Daily Devotions

Today’s Bible reading is John chapter 21

(Read the entire New Tesrament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Some people believe that a bad night of fishing is still better than a good day at work. Jesus’ disciples might not agree with that. They fished all night but caught nothing. When morning came Jesus stood on the shore. He told the disciples where to cast their nets, and when they obeyed the catch was more than they could haul. Before His crucifixion Jesus was in the upper room with the disciples and He said to them, “Without Me you can do nothing.” This fishing trip proved that Jesus was right. Overcome with discouragement Peter said, “I am going fishing.” His statement indicates that he was returning to the vocation of fishing. Whenever we backslide we always run the risk of taking others with us. Peter did not go on this fishing trip alone. Thankfully, God extended grace to Peter and used this opportunity to restore a fallen disciple. Jesus said, “Peter do you love Me more than these?” Peter had claimed to love the Lord more than anyone else, but he ended up denying Jesus three times. Jesus graciously restored Peter and accepted his love and affirmed his devotion. Eventually, Peter would give his life in service to our Lord. It is only by God’s grace that any of us are given the privilege of serving the Lord. There will be moments of failure and defeat but don’t be discouraged. After all, it isn’t the mistakes we make but who we turn to in them that matters most of all.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to abide in You so that we will love You and serve You the way we should, and help us not to focus on our failures but may we focus on who You are. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron