Jul 2010
Fishing Fundamentals
25/07/10 09:18
“Let’s
go fishing.” Jesus said this to His disciples
two thousand years ago and says it today –to
us. He doesn’t want us to head toward the
nearest lake or pond, but to the highways and by-ways
of our lives. He doesn’t want us to fish for
fish -but for men. Well anyway, I was thinking about
all the neat stuff out there that fishermen could buy
so they can catch fish. I saw a couple of guys in a
SUV pulling this really expensive bass boat. I
wondered how much that guy paid for that thing,
“Just to catch fish!”
I began to wonder how much money I spend on pleasures. You know, we find something that is important to us, or maybe it’s just a hobby, or something we enjoy doing, but it takes money. Do we need the best and latest equipment? How much time do we spend involved in this hobby? Have you ever thought about your “dream life” and found the dream included your hobby? For me, I would be a chaplain on a golf course somewhere. (In my dream life every golf course would have a chaplain.) And of course, I would get to golf for free –because I was the club’s chaplain.
If you have done any fishing what so ever, I think you know some of the basic fundamentals of the sport. Like for instance, you have to bait the hook! Worms are traditional and pretty much the bait of choice, but believe me, there are hundreds of different kinds of baits and lures that are used to bring the “big one” to your stringer. These baits and lures are used to attract the fish so that the hook seems more appealing.
What do you think fishermen would think of the guy who just threw a hook into the water without using a lure? They would think, “Man, you’re wasting your time.” Or, “This guy doesn’t know what he’s doing.” Do you see what’s coming? Yeah, I thought you did… . Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me, and I’ll will make you fishers of men.” This means that we’re the hook and the bait! (Remember, the bait always dies! Jesus puts our lives into the sea of humanity and through us and the Holy Spirit, we catch other men and women for the Kingdom.
Are you an empty hook? Does your life attract others? Do you lift up Jesus in your life so that your Christianity is something that others want? These are important questions to answer today because they will be asked of us later. Jesus let’s the decision to follow Him be ours, but once we decide, He expects full devotion and loyalty to Him. This is what makes Christianity, in general, and our lives, in particular, attractive to others. This is how God fishes for men!
God bless and have a wonderful week!
I began to wonder how much money I spend on pleasures. You know, we find something that is important to us, or maybe it’s just a hobby, or something we enjoy doing, but it takes money. Do we need the best and latest equipment? How much time do we spend involved in this hobby? Have you ever thought about your “dream life” and found the dream included your hobby? For me, I would be a chaplain on a golf course somewhere. (In my dream life every golf course would have a chaplain.) And of course, I would get to golf for free –because I was the club’s chaplain.
If you have done any fishing what so ever, I think you know some of the basic fundamentals of the sport. Like for instance, you have to bait the hook! Worms are traditional and pretty much the bait of choice, but believe me, there are hundreds of different kinds of baits and lures that are used to bring the “big one” to your stringer. These baits and lures are used to attract the fish so that the hook seems more appealing.
What do you think fishermen would think of the guy who just threw a hook into the water without using a lure? They would think, “Man, you’re wasting your time.” Or, “This guy doesn’t know what he’s doing.” Do you see what’s coming? Yeah, I thought you did… . Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me, and I’ll will make you fishers of men.” This means that we’re the hook and the bait! (Remember, the bait always dies! Jesus puts our lives into the sea of humanity and through us and the Holy Spirit, we catch other men and women for the Kingdom.
Are you an empty hook? Does your life attract others? Do you lift up Jesus in your life so that your Christianity is something that others want? These are important questions to answer today because they will be asked of us later. Jesus let’s the decision to follow Him be ours, but once we decide, He expects full devotion and loyalty to Him. This is what makes Christianity, in general, and our lives, in particular, attractive to others. This is how God fishes for men!
God bless and have a wonderful week!
|
Blessed to Believe
18/07/10 11:09
It is
early Wednesday morning and the day is as still and
as quiet as a snow covered evening forest. (I thought
I would try to get your minds off of the sweltering
heat and humidity that this summer has so generously
given us!) When I am up early like this, my mind
really seems to kick into fifth gear. My first
thoughts are of God and His protective blessing that
He has had on my life. He has blessed my family and I
owe all praise to Him. I am really thankful that
I’m a Christian.
