Matthew 4:21-22 ESV — And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Dad and Aunt Clefa went fishing every Thursday. Dad also picked us up from school every afternoon since mom worked at a bank in town and he had a more flexible schedule. However, every now and then on a Thursday, all the other kids would be picked up and my brother and I were left sitting and waiting at school. Dad and Aunt Clefa would finally drive up in a rush apologizing for being late and claiming the fish were biting and time got away from them. On Thursdays, they were living in the moment and at the moment, fishing was their most important focus.

Jesus calls you and I to also make fishing our most important focus. However, He wants us to fish for men every day, not just on Thursdays. Read today’s featured scripture again. When Jesus called James and John to follow Him, “immediately they left the boat and their father” to follow Him. The scripture does not indicate any hesitation. They seized the moment and their fishing focus changed from fish to men. 

Are your eyes and ears always open to ways to fish for Christ? How do you intentionally look for and plan for being a fisher of men? Is your fishing gear packed and ready to go? Is fishing for Jesus your most important focus?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for trusting me to fish for You. Open my eyes to ways to be an effective fisher of men. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Matthew 4:18-20 ESV — While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

A few weeks ago I shared memories with you about my childhood and a man named Archie in our church whobecame like family. We called him Uncle Archie. Another lady in the same church who we grew close to was Clefa, aka Aunt Clefa. Aunt Clefa’s personality was as unique as her name. She had a high pitched voice and due to her osteoporosis walked bent over. She had a standing hair appointment each Wednesday to dye her natural hair black and have a hair piece put on in the shape of a beehive. Aunt Clefa retired from a local plant and became my parents’ go-to babysitter for my brother and I. She and my dad shared a love for fishing. They began a routine of going fishing every Thursday on my dad’s day off and occasionally my brother and I were blessed by joining them. Aunt Clefa taught me how to bait a hook with a worm, how to sit quietly and patiently wait for the red and white float to bob up and down, and when to know just the right moment to pull up my Bream Buster pole and bring in my fish. While Aunt Clefa taught me a lot about fishing, Jesus has taught me even more.

Jesus calls you and I to be fishers of men. What does that mean to you? How do you fish for men? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for trusting me to fish for You. Open my eyes to ways to be an effective fisher of men. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Matthew 4:18-20 ESV — While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

Matthew 4:21-22 ESV — And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV — Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 1:16-18 ESV — Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

@biblegateway @youversion

This week’s theme is fishing. I have found some oldies but goodies to share with you. Take some time to listen and pray about our week ahead.

Pray For the Fish by Randy Travis

Down To the River To Pray by Alison Krauss

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

I have found so much joy this summer with friends and family sharing their gardens and their catch with my family and I. This past week my husband and I visited with some friends and we were able to talk about God’s word together. They also gifted us with catfish that had been freshly caught and cleaned. It was such a blessing that I could then savor the catfish with my family. I was reminded that to stay salty, we must nurture the friendships that sharpen us.

We pray that you all have savored the week by staying salty. 

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭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.”

This week I have been sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Let’s look at signs of summer in comparison with our walk with Christ Jesus. They say home is where the heart is. I love to be wherever my family is. It is important to me that we share lots of meals and laughter together, especially in the summer, when our son is home from college. It is also important to me that my children see and hear me glorifying God both in and out of my home. 

How can we practice glorifying God both in and out of our homes? One way to glorify God is practicing humility in everything we do. I like to change my mindset to “I get to” rather than “I have to.” Some days are filled with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and running errands for my family. I can let God’s light shine by serving happily and humbly or I can grumble. Over the coming weeks as school begins, I challenge us to examine how and when we bring Glory to God. Let’s let His light shine.

Let’s meditate on ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to shine Your light and bring You glory in everything I do and say. Help me maintain an “I get to” mindset. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

This week I have been sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Let’s look at signs of summer in comparison with our walk with Christ Jesus. I love spending time in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. You will see pineapples on buildings, fountains, and artwork on display as a symbol of the town’s hospitality. Just like the town’s rich history, the pineapple dates back to Christopher Columbus’ days

Our faith is meant to be a symbol of love and grace within our relationships, work, and daily walk. Our faith should not be hidden, rather it should stand tall like a pineapple. How can we make sure our faith does not get hidden? By putting love into action and practicing hospitality others can see our faith in action

Let’s meditate on ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can share Your love by putting it into action and be hospitable to others. Help me to stand tall like a pineapple. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion