Gina Guy-WARren
1.19.2023
Matthew 4:18-20 msg
“Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.”
Being by the water is most certainly my happy place. I have spent all of my life on the beach or on water. Whether I was water- skiing behind a shockwave at speeds of up to 90mph, or walking along the seashore enjoying the crashing waves, I always tuned my ear to hear His voice. Taking in the fresh smells of saltwater and Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen oil, always brought a sense of peace and joy. Now at 55 I find myself sitting outside watching the sunrise upon the still waters of the Tampa Bay Marina. I’m taking in all the beautiful sites around me. I look to my left and I see a senior woman in her pink sweat suit and t-shirt, walking the treadmill and around speed 3.6-4.0. Her grey hair pulled back into a ponytail she is certainly disciplined and focused in her stride. Next to her is a brunette 20 something in her half top and shorts, doing squat thrusters with 15lbs weights at 3 sets of 10 reps. Two women, different generations and unique callings. How do I know these details? My whole life I’ve practiced discipline both in the gym and in various outside sports. I recognize treadmill speeds, weighted dumbbells and notice details maybe others wouldn’t if they’ve not led disciplined lives in this particular area.
The photo I’ve posted is of two women fishing. I couldn’t help take this photo a few weeks ago because I came out to the water at dawn to quiet my spirit before the Lord. I witnessed this peaceful sight of two women having fun fishing. One sat in a chair calmly casting her line various times, while the other walked along the dock casting out into various areas of the water. There it is! She has a bite and I begin to capture her joyous moment from a distance. They giggled as I called out, “ I have the best pics of you two!” The one remained quiet in her chair, as the other one standing responded immediately. “ can you text them to me!” Without a doubt my enjoyment of two women and their fishing adventure led to ministering to both of them. The precious one sitting was from Brazil and spoke no English, while the other from my area of Southern Cali! Two women, unique gifting and callings, about their own business, but someone was watching. Someone cared. Someone captured their moments. Oh beloved, Jesus is watching you! What a joy!
This morning as i sit awaiting the sunrise on my birthday morning , the two women! In the gym and on the docks made me reflect upon the day Jesus saw at a distance, men fishing. They too were diligent and disciplined. They were about putting their hands to what God has gifted them to do in order to make a living. In doing so, one day, their lives changed. I love how it states in the message translation, “they were about their regular work,” when Jesus interrupted their disciplined routine, and called them to go after souls! Something that really spoke to my heart in this verse was, they were about catching specific fish, but on this day they graduated, and they were gonna catch a different type of fish!
Some of you have been faithful to win souls and turn people to Jesus and in doing so, you will CROSSOVER into DEEPER WATERS AND HOOK BIG FISH THAT OTHERS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CATCH FROM THE DOCKS. In your faithfulness of casting from the dock, He is now moving you out into the DEEP! He has need of GENERALS and they do NOT KNOW Him YET! Soon they will due to your faithfulness and discipline!
Since by no means am I and expert in fishing, I looked up the meaning of different strength of fishing line… Read the following with a “prophetic eye”
Line Strength
The strength of fishing line is called TEST and is measured in pounds. It should roughly match the weight of the species you are fishing for (e.g. use line in the 30-pound test for tuna in the 30-pound range). A typical line to cast for trout would be 4-pound test.
Consider braided line of 30-pound test or more if you go after large game fish. A rule of thumb is to fish with the lightest gear possible so you don’t tire and have more fun. In competition when test is specified, anglers must use light line to land heavy fish. But that requires experience, a zest for a long fight and, above all, solid technique. Another difference: while normal fishing line is guaranteed to break above its rating, tournament line must break before the rating or the records will not be recognized.
Please take note of the text in bold. We have all been tested in life and each test will determine our strength needed to engage in the next line of testing. His yoke is easy and His burden is light, and if we do not learn to hand everything over to him, we will tire out quickly in the crossover season. As we go forward, we must remain in the lane that God has called us to because it will require experience, a long fight, and solid technique. However, a braided cord or cord of 3 strands is not easily broken! We can’t catch what we have zero experience doing. Being Bible smart without focused and daily discipline, will tire out any believer quickly. Consider the warrior and compassionate Shepphard David. Every day he disciplined himself in the quietness of the pastures. When no one was around, and so to speak in today’s vernacular, he wasn’t behind the microphone or the camera, but he was alone in the fields exercising his gifts and growing in compassion for the sheep he cared for. It was during this time that he fought off lions and bears when no one watching. When his time of crossover finally arrived, he was already disciplined and experienced. Because He learned to draw away from crowds and his brothers, in all these testings he grew in BOTH MERCY AND RIGHTEOUS ANGER TOWARDS ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD ENDANGER HIS FLOCK. It’s vital in Crossover season that we are full of love, mercy, compassion coupled with righteous indignation.
You see, you are absolutely unique. And for those who have not reinvented the wheel or engaged in “copycat” methods and have searched their hearts, are now ready for their CROSSOVER moment .Jesus is about to interrupt your “regular work” and you will now go forth and catch “ a new kind of fish.”
Isaiah 55
“ I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promise to David. See, I have made him a witness to the people, a leader, commander of the people. Surely you will summon nations, you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you.”
If anyone attacks you don’t for a moment, supposed that I sent them, and if any should attack, nothing will come of it. “
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