Are you a Fisher of Men
or
A Keeper of the Aquarium?
“Too many churches have stopped being fishers of men, and have become keepers of the aquarium,” said Pastor Ray at Bayside Church in Sacramento, CA in his Refuel devotional today. http://baysideonline/devotionals/refuel-2018
(Go to today’s refuel: 3/28/19)
Check it out.
Pastor Ray suggested that as “Keepers of the Aquarium” we miss the chance to reach out beyond our own to help others. He suggested ways we might be effective “Fishers of Men.”
Our Aquariums
The imagery of us church-goers just swimmin’ in our own little tanks and feeding off of one another and keeping to ourselves tickled and troubled me. Tickled, when I realized we, like these jellyfish, all look about the same – very little diversity – and we’re swimming around in our own little circles, taking care of each other. Troubled, when I see that even in our own little space, our feelers are not quite touching most of the time!
Be Inspired
The devotional (I hope you clicked on the link and heard the message) inspired me to look again at my servant/service role.
Oh sure, Bob & I are teaching a Sunday School – – – three darling little 3 to 6 year olds – – – they feed our souls! But, how are we being Fishers of People? How are we reaching outside our aquarium to spread the Good News to others in the world?
Blog
One way is by the messages we post on our blogs. JanBeek is all about “Loving One Another.” Not just those in our aquarium, but in the lakes and rivers and big blue sea, too. I love my growing list of followers. I love that you represent countries outside the USA and states outside Montana! I hope you find inspiration here. I aspire to inspire and increase your belief in the grace of God, your faith in our fellow human beings, and the desire to reach out in love.
How Do We Show Our Love?
Yesterday I heard on FaceBook a fantastic message by the founder of https://www.charitywater.org/ I joined (with a small monthly pledge) the “Spring” to help provide clean water to more people in the world. Hopefully, the message of the Deliverer of Living Water will accompany the new wells provided by the teams who go to care for and share with these needy folks. Look at their website and see the teams of young people who are traveling to impoverished areas and bringing new hope. It’ll warm your heart!
So far, the statistics for CharityWater reports these successes:
35,281
Water projects
funded
9,562,163
People will get
clean water
27
Countries
All donations (100%) go to the clean water projects. Salaries and administrative expenses are paid by companies, partners, philanthropists who contribute for that purpose. My little amount each month goes directly to the intended purpose: to fund clean water projects and delivery to those in need. Yay! That’s one way to swim outside your aquarium!
Find a Need Beyond Your Aquarium
Maybe you’ll look at ways you can improve your service to others, too. Reach out to your neighbors, your local Food Bank, Medical Center, Senior Living facility, Library, etc. There countless “fish” out there in your local sea of troubled waters who need what you have to give.
Reach Beyond Your Borders
Look for world-wide worthwhile projects that touch your heart. I am a follower and advocate of Bob Goff’s Love Does project. Another of my small monthly pledges helps this international project that touches my heart.
Bob Goff says, “We have been fighting for human rights and providing education to children in conflict zones for over 15 years.”
You’ll see him on his website – smiling his goofy smile and inviting you to get involved.
Bob Goff
Bob is a New York Times best selling author (Get his book titled, Love Does, if you have not already read it). He was a recognized lawyer for over 25 years. In 2001 he saw a need in India and founded what is now known as Love Does.
100%
Bob promises, “We understand it can be daunting to know where to give your time and financial resources. We promise that 100% of every dollar you give will go directly to fund our international programs.”
Transparent
I promote LoveDoes.org because I have confidence in the work it is doing to improve the lives of countless people in need. Especially his work providing educational opportunities for children is near and dear to my heart. I receive regular updates.
Bob Goff says, ” At Love Does we strive to be transparent. We have years of a proven track record and we want to invite you in to be curious. Ask questions! We want you to feel comfortable with where you are investing.”
Search Your Heart
Find the places, the people, the needs that touch your heart. Act today to reach out. Don’t get stuck in your aquarium!
Be a Fisher of People – not just the Keeper of Your Aquarium!
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