned me not to tell any of the church people about the gift inside. We thanked them and returned to my grandfather's home where we were staying. Holding the envelope up to the light I began counting zeros - one..two.. three and a one! He had given us a donation of $ 1,000! That was a lot of money 37 years ago and still is today. Right?
We praised God for providing our needs during the three month waiting period before the promised "Blessing" came into our hands. It reminds me of Joshua 6:2 when Joshua was told by God that He had given him the city of Jericho. The walls were still standing strong and tall as the young leader heard God's Promise. David was anointed King of Israel as a young man, but did not sit on the Throne of Israel until years later.
God is with us at the time of blessings and He is with us in those intervals between however long it may be. We are not blessed because of what we have received from God, but because of who He is and who we are in Him. We may be waiting for a particular blessing to be manifested in our lives, but we are definitely "Blessed" right here and now!
May God continue to bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
Still "Reaching One Among Millions"
Friday, October 1, 2010
Which Side of the Boat?
John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. KJV
Personal Observation
As a child I had the opportunity to spend time with my paternal grandparents during the winter school vacation in northern Ohio. One of my favorite activities was to go ice fishing with my grandfather. He made a portable ice fishing hutch that fit in the back of car. We would arrive at the shore of the lake and unload all the fishing gear. There was a plywood floor board that had ice runners attached to the bottom allowing us to pull all the gear and folded fishing hut out on the ice like a large sled.
He would carefully check the thickness of the ice by breaking a small hole through the surface. Then we assembled the fishing hut with curved metal poles which supported a handmade tent that fit perfectly over the framework. Inside we had two folding stools with a lantern that provided heat and light. In the bottom of the platform were four fishing holes. We lined up the openings with the four opening we made in the ice with a long heavy steel “spud bar”. Then we settled down to the task of ice fishing. The bait was small white grub worms placed on the end of very short poles used only for ice fishing. We baited the hooks and lowered the bait down into the dark chilly lake waters.
At that time a process took place which I never understood. We were sitting less than 1 meter apart using exactly the same fishing equipment and bait, but my grandfather pulled in fish after fish as my hook and bait went untouched for long periods of time just centimeters away from my grandfather’s. Why? What was I doing wrong? I asked and he tried to assure me that I would eventually catch a fish. I tried to copy the slight movement his wrist which must have made his bait look more delicious than mine. I never found out why he could successfully catch fish right beside me while my net came up empty and dry almost every time!
Biblical Account
This account recorded in the last chapter of the Book of John indicates that the disciples with Peter had fished all night long and caught no fish whatsoever! Jesus walked up on the shore and called out to them asking if they had caught any fish. Their reply was negative. We are told that they did not know it was Jesus speaking to them. Remember this was after the Resurrection. They had seen him in their midst earlier in the Gospel of John proving to them that He indeed was risen from the dead and alive, but they did not recognize Him this day.
The stranger on the shore instructed the men to pull up their nets that were on the left side of the boat and to cast the nets on the other side of the ship. This would not make much sense to seasoned fishermen since once again the difference between the left and right sides of the boat was merely equal to the width of the small fishing vessel. For some reason, they decided to obey the instructions of the stranger. As they obeyed the simple, but seemingly senseless command there was an immediate result as the nets filled to overflowing with 153 “great” fish! When they arrived on shore there was still some doubt about whether or not this man was the risen Jesus. Amazingly, when they arrived on shore there was already fire, bread and fish already cooking over the fire.
The Bible says this was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples, but why did Jesus tell them to cast their net on the other side of the boat? Was it just a simple test of obedience? Is there something in that story that we can apply to our lives, ministry or business today?
Conclusion
Anyone serving God sincerely for any number of years or those who are working in ministry know well about periods of time when there seems to be no fruit to show for their labors. We work and use tried and true methods and principles passed down and tested by many others. Why are the nets empty? It worked before! What are we doing wrong? Is there some secret sin in our lives that has stopped God’s Blessings upon our efforts? Is there some act of obedience that we have not followed? Is there un-forgiveness lurking under the surface?
