Scripture of The Day
April 6, 2021
And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples – letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! (Matthew 4:19, AMPC)
By Ed Henderson (2016)
My fishing buddy (Steve Whyte), from Jacksonville, FL, and myself just finished three days of serious bass fishing. We are both tired, sunburned, and in need of some sleep, but it was a great three days. We caught about 60 bass with several in the five to eight pound range. (Note: We practice catch and release so they are all alive and swimming free.) There are a lot of life lessons that can be learned from fishing so I am not at all amazed that Jesus selected fishermen to be His first disciples. The following are just a few of those key life lessons:
You need to get up early, work hard, and stay late – I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:17) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
You need to study and understand the habits of the fish you are fishing for – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
You need to be flexible and be willing to change – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
You need to use the right bait – Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. (1 Corinthians 13:8)
You can’t get down or give up when you have a bad day at the pond – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)
You can’t be afraid to learn how to use new techniques or new technology – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
You need to be thoroughly familiar with the waters you are fishing – When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” (Luke 5:4)
You need to respect the fish in the pond where you are fishing – For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:9-11) Notice that Paul was very sensitive to the fact that the power bestowed upon him was for edification and not destruction. His job was to build up, not tear down.
All eight of these lessons will help you, regardless of your profession, if you want to be a success in life. There are no shortcuts. It is a lifetime of learning, working hard, being humbled, and maturing. God will help you with all these challenges if you just let Him!!!
