Wednesday 31 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 15

Lesson 15: Fishing requires Knowledge

There is a lot more to fishing than simply throwing a hook and line in the water. There are many things to learn in order to become successful at the sport. A beginner needs to learn such basic things as how to load line on a reel, how to operate the reel, how to tie a hook, lure, and fly on a line, how to cast the line, how to retrieve the line, how to set the hook, and how to land a fish. After that there is such knowledge as knowing where to fish, knowing what lure, bait, or fly to use in a particular place, knowing the best times to fish. And on and on we can go with things to learn in order to become an expert fisherman.

When Jesus called His disciples He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They knew a lot about fishing for fish, but they did not know a lot about fishing for souls. This was something that they would have to learn. Jesus would make them fishers of men. This was knowledge they would have to acquire. For the following three years they were the Jesus’ class. He taught them knowledge and skills to become soul-winners. They learned both theology and practice. Under His tutelage they became evangelists and eventually went on to win the world for Jesus.

John 6:45
(Jesus said) It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 14

Lesson 14 Fishing requires courage

If you’ve ever seen the movie The Perfect Storm or watched the TV series Deadliest Catch you are aware of how dangerous commercial fishing is. (My most dangerous catch is usually ice fishing--trying to keep my fingers and toes from freezing.) As a recreational fisherman I have to take my hat off to those men and women who travel hundreds of miles from land to make a living from the sea. In the days before the cod fish moratorium and before much of today’s safety gear and rescue techniques were developed Newfoundland had the highest number of widows per capita than any other part of Canada because of the many men lost at sea. It takes a lot of courage to be an off-shore fisherman.  

For most of us in Canada, living a Christian life is about as dangerous as recreational fishing. We have to have the interest and the patience and the persistence and the faith but it doesn’t take a lot of courage. The most opposition we face is verbal—someone disagrees with us or perhaps laughs at our beliefs. Our biggest fear is being ridiculed or rejected. In some countries Christians need a lot more courage. When they speak up for Jesus there is a real possibility they could be jailed or beaten or killed. Some Christians have lost their homes and property. Some have lost their families. Many Christians are tortured, even today, for their faith. Let us use the freedom of religion that we have and let us continue to support and pray for those Christians who face death for Jesus.

Revelation 2:10
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

Monday 29 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 13

Lesson 13: Fishing Requires Faith

Fishermen are people of faith. Faith by definition is belief and trust in something without absolute scientific proof. When I fish I have to have faith or I would not venture near the water. I have faith that the line I’m using will not break, that my boat will not sink, and that there are fish out there even though I can’t see them. I have faith that if I keep fishing long enough and try hard enough I will catch a fish, even though some days this seems unlikely. I envision fish in my frying pan and I have faith enough to believe that that vision will come true.

Everyone has faith. Even those who claim to be atheists have faith. We get aboard an airplane and believe that the pilot is skilled and sane, even though we’ve never met him or her. We have faith in the mechanics, electricians, and machinists who built and maintain the aircraft, even though we don’t know them and don’t know how everything works on a plane. When we buy groceries we put our faith in the produces, manufacturers, and distributers to provide us with healthy food. Faith is not illogical. It is necessary for life. How much more is it necessary for death. Faith in Jesus takes away fear. Faith in Jesus will enable us to live holy lives. Putting our trust in Him will bring us to Heaven.

John 14:1
(Jesus said)“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 12

Lesson 12: Fishing Requires Persistence


You are no doubt familiar with the old adage “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That facet of your character that enables you to keep trying after you have failed is called persistence. Fishermen do not catch fish every time they throw a hook into the water. I enjoy fly fishing. This kind of angling involves casting the fly across the water over and over again, often hundreds of times without a strike. I often have to change the kind of fly I use. After one fly fails to entice a fish I take it off and try one of a different color or a different shape. I may go through a dozen flies before finding the one that works. This is persistence.