How tired and hungry we are as the disciples must have been that morning by the sea shore. If Jesus would just come to meet with us and tell us what to do! At times like these there is no fear or worry about correction or even rebuke. We care about the harvest! We are called to be “fishers of men” and our nets are empty. Jesus please tell us what we need to do differently than what we have been. Is there something new we need to try? Is there something old that is being overlooked that is still appropriate for where we are in your harvest field today? Just tell us please. Any yes, Lord we are tired and hungry for your food that gives us strength and comfort. We all need some spiritual “comfort food” from time to time!
By the way, we really do love you Lord. Yes, I know that we have denied you many time and have not obeyed all you told us to do before. Please forgive us! Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. NIV
Go ahead and do whatever He says. You may have tried it before. It may not seem to make sense, but Jesus knows that He is doing. Just pull up your nets from where you are now and cast them over on the other side. And by the way, get ready! You will be pleasantly surprised!
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
Personal Observation
As a child I had the opportunity to spend time with my paternal grandparents during the winter school vacation in northern Ohio. One of my favorite activities was to go ice fishing with my grandfather. He made a portable ice fishing hutch that fit in the back of car. We would arrive at the shore of the lake and unload all the fishing gear. There was a plywood floor board that had ice runners attached to the bottom allowing us to pull all the gear and folded fishing hut out on the ice like a large sled.
He would carefully check the thickness of the ice by breaking a small hole through the surface. Then we assembled the fishing hut with curved metal poles which supported a handmade tent that fit perfectly over the framework. Inside we had two folding stools with a lantern that provided heat and light. In the bottom of the platform were four fishing holes. We lined up the openings with the four opening we made in the ice with a long heavy steel “spud bar”. Then we settled down to the task of ice fishing. The bait was small white grub worms placed on the end of very short poles used only for ice fishing. We baited the hooks and lowered the bait down into the dark chilly lake waters.
At that time a process took place which I never understood. We were sitting less than 1 meter apart using exactly the same fishing equipment and bait, but my grandfather pulled in fish after fish as my hook and bait went untouched for long periods of time just centimeters away from my grandfather’s. Why? What was I doing wrong? I asked and he tried to assure me that I would eventually catch a fish. I tried to copy the slight movement his wrist which must have made his bait look more delicious than mine. I never found out why he could successfully catch fish right beside me while my net came up empty and dry almost every time!
Biblical Account
This account recorded in the last chapter of the Book of John indicates that the disciples with Peter had fished all night long and caught no fish whatsoever! Jesus walked up on the shore and called out to them asking if they had caught any fish. Their reply was negative. We are told that they did not know it was Jesus speaking to them. Remember this was after the Resurrection. They had seen him in their midst earlier in the Gospel of John proving to them that He indeed was risen from the dead and alive, but they did not recognize Him this day.
The stranger on the shore instructed the men to pull up their nets that were on the left side of the boat and to cast the nets on the other side of the ship. This would not make much sense to seasoned fishermen since once again the difference between the left and right sides of the boat was merely equal to the width of the small fishing vessel. For some reason, they decided to obey the instructions of the stranger. As they obeyed the simple, but seemingly senseless command there was an immediate result as the nets filled to overflowing with 153 “great” fish! When they arrived on shore there was still some doubt about whether or not this man was the risen Jesus. Amazingly, when they arrived on shore there was already fire, bread and fish already cooking over the fire.
The Bible says this was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples, but why did Jesus tell them to cast their net on the other side of the boat? Was it just a simple test of obedience? Is there something in that story that we can apply to our lives, ministry or business today?
Conclusion
Anyone serving God sincerely for any number of years or those who are working in ministry know well about periods of time when there seems to be no fruit to show for their labors. We work and use tried and true methods and principles passed down and tested by many others. Why are the nets empty? It worked before! What are we doing wrong? Is there some secret sin in our lives that has stopped God’s Blessings upon our efforts? Is there some act of obedience that we have not followed? Is there un-forgiveness lurking under the surface?
