Fishing for Men and Women

Matthew 4:19

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

I have a number of friends who love to fish. I never really got into fishing. I have a bad case of motion sickness – but wouldn’t mind sitting on a shoreline somewhere on a lazy summer day with a line in the water. My friends post pictures of some of their favorite fishing holes on social media. They really enjoy fishing. It must be very exciting and relaxing to them. I might have to try it sometime – if retirement ever gets here.

A friend of mine – from a former church – is really into fishing. He often posts pictures of fish he has caught on social media. He gets some big ones. He and another friend go deep water fishing at times. My friend’s youngest son has taken an interest in fishing as well and they are often together at their favorite fishing hole – as seen on his social media page! He brought a dozen or more rods to church one Sunday for a prop for a sermon series titled Gone Fishing or something like that. I miss this friend dearly! We both play golf and need to do more of it together.

One of my golfing buddies bought a nice boat in the not too distant past (my wife just bought one too – so – maybe – I’ll be out on it – can someone pass the Dramamine please?) My fear was that he would be going fishing a lot and we would not be golfing much anymore. This past summer we ended up not playing much golf together – not because he was fishing – but because of my schedule (I didn’t get to retire as planned). He says he doesn’t have time for those of us still working full-time (LOL). Maybe this summer we can play some more.

Are There Absolutes in Your Faith Walk?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

In Bible study yesterday – we were discussing heretical teachers and if there were absolutes in our faith walk. We were looking at 2 John and John was warning his readers about false teachers. The world seems to be filled with them these days – even the church seems to have its share of them.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 28 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 28 years ago! Lord knows what the survey would show today!

Let’s Go Fishing

Matthew 4:19

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

I have a number of friends who love to fish. I never really got into it – I have a bad case of motion sickness – but wouldn’t mind sitting on a shoreline somewhere on a lazy summer day with a line in the water. My friends post pictures of some of their favorite fishing holes on social media. They really enjoy fishing. It must be very exciting and relaxing to them. I might have to try it sometime in retirement.

A friend of mine – from a former church – is really into fishing. He often posts pictures of fish he has caught on social media. He gets some big ones. He and another friend go deep water fishing at times. My friend’s youngest son has taken an interest in fishing as well and they are often together at their favorite fishing hole – as seen on his social media pages! He brought a dozen or more rods to church one Sunday for a prop for a sermon series titled Gone Fishing or something like that. I miss this friend dearly! We both play golf and need to do more of it together.

One of my golfing buddies bought a nice boat in the not too distant past (my wife just bought one too – so – maybe – I’ll be out on it – can someone pass the Dramamine please?) My fear was that he would be going fishing a lot and we would not be golfing much anymore. This past summer we ended up not playing much golf together – not because he was fishing – but because of my schedule (I didn’t get to retire as planned). He says he doesn’t have time for those of us still working full-time (LOL).

Let’s Go Fishing

Matthew 4:19

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

I have a number of friends who love to fish. I never really got into it – I get motion sickness very easily – but wouldn’t mind sitting on a shoreline somewhere on a lazy summer day with a line in the water. My friends post pictures of some of their favorite fishing holes on Social Media. They really enjoy fishing. It must be very exciting and relaxing to them. I might have to try it this summer in retirement.

A friend of mine – from a former church – is really into fishing. He often posts pictures of fish he has caught on Social Media. He gets some big ones. He and another friend go deep water fishing at times. My friend’s youngest son has taken an interest in fishing as well and they are often together at their favorite fishing hole – as seen on his Social Media pages! He brought a dozen or more rods to church one Sunday for a prop for a sermon series titled Gone Fishing or something like that. I miss this friend dearly! We both play golf and need to do more of it together this coming season.

One of my golfing buddies bought a nice boat in the not too distant past (my wife just bought one too – so – maybe – I’ll be out on it soon – can someone pass the Dramamine please?) My fear was that he would be going fishing a lot and we would not be golfing much anymore. This past summer we ended up not playing much golf together – not because he was fishing but because of my schedule and the pandemic. He says we will play more when I retire (I hope so). He says he doesn’t have time for those of us still working full-time (LOL).

Father Knows Best

Matthew 6:8

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

I was thinking about my dad last week. I remembered him on his 92^nd birthday. He was an awesome dad. The best as far as I’m concerned. I wish I was even half the dad to my children that he was to me.

Do you remember the Television Show that aired from 1954 to 1963 titled Father Knows Best? It starred Robert Young (Jim) – Jane Wyatt (Margaret) – Elinor Donahue (Betty) – Billy Gray (Bud) – and Lauren Chapin (Kathy) – as the Andersons. The show won six Emmy Awards and was a consistent Top 10 show in the Nielsen Ratings. It was based on a patriarchal model that was popular in the 50’s on TV and in American life. By the way – Elinor Donahue (Ellie Walker) also played the part of a female druggist and an early flame for Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show (1960 to 1968). She wasn’t around long – but I thought I’d mention it for us old folks.

The premise of the show – Father Knows Best – was that the family would have all sorts of trouble – only to turn to their father (Jim Anderson) for help. He would often give sage advice and would make things all right in the end. He always seemed to know best – of course that was very idealistic – but for the show it worked. We know that not all fathers are so wise and not all families turn to their father for help – often turning to mother as well – and even others inside and outside the family.