The Waters Churned and Tossed

Matthew 4:18-20
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

I sat on a limestone boulder along the bank of Lake Erie with my husband. The waters churned and tossed fishing boats up and down while waves crashed on the shore. Despite the rough surface and the strong wind, the people in the fishing boats held tight and waited for the perfect time to drop their lines. Around the corner of the lake we spied a man who cast from the shore. He watched as his line bobbed in the surge of the unsteady swell.

Two of the first disciples Jesus called were fishermen by trade, Peter and Andrew. They knew how to catch fish, but they didn't understand what Jesus meant when he said he wanted them to fish for men. With great patience Jesus taught them. He showed them through kindness, mercy, and example how they could teach people about Him. He showed them through his stories and words of truth how they could interest people in learning more about Jesus and the salvation he came to bring. As a follower of Jesus I'm called to be a fisher of men, one who tells others about my Savior and King. He's prepared me with the Bible as my guide and prayer as my aid. He's given me determination, understanding, and perseverance.

I remember singing the song in vacation Bible school, "I will make you fishers of men, if you'll follow me." As a child I didn't really understand the meaning of those words. But as a believer in Jesus I know now that I need to hang on in the storms and keep casting my line. Praise God for Jesus and his gift of love!

Nonfiction Book Review: Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times by Dr. John Hart

Book Description:

The end times can be confusing, or even troubling, as we struggle to understand such things as when Christ is coming back, who the Antichrist will be, when the tribulation will occur, and how to interpret biblical prophecy. If you are curious, confused, or fearful about any of these things--this book is for you.

Dr. John Hart clearly and respectfully offers easy-to-understand answers, letting you know exactly what God's Word says--as well as what it doesn't say--about the end times. This slender volume answers the most frequently asked questions, then explores how those answers affect you, your family, and your friends.

My Review:
I requested the Answers to the Most ImportantQuestions About the End Times in hopes of finding a book that would give me a better understanding of a topic that can be confusing. Dr. John Hart does a good job laying a foundation with scripture plus a timeline of events that lead up to and happen after the rapture. The timeline is not one that is set in stone, but rather a guideline for a better understanding of possible events. He also does a good job giving definitions of terminology as well as a breakdown of the happenings in the book of Revelation. If you have questions about the end times and would like some basic information as well scripture references, this is a good place to start. I am not endorsing that everything on the book is gospel, because I am not an expert on the topic, but I do believe Dr. Hart has made a great effort to understand these biblical principles. I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for a fair review.

A Labor of Love

1 Thessalonians 1:2
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

A labor of love. I can think of a few. Taking care of my babies, even when they made messes. Cooking meals for special occasions—birthdays, holidays. Editing a friend's written work and being honest about needed changes. Helping a child with homework. Doing the laundry and the dishes. Walking the dogs. When done with a caring heart and a positive attitude, anything can become a labor of love.

In America we celebrate Labor Day as a way to show appreciation for the folks who work each day and contribute to the economy of our nation. As part of the church let's celebrate the many who labor in love without any expected return. They teach, preach, sing, watch over little ones in the nursery, organize programs and events and so much more. Paul thanks God for the people of his time who worked for the Lord. I want to thank all those who work and volunteer in the church today. May we continue to pursue work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. Praise God for the opportunity to work for Him.

What's on Your Bookshelf?

We had an interesting discussion today, in the library where I work. One of our student assistants made the comment that he could tell a lot about a person by looking at their bookshelves. Interesting observation, I'd say.

From my shelves you could probably tell that I was a children's librarian for twelve years. I have several autographed picture books. On a lower shelf you'd find writing books, nature identification books and several Bibles. On some other shelves—yes I have more than one book case—you'd find poetry books, craft books, and some select fiction. And then there's the shelf with a few vintage beauties. I've collected books for years. I've passed some along to library sales, friends, and family. And I typically give books for gifts, because who doesn't love good books. Then there are the ones I receive in exchange for a fair review. I've found a way to feed my passion without paying big bucks! Thank goodness.

Now tell me, what would I find on your bookshelf? Mysteries? Sci-Fi? Inspirational books? How-to books? I'd love to know!

The Lord Goes Before Me

Check out my latest post on Putting on the New

Consider...

I Know He Watches Over Me

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old. He'd lived an incredible life for God, and he was ready to turn the reigns over to Joshua. God had told Moses he couldn't cross into the promised land with the people of Israel. He had to pass the reigns to someone younger. Moses could have been sad, angry, or frustrated because he wasn't going to finish the journey with his people. He certainly could have felt discouraged. But instead, he encouraged his protégé, Joshua. Moses removed the fear factor and encouraged him to" be strong and courageous." Why could he do that with confidence? Because he knew God had been with him and the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. He knew in his heart that God kept his promises.

As I read the story of Moses and the Israelites I'm overwhelmed by the thought of wandering and waiting. Can you imagine meandering around in a place you didn't want to be for forty years? Waiting on the promise the Lord made and wondering when you could move on? I may not be in the Israelites situation, but I do wander and wonder. Life throws curve balls, dumps troubles on me, and frustrates me. But I know God has my back, he has a plan, and he's always with me. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Praise God for his constant encouragement!

I love the song, His eye is on the Sparrow, a song filled with God's encouragement. I can sing God's praise no matter the circumstances, even when I get discouraged. Because I know if God cares for the birds of the air, he certainly cares for and loves me and you. Isn't this a wonderful promise!