December 30-January 3

“Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” – John 21:3 ESV

Mercy In the Morning: Our Brokenness Makes Us Run
In the 1990s, a young boy named Chris was caught hiding under his bed with a stash of comic books, hoping to avoid cleaning his room. His mother found him hours later, amused but firm, and helped him tackle the mess together. This story, shared in a parenting magazine, highlights how our attempts to avoid responsibility often lead to even greater dependency on others to help us through.

After the resurrection, Peter’s failure in denying Jesus still weighed heavily on him. His response was to return to what he knew best: fishing. This wasn’t a leisurely outing; it was Peter’s attempt to cope with his brokenness by going back to his old life. But just like his earlier efforts before meeting Jesus, Peter’s night of fishing produced nothing. It’s a vivid picture of how our own striving, apart from God’s grace, leaves us empty.

When we fail, it’s easy to run—back to old habits, old places, or even just away from God. Yet, Jesus meets us in those places, not to condemn us, but to call us back to Himself. Don’t let your brokenness drive you further from Jesus. Instead, bring it to Him.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where do you tend to run when you feel ashamed or broken?
2. How can you invite Jesus into those moments instead of avoiding Him?

Suggested Prayer: 
Lord, thank You for seeking me even when I try to run. Help me to trust Your mercy and bring my brokenness to You. Amen

“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.” – John 21:4, ESV

Mercy In the Morning: Jesus Comes to Get Us
In 2010, a woman named Sarah found herself stranded on a desolate road in a torrential downpour when her car broke down. As she anxiously tried to call for help, a truck pulled up. The driver, a retired mechanic named Tom, offered assistance. Despite the rain soaking them both, he fixed her car on the spot and refused any payment. Tom simply said, 'Someone helped me once; now it’s my turn.' His act of kindness turned a stressful situation into a moment of gratitude and hope.

The disciples’ empty nets mirrored their empty hearts. As they struggled, Jesus stood on the shore, unrecognized but fully present. He didn’t wait for them to figure things out or even call for help. Instead, He came to them, offering a miraculous catch as a sign of His grace. This moment shows Jesus’ character: He comes to find us when we’re stuck, whether in mud or despair.

Jesus doesn’t wait for us to get it all together before He meets us. He’s the Savior who pursues. If you feel distant from God, look up. He’s already near, waiting to lead you back into the fullness of His grace.

Reflection Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when Jesus met you in a moment of struggle?
2. How can you recognize His presence in your current circumstances?

Suggested Prayer: 
Jesus, thank You for coming to find me when I’m lost. Help me to see You and follow where You lead. Amen.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’” – John 21:12a, ESV

Mercy In the Morning: Jesus Invites Us into Relationship
In 2018, world-renowned chef José Andrés served free meals to survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Instead of creating high-end dishes, he worked tirelessly with his team to prepare simple, nourishing food for thousands of people in need. His effort not only filled stomachs but also brought a sense of hope and humanity to those facing hardship.

After the disciples dragged in their miraculous catch, Jesus prepared a meal for them. It wasn’t just about food; it was an invitation to fellowship and restoration. Sharing breakfast symbolized the intimacy of relationship, reminding the disciples that their failures didn’t disqualify them from His love. Jesus’ invitation to “Come” echoes His heart for us: relationship over ritual, presence over performance.

Jesus’ invitation to “Come” is for you, too. No matter how far you’ve drifted or how deep your shame is, He’s ready to restore and renew you. Spend time with Him today, not as a task but as a joy.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does Jesus’ invitation to “Come” change the way you see your relationship with Him?
2. What practical steps can you take to accept His invitation daily?

Suggested Prayer: 
Jesus, thank You for inviting me into relationship with You. Help me to embrace Your love and rest in Your presence. Amen.

“It is the Lord!” – John 21:7b, ESV

Mercy in the Morning
In 1962, John F. Kennedy learned of a failed invasion at the Bay of Pigs, a disastrous mistake early in his presidency. While many expected him to shift blame or avoid responsibility, Kennedy publicly took full accountability. His willingness to own the error gave him a second chance to lead with renewed trust, ultimately steering his administration to moments of great success. Second chances can restore what feels broken and offer new opportunities for growth.

In this passage, the disciples experience Jesus’ mercy firsthand. Peter, still grappling with his denial, is the first to jump from the boat when he recognizes the Lord. Jesus doesn’t bring up Peter’s failure; instead, He extends grace through the abundance of fish and a shared meal. Morning broke with a new beginning, a fresh encounter with mercy.

Every day is an opportunity to receive and extend mercy. Start your morning by remembering His faithfulness and offering grace to those around you. Mercy changes everything.

Reflection Questions:
1. How has God’s mercy renewed you in difficult seasons?
2. Who can you show mercy to today, even if they don’t deserve it?

Suggested Prayer: 
Lord, thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning. Help me to live as a reflection of Your grace. Amen.

“Feed my sheep.” – John 21:17b, ESV

Mercy In Morning: Restored and Sent
In 1997, Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls famously sat out a crucial play in the playoffs after a disagreement with his coach. Despite the tension, his coach, Phil Jackson, trusted him again in subsequent games, knowing his value to the team. This decision not only restored Pippen’s confidence but also reinforced the importance of forgiveness and trust in a team dynamic.

Jesus’ conversation with Peter after breakfast wasn’t just about forgiveness; it was about restoration. By asking Peter three times if he loved Him, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment, undoing the pain of his earlier denials. Then, He commissioned Peter to “Feed my sheep,” demonstrating that God’s mercy doesn’t just restore us—it reassigns us to His mission.

God’s mercy restores us for a purpose. Like Peter, you are called to care for others, to share His love, and to live out your faith. Embrace your calling with confidence, knowing that His grace equips you.

Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean for you to “Feed His sheep” in your daily life?
2. How can you share God’s mercy with someone in need this week?

Suggested Prayer: 
Jesus, thank You for restoring and calling me. Help me to live out my faith by serving others and sharing Your love. Amen.