Feb 17: Weekly Reading- Calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John; The Called & Insight Post by Kim Feld
Weekly Reading: Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
Monday Reflection
Jesus Calls Us to Leave Our Comfort Zone: When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, He asked them to leave their familiar lives as fishermen and follow Him. Responding to His call requires stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting Him with the unknown.
Monday Verse
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
Monday Questions
What area of my life is Jesus calling me to leave behind in order to follow Him more closely? How can I step out in faith?
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
Happy President’s Day, everyone! I know this is not a day off for everyone, but if it is for you, I hope you enjoy something fun or get some rest and relaxation.
This week’s reading has us focusing on the profound privilege of Jesus’ call for Andrew, Peter, James, and John to follow Him. This ‘following’ implied physically traveling with Jesus and learning from and modeling their lives after His ways. We, too, are honored to be invited to follow Jesus, learn from Him, and model our lives according to His teaching.
Jesus’ invitation to follow Him requires us to make significant changes in how we operate. Change is rarely easy and often requires us to move out of our comfort zones. The topic of change is one that often comes up in our lay counseling ministry. The saying, ‘old habits die hard,’ comes to mind because there’s so much truth in it. For instance, habits like procrastination, negative self-talk, or unhealthy coping mechanisms can be extremely difficult to change because even if they are disruptive or destructive, they feel familiar and normal. The first step of change is often in our minds.
Let’s take a look at what Paul had to say in Romans 12:
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2, NLT. Emphasis mine.)
This process of changing the way we think is part of God’s transformation and renewal of our minds. We learn how to behave and our belief systems from an early age. I say this not to criticize our parents, but to understand the influence of our upbringing. If things we have learned don’t align with God’s ways, He offers to help us change and transform, but it doesn’t happen overnight. We are not passive recipients of this transformation; we have an active role to play. We are empowered and responsible in our partnership with God in this process.
Following Jesus is not easy, but He promises to never leave us or forsake us. This assurance should bring us comfort and peace. He is our guide and companion as we learn and grow into being more and more like Him. He alone can help us be the best version of ourselves, the one He created us to be. Jesus gives us a new opportunity to follow Him every day.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org