Fishers Of Men

“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 4:19

            This past Saturday, our men’s ministry (Outdoor Connections) had their first event; a fishing tournament.  Not being a fisherman, or the son of a fisherman, I didn’t go with great hopes of winning.  There were promises, if I came, of equipment and tips on how to catch the big one.  My friend Joe has so much fishing gear he could give “Outdoor Man” a run for their money.

            In two hours I caught three bass and one huge frog!  The largest bass was 15.5 inches long.  It was obviously beginners luck and the great advice from a true fisherman.  It was a great time and everyone who came enjoyed themselves. 

            There were some lessons that I learned that I think are applicable to what Jesus said about making us fishers of men.  Five things to remember.

• There are a lot of different fish in the pond.  In this pond there were bass, blue gill, crappie, and frogs (not a fish).  Not every fish is the same.  That is so true of the people we are reaching for Jesus.  People come in all shapes and sizes, economic backgrounds, and racial differences.  No two people have the same family history, emotional baggage, or personality traits.   It is easier to reach people who are most like ourselves, but we must not forget those who are different than us, because they need Jesus to

• Not every fish likes the same lure.  I was setting my eyes on the bass, so I was using a frog lure.  It worked really well, and with the right training I was able to get the lure to hop across the pond scum to attract the bass.  But the frog lure was worthless if tying to catch blue gill or crappie.  Each different fish needed a different lure.  The gospel is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but what we use to draw people to hear the message will be different.  People who are hurting in their marriage may come to a marriage seminar, a musician may come to a concert, someone who needs a friend may come to fun activity, and so forth.  Paul said that he was all things to all people, that some might come to the truth.  Jesus said we are to be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.  In other words we need to above board and honest, but use every opportunity to share the gospel. 

• Patience, Patience, Patience!  Fishing is a lot of waiting; two hours and only three fish!  I am a last minute; want it now, kind of guy.  When reaching people for Jesus we are often in a hurry and when they don’t respond right away, we want to right them off and move on to the next person.  But intentional, relational, evangelism means patiently building relationships, intentionally sharing your faith, and waiting for God to move. Peter puts into perspective in 2Pet. 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

•  Fish fight!  Real fishermen love the fight at the end of the line.  The bigger the fish the harder they are to reel in, but the greater the thrill.  People fight against the gospel.  We shouldn’t be surprised.  We give up too easily because when it comes to relationships we don’t like the struggle.  But it is the struggle that makes the end result so meaningful.  Sometimes people who come to Christ quickly don’t last because they have not struggled with some of the great issues of life, and when they come they fall away.  But those who struggle before coming to Christ understand the depth of God’s love, and how it meets their real needs.

• Fish are slimy.  They are slippery and smelly, and it gets all over you.  It’s funny because the slime isn’t toxic and it washes off.  People are messy too.  They come with all sorts of baggage and problems.  Sometimes we avoid people with problems because we are afraid they will be toxic to us, and our spiritual health, and though we need to be careful not to be carried away into sin, their slime isn’t infectious and has been washed by the blood of Christ.

•  Even one caught fish is an accomplishment.  In two hours I caught three bass.  In the following two hours I caught zero.  But the lack of catch in the afternoon didn’t diminish the joy, thrill, and reward of the three in the morning.  Heaven rejoices over one lost soul found.  If I live my life without any more people coming to faith as a result of my ministry, I have had the great privilege of leading some to Christ.  I want to see more, and I am always thinking of lures and ways to proclaim the gospel.  In the end, however, the catch is in God’s hands.  I just need to be out there fishing.  I’m just saying…

The First Gay President

     That is the headline of Newsweek’s recent addition.  Though President Obama has historically been in opposition to gay marriage, he has recently stated that his views have evolved, and that the golden rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” has convinced him that equal rights should be granted to homosexual couples.  He says this while reiterating that he and his wife are practicing Christians (whatever that means).   Double speak isn’t anything new to politics.  It helps them curry favor with opposing viewpoints.  It amazes me how many politician think that works, that people are that gullible, but then again maybe we are easily manipulated.  Black pastors who are strongly against that Presidents position on this subject, will still vigorously support him in the fall because other social issues trump moral imperatives in the scripture.

