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Hooked

HOoked

Dear Faith Family, 

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death, James 1:14-15. 

Tucked in the valley between two rises in the terrain is a little taste of heaven.  A three acre lake.  A solace of still water.  Nestled neatly in a pasture reflecting the trees on one side and the horses on the other, this spring-fed body of water is home to an untold number of largemouth bass. 

And yes, I was not only allowed to fish, I was encouraged to fish.  With fishing rods in one hand and tackle box in the other, to the lake I did go!  Attached to the end of my line was a silver spoon (No, not the kitchen drawer variety.  Rather, the kind that a largemouth might find on his diet!)  It only took two casts for a healthy bass to find himself hooked on a spoon diet. 

Here’s the thing, that largemouth bass saw something shiny, something that looked delicious, something that was an enticing imitation.  What that bass did not see was the treble hook attached to the end of the shiny lure.  What that bass did not read was the fine print. 

What a picture of sin!  Someone said, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” 

But the problem isn’t the object of our affection.  It’s not what’s “out there” that is the problem.  No, the problem, according to James, is our own appetite, our own sinful desire.  It’s what’s “in here” that is the problem.  We are hardwired with desire.  The problem is when our desire is for something other than our God.  Everything else is but an imitation.  Everything. 

If our focus is on the right object, namely our God, then we reduce the risk of being lured away, right?  You don’t have to be an expert on lures to keep from being enticed.  Rather, you need to discover the contentment, the utter satisfaction that is to be found in relationship with the living God. 

Communication is the heartbeat of relationship.  So, let’s listen up.  Let’s pay attention to God as His truth connects us more deeply with Him.  Let’s talk to Him today, right now.  Let’s share our hearts with Him that we might be satisfied in Him. 

Hooked, 
Pastor Karl