Lower Your Nets! Proverbs 31 OBS Blog Hop Day!!

Summer has come to a close and school started for us 2 days ago.  Back to the homework and schedules for us.  In some ways I like it and in other ways I don’t.  It does remind me to take each day in as a gift and slow down in this crazy fast world.   But…when the schedules and homework come…I can get stressed!  Especially if I have to relearn or learn “new” math!  

This week’s Bible study topic for me is “Lower your nets” and this is referring to when Simon Peter had no idea that his obedience to something that seemed so small and insignificant could help him discover his calling in life, but it did! You see, Jesus asked him to take him out from the shore so that He could teach the people from the boat.  Instead of Peter complaining about how tired he was he got in the boat and did as Jesus asked.  After Jesus was finished speaking He told Peter to put down the nets.  Peter didn’t complain and tell Jesus that He wasn’t a fisherman and didn’t know anything about fishing…he did as Jesus asked and filled the net full.  Peter had to ask for the other boat to come out and help.  Jesus told Simon Peter, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”  That is radical obedience.  Something that seemed so small…he didn’t say no…he didn’t ignore Jesus…he did what Jesus asked and his life was changed.  

Lysa Terkeurst talks about being “God-focused” in our daily lives.  That it is one thing to have the knowledge about God but to live it out is another.  This is so true because we can fill our heads with all kinds of verses and knowledge of God but if we don’t live it out…it will show what's in our heart- eventually!

As parents we must be grounded in God’s word and be a leader for our children.  God is the Author of Life!  Lead our children to Jesus and they will see us follow Jesus.

So, I mentioned that school started for us this week and I worry about my kids.  I know that I’m supposed to leave my worries at the foot of the Cross but I’m human and I have to daily try and leave them there.  I can get stressed with all the crazy schedules and homework and speak before I think!

“My stress is advertising the unreliability of God.”  ~Ann Voskamp

 I have been thinking a lot this week on the power of our words.  What little thing is God asking me to do?  I believe it has to do with my words to my children and even my hubby!  I can speak without thinking sometimes…especially if I’m stressed and tired.

Every word that is spoken comes from your heart!  So whatever you are filling yourself up with is what comes out of your mouth.  Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”  

 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.  That’s huge!  Do you remember that saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me?”  Well, words do hurt and they can stay with you forever!   Words can build someone up or break someone down.  

The little thing that God is asking me to do doesn’t seem so little to me when it can either build up my children or break them down.  

 

God spoke (SPOKE) the world into existence in Genesis ch. 1.  

When I’m tired and empty inside…I need to go to Jesus.  I need to fill myself back up with Him.  Because whatever I focus on will fill me up.  I need to stay “God-focused” so that I speak life to my kids.  Choose my words carefully, try not to just react first, but imitate Jesus.  How would He speak to my kids?  How would He discipline my kids?  Probably with the fruits of the spirit….love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

 

This week I am focusing on my words.  I’m lowering my net and speaking life!

“Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24-25. 

Thinking of ways to encourage and build up instead of blurting out before I think!