How tired and hungry we are as the disciples must have been that morning by the sea shore. If Jesus would just come to meet with us and tell us what to do! At times like these there is no fear or worry about correction or even rebuke. We care about the harvest! We are called to be “fishers of men” and our nets are empty. Jesus please tell us what we need to do differently than what we have been. Is there something new we need to try? Is there something old that is being overlooked that is still appropriate for where we are in your harvest field today? Just tell us please. Any yes, Lord we are tired and hungry for your food that gives us strength and comfort. We all need some spiritual “comfort food” from time to time!
By the way, we really do love you Lord. Yes, I know that we have denied you many time and have not obeyed all you told us to do before. Please forgive us! Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. NIV
Go ahead and do whatever He says. You may have tried it before. It may not seem to make sense, but Jesus knows that He is doing. Just pull up your nets from where you are now and cast them over on the other side. And by the way, get ready! You will be pleasantly surprised!
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
Monday, September 13, 2010
Don't Eat The Seeds!
2 Cor 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. NIV
2 Cor 9:1-15 is a marvelous commentary on sowing and reaping as well as the principles behind generous giving. The full impact of this teaching more clearly comes into view if read in modern translations. Apparently a year before the Corinthian churches had made a type of pledge to send a generous offering to the church in Jerusalem. Paul thanked them and told them how that their giving had encouraged others to follow their example. Now he mentioned that he would send an “advance” party to ensure that the offering was indeed gathered and all preparations were completed before his arrival with some of the Macedonian believers.
Verses 6-8 lay down spiritual laws regarding giving. He makes the comparison of a farmer who can expect to reap according to the amount that he first sows into the soil, similar to the secular expression, “little ventured, little gained”. Clearly a farmer’s harvest is dependent upon how much seed he plants in the soil. So too believers can expect to reap according to the amount that they sow in their giving. Paul goes on and exhorts that each believer has the right and privilege to determine how much they give and that there should be no pressure or compulsion in the act of giving. He finishes stating that God particularly loves “cheerful givers” who have given from the heart, not in response to the pressure of rules imposed by other men! He sums up this teaching by promising that God’s Grace will abound toward those who obey in this area of Christian Life and that they will live in abundance.
Verses 10-11 expand to include God’s Provision in the acts of sowing, reaping and giving. In verse 10 we see that God provides two things to the believer. First, we see God supplies the seed that is to be sown into the harvest. Next, food or personal provision is given to the sower for his personal daily needs. The two words in the English NIV are “seed” and “bread”. There may be some confusion regarding these being two separate entities, but both are provided by God for the believer. This principle can be made clear by looking closely at the natural sowing and harvest. A certain amount of seed from a field must be set aside and kept for the next year to be planted. If those seeds are all consumed, eaten and used up then there will be nothing left over to plant. This will result in a greatly diminished harvest and loss of bread that is meant for personal consumption.
I want to suggest that in His Sovereign Will, God provides every believer, minister, local church, ministry and denomination two basic elements. The first is seed for sowing into the harvest field. It may include financial means, human resources, gifts, talents, and other intangible assets. This portion is not intended to be “consumed” by the individual or group for their own personal benefit. Yes, this could be compared to, but not limited to the tithe that was to be set apart to be distributed as God directed for the ministers and ministry of the tabernacle or temple. Secondly, God also gives us our “daily bread”. This is not just food! This encompasses all that we need to maintain our life, including both needs and wants. An organization needs funds to operate and to maintain staff and truly essential programs and functions. There is a danger and even temptation to consume God-given assets that are intended to be used purely for sowing and ministry to the lost or hurting world both among and around us. This is a tough call and not easy to determine in each case what is “seed” and what is intended as our personal “food”.
In North America, we often hear about charitable organizations using far too much income on their administrative needs rather than their advertised purpose. If you organize in order to “feed the children” then the far greater amount of funds received should go for that purpose with only the truly necessary amount for buildings, salaries and administration. In our personal lives it more difficult to determine how much of our income, talents and gifts are to be enjoyed personally rather than being channeled to “minister” to others in the harvest field of the world. I believe we can be better stewards of all God has entrusted to us if we take the view that a portion is intended to be used solely for sowing (ministry) with the remainder being for our personal use or consumption.
Verse 10 also indicates that God will both supply and increase the seed in our lives so that the spiritual harvest will be greatly enlarged. Going further Paul promises that we will then experience increase in our personal lives enabling us to be “generous” to others with those resources which will bring glory to God. To carefully separate the seed in our lives from our bread while sowing bountifully into the lives of others may cause us to prosper financially! God always is a God of order. We have to follow His priorities in order to be blessed in each area of our lives.
God bless you as you enjoy the “bread” He provides and then generously sow the “seed” He has entrusted to you into the world around you!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
2 Cor 9:1-15 is a marvelous commentary on sowing and reaping as well as the principles behind generous giving. The full impact of this teaching more clearly comes into view if read in modern translations. Apparently a year before the Corinthian churches had made a type of pledge to send a generous offering to the church in Jerusalem. Paul thanked them and told them how that their giving had encouraged others to follow their example. Now he mentioned that he would send an “advance” party to ensure that the offering was indeed gathered and all preparations were completed before his arrival with some of the Macedonian believers.
Verses 6-8 lay down spiritual laws regarding giving. He makes the comparison of a farmer who can expect to reap according to the amount that he first sows into the soil, similar to the secular expression, “little ventured, little gained”. Clearly a farmer’s harvest is dependent upon how much seed he plants in the soil. So too believers can expect to reap according to the amount that they sow in their giving. Paul goes on and exhorts that each believer has the right and privilege to determine how much they give and that there should be no pressure or compulsion in the act of giving. He finishes stating that God particularly loves “cheerful givers” who have given from the heart, not in response to the pressure of rules imposed by other men! He sums up this teaching by promising that God’s Grace will abound toward those who obey in this area of Christian Life and that they will live in abundance.
Verses 10-11 expand to include God’s Provision in the acts of sowing, reaping and giving. In verse 10 we see that God provides two things to the believer. First, we see God supplies the seed that is to be sown into the harvest. Next, food or personal provision is given to the sower for his personal daily needs. The two words in the English NIV are “seed” and “bread”. There may be some confusion regarding these being two separate entities, but both are provided by God for the believer. This principle can be made clear by looking closely at the natural sowing and harvest. A certain amount of seed from a field must be set aside and kept for the next year to be planted. If those seeds are all consumed, eaten and used up then there will be nothing left over to plant. This will result in a greatly diminished harvest and loss of bread that is meant for personal consumption.
I want to suggest that in His Sovereign Will, God provides every believer, minister, local church, ministry and denomination two basic elements. The first is seed for sowing into the harvest field. It may include financial means, human resources, gifts, talents, and other intangible assets. This portion is not intended to be “consumed” by the individual or group for their own personal benefit. Yes, this could be compared to, but not limited to the tithe that was to be set apart to be distributed as God directed for the ministers and ministry of the tabernacle or temple. Secondly, God also gives us our “daily bread”. This is not just food! This encompasses all that we need to maintain our life, including both needs and wants. An organization needs funds to operate and to maintain staff and truly essential programs and functions. There is a danger and even temptation to consume God-given assets that are intended to be used purely for sowing and ministry to the lost or hurting world both among and around us. This is a tough call and not easy to determine in each case what is “seed” and what is intended as our personal “food”.
In North America, we often hear about charitable organizations using far too much income on their administrative needs rather than their advertised purpose. If you organize in order to “feed the children” then the far greater amount of funds received should go for that purpose with only the truly necessary amount for buildings, salaries and administration. In our personal lives it more difficult to determine how much of our income, talents and gifts are to be enjoyed personally rather than being channeled to “minister” to others in the harvest field of the world. I believe we can be better stewards of all God has entrusted to us if we take the view that a portion is intended to be used solely for sowing (ministry) with the remainder being for our personal use or consumption.
Verse 10 also indicates that God will both supply and increase the seed in our lives so that the spiritual harvest will be greatly enlarged. Going further Paul promises that we will then experience increase in our personal lives enabling us to be “generous” to others with those resources which will bring glory to God. To carefully separate the seed in our lives from our bread while sowing bountifully into the lives of others may cause us to prosper financially! God always is a God of order. We have to follow His priorities in order to be blessed in each area of our lives.
God bless you as you enjoy the “bread” He provides and then generously sow the “seed” He has entrusted to you into the world around you!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
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