In our Christian life and service we will not be successful at everything we do every time we do it. We will sometimes meet with failure. But like a fly fishermen you need to keep trying and to try different things. Take for example your private prayer time. You may try praying early in the morning but find that you are not a morning person. Don’t give up; try an evening time or even a noon talk with God. Perhaps you are looking for an avenue in which to serve. You try the choir, but find you can’t sing. You try children’s work, but can’t communicate well to children. Don’t give up; try something else until you find what works for you. This is persistence.

Matthew 7:7
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 11

Lesson 11: Fishing Requires Patience

The first disciples of Jesus were fishermen. I think He chose them after observing them at work. Fishermen need to possess specific qualities of character to be successful. These qualities easily transfer to the work of evangelism. Take for example patience. I’m not a patient man by nature. I get frustrated easily, which tends to make me upset and even quit what I’m doing when things don’t go my way. However, when it comes to fishing I have been known to fish for hours on end without catching a single fish. I have felt a fish nibble on my line and watched it swim by and I’ve waited and waited, patiently enticing it until finally it grabbed on and I landed a prize catch.

Witnessing for Jesus often requires a similar kind of patience. We may be impatient by nature, but God can help us to take things easy when we are sharing our faith. People may come into our lives who are curious about Christianity. They are not eager about it. They are not going to grab on to our lifestyle, but they show a little interest. They may want to know what goes on at church, what the Bible is about, and who Jesus is. Witnessing to such people requires great patience. Take things at their pace, not yours. You may go years without success, but a true fisherman does not give up easily. Many a potential convert has been scared off by an over-eager Christian who did not have the patience to wait. In your witnessing, be patient with the unbeliever who has come into your sphere of influence.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Monday 22 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 10

Lesson 10: Different Kinds of Fishing Boats


If you’ve ever watched the movie Jaws you may recall the famous line uttered by Sheriff Brody to Captain Quint when they saw the size of the shark circling their small boat : “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” I’ve never been in the situation where I needed a bigger boat because of the size of the fish I had on my line. However there have been times when I wished I had a bigger boat because of the size of the waves and the strength of the wind. Generally speaking, a bigger boat means three things: it’s safer, you can go farther, and you can take more people with you. I have fished from a canoe (not recommended) and fished from a 20-foot boat with a group of friends (much more fun).

In your Christian life you can try to “go it alone,” but it is safer and more fun to go with friends. And I believe that you will go farther in you faith when you have friends who will journey with you. If our life can be compared to a fishing boat (remember, we are “fishers of men”) then some of us have boats that are too small. We are timid and hug the shore. We go after the small fry when we could be hunting sharks. An old gospel song says: “Launch out into the deep and let the shore lines go.” That’s what we need to do if we want to catch the trophies for the Lord.

Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Friday 19 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 9

Lesson 9: Different Kinds of Line

Besides a rod, lures, and bait, recreational fishermen also need fishing line. For those using spin cast rods the line used is usually monofilament, made of a single strand of clear nylon or polyethylene. Anglers who fish with artificial flies us lines that are coated with a buoyant material to allow them to float. Lines are usually designed to be unnoticeable as possible to the fish. Otherwise the fish may be scared off and not approach the bait. The line also has to be strong to be able to hold the fish and bring it in.

Jesus wants us to catch people for the Kingdom of God so that they can have life. We lure them with our genuine faith and moral lifestyle. We bait them with our kindness and friendliness. But we draw them into the Kingdom with chords of love. Our motive must always be love and our methods must always be kind and genuine. We must also be gentle in our approach, almost invisible, like the fishing line, but also strong in our faith so that we don’t lose the souls we are trying to win. Some Christians, by being over aggressive in their witness, have scared off unbelievers. A gentle approach will allow you to get closer to those who may be suspicious or cynical of religion.

1 Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Thursday 18 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 8

Lesson 8: Different kinds of Bait

 The big difference between lures and bait (besides the fact that lures are artificial and bait is natural) is that lures are long lasting but bait is temporary. Once I purchase a lure and add it to my collection it is always available to me. It is a permanent part of my fishing gear. With bait, such as worms, minnows, or leeches, I have to get a fresh supply almost every time I go fishing. (I have been know, however, to keep leftover worms in the refrigerator for a few days until my next trip.) But both lures and bait have the same purpose—to attract fish.

