Awhile back I was the speaker for a church fish fry. I was supposed to tell some fishing stories, share some fishing tips and present a challenge for each individual to know where they stood in a relationship with God. I didn’t really know anyone. I quickly sized up the rough and tumble group and concluded that a relationship with God might be another dimension for at least some of them (Yep, I judged them, and told some of my tips and stories).
After I spoke, a man leaned both hands on the table by me. With a low voice he said, “I brought my fishing buddy here tonight. You said all the words he needed to hear”. The room was filled with people around tables talking in subdued tones with some good laughter now and then. I noticed the stark contrast. The beginning of the evening, leading up to the church fish fry, was full of loud boastful voices with some serious put-downs. The winds of thought had brought us as a group to another place. A good place. Another dimension of relationship. God was involved. “A miracle happened” I thought.
“Will your friend listen to those words?” I asked. His reply was immediate…”I’m going to find out”
Concerning many relationships, what we want to hear is often so different than what we need to hear. When we begin to talk about having a relationship with God, it’s like going to another dimension. Many will not go there. Those of us who have a right relationship with God experience the initial changes as well as the gradual transformed life. God’s agenda for us, as we walk with him, is becoming more like Jesus.
I’m still pondering the dynamics, from start to finish, of a small group of mostly guys at a church fish fry. It seemed the whole group went to another dimension, or at least stood by the opened portal-door. Yes, last night I observed the secret to world peace, in those finding personal peace with God. The church seemed more peaceful. As I walked out to find my car, 2 Corinthians 5:17 came to mind…“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation (as in new species) : old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new!
What a fun evening. New friends, good food, lots of stories and laughter, God moved in people’s lives. I’m quite familiar with this dimension in everyday life. Another dimension? Only if a relationship with God is not a part of your everyday life.
…Sigh, I just realized I forgot to tell my big fish, no net, from a canoe on 10 lb test-story….huh
Gary
Gods Ways are...Different 
I’ve experienced a group trip to the dimension you mention, as well Gary. The Holy Spirit opened the portal, but whether to step through was up to each individual. Some did. Some did not. These are particularly sacred times, not soon repeated—at least in my experience. I’m not surprised God uses a fisherman like you as a fisher of men. Blessings!
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yes, It’s a fun experience David. I really liked the man’s answer about his friend “I’m going to find out”. They are fishing buddies so he will probably talk to his friend far enough from shore for any bailing from the conversation…lol.
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Thank God for authors and speakers like you who convey who the Lord is through thoughts and words.
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Thanks for the encouragement, Joy. It’s a humbling thing to see God use my words beyond the bounds of what I thought was said.
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Gary, even though I am not a fisherman, I would have liked to have heard your talk. It sounds like people were touched, and the moment was holy. You have a gift.
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Thanks Betty. You would have enjoyed the evening. Some people just like a nice fish fry. It was quite an interactive audience, crowded into the little church eating area off the kitchen. Yes, it was Holy. It sure didn’t start that way though. All fun, even in the serious
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Precious moments indeed when God the Holy Spirit moves as only He can. It’s a humbling experience to even be part of it. Wish I could have been there. Well done, Gary! Blessings!
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You would have enjoyed it Bruce. It all sounded so simple. Spend an hour hobnobbing with people who love eating fish and telling stories. Give a few fishing tips and share the gospel. I felt prepared until I got there and looked at the audience, realizing I had to change the presentation but not the message. Yes, humbling.
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So awesome how God sets us up to share His love. You didn’t know them, but God did and wanted them!! Go fisher of men Gary!!! 🙂
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You got it Ellie…God does set us up. I met a man who traveled a long way in an old pickup so rusty the body was coming loose from the frame and the engine was chanting between gasps “not sure I can”. He came to eat some fish and rub shoulders with fishermen. He had such a low raspy voice it was hard to know exactly what he said as he thanked me for what I said…more like what God told him using my voice.
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Gary, thank you for sharing this amazing testimony. My heart and soul nodded! Yes, many things we hear may not be what we need to hear~and when a “miracle” happens~from catching fish AND men~divine dimension is entered. It’s unexplainable and completely and utterly unimaginable ~except for those who live and thrive in this dimension.
Gary, you’re doing some amazing fishing! Isn’t it awesome how God uses you in the things you love the most to share about the truth? And to a bunch of fishermen that’s a big one! God bless you huge, my friend!
I really enjoy the pictures! I giggled thinking about my 2 lb test line and a BIG trout that makes it feel like I’m hauling in a record! I think you’ll always be a fisherman. You’re definitely a keeper, Gary!
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Thanks so much Karla…you are quite an encourager. I had always wondered if my overt sense of adventure was part or God’s plan or just me doing my thing my way. Probably both…but God uses crazy stories for his purposes. I have caught trout in streams on light line…I’m quite poor at that art. I salute you on your trout stories. Now I’m hungry for trout.
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It’s my blessing, Gary! I appreciate you and your walk and way with the Lord. My heart nodded at the “overt sense of adventure being part of or God’s plan or just both…” Amen! Look at how he’s using the stories.
I’m craving the trout and fishing! It seems there’s a bounty out there to catch, Gary. In every way! God bless you all. As always, I’m lifting you all in prayers and sending blessings.
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We are called to many things in life…what a blessing to those around you that you answered the call to witness about your faith. The Holy Spirit is at work in these moments or hours. You may never know the full extent of this encounter with these people…and that is okay. We must pray for all those that were there with you…Your pictures are wonderful!!! Keep Fishing Gary and I mean that in the best possible way.
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Thanks Linda. I don’t let on to all the battles I have had answering some of God’s specific callings. I am really good at too quickly saying “NO”. Yet every time I surrender and say yes, it’s been worth the work in the outworking. It seems that all my life I have been a “pinch-hitter”. A “gap filler” after others have said “NO”. I once said “yes” to a youth work that changed my life in so many ways, as well as other lives. I later found out that 32 people ahead of me had said no…Long story with numerous applications..
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I am glad you said ‘yes’ to these encounters when others said no. Wishing you blessings in all that you do!
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I am glad as well Linda…however, just to be honest, sometimes it takes me awhile to be glad.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Gary, I pray that the Holy Spirit will hook and continue to reel in those that nibbled at the message you shared.
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That is also my prayer Manette, knowing that for some, they have quite a journey to believe and receive God’s gift.
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Good one, Gary. It is such a blessing when God brings them to us and we experience the confluence of both dimensions. A way to remind us Christ is in both places hiding in plain sight.
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So true about Christ hiding in plain sight GW. Those who have eyes to see…seeing is quite a gift. We also only think we understand the dimensions God inhabits and works within…now there’s a campfire discussion to be had under the galaxies above.
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