Some Days the Fish, Some the Bait

“‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19). If He’d told them they’d be the bait, would they so quickly have bitten the hook? It’s easier to tell someone about Jesus with words than it is to live out faith. It’s a lot easier to stand in front of a large crowd and speak than it is to lose an infant daughter, suffer disease, watch your mother die, and proclaim your love for the Lord while maintaining your hope in Him. It’s way harder to smile through pain than to say, “Jesus died for you.” Bait. When you can be the answer to the question of how a loving God allows bad things to happen, you’re the bait.

When men cast lures into the water, they can’t see the fish. They can’t see the fish. When you’re in the midst of a trial, you’re often too submerged in murky misery to see what you’re fishing for. In those times, pray God will remove the cloudy me-ness and make apparent those who are missing His message. Find them in their hiding places, like the bass among the branches. They’re often hard to spot through the fog of, “I’m fine,” but they hunger for healing that only Jesus can provide. Sometimes living out faith is the only way to catch and relieve a desperate soul.

Gently reel if you feel a tug. Offer sincerity, or you’ll break the line. Reveal God’s provision. Be the bait, meet the fish’s need, and you will demonstrate that God works all things for the benefit of those who love Him and allow His control.

May your writing be crystal clear like the Carribbean, and may it not hurt to be the bait.

Don't Tease Me!

I'm reading a very wordy book right now. It has a compelling message that needs to be expressed and received, but the author is extremely wordy. This particular 300-page book could more effectively be presented in 200 pages. That's not really what bothers me about the book, though. What annoys me is the tease.

At least once per chapter, the author says something to this effect, "I'll cover that topic in a later chapter." Grrr! I can't stand when writers make those statements. It's as if they're afraid the reader is going to put the book down and not pick it back up unless he's informed of what's coming next. Well, that's what the table of contents and back cover summaries are for. They let readers know everything that's discussed between the book's covers.

Don't tell me what's coming next! Write your material well, and it will naturally transition into what's coming next. Trust me, your reader, to keep reading. I will receive your message.

Christian Writer's Conference in Dallas

If you're in the Dallas/North Texas area, I'd like to let you know about an upcoming Christian Writer's Conference. For only $50 (if registered by July 19, $60 after that), you can attend an all-day conference hosted by Roaring Lambs Ministries. The event will be held at Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House on Beltline Road in Addison, Texas, on Saturday, July 25. Cost includes lunch and materials!

Speakers are Dr. Gene Getz, Mary DeMuth, Karol Ladd, Jody Capehart, Allison Bottke, and more. Don't miss out! Register now at www.roaringlambsministries.org. See you there!