Fishing Poles

I was out at the docks at Morse Beach yesterday. I was in a wierd mood all afternoon and decided to head out there to clear my head and spend some time with God. Walking from my car to the docks I saw an older man fishing along the shore of the lake. We exchanged quick greetings and I went on my way to the far dock.

After shooing off the ducks and sitting down Indian style, the older gentlemen said across the docks, "Looks like you forgot your fishing pole." I responded with a chuckle, "Yeah, I guess I did."

After saying that, I looked down and in my hands was my Bible. The verse came to mind "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matt 4:19. I hadn't forgotten my fishing pole, it was in my hands. Oh! How I wanted to tell than old man that, and I regret not taking the chance. I could've been the only one who could have witnessed to him. And I pray someone else gets the chance to share the Gospel with him, since I didn't.

That experience really made me think about God's Word. Just like I may not always have a fishing pole in hand, I may not always have the Bible in my hands. That is why God wants us to hide his Word in our hearts. When we do not have our fishing poles at hand, the Word tucked into our hearts will come forth. It is so important, God's Word!!

Over the last couple of days, I have forgotten how importand God's Words are. I've been reading through Joseph's story in Genesis: his brothers' betrayel, enslavement and inprisonment. And I have been reading them just as stories. These words are more than just stories; they are example of God's faithfulness. I think of Joseph's trust in God. Things kept getting worse and worse for him, and he continued to trust in God to protect him. And God was faithful! He provided for him ten times over and even for the brothers that hated him. God is so faithful! His Word is so faithful!

"I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens." Psalm 89: 1-2

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1