February 22 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)
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 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, 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 the spot because of the snakes! Now, let me paint the picture for you! I would sit in my wallowed out spot on the ground, against a big 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 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, being “Fishers of Men!” When I was a boy, Daddy would warn me about playing in the tall grass and weeds! “Watch out for the snakes!” Dear Friends, we are living in “Snake-Filled” times, with obstacles and deceptions at every hand, so, I am asking you to recognize the environment and prepare for the challenge and armor up for the 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 a lot of fish! Maybe I will share the “Frog Gigging” story later on…Remember – Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
NOTE: “WATCH OUT FOR THE SNAKES!!!”