I want to CATCH Some!

If you are going to "catch" fish... 

then you have to have the RIGHT "bait"!

Matthew 4:19

"Come follow Me", Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people!"

Every October, I have the privilege of traveling with some friends to the Betsie River in Northern Michigan to do some salmon fishing! I look forward to this trip EVERY year! There is nothing like hooking into a King Salmon or a Chinnook or a Coho Salmon and experiencing the thrill of fighting it into the net! Then the best part of all.... EATING what we have caught!

When fishing, it is important to select the RIGHT BAIT. Its also important to know your fish and what attracts them and a little about their habits. One must respect their environment and know how to approach them and not scare them away. Then... once you have the "opportunity" and have "earned the right" to be around them... you place your bait in front of them and hopefully... THEY TAKE THE BAIT! 

Makes me think about how we reach people with the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel. When we try to share what we know as the "answer" to life... most people are "freaked out" by our approach. In a lot of cases... we "blow it" before we ever have the chance to speak to them! 

Billy Graham once said... "The LOUDEST sermon we will ever speak in life... is the one without words!"

Just like fishing, we have to approach "our catch" with respect. We have got to know them before they will ever respond to what we share with them. 

Have you ever heard it said... "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care?!" IT IS TRUE!

Take the time to get to know someone. Learn about THEIR STORY before you tell them yours. Then... when its time to present to them your "message"... do it in a way that they can receive it! In other words... make sure you are using the "right bait".

Let me share with you what I mean....

If you are dealing with a guy... then find out what his hobbies or interests are and try to share the Gospel wrapped into a conversation that parallels his hobby/interest!

If you are dealing with a younger person, they are NOT going to relate to things that YOU enjoyed (music, traditions, and or other things that characterize your generation)... as much as they will with things that they are currently involved in or enjoying in their everyday lives. 

Just think before opening your mouth.

Salmon are "finicky"... they won't bite just ANY bait. Usually, its something flashy and small that causes them to STRIKE!

People are no different. They respond to something that "touches them". Listen and learn where their heart is... listen to them relate their struggles and pain in life. 

Then... "hit that button" and begin to share how Jesus is the only thing that can really bring change to their lives!

As much as I love catching fish... I love catching souls more! 

Men and Women need Jesus. He is THE ANSWER! Let's prepare for the greatest fishing excursion of our lives and prepare to catch as many "fish" (people) as possible!

Blessings to you!

Dan