On the other hand, my thoughts could go the other way just as easily; it begins with the “to do” list that is ever-present in the back of my mind. My thoughts can run roughshod over my faith with all the problems and fears that a new day can and will possess. I remember Jesus warning us not to worry about tomorrow, for the morrow will take care of itself and besides that, the present day has enough trouble for us to give thought about. And boy, is He right! Think of all the trouble that is in the world today; crime is running rampant and nobody is safe anywhere. Little towns, big cities; it doesn’t matter where one lives, it seems that anything can happen to anyone, at anytime. Then there’s the economy and the state of the nation. God have mercy on us!
You know, one of the hidden dangers of our society is our capability to hear and see all the news that the networks would have us to see, or should I say, think we want to see. I don’t know how many little news segments I’ve seen on the young nineteen-year-old man who is nicknamed the “Barefoot Bandit” or about the man seen urinating in the trees on a golf course, that may or may not have been Ben Roethlisberger. There are untold miseries in the world; wars, famines, human trafficking, child molestations and the like –and a “man” seen urinating in the trees makes the news! God have mercy on us. I think I’m real close to swearing off television. Life can be really ugly folks and there is only one answer for us all –Jesus Christ!
Paul tells us in Ephesians that at one time we were in this world without Christ. We were separated from Him and excluded from the citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God. But now, we who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Because Jesus Christ is our peace! God has so desired, that we should be partakers of His Divine nature through these promises that He has given us to believe on. Our belief in these promises is what causes our hope to become alive and enable us to endure the hardships of life. (Remember; our belief in God is even a gift that He has given to us. Phil.1:29 )
If we truly believe that if God be for us, who can be against us, then why can we not assume that the trials in our lives are actually given for our good.
Think of your lives this way: If a man found a diamond in the ground, he has still found a very valuable thing though it came from the dirt. But then, he takes that diamond to be cut and polished, making it even more valuable. Our lives are those diamonds and when God brought us near to Himself, we became valuable –our lives mean something! Now God allows life to be the diamond cutter and trials are given to cut and polish us, making us truly precious in His sight. When my thoughts begin to run roughshod –I begin to believe the promises all over again! and I am blessed!
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8
Think about it,
Pastor Jim
On the other hand, my thoughts could go the other way just as easily; it begins with the “to do” list that is ever-present in the back of my mind. My thoughts can run roughshod over my faith with all the problems and fears that a new day can and will possess. I remember Jesus warning us not to worry about tomorrow, for the morrow will take care of itself and besides that, the present day has enough trouble for us to give thought about. And boy, is He right! Think of all the trouble that is in the world today; crime is running rampant and nobody is safe anywhere. Little towns, big cities; it doesn’t matter where one lives, it seems that anything can happen to anyone, at anytime. Then there’s the economy and the state of the nation. God have mercy on us!
You know, one of the hidden dangers of our society is our capability to hear and see all the news that the networks would have us to see, or should I say, think we want to see. I don’t know how many little news segments I’ve seen on the young nineteen-year-old man who is nicknamed the “Barefoot Bandit” or about the man seen urinating in the trees on a golf course, that may or may not have been Ben Roethlisberger. There are untold miseries in the world; wars, famines, human trafficking, child molestations and the like –and a “man” seen urinating in the trees makes the news! God have mercy on us. I think I’m real close to swearing off television. Life can be really ugly folks and there is only one answer for us all –Jesus Christ!
Paul tells us in Ephesians that at one time we were in this world without Christ. We were separated from Him and excluded from the citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God. But now, we who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Because Jesus Christ is our peace! God has so desired, that we should be partakers of His Divine nature through these promises that He has given us to believe on. Our belief in these promises is what causes our hope to become alive and enable us to endure the hardships of life. (Remember; our belief in God is even a gift that He has given to us. Phil.1:29 )
If we truly believe that if God be for us, who can be against us, then why can we not assume that the trials in our lives are actually given for our good.
Think of your lives this way: If a man found a diamond in the ground, he has still found a very valuable thing though it came from the dirt. But then, he takes that diamond to be cut and polished, making it even more valuable. Our lives are those diamonds and when God brought us near to Himself, we became valuable –our lives mean something! Now God allows life to be the diamond cutter and trials are given to cut and polish us, making us truly precious in His sight. When my thoughts begin to run roughshod –I begin to believe the promises all over again! and I am blessed!
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8
Think about it,
Pastor Jim
The “King” Leaves Cleveland
11/07/10 12:30
Even if
you’re not a sports fan, you couldn’t get
away from all the news concerning one of the most
sought after basketball stars of our time, Lebron
James. Lebron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers
for seven years since being recruited right out of
high school; the young man is a “phenom”
and there have been quite a few cities vying for him
to come play with their team next season since he
entered free-agency this year.
His decision to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat next year has left many in Cleveland broken hearted and without much hope for contending for a title next year. Everyone, from the President of the United States to the man on the street hung with quiet desperation last Thursday evening as the question was posed to the young star nicknamed, “The King.” City officials from Dallas, Chicago and New York, all wanted Lebron to come to their city to play and that is not just because of their basketball team; Mr. James brings business, he raises revenues, some estimate close to 100 million.
So, in other words, this 25 year old can change the lives of many folks just by his presence. It is no wonder then, of some of the reactions of the folks who would be affected by his decision. As far as I am concerned, “It’s just basketball man!” Anyway, what struck me was Lebron’s reason for leaving his hometown to go to Miami. After much heartfelt weighing of all factors, he said that he called his mother for her advice. (So, did the decision ultimately come from Lebron, or his mother?) And she told him that he had to do what was best for him.
So there you have it; the decision was made, based on what would be best for Lebron James. I am not faulting the young man and neither am I trying to suggest that his decision was wrong. What I am saying is… this is life, this is how the world lives and breathes. People make decisions all the time that stem from “what’s best for me.” Why is anyone surprised here? And you have to admit, even in the Church we witness this worldly philosophy that oftentimes wreaks havoc among her members.
But this is not what our King wanted! And by the way, He is the only King. In fact, He is the King of kings, so He is Lebron’s King! And this King had to make a decision as well. Does He leave, or does He stay? If He leaves, then, the only way that He goes is via the Cross. Leaving would mean pain and suffering and ultimately, crucifixion! Leaving would mean death and separation from His Holy Father. Staying would mean that He would do things His own way and that would mean death for all of us.
The struggle in this decision was made in Gethsemane and this King asked His Father, not His mother. This King would make the decision that affected not just a few, but all humanity. This King decided to leave. He told His disciples, “It is good for you that I go away.” Jesus based His decision not on self, but rather the will of the Father and the good of others. This is the hope for the entire world and that hope does not disappoint.
As followers of Jesus Christ it behooves each and every one of us to make our decisions in life not just based on self-interest, but for the good of others as well. Though sometimes those decisions may be difficult at the time, they will prove to be eternal joy in the end.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Think about it,
Pastor Jim
His decision to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat next year has left many in Cleveland broken hearted and without much hope for contending for a title next year. Everyone, from the President of the United States to the man on the street hung with quiet desperation last Thursday evening as the question was posed to the young star nicknamed, “The King.” City officials from Dallas, Chicago and New York, all wanted Lebron to come to their city to play and that is not just because of their basketball team; Mr. James brings business, he raises revenues, some estimate close to 100 million.
So, in other words, this 25 year old can change the lives of many folks just by his presence. It is no wonder then, of some of the reactions of the folks who would be affected by his decision. As far as I am concerned, “It’s just basketball man!” Anyway, what struck me was Lebron’s reason for leaving his hometown to go to Miami. After much heartfelt weighing of all factors, he said that he called his mother for her advice. (So, did the decision ultimately come from Lebron, or his mother?) And she told him that he had to do what was best for him.
So there you have it; the decision was made, based on what would be best for Lebron James. I am not faulting the young man and neither am I trying to suggest that his decision was wrong. What I am saying is… this is life, this is how the world lives and breathes. People make decisions all the time that stem from “what’s best for me.” Why is anyone surprised here? And you have to admit, even in the Church we witness this worldly philosophy that oftentimes wreaks havoc among her members.
But this is not what our King wanted! And by the way, He is the only King. In fact, He is the King of kings, so He is Lebron’s King! And this King had to make a decision as well. Does He leave, or does He stay? If He leaves, then, the only way that He goes is via the Cross. Leaving would mean pain and suffering and ultimately, crucifixion! Leaving would mean death and separation from His Holy Father. Staying would mean that He would do things His own way and that would mean death for all of us.
The struggle in this decision was made in Gethsemane and this King asked His Father, not His mother. This King would make the decision that affected not just a few, but all humanity. This King decided to leave. He told His disciples, “It is good for you that I go away.” Jesus based His decision not on self, but rather the will of the Father and the good of others. This is the hope for the entire world and that hope does not disappoint.
