by John Fischer, King David, Frederick Lehman, and Dave Lambert
In the process of researching what is meant by, “Take delight in the Lord,” I ran across the lyrics of one of my favorite hymns, “The love of God.” If not my favorite hymn, certainly, my favorite verse from a hymn:
by John Fischer, King David and Mike High
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:4-6
Remember how this Psalm started? Don’t worry about the wicked. Don’t get all wrapped up in how bad the world is getting. It’s so easy to follow all the negative prompts on the news and the internet and get all twisted up inside as to what to do. That’s the beauty of this Psalm. David tells us what to do.
by John Fischer, King David and Cynthia
Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
A Psalm of David 37:1-3
It is incredible how scripture always seems to speak with pinpoint clarity to the issues of each generation thousands of years after it was written. In this case, a Psalm written by David roughly 3,000 years ago nails our current crisis so well, we are going to spend the week letting it speak to us. We are also going to hear from some of our MemberPartners as to how these truths relate to their own life experience.
To be successful in approaching our theme, “Not Done Yet,” the first thing we as Citizens of the Catch Ministry need to do is push past preconceptions about the various generations’ mindsets and definitions. As one of our MemberPartners, Deborah Mullan, recently said about her Millennial generation:
“We are adults. Most of us are educated, we are in the work force. Many of us are married and responsible for children. If ever there was a consideration that we act as if we are privileged, we are over it.”
As we stand together, I am compelled to share a tale of transition and guidance from the Lord, woven through the imagery of two cherished prints adorning our home.
Valentine’s Day, with its enchanting allure, offers a glimpse into the depth of intimacy we share with our partners. It’s a night of tender embraces, passionate kisses, and shared moments that remind us of the extraordinary bond we’re fortunate to have. Yet, as the florist’s shutters close and the day fades into memory, we often find ourselves slipping back into routine, neglecting the intentional pursuit of love. But what if we could extend the magic of Valentine’s Day throughout the year? What if we could reignite the flames of passion and rediscover the joy of loving fiercely and fearlessly?
If you can’t handle thorns, how can you ever expect to hold a woman?
Roses were meant to be this way: to entangle their beauty and delicacy in a maize of twisted barbed wire. Perhaps to protect as much as anything. Perhaps to injure those who try to approach the beauty carelessly, but even those who are careful will risk injury. It is to be expected, for love costs.
A story told by Kent Nerburn
Several years ago, a cab driver arrived late at night for a pick-up at a building that was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.
Under these circumstances, he normally would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. Instead he went to the door and knocked.
by Marti and John Fischer
Have you ever had one of those days when you cannot consume enough coffee to prop the eyelids open and you require elbows, like crutches on the table, to hold you up?
I’m having one of those days today.
by Marti Fischer
Whether you are married, dating, about to… thinking of… or already getting a divorce, consider this: Just stop. Stop the complexity, and start making your life more simple. Buy your wife, your date, or your departing partner Roses on Wednesday — today, Wednesday, February 7th, and every Wednesday thereafter.
John Fischer The Catch 