Fish or Cut Bait +

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”

Luke 5:8-10 NLT

I was sitting at dinner with a friend I hadn't seen in awhile, when the conversation turned to the type of people who are within her sphere of influence. And the question was raised about why there seemed to be only a certain kind of people... and to her chagrin, "normal" was not a common thread among them. But then,  neither is she your "normal" Suzy Homemaker / Soccer Mom. And just like certain baits attract certain fish, certain types of people are attracted by certain types of things. 

And for some, it's just a matter of perspective. For instance, squid. Where I come from, it's bait, but I do know those who think of it as a delicacy. The same goes for fish eggs. To some it's caviar - to others, it's fish bait. What attracts you to it?

What I personally know about fishing is only worth a few chuckles, but I know some very talented fishermen - PW, Walter, Martin.  Then there are my grandkids - especially my oldest grandson, Alec, who managed to catch a record-breaking-sized flounder one summer while casting for bait! (No brag. Just fact - we have the picture.) Which brings me to this point - even though Alec was "fishing" FOR bait, but was not fishing WITH bait, he caught a giant. 

There are hundreds of different types of fishing bait you can use. It all depends on what time of year you're fishing, what environment you're in (streams, rivers, ponds, or deep ocean) and numerous other factors. There are websites all over the Internet that offer guidelines for which specific bait to use to catch what specific fish - pick your preference. Even I know I wouldn't use the same bait to catch catfish and swordfish! I may not know how, but I know the One who does!

God is the original Fisherman and He knows EXACTLY what bait attracts which  fish and He knows how to use it/us to do His will and purpose - and He will show us, if we will let Him.

So... are you gonna fish or cut bait?

Prayer:

Father,

          Help us to continually be aware of who we are in You and who You would have us to fish for. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen