John 15:7 (NKJV), “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
It has been a year since I started CastTheNet. I wrote my first blog entry on September 27th of last year, which was a simple “Getting Started” introduction piece (which somehow got erased--I may have accidentally deleted it or something). What amazes me is how much God has matured me since I started this journey with Him. Truly, by just abiding in Christ and meditating on His words, I have received all that I have desired. And I have received all that I have desired because my desires have continually become more aligned with God’s. We know God does not withhold any good gift, and my desires have changed because He has given to me so freely: “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 NIV).
Although I may deceive myself in thinking that not much has been accomplished for God’s kingdom since CastTheNet’s creation, I quickly remember that the world’s standards of success do not define heavenly value. For those of us who reside in Christ, our success is measured by a different standard: the currency of heaven, being God Himself. What Jesus has done within me and in my walk of faith (and I believe I can speak for Jack as well, ever since he joined and started working on CastTheNet’s Instagram--which he has done an awesome job with) has been immeasurable. My eyes are more open to Jesus than they ever have been, and it is hard for me to articulate how much I have changed, even in just a year. And this is the beauty of it all; not only as I have matured have I realized how limitless the extent to which I can grow is, but also that I am constantly being renewed in my understanding of God’s goodness. There is no end to the depth of Yahweh’s holiness, and I am utterly compelled to wander the deep.
Therefore, I rejoice in the work that God is doing, despite not being able to see all that is being done. And, although I am unable to see the full extent of God’s hand through CastTheNet, Jack, and myself, I am able to realize the change that He is bringing in me. I have noticed greater boldness to speak the Gospel. I have noticed a greater attunement to God’s truth. I have noticed an increase in the fruits of the Spirit throughout my life. The changes that God is making within me are too many to count or identify--I am not even the same person I was yesterday. This is all to God’s glory alone. I could do nothing if it wasn’t for Jesus--such is the power of the Blood. I have always struggled with maintaining focus towards projects or various endeavors; the fact that CastTheNet is still standing, and that I am still writing blogs, is a testament itself to the power of Christ. To think God is using someone as scatter-brained and forgetful as myself to write words concerning His truth, among other things, is truly a picture of God’s power being made perfect in weakness. All I bring to the table is weakness, but God always meets me with only increase.
And this is the one and only goal of CastTheNet--the objective that my inner spirit-man groans for unceasingly, and cries out to God for in weeping--that Jesus would be lifted high, and that He would be glorified. May God alone be glorified, and may my face never be lifted from the dirt that is at His feet. The Lord is God and there is no other, and all my life--God willing--I will lift up the name of Jesus, solely for the reward of receiving Him all the more. “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!” (Psalm 103:1 NKJV); this is the prayer and heart-cry of CastTheNet--that we would never cease to bless His holy name. And in the blessing and receiving of Christ, we will honor and fulfill His call to make disciples of all nations.
CastTheNet is founded on the Stone of the Almighty, and to be founded on the Rock that is Christ inevitably means to share His love. Out of the abundance of Christ we pour out into others, and thus we enduringly listen to what Jesus says: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 NKJV). CastTheNet is representative of the body of Christ--and personally of Jack and myself--whose first and chief purpose is to follow Jesus. To love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds is the primary task in which we pray to God for His help in fulfilling--that we would receive His love so we can give it straight back to Him. But from the love we receive while following the Living God, we cast our net to find others who will join His cause. This is CastTheNet’s anthem, and I thank God that He is working in the way that He is and that He has allowed me to play a part in it--whatever part that may be.
I believe that God has only just begun with what He is wanting to do through this organization and through Jack and myself. The vision that I have for CastTheNet is, essentially, a Christian Quiksilver. And, while I do believe there is a call on this organization to infiltrate the culture(s) of this world in a profound, powerful, and God-glorifying way, I believe the primary objective can never deviate from the chief purpose mentioned earlier: to follow Jesus (which the former would be inextricably tied to). Therefore, I pray that this organization becomes a stronghold of resources that edify and strengthen both the newborns of the faith and the veterans. I pray that the content that we are moved to make builds up the body of Christ in love and helps believers grow in their relationship with the Lord. I pray that CastTheNet is a place that will help equip the saints. I pray that Jack and I would never write or say a word that does not glorify God.
Whether the plans the Lord has for Jack, myself, and CastTheNet involve millions of people, or just a few, may all that is done be done in Christ. Truly, however, whatever is accomplished through this work will be by God’s hand--I, for one, have no idea what I am doing. Thankfully, though, God does, and I will trust in the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Pray for me as I follow Him. Pray for God's guidance to be over CastTheNet, Jack, and myself--and whoever else God may bring into the fold.
Overall, we are called to be fishers of men like Jesus, and God is seeking after the one lost person who needs Him. To you who have accepted the mantle of your cross and are fighting the good fight day-in and day-out: I thank God for you. May God continue to bless your fight, and fill you with His joy. Let us never stop praying that God would send out His laborers for the harvest. I pray for obedience to the Lord, and for wisdom, trust, and courage to listen to God’s voice and act upon it. Whatever may come in the next year, I know God will continue to work and glorify Himself. Whatever part CastTheNet is meant to play--along with myself--I pray it honors Christ’s sacrifice and lifts up His mighty name.
And to those of you who consistently support this endeavor--thank you. Thank you for being here, and thank you for simply sacrificing your time, prayers, resources, and kind words to see the Gospel go forth. Thank you for honoring the Lord by honoring others above yourself. God sees the good you do in secret, and I thank God for how He is working in your life. May God bless you and keep you and make His light shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He lift His countenance upon you and give you peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
