I Just Want To Go Fishing

"The Fisherman" as our granddaughter nicknamed our friend, Eddie "DJ" DeJesus.

This photo was taken the last time we saw him before the Lord called him home.

     Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
     “No,” they answered.
     He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."
                                                                                                                                         John 21:4-6

I just want to go fishing! I ordered a small Jon boat a week ago so I can go fishing or crabbing or just floating down the creek so I can take in the beauty of it all. I spent much of my youth fishing with my parents and whether I catch anything or not is besides the point. I am actually a really lousy fisherperson. I rarely catch anything. I just want to be able to float around on the water and experience the quiet: no TV's, no radios, no electronic noise at all.

Most of my time is spent fishing for people. That is what Jesus told his disciples they were going to be doing when he asked them to leave their nets and follow him. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Mark 1:17) They did exactly that. But, as we read the gospels, we will find them, from time to time, even after they began to follow Jesus, fishing for fish as well.

So, I am waiting on my small boat to get here. I'll keep on fishing for people. After all, I don't know any other way to live. But, I'd kind of like to go fishing for fish, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen To God In Silence

God Speaks To Elijah In The Sheer Silence; 1 Kings 19:11-18

Elijah had gone up on the mountain in anticipation of being in the presence of God. There was a strong wind; but, Elijah heard nothing from God. There was an earthquake; but, God was not there. And... then in the sheer silence, Elijah heard the voice of God. Elijah talked to God and God spoke to him, giving him instruction. Think about it for a minute... When we are in a crowded room, with lots of people talking or sitting at home with the television blaring, how hard is it to hear someone speaking to us? Turn off the TV, the music, all of the noise and just listen. Unless, that is, of course, maybe you don't really want to hear what God has to say to you.

My new home (an RV) is not real quiet as there are three of us living in it. So, I came a little early to the church building to spend some quiet time praying. I did not come early enough as I was not quite finished talking with God before everyone started showing up for various reasons. That actually is a good thing. I would love to see the church filled with people every day! I will just have to come a little earlier from now on so that I can kneel in sheer silence and listen for the whisper of God.

May God give each of us many moments of quiet throughout the day so that we might find rest in the presence of God and just maybe hear His voice comforting and guiding us all.

God's Peace - Pr. J