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Sample PackThe Monotony Of The Mundane
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. — John 21:4-8
What we witness in this text is a profound revelation and transformation. Exhausted from a night of fruitless fishing, the disciples are about to encounter the risen Christ in a way that alters their perspective yet again. They will discover Jesus is still watching and providing for their every need, even though he is not walking with them like he had in the past.
I love this story because it captures those moments in our lives when we encounter the monotony of the mundane. Every believer encounters them. They are the moments we come off the mountain and enter the routine. Then the routine becomes mundane, and sometimes the tasks become fruitless, zapping us of all motivation. I have felt this way in my career while speaking, writing, and recording these devotionals for you. I have felt this way in my relationship with my wife and the discipleship of my children. And I bet you have felt this way, too.
But it is usually here, in these mundane moments, that Jesus shows up. And what we need to do in mundane moments is threefold. First, snap out of the trance and remain alert, looking and listening for Jesus. Second, remain obedient and trust in his direction and promises. Third, when he provides, which he always will, run to him, and his great provision giving him glory for what he did that you could not in the monotony of the mundane.
Jesus is in the business of breaking up the monotony of the mundane. But we have to continue casting our nets by remaining alert, remaining obedient, searching for his great provision, and preparing for the haul. So, what monotonous, mundane task do you need to do again today?
ASK THIS:
Reflect on a time in your life when your efforts felt fruitless and mundane. How did you experience the presence or provision of Jesus in that moment, and how did it change your perspective on the task at hand?
Consider your daily routines and tasks that often feel monotonous. How can you practice staying alert and obedient to Jesus’s direction during these times, and what might be some signs of His presence that you've perhaps overlooked?
DO THIS: Identify a mundane task and be faithful again today.
PRAY THIS: Father, in the midst of my daily routines, where monotony often dims my enthusiasm, help me to remain vigilant and obedient to Your voice, trusting that You are ever-present and ready to fill my empty nets. May I always rush towards Your grace and provision with a heart full of gratitude and eyes wide open to Your boundless love. Amen.
PLAY THIS: Goodness of God.
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Excellent reminder about dealing with mundane of life!
joe sends
My life seems fruitless and mundane currently, taking in two adults that still act like children. One is my mother-in-law, the other is my nephew, son of my sister-in-law, and neither one of them acts like they are actually adults, despite one of them being 57, and the other being 19. The 19 year old I can understand why he’s not maturing, no one is holding him accountable and my mother-in-law, his nana, has taken over being in charge of him, so she’s enabling him to continue being childish by doing everything for him. He originally came to live with us to mature and finish his rehab, which he is doing, the rehab, but unfortunately he is not being allowed to mature. I started doing the Proverbs devotional book with a group of men, including my nephew, and today’s devotional convicted me something fierce.
From whom in my life do I need to get better at receiving correction?
My mother-in-law was, and still is, my answer to that question. Regardless of her personal attitude towards me, I need to listen to her and correct my short comings, no matter how easy it is for her to seemingly only focus on those things about me. I want to stay in my office and work instead of engaging with her because she’s so cantankerous, is the nicest and most accurate word I can use to describe her. God, please help me to listen to the advice of others, even if it does not come from a place of love, the advice is still based in truth. Amen.
The voice of pride tells us “go big or go home”. The voice of what we think other people think about us tells us we have to win. I find that following the voice of the Holy Spirit sometimes leads to the mundane. It is in doing the mundane that the foundation for the extraordinary is built. I find the periods of mundane to be a great time to ask why am I doing what I am doing. Without that proper foundation the extraordinary would just collapse into a mess.
Yeah Vince I listened to you at the DL retreat.
You sure did!
Thank you brother for your encouraging word out of John and for appreciating our first responders! This devo was exactly what I needed to hear as I am preparing for Sunday and God knows the catch if we will just be obedient to cast the net.
You bet!
I am prepping for divoorce, my first her secnd. I drink way too much. I was sober for 2.5 hears with her. Now not so much. Please pray for me.
For some of us, any is too much. More dangerous in emotional conditions. I know that I myself must steer clear and completely abstain. That being said… Father I pray for Thom and his marriage and wife. Work in them. Work in their situation. I pray you reveal yourself to him in your completeness. All power and glory. That he may know that you are all he needs to lean on in tuff times. That you are enough. I pray he feel your comfort in his pain. I pray your holy spirit guide him through this trial. I pray he comes out the other side of this a stronger man. More learned and equipped to serve you. His faith refined and pure. And that he has a testimony from it that brings glory to you. I pray this for Thom in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you Lord for the chance to pray for one another. James 5:16 confess your faults one to another. Pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Amen, Trent — praying in agreement with you this morning on behalf of Thom.
Amen, Trent. I am joining the men praying for Thom.
Thom,
Praying the Lord will give you the hope, strength and peace of our Savior. Lift your eyes and hands to Him and the Holy Spirit will be by your side during this trying time. Lord may you take the place of alcohol in Thom’s life and soften hearts in the divorce process. May the love of your Son wash over him. Amen brother!
Amen
Lord,
We lift up Thom to you in prayer. He’s facing a divorce and struggling with excessive drinking. We ask for your help and guidance.
Please grant Thom the strength to overcome his drinking problem and find his way back to sobriety. Comfort him in this challenging time and provide him with the support he needs.
We also pray for emotional healing and wisdom as he navigates his relationships. May he find peace and make positive changes in his life.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thom,
Reach out and find godly men to help you. Let people know what city you are in and I bet someone on here is near you. Don’t struggle through this alone. Jesus wants to help and He wants to help through His church.
Thom,
Praying that the you will stay focused on the Lord through your trying time. I pray that the Lord will give you strength to stay focused on him.
Psalm 102:1 Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you.