     Conservatives do not see any inconstancy with the President’s admission, nor do they see it as a new revelation.  His liberal policies and openly hostile decisions against religious practices (Catholics and contraceptives) are well documented.  Christians should not be surprised about the movement away from a biblical ethic.  In a growing secular, pluralistic society a president who is not firmly rooted in biblical faith, caring more about God’s blessing then the blessing of society, will eventually move away from a biblical ethic to one that provides “freedom” for all beliefs and practices. 

As Christians we know that the happiest place is within the framework of God’s will and blessing.  But those who do not believe, who live lives of lawlessness, God’s will is restrictive, prudish, intolerant, hateful, exclusive, and oppressive.  One of two things will happen, people will either reject God, or form Him in their image.  It is difficult for Christians to argue from moral superiority because throughout history the church has used scripture as a club against anyone who defied, not biblical truth, but cultural Christian views; the Church vs. Science (the world is flat), The Church vs. Islam (the Crusades), The Church vs. Slavery (early American history), and so on.  The failing of God’s people, however, is not the failing of God. 

     There are two ways to accomplish God’s will in American culture, and both are crucial.  The first is the reformation of the heart.  Before true and permanent change can occur in our society, people need to become aware of their sin, that God desires a relationship with them, and has provided a way through His son, Jesus.  As one pastor recently said, “When we come to know Jesus, only then do we truly understand how sinful we are.”  Each of us has an unbelieving family member or friend who needs to hear the transforming message of salvation.  We need to talk to them.  Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God.

     The second way is through political action.  As Christian citizens of the United States we have just as much right to argue our case before the court of public opinion and legislate a morality that we believe is the best for all people.  We will be labeled unloving and insensitive, but that is a manipulative tactic to make us feel guilty and pull back on what we believe.  However, our tone and behavior should exhibit God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.  Posters declaring God’s eternal judgment on homosexuals may be true, but they shut down dialogue.  Maybe a sign that reads, “God loves homosexuals, and has a better plan for their lives.”  Unbelievers will still be offended, but the sentiment is more positive, the message just as true. 

     If you are a homosexual reading this blog, know that your behavior is of no greater or less offensive to God then an adulterer, a liar, a fornicator, a back biter, or a murderer.  All sin is offensive to God and is deserving of punishment, and I am among the greatest sinners of all.  The good news is that Christ’s death and resurrection has made away for our sins to be forgiven, and our hearts, minds, and behavior to be transformed!  Through faith we can become new creatures and restored to our loving heavenly Father, and then our culture will be renewed and transformed.  I’m just saying…..

Ticks

 The Tick is a fictional character created by cartoonist Ben Edlund in 1986.  It was also made into a sitcom in 2001.  Both the cartoon caricature and sitcom were, to say the least, silly.  Ticks, however, are neither cute nor silly.  They carry disease, they feed off the blood of their hosts, they crawl and connect to the worst of places, and once lodged, they are hard to get rid of.

            I was helping a friend paint an out building, and it was surrounded by thick foliage.  He sent me around the back and I asked,  “are there bugs?”  He responded, “No,” of course there were bugs; it was outside.  But, they were not obvious.

            It wasn’t until that evening, while relaxing in my chair, that I noticed this little bug crawl up my shirt.  After flinching, slightly, I pinched the bug between my fingers and put it in a Kleenex next to the chair (I would throw it away later).  But the little bug wasn’t dead.  When it started crawling on my remote I realized it was a TICK!  Other than roaches there is no other insect that disgusts me more.  To think, it was crawling on me.  I promptly squished it again, in the Kleenex, and flushed it down the toilet.  I had triumphed.

            But where there is one, there are two.  Sure enough, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, getting ready for a comfortable nights sleep; when I reached down to itch my leg, sure enough, there was another parasite.   My muscles tensed as I quickly dug my finger nail into it torso, then reaching for a tissue, I wrapped it and flushed it down the toilet.  I then promptly examined everything to be sure the absence of additional monsters. I went to sleep, assured that my blood supply was safe.

            Parasites (ticks, fleas, tapeworms, etc.) are little things that suck the life out of us.  The Christian life is full of parasites.  They can be attitudes and behaviors that drain believers of their spiritual vitality.   When jealousy, bitterness, envoy, and strife take hold they cause conflict and ruin relationships.  Judgmentalism and unforgiveness drive people to isolation and resentment.    Our attitudes are always reflected in our behavior.  We stop speaking to friends, avoid contact with loved ones, withhold kindness from fellow believers, all because we have let little things attach themselves to our lives, let them fester, and in the end kill our joy.

