This morning, the temperature felt wonderful. It was a breezy 70 degrees. I noticed a bag of stale rolls on the counter calling me to go feed the fish. So, I did. I grabbed the bag of rolls, slipped on my shoes, walked out to the pond while the morning sun was beginning to peek through the trees, and began crumbling the rolls up while throwing them into the pond.
A few things I noticed were:
- The growing brim were not in abundance as normal. Could it have been because of…
- The extremely fast growing and hungry catfish?
- The little gator in our pond even was a bit cautious around the catfish. He normally acts like he’s one of the brim and excitedly munches on the bread (I know. I know. Don’t feed the gators. He’s been with us since a wee-little-thing, and I’ve never seen him harm the fish once. Not on momma bear’s watch, or should I say momma fish’s watch.)
- The catfish would gulp the large pieces of bread, barely leaving any crumbs. Yet, the crumbs they did leave, the little fish would anxiously scurry over to nab before a large shadow swam underneath them.
- The wake of the catfish’s movement pushed some of the large pieces closer to shore. This made the small brim happy.
I stood on the bank of the pond for about thirty minutes observing the actions of all the water creatures. While being attentive to every movement, a few bible verses would pop into my mind. I’m not one to remember the address of the verse, but the following abbreviated verses came to mine:
- Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth.
- The devil came to steal, kill, and destroy.
- Even the dogs eat the crumbs.
- There’s strength in numbers
When I settled back down on my comfy couch, I looked up these four verses and pondered on them a bit more. Here are some thoughts…more thoughts:
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
In my study bible, the commentator says, “Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don’t think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you.” Amen. Listen, it doesn’t matter your age or the stage you are in in your walk with Christ, teach others how to live with Christ by your actions and words. Show them God’s love though your integrity and purity. Walk in faith. There will always be someone older and someone more wise than you, let that be a motivator to grow old with Christ and grow in Christ.
https://soakinguptheson.com/new/daily-journaling/oh-bee-careful-little-mouth-what-you-say/
Those little brim were more shy than normal, but they soon became bold and grew in numbers. It appeared that there would be a fish on the lookout, while another fish would swim over and nibble on some bread. Also, once the threat seemed to be gone, a school of brim would swim over to one of the larger pieces that had been moved closer to shore by the wake of the catfish. Strength in numbers.
Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But those who are alone when they fall have no one to help them. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
I want to encourage you to don’t go at growing in faith alone. Join a church, a small group, a bible study, etc. Be encouraged by others, and be an encourager as well.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Oh how haunting those large catfish would appear to the brim. Their presence almost seemed paralyzing to the immature fish. Their behavior reminded me of a big bully. Someone who desires to feel significant by demeaning another. The larger fish came to steal the bread from the smaller ones. They could have easily engulfed a brim with one swallow.
Have you ever been intimidated by someone or something so much that you were terrified? Friend, let me remind you that the devil does want to steal, kill, and destroy you and any joy you may have. Satan has the spirit of fear. Yet…take hold…God is NOT a god of fear, but of love, peace, and joy. He has already…get that..already…overcome this world. We know the ending. If you haven’t heard…spoiler alert…God wins. Don’t allow Satan to steal, kill, and destroy anything from you the God has intended for you. Put on the armor of God and be watchful. Like the verse ends, He has come so that you may have life and have it abundantly. Live an abundant life.
https://soakinguptheson.com/new/daily-journaling/beware-there-may-be-werewolves/
The woman said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the pieces of food that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! You will get what you asked for.” And right then the woman’s daughter was healed. Matthew 15:27-28
Be humble and have faith!
For more info on to why the Canaanite woman was called a dog, please see:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Canaanite-woman-dog.html
Well, I hope you enjoyed random thoughts from Stephanie while feeding the fish.
I truly want to encourage you to see the good and God in your surroundings. And like me, even when you don’t know the “address” to a bible verse, look it up, and dig a little deeper into God’s word.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie