A modern day parable

Do you know what you know?

Today was a fishing day! Last night Keith went to Walmart to get me a new fishing pole. Last week he threw one together but when I caught a fish the reel came off the rode which made it just a little rough trying to reel in the fish and hold on to the rode. I got all of my stuff together in the truck while looking up at skies that were really heavy. But, I anticipated what was waiting a little down the road............ and hit the road.

Little by little the skies cleared. Yes, I should have brought some sun screen. But, as I sat there on my ice chest I began to think about the subject of faith. Yes, my mind goes there even out in the middle of nature. Actually I thought I would have loved to be soaring with this bird.
Maybe one day in eternity????

This is where we were fishing. Beautiful isn't it? Can you see the fish? No?
They are there because I have seen them, caught them and so have others. I know that there are some things I must do to make contact with them. One, of course I must want to go fishing.
Two, I must have the proper equipment
Three, I must know how to use it.

So I sat on my ice chest with my diet coke and my chili lime peanuts(a favorite of mine right now) and I watched that bobber. Why? Because I was anticipating one of those fish coming by for my minnow. And when that fish took my line--my faith was going to become sight.

So I sat and watched, and watched, and watched some more. Yes, I took a few pictures too. :)
Did I catch a fish today?
NOPE!
Not a one!
Will I stop fishing and start believing that there are no more fish to be caught in this lake?
No, of course not. I will come back. I will come back prepared to catch some fish. Lots of fish.

Fishing is like prayer. If of course you believe that there is a God and you have a relationship with Him......then you may feel free to practice your faith by using prayer. You have the right tools. You have become a Christian. The Holy Spirit lives inside of you and God listens to you when you talk to Him.
When you have a hunger or a desire you should go to God with it. You can go to Him in prayer about anything on your mind and heart. Can you see God? No.
Have you seen evidence of Him.
Yes, or you would not be a believer. Do we know that He answers prayer? Are you saved?
Then He answered your prayer.
Faith grows when you use it. We become bold and willing to persist the more we use it. Sometimes we don't know what to pray and by faith the Holy Spirit will pray for us.
I don't have it down pat. But, I was told to pray without stopping. Sometimes I have prayed and my faith becomes sight right away. Other times I pray and watch, and pray and watch. There are some things that I have been praying for for years. And as long as I know they are in line with Gods will in the Bible---I will keep praying till I see Him face to face.
He is for me and not against me. He loves me and He wants me to walk in the riches of His love.
Will life be perfect and all problems be wrapped up in neat little bows? HA!
But He is in charge. And by Faith I believe that.
Scripture states it is true--so I can stand on that truth.
The following is scripture is truth---and you can stand on it.
Thank you for joining me on my field trip today.
Don't stop fishing! :)

Psalm 91

1-13You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"