Menu of the Morning :: Bible Study :: Serving up some love, Jesus style!

For just a few short moments in the quiet of the morning it's just me, a cup of coffee, a wonderful candle, and my Bible.  This is how I get ready for a hectic day ahead of me.  Any Mama can use a quick Bible Study in the morning... It just sets you on the right path for the day!  

I was reading John 21 this morning ~  a very short, but very deep chapter.  I learned a couple of things that I want to share...   Hope you enjoy!

1.  John 21 starts off with Jesus asking the disciples to follow him, which they do without batting an eye.  It's the story of the disciples fishing all night, never catching a thing, being told by Jesus to throw out their nets again in the morning, taking in a huge catch, and upon his request they leave it all behind ~ the boat, the nets, the huge catch ~ and follow him.  He simply says, "Follow me"... and they do.

Sometimes we have to leave things behind, even if we think they're important.  Maybe you're hanging onto your time or your belongings when they could be useful to someone else.  Maybe you have a huge harvest of worries and your net is full.  Maybe you're hanging onto ghosts from your past.  Maybe you're in the midst of a choice that is hard to make.  To you and your full net, He says, "follow me".  Trust Him.  He has something special planned for you! 

2.  In John 21:12, Jesus calls the disciples in to breakfast and then serves them himself.  Sounds like a Mama!  Yes, Jesus was cookin' the bacon and plating it up!  The guys were tired, and Jesus wanted to make sure they were fueled up for the work he had in store for them.  They were weary, and He was there to wait on them, pamper them just a bit, and give them rest.  

Guess if us Mamas and Papas are supposed to follow Him we need to start serving with a smile.  Gotta serve up some love and some Jesus along with that breakfast and supper to our young disciples (and the old one we're married to)!  Fellowship at the table is important, and Jesus set the example.  Make sure your table is clear of junk, papers, and other items, and that it is welcoming for a meal whenever you possibly can.  I keep a basket nearby for quickly removing the things that seem to accumulate.  You don't need to go overboard with decorations and tablecloths and such, just make it welcoming.  Get your menu planned, your groceries purchased, and your meal on the table.  Make this time a priority so your family can gather around the table, find rest, refuel their bodies, and get ready for the work at hand. 

3.  Finally, in John 21:22, Peter is asking Jesus about how another disciple might be treated better or differently than he.  Jesus had just told Peter about his fate, but in response Peter doesn't comment about what lies ahead for himself, but asks about the fate of someone else.  He's just like a kid who says, "That's not fair!!!"   Jesus says, "...what is that to you?  As for you, follow me."  

Don't we all compare ourselves to others from time to time??  The desire to have or be what someone else has or is can sometimes cloud our thoughts.  There have been a couple of times I remember being surprised to find that someone who I thought had it "ALL", really had an enormous mess that I'd never want share.  I end up being embarrassed that I was just a little jealous.

Being content with who we are, what we are, where we are, and with what we have is one of the keys to following Him.  Model contentment to your family with your grateful heart, your ability to forgive, and with your desire to serve.  Your content heart will set the tone for your family, and they will also hear His voice saying, "As for you, follow Me!"