Staying on the topic of Christian witness, lures can be compared to those aspects of our Christian life that are always a part of us—our character, our beliefs, and our lifestyle. Bait can be compared to those things that are seasonal or serendipitous. Inviting an unbelieving friend to your home for a barbeque can be bait. It will put a good taste in his mouth, not only for the meat but for your thoughtfulness. Helping someone in trouble can be bait because it allows him or her to taste the fruit of the Spirit that is growing in your life. Every contact you have with others will give them a chance to taste the goodness of God through you.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good,
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 7

Lesson 7: Different Kinds of Lures

Most recreational fishermen, including myself, have a large variety of lures in their tackle boxes. These range from simple spinners to complex lures with sound and lights. In the fishing supply aisle of our local hardware store, I often inspect the latest lures when I am there. Lures have one object—to attract fish. They do this by resembling prey. The lure, through movement, vibration, and color attracts the fish’s attention. If one lure does not work, then I try another and another, until I finally find one that works in the particular place where I am fishing.

As Christians we should be living lives that attract others to Christ. Our lifestyle, our morals, our beliefs, our behaviour and speech should be like a fishing lure—they should attract the attention of unbelievers in a positive way. The early Salvation Army was very good at attracting people to the gospel. They did this first by their uniforms and music, but even more so by their good deeds and caring ministry. People outside the church saw the positive changes in their friends who were converted and this attracted them to learn more about the gospel. Strive to be an “alluring” Christian.

Matthew 5:16(NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 6

Fishing equipment: rods & reels

 Fishing can be very expensive. There are people who invest thousands of dollars in boats, motors, boat trailers, downriggers, hip waders, rods, reels, lines, lures and tackle boxes. Some spend thousands more for the privilege of flying to remote areas and paying a guide. But there are also a lot of people who with a modest investment of less than an hundred dollars enjoy sitting on a wharf or strolling along the banks of a stream and casting in a hook and worm. The excitement is found in using your knowledge and skill to catch a fish. Sherlock Holmes would say it’s the “thrill of the chase.” This can be experienced regardless of the kind of equipment used.

When you think of witnessing for Jesus you might be tempted to think that you need expensive “equipment” to do this properly. You might think that you need to take special training, enrol in an expensive public relations course, or go to Bible school. You might think that to be an evangelist you need a TV program, or an arena, or at the very least a congregation. But the truth is that any Christian can be a witness for Jesus, and any Christian can be an evangelist in his and her own right. The first disciples were “fishers of men” not because they had big budgets for an outreach program, but simply because they let they light shine and took every opportunity to speak boldly for their Lord. All of us can experience the thrill of the chase as we pursue people for Christ.

 Acts 3:6 (NIV)
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Monday 15 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 5

Lesson 5: Different places to fish

Avid fishermen will fish anywhere they can legally get a line in the water. I have fished in the ponds of Newfoundland, far back behind the marshes and deep within the forest. I’ve fished in the salmon rivers and on the Great Lakes. I’ve fished in British Columbia, amid the towering Rocky Mountains. And I’ve fished in little streams that flowed through culverts underneath the Trans Canada Highway. Sometimes in the most unlikely of places I have pulled out a large trout to my own astonishment.

As Christians we should not limit our “fishing” (i.e. witnessing) to those places we are familiar with or where we feel we have a good chance to succeed. Sometimes we can influence someone for Christ in the most unusual places and in the most unlikely circumstances. Jesus said that His followers will witness for him “in the uttermost parts of the earth.” That includes the most unlikely places such as the factory, the golf course, the shopping centre, and right in our own backyard. You don’t have to wait for the perfect place to fish. Let your light shine just where you are.

Acts 1:8(NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Friday 12 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 4

Lesson 4: Different ways to fish

When I was a boy my father tried to teach me to knit a net. Being an old Newfoundlander he grew up around fishing boats and knew a thing or two about fishing. I actually learned how to use fishing netting needle and knit several rows of mesh. However, since netting was not my favourite way to fish I learned more practical skills like how to cast a lure and bait with my casting rod to catch trout and how to use my fly rod for salmon. The point is that there are different ways to catch fish. No one particular way is better than another. The angler doesn’t judge the spin caster. And the seiner doesn’t despise the longliner.

