I was driving one day last week. We do a lot of that, over 40,000 miles this past year alone. Not even counting the miles I fly to the Revival Meetings. Anyway, I saw this sign, which would mean absolutely nothing to most motorists. But Oh, what memories they brought to  mind!

Today’s Bible Lesson …

When I first started pastoring (in 1966 while only nineteen years old), the Lord allowed me to serve a precious group of Believers in Newnan, Georgia. Southwest of Atlanta, in Coweta County, Oaklawn Memorial Baptist Church there. One Sunday as I preached a young man walked the aisle and asked Jesus to save him.

He lived near the City of Wedowee, Alabama … and was only temporarily in Newnan.

And now you know the significance of the sign above.

His name was Ronald, the last name still etched in my memory as well, though I’ll not use it here.

A soul had been saved!

A young Pastor had seen more “fruit” in his ministry!

This reminds me of a verse Jesus left us, Matthew 4:19. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

The verb “to follow” is an imperative here. We are commanded to walk in the steps of our Lord! It’s plural too, every Christian is to be a “disciple” in that sense.

The verb “to make” is “poieo” in Greek, being translated “cause you to become” nine different times! “Poieo” gives us the English words “poet” and “poem” and “poetry!” Works of art, beautiful within themselves!

Yes, Jesus crafts us (as does an artist) into being “fishers of men!” Making us each a “designer model” (a one-of-a-kind soul winner) in His work! “Fishers of men” then must be “beautiful” to Jesus, the works of His Hands!

This too … our Lord employs a unique noun for “fishers,” which is spelled “halieus,” simply being a derivative of the Greek word for “salt.” (Strange, since the Sea of Galilee is really a fresh-water lake!)

Then WHY does Jesus use this word for “fishers,” having that specific background, “salty?” Maybe because “salt” in one’s speech can indicate “choice, of high quality, excellent,” words being utilized! “Winsome words” might apply!

To the point, “soul-winners” for Jesus!

With “wise” words … as in Proverbs 11:30 … nudging men toward the Lord! “He that winneth souls is wise.”

“Fishes of men!”

Can YOU think of a person today to whom you might speak a word for Jesus?

I genuinely believe Ronald was saved that day.

Some “salty” word I spoke (as I preached) was taken by the Holy Spirit and used to create “thirst” in his young soul, thirst for the Water of Life, for Christ Jesus our Saviour!

I still thrill with the remembrance!

Will YOU endeavor to be a better witness for the Lord in the soon-coming year?

I need to be.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

As usual, if the Lesson “speaks” to your heart … let me know!

Text me at 770-844-7627.

Otherwise, I might never know if anyone reads my post this morning.

Plus … I LOVE hearing from you our readers.