God in the Daily: Truths on Water

God in the Daily: Truths on Water

Truths on Water: Life is an Adventure!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Adventures to be had in the trip of paddling. My oh my, it is a blessing to have free days available for paddling. It is no secret, my favorite adventures are often in the woods and near water. Nothing clears your head like fresh air, sweet sounds of nature and a fishing rod. And, although a beautiful custom wrapped fishing pole is a great gift, there is something about my open face Dragon Sport fishing rod that suites me just fine.

Grabbing gear, and a quick pit stop for live bait, is a sure fire way to start an adventure. Landing our watering hole, we push off paddling a canoe and kayaks for just a short canter across the lake. Beautiful lily pads reaching for the blazing hot sun and quick strokes of the paddles makes our final destination a breeze. Bobbers afloat without waves to juggle on the calm pristine lake, makes for perfect motor-less, boating weather. Excitement ripples across the clear, desolate lake from echos of “first fish on hook”. Reeling the first fish of the day, all idle hands were busy fixing lines, checking fresh bait, and matching correct popper colors. Fishing. Everything else disappears. Such a thrill to witness and partake a morning filled of ripping lip and setting hooks!

Truths on Water: Life is full of hard work, but full of beauty too!

“And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.” Luke 24:42

As everything disappears on the beautiful open water, each stroke of the paddle is a reminder of the efforts we put in our day to day lives. Even in the perfect conditions, there is still work to be done. Oh, but do not forget to indulge in the beauty along the way. Over hanging trees, lily pads, bear and dear meandering along the shoreline are just a few things we may spot on our morning paddles. But life, it has so many beautiful moments and treasured souls. Enjoy the beauty God personally created for you. All the beauty yes, but especially the sweet goodness placed right before you. The people He has you to love, cherish and minister to. Seasons happen in life. God knows all, sees all and has not forgotten any of His children. Remember to pick out the beauty in the hard seasons too. Those nuggets of truth, love and pure gifts from God will help carry you through. God is so good! His plan is perfect. Enjoy the blessings within.

Truths on Water: Life on Earth is a Short Compared to Eternity!

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 13:44

And upon reaching our destination we rejoiced to accomplish the short goal. God has us to do the same. Strengthen your walk and those around you by placing goals. Whether it is a Bible reading goal, a memory verse goal and/or a people to invite to church; do not forget to set goals. Just as short term and long term goals are fabulous, as are personal and group/church goals. Rejoice and accomplish your goals. Then, set new goals and strive for those goals. Oh, what we can really do for Christ when we are all in, like getting to that fishing hole.

Truths on Water: We Were Made to Fish!

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Excited to actively fish, God has made us “fishers of men”. (The world is our mission field.) Who wants to go fishing, but not catch fish, right? Yes, it is still fun. And the views paddling really are amazing. But, I want to catch some fish when I go fishing. So much as if we are out there fishing with no bites, I start praying to catch fish. 🙂 Praise either way, but I really do like to catch fish. Almost as much as I love seeing people come to know the Lord. I have not always had that priority until I saw God’s desires and made them my own. But, fish will come and go. As do people. However, there is an eternity that is waiting for all of us. And though I desire my “favorite” things in heaven, I most definitely desire the people I meet to be there more. God is full of mercy and love, it is our job to tell the world of Him. He has not changed and is waiting with open arms. But, how will people know of Him if nobody tells them?

Bait. But, do you like baiting a hook? Yes. I mean squishy worm guts is not pleasant, especially when you have the huge Canadian night crawlers and you have to use your nail to break it into pieces because it does not fit on your hook. Okay, was that gross enough to make you stop reading? Sorry. Or, not sorry. Seriously though, a lot of game fish you do not need bait, use frogs, poppers, top water or my favorite, spoons. Northern and bass are a lot of fun to catch. So now that we have some of the “informal, but real” writing out of the way, you will see I am human. Fishing is a favorite past time. Raising boys was easy like that. We all enjoy the outdoors together. God knew!

Truths on Water: Is Your Boat Wonky, or Are You Something Doing that Works?

Coming back to catching, the best part is figuring out what “works” and going with that. You know, matching your fly to your sky. Or colors on cloudy days, and so on. When nothing seemed to work, even grandpa would slice a belly of a fish open to see what it was eating from time to time. Then try again. Relentlessly, relinquishing a result.

Amazing enough, that is so true with ministry. Amazing, resilient, faithful, soul loving people serve in most small town pulpits. Many with little pay, if any; and a heart bigger than Alaska. My heart has always gravitated towards the small churches that pour into their communities love and support. However, after witnessing how the first bit “truth” preached deep from the heart turns up noses and opens fires for criticism, I can not help, but see how much more resilient and dedicated that ministry family is. They have to be. They are anchored to Christ and maintain His work, in what often feels like a “hopeless” situation. Then God does His thing, in His time. It is all Him!

Sweet couples in ministry are doing all they can to find something that works, within the bounds of their performance and His hand of grace. Vessels pouring their overflowing “Jesus” or love to catch more souls for His glory. What works in one area often does not work in another area. But God has the key. Lord, make me a better fisher of men. Fill my vessel more than every before, right?

Truths on Water: We Are Not the Only Ones Reeling in Fish!

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19

Are you catching in life? More than the common cold? If our vessels are full and overflowing, do we have faith God is doing more? Yes. I do not have to see it! He said it, and He does not lie. His word is truth! Catching fish is fun with children, no matter the size. If that bobber keeps poking down under the water, you can hear the little ones squeal with excitement. It is plain out fun to catch fish. But, now my teens and us aged folks, we like to catch some nice sized fish. Fish to take home and eat. Or, just a whopper to struggle into the boat. I love how God reveals Himself, even in fishing.

I desire all to come to know Him! It is exciting! However, there is truth in not all lives claiming to know Him, actually do. People can be zealous and blinded for a different cause. Look at Paul. He was against Christians, he sought harm and death. He was there when Stephen was stoned. But, when the Lord got ahold of him on the road to Damascus, his life changed. Paul was now zealous for the Lord. His writings showed his praise and work even in prison. He did not quit on God.

Satan also desires the lost to stay lost. He is the author of confusion. You are not the only fishermen looking to catch souls.

We are not all Paul. And one does not and should not harm Christians period. But, let us remember we do not have to be a “Paul” to learn from Paul. His story is available to all that read God’s word. His story was true repentance and change that started within the heart. Just like you and I. We all have our own story. What is your story?

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Colossians 1:23

Truths on Water: We Were Created to Fish With Others

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

If you have been saved, you have your story. A time and place you knew you were lost and going to be punished for your sins. And, somehow you heard of a loving Savior that died for your sins, so that you could be forgiven. He came as a propitiation for your sin. He loves YOU! You are precious to Him. And when you accept Christ, you saw your story. You could see how the Lord placed certain events, people, things and all the tools He used to draw you to the truth you needed to hear. Because HE loves you. That’s your story, and it is your choice how you write the rest until we meet HIM in eternity.

We can get away with a “fish story” here on earth, but standing in front of HIM, he knows all. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, he does not see your sin. He sees righteousness. But your story matters. Someone needs to hear your story. You were created to be a fisher of men.

Truths on Water: If You Want to Catch Fish, Go Fishing!

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:” Matthew 13:47

Life is full of adventures if you are willing to look for them. Be one! Happy Homemaking Ladies, I’ve got to go fishing now!

P.S. But, I am knew here, how do you know heaven is real and my know for sure it is my eternal home? –> READ MORE of Travel Down the Roman’s Road or Let Us Travel