Different Christians go about witnessing for Jesus in different ways. Some, like the great evangelists, speak to thousands in stadiums and arenas. Some Christians proclaim their faith by wearing T-shirts with Christian slogans or by putting Christian messages on bumper stickers. Some even tattoo their witness on their flesh. Other Christians quietly go about their lives and let their actions be their witness, responding to those who inquire as to why they are different. No matter how we witness, out goal is the same—to be “fishers of men (and women)” for Christ. Let us not judge one another’s methods, but rejoice over each soul won.

Mark 9:38-40
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 3

Lesson 3: Different kinds of fish

According to researchers there are tens of thousands (some say up to 40,000) species of fish in the world. These range in size from the huge whale shark to tiny krill. Some fish, like the great white shark, are notorious for their ferocity. Some, such as the scorpion fish, are venomous. There are fish that produce electricity and fish that change color. There are fish that are covered with thorns and fish that look like jelly. There are fish that are good for food and fish that are delightful to look at.

Jesus once compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a net that was cast into the sea (Matthew 13:47-50) and which caught many species of fish. The good fish were kept, but the bad fish were thrown away. As with fish, so with people—there are many different kinds of them. Some people are like sharks, vicious and cruel. Some are like jelly fish with no backbone. Some are like clams who just sit still and neither do nor say anything. Some are beautiful. All kinds of people will show up in our churches. If you were to compare yourself to a fish, what kind of fish would you be?

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

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing 2

Lesson 2: Different Kinds of Fishermen

There are fishermen and than there are fishermen. They are not all alike. Two big categories are commercial fishermen and recreational fishermen. I belong to the latter group because I don’t earn my living from fishing. However I still take my fishing seriously. Among the recreational fishermen there are the deep sea fishermen who go after the big fish such as sailfish and swordfish, and there are those who prefer to fish is streams and lakes and bring home pan fish for a good old-fashioned fish fry. There are fishermen who prefer to use bait and those who prefer to fly fish. All fishermen have one thing in common: they love what they do.

What can be said of fishermen can also be said of Christians. We are not all alike. Two big categories are Catholic and Protestant. Then there are sub-categories such as Evangelical, Holiness, and Charismatic to name just a few. Some Christians like to worship with loud, contemporary music, some with brass bands and orchestras, and some with soft organ music. There are Christians who prefer to worship with large crowds of thousands and others who prefer to belong to a small congregation of a hundred or less. But all real Christians have one thing in common: they love Jesus and want to follow Him. 

John 13:35 (NIV)
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Lessons while Fishing - 1


Lesson 1: The Fishing Metaphor


Today we begin a new series of readings, this one on the topic of fishing. Whether you fish or not, I hope you enjoy the spiritual lessons from this series.

I have been fishing since as long as I can remember. As a child of five or six I used to catch little fish in a bottle from a creek near our house. Later when our family moved to another town and built a house near a river I spent many happy hours fishing with a rod and line. As an adult I have fished in many lakes and streams, often accompanied by my wife who also enjoys fishing.

When I read in the Bible how Jesus called His first disciples I was thrilled to learn that those first followers were fishermen. There was Peter and his brother Andrew, and James and his brother John. They were fishermen, owned a boat, and earned their living catching fish from the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus called them He said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." To be a follower of Jesus is much like being a fisherman. You are being called to help catch people and bring them into the Kingdom of God.

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

Friday 5 October 2012

Lessons from a Sailboat 21

Lesson 21: The Marina

Most sailboats are berthed in a marina. This is a sheltered place where boats can moor, get fuel and water, and find other supplies. But there is more to a marina than that. The marina where my boat is moored organizes special events such as a pig roast and a music concert. I get to meet other boaters and sailors and their families. And if I need help with something, someone is always ready to give me their advice or show me how to do something. And there is always a smile and a friendly wave as we pass one another in the channel.

What I have described as a marina sounds very much like my church. That too is a sheltered place where I can get refreshment for my soul. It is a place that organizes times of fellowship such as picnics, dinners and music concerts. And there I meet other Christians and their families. Church is a place where you can be encouraged by other Christians as you share your story of God’s grace in your life and listen to the stories of others. Become a part of a church fellowship and experience the joy of belonging.

Acts 2:42
They (believers) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Thursday 4 October 2012

Lessons from a Sailboat 20

Lesson 20: Cockpit

The cockpit is the hub of a sailboat. This is the area toward the back of the boat where the crew sit and where most of the work of sailing is done. The cockpit on my boat has benches along each side to accomodate four to six people. Here is where the tiller is located to steer the boat. And all the lines attached to the foresail and the mainsail lead back to the cockpit. Here too is where the crew (all passengers are considered crew) usually socialize in comfort and safety.

The cockpit reminds me of those places in our Christian life where we meet with other Christians to work and have fellowship. This can be as part of a project team helping with such things as cleaning the church grounds, preparing a church supper, visiting shut-ins, or organizing a music concert. It’s fun to be part of a crew, to know that you have a job and are counted. Get involved in service with others and you will discover the joy of fellowship in doing.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are co-workers in God’s service

Wednesday 3 October 2012

Lessons from a Sailboat 19

Lesson 19:  Motor

Even on my sailboat I have motor. It is a 4-stroke, 8-hp Honda. The motor is attached to the transom by means of an adjustable wooden plate so that the motor can be lifted out of the water when the boat is under sail. A rubber gasoline line runs from the motor to a gas tank. The motor is a backup power source. In the last five months of sailing I have used less than twenty dollars worth of fuel. Because I have the motor serviced it is reliable, and I don’t have to worry when the wind fails or a storm blows me off course.

In life you depend on certain things for your physical and spiritual well-being. You rely on your employer to provide you with a reasonable income. You depend on your church to provide you with good biblical teaching and inspiring worship. You count on your friends for encouragement. But what happens if one or more of these fail? What is your backup plan? What are your alternatives? God has promised never to fail us, never to leave us. We should never think of God as Plan B. He is Plan A all the time. While other sources of inspiration or support may fail, God never will.

Hebrews 13:15
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Lessons from a Sailboat 18

Lesson 18: Buoys

If you’ve ever travelled on a boat of any kind you probably have noticed buoys floating in the water. These are navigational aids, usually made of steel and painted in various colours. They are anchored in place to give directions to boats. They serve two main purposes: to give directions or to warn of dangers. The colours and markings give directions so that the captain can knows where to steer his boat. It is essential for a boat operator to follow these directions carefully.

In your life there are people who act like buoys. By that I mean they give you advice (sometimes whether you ask for it or not). They sometimes warn you about dangers. They sometimes tell you what you should do (in their opinion). Unlike buoys, which cannot be ignored, the people who give you direction can be ignored. You need to know who is giving the advice and be able to weigh it carefully. We should not dismiss all advice outright. Sometimes the adviser is God-sent. We can learn from others, but we must take all advice carefully.

Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;

But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Monday 1 October 2012

Lessons from a Sailboat 17

Lesson 17: The Anchor

Anchors are not as simple as they seem. The traditional fisherman’s anchor holds well but is very heavy. The plow design (which looks like a plough) is hinged and light. The Bruce design is a variation of the plow but is not hinged. The Danforth is hinged and light and can also be stowed flat, which is the one I use. The top quality of an anchor is its holding power. It is important also that the anchor be securely attached to the boat with a chain or a combination of chain and line (rope). If everything is right, your anchor will hold and your boat will be secure.

An old gospel song asks the question:
 Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift or firm remain?”
To answer these questions in the affirmative we need to know that we are anchored in Christ. He is the rock that will not move. Our faith is our anchor. The grace of God is the anchor line. With our faith strong, and our anchor secure we will be able to face everything that life throws at us.

Romans 8:38, 39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.