November 21 The “Fishin” Spot 2 Corinthians 11:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Wow! Listening to the news of the day and having experienced the issues of human deceptions and conflicts, I sit and reflect on the Reason that Jesus came to earth! God loves us enough that He sent Jesus to be the One True and Last Sacrifice for our sins! Keep in mind, not everyone recognizes His Love, His Mission, and His Atoning Grace! I would like to share a story, from my youth, that illustrates the necessity and the reality of staying true to your mission and to be faithful, regardless of the challenges that occur! When I was a boy, I “LOVED” to fish! There was a particular spot, along the banks of the Neuse River that was my favorite place to fish. It was called, “Spring Bank!” It seemed that this special place was where the fish would congregate, and I fished at this special spot, as often as I could. From early spring, until early winter, I was there, at least 3 times a week. I would grab my fishing poles, let Mama know where I was headed, or at least in the general direction, and away I would go! Oh yeah, I failed to tell you why the fishing was so good! This Special Place, My Place, where the fishing was great, was, also, the same spot that the snakes, thought was a special place for them. No one else would fish in the spot because of the snakes! Now, let me paint the picture for you! I would sit in my wallowed-out spot on the bank, against a big Water Oak Tree, and I had my cane pole, for fishing, and my shorter cane pole for “snaking!” Imagine me sitting on the bank, with my line in the water, and I am watching the cork and watching for snakes. (Did I mention that the snakes were on the bank and in the trees and in the water… they were everywhere! I remember counting 31 snakes on one fishing trip…) With my shorter cane pole, I would hit the snakes while pulling in the fish. Keep in mind, this type of fishing was not for the weak of heart or one that might have a fear of the obstacles (snakes). July and August, the snakes were more aggressive, and it required more concentration to not be a victim. Why this story today? I truly believe that we are, in the midst, of Satanic deceptions, just like Eve experienced, in the Garden of Eden and we must be aware and prepared for the deceptions. Evil exists on every side and Satan wants to keep us from “Fishing!” That is, he wants us to fail as “Fishers of Men!” When I was a boy, Daddy would warn me about playing in the tall weeds and grass! “Watch out for the snakes!” Notice that he didn’t say, “Watch out, there MAY be snakes!” The fact is that snakes are in the grass and snakes are everywhere that we step! Dear Friends, we are living in “Snake-Filled” times, with obstacles and deceptions at every turn, so, I am asking you to recognize the environment and prepare for the challenge and armor up for the on-going battle! WE MUST be AWARE of the SNAKES and be prepared to deal with them and to NEVER let them STOP us from our MISSION to be TRUE and EFFECTIVE “FISHERS OF MEN!” By the Way… we ate lots and lots of fresh fish! We must remain committed; we must remain faithful… His Blessings and His Bounty are ours, when we are obedient, and faithful! Stay focused on the Love of God and be Grateful for HIS LOVE, through JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted with Purpose)