Dear friends,
September is moving along. The first day of fall came around Sunday morning, so we can expect some cooler weather in the future. I continue to adjust to my new regimen and will have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday.
I have a couple of fishing stories for you this week. The first is from a few years back. I was fishing for northern pike in our lake and one particular fish would chase my lure, but not take it in his mouth. Each time he would turn away at the last second. The water was clear, so I could see what was happening. Eventually, however, he took the bait, and I landed him. I was reminded at that point that the devil will tempt us in many ways and will keep doing so until we fall into some sin. Our response should be to refuse his temptation and flee to a safe place.
The other fishing story comes from the Bible. As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers. Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Later we are told Jesus tells those same disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
What sort of bait do we use as fishers of men? Perhaps it is a poor analogy, but as Christ followers we are commanded to take the Good News to a lost world. The gospel message is our bait, if you will. It is a fact that few people respond to the invitation to follow Christ on the first ‘cast’. The result of accepting the gift offered by those who are fishing for men is eternal life, not some frying pan.
We are told in Scripture to flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).
Finally, submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:7-8).
Good News,
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 