In what ways can we create space for Jesus to teach in our lives? Setting the Scene “ He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and began teaching the crowds from the boat.” (Luke 5:3) Peter’s simple act of pushing out a few feet created a floating classroom. Jesus still seeks such open spaces in our lives. Make Space in the Daily Schedule • Rise early, before demands crowd in, echoing Jesus’ pattern: “Very early in the morning… He went out to a solitary place.” (Mark 1:35) • Guard a consistent time slot; treat it as immovable, like any essential appointment. • Use brief margins—commutes, lunch breaks, waiting rooms—to read or memorize Scripture. Quiet the Competing Voices • Silence notifications and media during set times. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) • Replace background noise with worship music or quiet reflection. • Fast periodically from social media, entertainment, or talk radio to heighten spiritual attentiveness. Offer Everyday Resources to Him • Peter’s boat became a pulpit; our homes, devices, and talents can serve the same purpose. • Open your living room for a small study (Acts 28:30–31). • Dedicate a portion of income to resources that deepen biblical learning—solid commentaries, audio Bibles, study tools. Sit at His Feet with an Open Bible • Like Mary who “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His word” (Luke 10:39), adopt a posture of attentive listening. • Read sequentially through books of the Bible to hear the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Use a notebook to record insights, themes, and personal applications. Respond with Immediate Obedience • After teaching, Jesus told Peter to let down the nets; obedience resulted in a miraculous catch (Luke 5:4–6). • Act promptly on what Scripture reveals—reconcile, forgive, serve, or change course. • Obedience enlarges capacity for further teaching (John 7:17). Invite Others into the Learning Space • Share insights with family at meals (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • Form or join a Bible reading group; mutual encouragement sharpens understanding (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Welcome seekers; Jesus taught crowds as well as individuals, and His word never returns void (Isaiah 55:10–11). Cultivate Expectant Hearts • Keep a sense of anticipation; Christ stands “at the door and knock[s]” (Revelation 3:20). • Pray briefly before opening Scripture: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” • Celebrate incremental growth; each new insight is evidence of His active teaching ministry. Practical Next Steps 1. Block a daily 20-minute “shoreline” appointment this week. 2. Identify one digital distraction to silence during that time. 3. Offer one personal resource—space, skill, or possession—for kingdom use this month. 4. Share a fresh biblical insight with one person within 24 hours of receiving it. As we push out from the crowded shoreline of routine and willingly hand Jesus the “boat” of our time, attention, and resources, He still sits down and teaches—transforming both us and those within hearing distance. |
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