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 having dinner with a friend I hadn't seen in a while 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 squid 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 a little about bait. 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 to fish, 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

You're a Keeper +

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

Jude 1:1-2 NIV

Even if you're not a fisherman, almost everyone knows what a keeper is when it comes to fishing or friendship. It's one you don't throw away.

Jesus promised that He would make us fishers of men. In John 10, Jesus makes the declaration that no one can remove all the people God has given to Him. Christ understands catching and keeping. The only catch and release He does is raising up the ones He's caught and releasing them to go get others who need to be caught and kept. 

There are times when following Christ is difficult. Scripture tells us that those who endure till the end will inherit the Kingdom of God. We fight against what seems to be restrictions, but in reality, are opportunities to put ourselves into submission to His will for us.

He didn't ask us to complete it on our own - under our own ability - in fact, we can't. He holds you in the palm of His hand and no one - NO ONE can pluck you out. 

We get tired and we want to give up. Don't. Don't flop around in the net, either. Jesus will keep you. His Word assures us...

If we finish Jude's letter, it reads,

Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Remember this is not catch and release, unless it's to catch others.

And finally - To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. 

To him who is able to keep you... Yes! God our Savior thinks you're a keeper.

Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for loving us and keeping us from falling. We look forward to being in Your presence - without fault and with great joy - because of Your great mercy and provision toward us. Keep us close to You, Father, In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen