Daily Encouragement (6/3/21) "Fishers Of Men"
Published: Thu, 06/03/21
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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.
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Thursday, June 3, 2021  Ester took this photo on the Old Windmill Farm bringing this to mind.
"Fishers Of Men"
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"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity" (Colossians 4:5).
 John Uhler is a chaplain friend who has an unusual form of ministry. He is a reenactment chaplain. He has learned how a chaplain operated during World War 2 and joins other reenactors at events that provide living history demonstrations, a vital need in every age, but certainly our own.
This weekend there is a large World War 2 event in Reading, PA sponsored by the Mid Atlantic Air Museum. I went with Mark Pulliam, a longtime chaplain friend, several years ago and it is quite a display. It includes a World War 2 reenactment camp and I suspected John would be going so I called him to encourage him. He told me was indeed going.
We spoke for a few minutes and I expressed concern about the forecast that may include rain. Out of nowhere (or so I thought) John said, "but the rain is good for fishing". I thought it a bit peculiar that he would change the subject like this but I went along and said, I have heard the fish bite well during rain.
He paused and informed me he wasn't talking about that kind of fishing but was alluding to Christ's call to be "fishers of men"! He explained that when it rains people may linger a bit longer to talk and come into his tent and thus an opportunity is provided for a witness.
Christ's call to the first disciples as He walked along the Galilean seaside indicated early in His ministry His desire to connect by means of identifying with the interests people had. Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen. When Christ called out to them and said, "I will make you fishers of men" He had their attention. Several years later Peter cast a wide Gospel net on the day of Pentecost and brought in a huge
catch, demonstrating his Spirit-enabled proficiency as a "fisher of men".
Christ said to them, "Come, follow me". In his first letter Peter expresses the "follow" theme, calling his initial readers and all to "follow in His steps". This phrase was the basis for Charles Sheldon's Christian Classic, "In His Steps".
Now certainly I believe it's appropriate for us to heed God's call to be "fishers of men", but I want you to consider another element of the text today; how we communicate timeless truths to a spiritually blind and Biblically illiterate world. In calling Peter and Andrew, Christ used words and concepts they could understand. Today we urge you to invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in finding ways to reach the hearts of those whom you meet as you "walk beside the sea". May He also give you the words to clearly communicate the message of Christ's salvation to all who will hear. Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
 Daily prayer: Jesus, just as You called
the fishermen, tax collectors, and other commoners to be "fishers of men" You also call and equip us to reach the lost men and women, boys and girls of our day. May our hearts be filled with compassion and our spirits charged with faith as we prayerfully seek to make a difference in our own generation. It is not by our own might, our talents, or our power, but it is by Your Spirit that we can effectively reach the lost. Help us to be faithful in doing so. We pray in Your name,
Jesus. Amen.Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Fishers Of Men Song" Video
Message with photos from 2017 air show in Reading This weekend we will be riding the Delaware and Lehigh bike trail from Bethlehem, PA down along the Lehigh River and then down along the Delaware River.
 Our baby birds flew the nest on Tuesday night but if you look carefully you'll spot one we found in our planter. Ester thinks this is Conner.
 When I (Brooksyne) approached her (him) the beak opened wide, so because my motherly instinct to make sure everyone leaves the table with full stomachs, I got my handy little potting scoop and dug up a worm (thanks to all the rain lately) and fed the hungry little thing. Afterwards I looked toward the fencepost and saw Mama and Daddy Robin, one of them with a worm dangling from its beak. I wonder what they thought of me doing their job? After
gobbling its lunch the little robin got nervous and hobbled off to continue its adventure toward independence.
 Yummy!
Finally today:
 Here's a cute table favor or cute little treat to assemble and share with someone. We will take this treat along with some 1957 Hardy Boys books to our "grandchild", Jamie, who is recovering from yet another accident. God has assigned a brigade of angels to keep their eye on this young adventurous child.
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity." © Copyright 2021 Stephen C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
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