As followers of Jesus Christ it behooves each and every one of us to make our decisions in life not just based on self-interest, but for the good of others as well. Though sometimes those decisions may be difficult at the time, they will prove to be eternal joy in the end.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Think about it,
Pastor Jim
Just because I can…
04/07/10 22:32
Every
year on July fourth, the United States celebrates her
freedom from Great Britain. In actuality we celebrate
our independence from Great Britain and we have done
this for 234 years. The first settlers though, came
from England and established Jamestown, Virginia in
1607. That tells me, that for 169 years these folks
“who lived across the pond” were
dependant upon England and probably would have never
survived this rugged frontier if it weren’t for
the help they received from her.
The colonies became strong in those 169 years and England became more tyrannical in fear of losing the prospects of expansion. Ironically, through the fear of losing, England lost what turned out to be the greatest nation the world has ever known. And the people of the United States; well because they didn’t fear the sacrifices before them, they gained a freedom that has been cherished by many for 234 years.
But let’s think about this for just a minute. When the first settlers came to live here there wasn’t any way they could have been independent from England, they needed her in order to survive. But, some years later, they became strong and self-reliant and had the ability to rebel against unfair governmental practices. At some point, the colonist went from being dependant to needing their independence, and that “point” came when they realized they had the power and ability to fight back. This is the secret power behind the greatness of the people of the United States. We have always expressed the strength and fortitude to carry out the sacrifices needed in order to ensure the values that we have believed in.
But there lies a hidden danger within this secret power as well. For the same power that expresses our strengths can just as well bring our demise. The same, “Because I now have the ability to carry out my desires” can be used for either good or bad. Someone once said that liberty was like a sharp knife. But it may be held in the hands of a doctor or the hands of a convict.
In my own personal life, I realized that as a child, I was totally dependant upon my parents. As I grew in strength and became older, my parents allotted me more freedom. But I made bad decisions and chose wrong paths with my new freedom and those choices worked against my happiness rather than for it. I did things –just because I could. Only realizing now that just because you can doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
People have always wanted to be free to govern themselves, fulfill their dreams and live out their ideals. It is in our nature to “do what we want” when we realize we possess the ability to do it. It is wisdom that is proven right by her children. It is wisdom that declares whether the liberty was in the hands of the doctor, or in the hands of the convict.
Remember the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked Him what he needed in order to gain eternal life? By approaching Him, that young man was declaring his dependency upon Jesus. When Jesus told him what he needed to do, “Go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, then come follow Me.” The young man used his ability to say no and walk away; by this action, he was declaring his independence from Jesus. The challenge before us today is to know for sure where our independence is leading us.
The colonies became strong in those 169 years and England became more tyrannical in fear of losing the prospects of expansion. Ironically, through the fear of losing, England lost what turned out to be the greatest nation the world has ever known. And the people of the United States; well because they didn’t fear the sacrifices before them, they gained a freedom that has been cherished by many for 234 years.
But let’s think about this for just a minute. When the first settlers came to live here there wasn’t any way they could have been independent from England, they needed her in order to survive. But, some years later, they became strong and self-reliant and had the ability to rebel against unfair governmental practices. At some point, the colonist went from being dependant to needing their independence, and that “point” came when they realized they had the power and ability to fight back. This is the secret power behind the greatness of the people of the United States. We have always expressed the strength and fortitude to carry out the sacrifices needed in order to ensure the values that we have believed in.
But there lies a hidden danger within this secret power as well. For the same power that expresses our strengths can just as well bring our demise. The same, “Because I now have the ability to carry out my desires” can be used for either good or bad. Someone once said that liberty was like a sharp knife. But it may be held in the hands of a doctor or the hands of a convict.
In my own personal life, I realized that as a child, I was totally dependant upon my parents. As I grew in strength and became older, my parents allotted me more freedom. But I made bad decisions and chose wrong paths with my new freedom and those choices worked against my happiness rather than for it. I did things –just because I could. Only realizing now that just because you can doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
People have always wanted to be free to govern themselves, fulfill their dreams and live out their ideals. It is in our nature to “do what we want” when we realize we possess the ability to do it. It is wisdom that is proven right by her children. It is wisdom that declares whether the liberty was in the hands of the doctor, or in the hands of the convict.
Remember the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked Him what he needed in order to gain eternal life? By approaching Him, that young man was declaring his dependency upon Jesus. When Jesus told him what he needed to do, “Go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, then come follow Me.” The young man used his ability to say no and walk away; by this action, he was declaring his independence from Jesus. The challenge before us today is to know for sure where our independence is leading us.
“It
is for freedom, that Christ has set us free.”
Saint Paul; Galatians 5:1
Think about it,
Pastor Jim