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Showing posts with the label Fishermen

Called

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He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him. Matthew 4:22 The stranger stood at the water's edge, having just called out over the sea to Simon and Andrew.  An offer for a life different, the brothers stopped casting their nets.  At Simon's order, they came to shore, as beckoned. James and John watched.  The sons of Zebedee were with their boat helping their father mend nets that had been torn.   "Who do you suppose that is?" James said to his younger brother. "I do not know," John replied. "Andrew has been talking about some preacher he met down by the river." "The Baptist?" James asked, having heard Andrew speak of the wild man by the Jordan, who ranted about repentance. "No," John responded. "Not him.  Andrew said there was another.  Maybe not a preacher, but a prophet." "Been a long time since the last one," Zebedee added, overhearing his sons discussion. "Ti...

Introspective

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Introspective. A shore avoided by those fearing the waves. Fishermen with nets cast out in the morning light. Introspective. Sitting at table with those who's folly is righteousness. A sinner cries, wiping His feet with her raven colored hair. Introspective. A tomb where a friend had been laid. Skeptics abound waiting to ridicule through tears a miracle comes forth. Introspective. Two beams fastened, forming an instrument of shame. A cross, the Father's way to love and shepherd His people. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Deeper

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Deeper, where the fish are abundant. He tells you to row out with faith and not any doubt. Deeper, to where the fluid runs dark, and the sun fails to pierce the darkness. Deeper, where faith is most challenged, in depths seen as vile by those staking claim to the light. Deeper, where your faith will flourish, with every net thrown out over the sea. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Gennesaret

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Standing on the shore of Gennesaret, a lake teeming with life. Those who fish are empty, soon their nets  and their souls will be filled. Fishermen on Gennesaret, men who labor to still their hunger. Cast out your nets, tired and laden, one more time. Standing on the shore of Gennesaret, He of who the crowds speak. A miracle is at hand. He stands along the shore, watching. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Sea of Galilee

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(Matthew 4.12-22; Mark 1.14-20; Luke 4.14,15; 5.1-11)   I labor with my hands. Hard calloused hands.   I know work and little rest. My night is finished, but you ask me to cast out one more time.   See these hands, teacher, these tired hands. They have mended nets torn by a day’s drudgery.   See these muscles, they are weary and seared. I have nothing to show for my efforts but sweat and ingrained filth.   And you ask me to cast out on the sea again.   My brother hears you speak and he brings you to me, hoping I will listen. Your words excite James and John, but they see life differently than I.   I need to feed my family. My brother and Zebedee’s sons chase prophets and harbor dreams that our world might be different,                 some day.   Your eyes look into my soul. What do you see in me? A body fatigued from its labor. A soul trapped in trial. I do as I say and n...

Fishermen

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  Boats on the shore. Muscles,  tired and nets empty.   Taste of salty air odors of damp nets. Again to set sail after a night of wasted energy.   This gentle teacher who sees inside my heart, caresses my spirit and knows strength and fault.                  A miracle, the net which had not one fish  is filled, ready to burst and the teacher  just smiles  at me. copyright 1998 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author