~Daily Devotion 21st~

(Deuteronomy 33:27)

"The Eternal God is your Refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Hi Everyone,

I have a question for you. Have you ever felt just like goin fishin? Yes, I spelled it correct. Goin Fishin, not Going Fishing.

There is a difference. When you are Going Fishing, you are serious about what you are doing. You plan to catch a big string of fish to bring home and fry. As for myself, I take this type of Fishing very seriously.

But when you are Goin Fishin, well that is just another word for saying, "Hey, I need a break."

A few years ago, my younger daughter sent me a song, called "Gone Fishin",

written and recorded by "Chairmen of the Board"

It's main subject is I had enough, so I'm goin fishin.

She knows that I love to fish. She also knows when I need to be by myself, that I will grab a pole and go sit by the nearest lake. Not really to catch anything, but just to relax and pray.

I am going to share a few of the words to the song with you. And when you read them, you better not say, "I have never felt that way." If you do, I will pray for you. Ha Ha Ha Ha

I cannot quote all the words at this time, but it goes something like,

"Everybody wants me to be what they want me to be,

But I can't be nobody else but me.

I am sick and tired of trying to please everyone else,

I gonna take me some time and steal away and please myself.

I gonna walk away and want look back,

If anyone asked where I'm at. I'm gone fishin, wasting some time,

gone fishin, leaving my troubles behind, gone fishin, I'm resting my mind.

If I don't get away I'm goin to lose my mind.

Prices too high, my money is low,

My friend who ask me for a loan,

ain't my friend no more.

What the use in worrying about the things you can't do

nothing about.

Be happy go lucky, time will work it out.

I am going to lock my door, and close my blinds,

In my window, I gonna leave a sign,

Gone Fishin, wasting some time, gone fishin, leaving my troubles behind

gone fishin, resting my mind, gone fishin.

Sing a Happy Song

LA, LA, LA, LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA"

Yes, there are times that we feel we need to go fishin. Those are the times we need to sit in the Presence of the Lord. Those are the times we need to seek His wisdom.

You know, I am glad that the Lord does not shut His blinds and close the door, and put a sign out that says, "Gone Fishin."

For I am sure at times He may feel like it, but He is always there for us, with His arms wide open for us to run into. We can always find refuge in the Shelter of His Mighty Wings.

Oh, and if I were to talk to some of your friends and family, they might tell me, "Yes, Pastor Pat, __________________,(put your name in the blank) needs to take your advice and chill, take a break and go fishin..."

So, grab a pole, and meet me at the nearest fishin hole. Oh, if something happens that I cannot be there, God told me to tell you that He would be there for sure. You could count on Him. He said to tell you He is excited about the fishin trip, and He has a lot in store for you. He is expecting good conversation and said to tell you that He is ready to just lay back and relax with you, down at the fishin hole.

Also, He said to tell you that you will not need to bring anything to drink, because He is the only living water that you will need. And, He will supply the fish, so don't worry about bringing anything to eat. He is going to furnish everything you will need for this fishin trip.

Oh, If I do not make it, you and God have a good time.

Scripture: The New King James Version

Devotion Written By: Pastor Pat Aman

Devotion Written or Posted By: Pastor Pat Aman Book "Coffee With Pat Daily Devotionals"

Study Notes: The New King James Bible

Unless otherwise stated, all content in this mail is © 1996 through 2010 by Coffee With Pat, and the Respected Authors.

Blessing, Love and Prayers,

Pastor Pat

The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength

Laughter Is Good For The Soul

I feel that there is someone who needs to let go of the pass, and walk in God's future. Joe and myself, had to let go of the past about 15 years ago, so God could lead us into the future. When we had some individuals working together to close our business because they wanted it. We lost everything. We had to start over. Joe went from owning his own business to working at Radio Shack making $100 a week plus commission. So we did not have a lot of money for the extra things. Sometimes even the cabinets were bare. We could not understand why God would allow this to happen. We went to church, paid our tithes and was doing everything that God required. But God had bigger plans for us. I remember one time it was 4 days until payday. Joe's mother was bedridden and I was keeping her by myself. Our girls were at school. I had been busy trying to collect enough pennies from the draws an in the stairs, to go to the store to buy a loaf of bread. I collected enough to by a short loaf of bread. While I was getting ready to go to the store, I decided that I needed to stop by the restroom, before leaving the house. When I finished in the restroom, I notice that we did not have any toilet paper. I guess that was the breaking point for me. Yea over a roll of toilet paper. I said God, Why? I have no food in the cabinets, my girls will be home from school and I do not have anything to fix for supper. Lord what am I doing wrong. And by the way Lord, we do not even have any toilet paper. Now folks God does care and He does have a sense of humor. Before I could even get out of the restroom, the door bell rang. I went to the door, and there stood a lady. She said Pat , I know that this might be hard for you to except, because you have always been the one who has given to everyone in need. But I was in the grocery store and God told me to buy you some groceries. And by the way what kind of toilet paper do you use? I said well I usually get Charmin. She said you want believe this, but God told me to make sure I get Charmin, because that is what you like. Now folks, if God cared enough about Joe and I to get the right brand of toilet paper, in other words, He cares that I have the right things to wipe my back side, let me tell you, he is going to take care of all your needs. But you may first need to let go of the past, so God can have your future. You may need to forgive not only others who have wrong you, but you may need to your give yourself and God, Yes I said God. Because see I was blaming God when I said why are you letting this happen to Joe and me? While forgiving others is crucial, forgiveness is also needed in two other areas. One is forgiving yourself. Emotionally wounded people often feel guilty about not being what they think they should be. Instead of beating ourselves up for that , we need to be merciful. We have to be able to say, "Self, I forgive you for not being perfect, an I thank You, God, that You are right now making me into all that You created me to be. I also had to ask God to give me the will to forgive the ones who hurt Joe and myself. And Praise God, He did.