            Real ticks inject numbing venom as they burrow into the skin.  This way the host is unaware of their existence.  The ‘ticks’ of our soul do the same thing, as we justify them with rational arguments meant to ‘prove’ our positions.  But unless we get rid of them, the host is open to a variety of illnesses and even death.   Eph. 4:31,32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” 

            Christ is our example and love is our goal.  I think it is a good habit to constantly examine our souls for parasites that will drain the spiritual vitality that is ours in Christ.  I’m just saying…

What Do You Look LIke

“Let’s face it: appearance is everything.  Let us help you enhance your image.”  This is an advertising slogan, and like it or not, has to deal with the church.  Image in American culture is everything.  We are consumed with how other people see us and think about us.  Do we dress right, eat right, have the right hairstyle, and so on.  Business’ rise and fall based on their image. Even our presidential season will be full of sound bites and images displayed to either solicit or repel votes. 

Jesus knew the power of image. He chastised the Pharisees as being whitewashed tombs and full of dead men’s bones (Matt 23:27).  They looked good on Sunday morning, they didn’t associate with sinners, their prayers were fluent, gave the right amount of money, and said all the right things.  Yet, they were not interested in the important things like mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace.  They were good at judging specks without looking at the logs in their own eyes. 

But the question isn’t about whether to have an image or not to have an image.  We all display an image. We should be concerned about the kind of image we portray.  The question what that image portrays.  How would you describe your image or the image of your church?

Accepting of people               or                     Selective

Inclusive of others                  or                     Clique

Tolerant                                  or                     Intolerant

Loving                                     or                     Hateful

Merciful                                  or                     Judgmental

Gracious                                  or                     Spiteful

Seeks Unity                            or                     Seeks Self

Giving                                     or                     Consumer

Forgiving                                 or                     List Maker

Churches and individuals have a choice as to how the world will see them.  Too often we are seen as the Pharisees of our day.  My prayer is that as I am conformed into an image, the image will be of my savior Jesus.  I want to be more like him everyday, and some days are better than others.  I’m just saying….

When The Sun Sets

“When the light of day has passed, I long for what will last, Oh, Lord please help me find, I long for more.” 

I wrote those words years ago, and their meaning has become a reality for my father-in-law, Don Peterson.  After 95 years in this life, he has gone to be in the presence of his heavenly father.  We live in such a different time then when he grew up; the depression, over 5 wars, the sixties, the rise of the technological age, and the ever shrinking world connected through the airwaves have all transpired during his life. 

When he and his wife, Irma, went to the mission field it took weeks by boat.  They left their families for years; with the only connection through postal mail, and now we fly around the world and talk to each other on skype.  But their heart and mind was focused on the one thing that never changes, the gospel.  From the time they gave their lives to Christ, experienced the life changing redemption through His blood, their call was to those who had never heard.  Until his last breath my father-in-law was a testimony to the grace of God, and he never took it for granted.

We are the generation of social media, and we use it for connection and information.  It is interesting to read what family and friends have posted on Facebook in tribute to the life of this man, father, father-in-law, grandpa, and great-grandpa.  I have listed what they wrote at the end of this blog, but the main theme running through them is legacy.  Don Peterson has left a legacy of faith; children and grandchildren who are walking faithfully with the Lord, and who are teaching their children to do the same.  And though the Apostle John was writing to his spiritual children, what he says apply describes the joy in Dad’s heart, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3John 4).

Walking in the truth, living for Jesus, and sharing the gospel were the heartbeat of this godly man.  He would have said with the Apostle Paul, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1Cor. 9:16).  Whether standing in the pulpit, in the markets of Morocco, a small fishing dock in Alaska, a nursing home in Ohio, or even at Liberty Court, he was always ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within him.  But it came at a cost.

The hardest decision that Don and Irma ever made was to send their children to boarding school. Yet, they did so, with the same faith that compelled them to preach the gospel.  Their faith in their heavenly father’s provision bolstered their resolve, held them in their loneliness, and consoled them when their heart longed to hold their girls. We might judge their decision, but we cannot judge their heart or their faith.  Nor can we judge God’s faithfulness, and He was faithful.

The long years in Morocco, and even Alaska, didn’t bear the kind of numbers that American Christianity holds up as successful.    In fact, in the eyes of the world he had failed.  However, the world is not our measure, our measure is Christ and Him alone.  And I am sure, standing before his savior, these are the words he hears, “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’ (Luke 19:17).  He was faithful, he persevered, he endured, and he kept the faith.

Success is faithfulness lived in the context of integrity.  We are his legacy, and as the Apostle Paul said, “[We are his] letter, written in his heart, known and read by all men; being manifested that [we] are a letter of Christ, cared for by [him], written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor. 3:2,3).  Don, dad, was a successful man.

Legacies are not what we take with us, but what we leave behind.  Legacies are created during our life, and bequeathed to the generations to follow.  The legacy left to us will not make us rich in the things of the world.  Our legacy is of greater value then silver or gold.  It is a legacy of faith, tenderly, patiently, persistently cultivated until it bore fruit fitting for righteousness.  Faith in Christ saved him, Faith in the gospel sent them abroad, Faith in God’s provision cared for their girls, Faith in the power of God allowed them to hand over their most precious possessions to three undeserving men.  I remember well their doubt in Rebecca’s decision to marry me, “Are you sure?”  But once the decision was made and the vows proclaimed I was welcomed into the family without a hint of hesitancy.  I think I am their favorite, embraced with the same grace given by our Lord. 

I stand as a participant in Dad’s legacy, for it is living, growing, and thriving.  For I, like you are continuing the legacy with our children and our grand children.  When the number of my days are finished, when I slip past the veil of this life into the glorious presence of my heavenly Father, I hope that my son/daughter-in-law or grand child will stand in front of my friends and family and testify to this continuing legacy of faith.

One of my favorite hymns, as well as dad’s, is

All The Way My Savior Leads, what have I to ask besides, can I doubt His tender mercy, who thru life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell? For I know whatever befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my savior leads me; cheers each winding path I tread, gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread: though my weary steps may falter, and my soul a thirst may be, gushing from the rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see!

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above: When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day, this my song thru endless ages; Jesus led me all the way.”

Around 3:30 pm, Sunday, March 18, 2012, Don Peterson slipped from this life into the next.  When he opened his eyes, I am sure he was met by an angel who ushered him through the gates of heaven.  And as he passed through, he most likely paused, and turning said, “Thank you.”  Until we meet again, dad.

Testimonies written on our hearts:

Alice Hilty Herren

‎95 years later, my Grandpa is finally in the presence of His Lord. What a legacy of faith! I am privileged to have been an answer to many of the prayers of this faithful man...

Alison Perkins

‎"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." Prov. 17:6 It's been a gift to be a part of Donald Peterson's family. His legacy of faithful obedience and prayer is a wonderful inheritance.

 

Josh Perkins

My grandpa passed away yesterday at the age of 95. My own thoughts on a man who has shown faithfulness to Jesus for his entire adult life.

http://joshualp.blogspot.com/2012/03/donald-peterson-1917-2012.html

joshualp.blogspot.com

 

Rebecca Perkins

‎8 hours ago I lost my beloved father. He is now in the presence of his Saviour rejoicing. And for the very first time . . . Singing on key! What a legacy he has left that will be passed on for many generations to come. I miss you already, daddy!

 

Holly Hilty We're praying for you all, Aunt Rebecca. Grandpa will be missed. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to know him and see that sparkle in his eye. We're giving thanks that he's with his Saviour now.

 

Michael Riggs

Very thankful for the 95 years that God gave my grandpa! So thankful for the amazing testimony and example that he has been for me and my family. I am so glad that he is seeing his Savior face to face. Love you, Grandpa!

 

Steve Perkins

Today March 18th, 2012 at 4:30, my grandpa Don Peterson went to be with the Lord! He was a faithful follower of Jesus and a true inspiration to the rest of the family for 95 and a half years! I hope to live a life just like he did, with every minute of his being, shining the light of Christ! Love you Grandpa! : )

 

Darrell-Martha Riggs

At 4:30 pm today, Martha's father Don Peterson met his Savior face to face. The pain which he endured for the past few weeks does not compare to the joy he is experiencing now. As I pondered his suffering, I read Psa. 116 and saw that God trusted him to endure without murmuring as a testament to God's goodness. Dad was faithful. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Continue to pray for Martha's mom - she has Alzheimer's and does not understand what has happened.

Benjamin Hilty wrote a touching tribute at http://hillteatime.com/

Old Video’s of the Family

Last night we (Rebecca, Jenn, Stephen, and I) sat around the TV and watched old family videos.  They were hilarious.  You forget how silly old hairstyles can look.  You wonder, “did I really think that was cool?”  You see that your children dressed all the time in their favorite outfits and you think, “couldn’t we afford better clothes for them?”  Putting the outward trappings aside it was good to see that they enjoyed being together as a family.  Whether the objects of parental filmmaking or filmmakers themselves, they were having fun.  Although what you capture on film can come back to haunt you, in one section I reminded Rebecca the camera was rolling as she was gently scolding one of the boys.

 

In one scene the boys were riding an Elephant.  Rebecca asked Steve if he remembered the ride.  Steve said, “I remember the video.”  That has become a standard joke in our home about remember the past.  If it weren’t for the visual history the stories would have been lost forever.  Our culture doesn’t pass down its histories through oral stories any more.  We have become dependent on film, moving and still.  It would be interesting to know home many people in church today know the details of the Exodus through reading the Bible or watching the Ten Commandments. We are exhorted by the psalmist to pass down the stories of God’s love, that the generations to follow would know His deeds and place their confidence in Him.

 Psa. 78:1  Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, 6 that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 that they should put their confidence in God.

I am a big fan of the silver screen, but there is something about the written word that ignites the imagination in a different way then film.  I think that telling, or reading stories to our children are personal, interactive, and more compelling.  Our children hear our passion as we retell the stories of God’s history of mankind.  They can ask us questions and see how God’s word has changed our lives.

As a grandparent I look forward to setting my granddaughter/son on my lap and read to them stories of God’s love and grace.  I want them to hear it from my lips, to know what I think about them, to understand my passion for God.  I want them to know that I have put my confidence in Him and that they too can trust in his gracious providence.  And in those moments of intimacy I hope one of their parents takes video, so when I am no longer on this earth, they can remember how much I love them and desire that they love my God.  I’m just saying…

BOOKS!

There are 26 steps to the second story of our house, and as the men unloaded the truck, the forty some boxes of books they carried to the small room at the end of the hall began to take their toll.  Each time a box marked “books” was unloaded a little sigh could be heard.

Two week have passed since their unloading, and the work of going though them has been as difficult as carrying them in.  There are children’s books, teenage novels, historical novels, self-improvement, gardening, home repair, commentaries, bibles, and the list goes on.  Each book is an old friend, either read by us, or our boys, and trying to decided which ones to keep, give away, or toss has been point of frustration. 

We both love books and we see things differently.  Rebecca would be like Anna Quindlen who said,  “I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.”  For my self Joe Rayn expressed it well, “There's nothing to match curling up with a good book when there's a repair job to be done around the house.”

Books add to our knowledge, our inspiration, and our vocabulary.  They help us see the world in new and different ways, and stretch both our imagination and minds beyond the small confines of conventionality.  Yet, there are some warnings as well.  The writer of Ecclesiastes writes to his son, “But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body” (Eccl. 12:12).  Too much reading leads to flabby skin.  There needs to be a balance between the exercise of the mind and the exercise of the body.

Learning new things and ideas can lead to accusations such as was laid against the Apostle Paul, “While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad” (Acts 26:24).   Of course Festus was reacting negatively to the gospel.

God wants us to learn.  He wants us to explore creation, thought, and creativity.  We are in His image and learning should lead us to Him.  The problem with too many books, too much learning, is that our culture has come to believe that knowledge itself will bring an end to pain and suffering.  Yet, the more we learn, the more we find we don’t really know.  Paul warns his protégé, Timothy, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Tim. 3:7).  Jesus said, “know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  He was speaking of himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  Anyone who comes to me will find life.”  No matter how many boxes of books, how many shelves I might fill, if the knowledge contained in them does not lead me to Jesus, all I have done is read meaningless words an a page.  I’m just saying…