Oak Haven United Methodist Church

 “…Put out into the deep [water], and lower your nets for a haul…”  Luke 5:4

 

Pastor Katie’s QUIPS

            (Questions, Understandings, Insights, Perceptions [&] Stories)
 

God has granted us OH! – Oak Haven, UMC.  As we prepare to launch out into the deep things of God, ministry and mission together, (Oak Haven) I ask, are you ready to go into the deep?

 

We have a special journey before us.  Two scriptures come to mind as we begin our voyages together.  The first is from Daniel 2:2 and the second is from Luke 5:4.  Both scriptures tell us a story about the depths of God.

Upon receiving a night vision about King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel declares; “God reveals the deep and secret things.  He knows what is in the darkness and the light dwells with Him.”  Secondly, the disciples have had a difficult night of fishing and are anchored in shallow waters, washing their nets after a fishless quest.  Jesus saw them and said to Peter; “Put out into the deep [water], and lower your nets for a haul.”  Now Peter, filled with exhaustion replies; “Master we have toiled all night and have caught nothing – never the less – at your word, I will lower the nets again.”  The story continues with the disciples catching so many fish that their boats and their partners’ ship nearly sink.  (Talk about a whale of a catch!) 

These two stories have significance for me as I anticipate our mission ahead.  God knows and will reveal those deep, secret things in each of us.  These secret, deep things motivate and inspire us for mission and ministry in Christ.  I believe it is up to us with God’s help to reach into the secret places of our hearts and find that place of joy that excites and invigorates sharing God’s love with God’s people.  As the Light in this community, together we can commence our journey and forge into the deep as Christ told His disciples. 

 “How deep our Lord does not say. The depth into which we launch will depend upon how perfectly we have given up the shore, and the greatness of our need, and the apprehension of our possibilities. Though there are treasures to be found on the seashore of daily life there are miracles of every kind which are found only in the deep water,” (Next Breathe Ministries).   OH, as we journey forward, may we grab our “fishing gear,” head for the deep waters and cast our nets!  I think there are signs, miracles and wonders awaiting us… as well as “a haul” of opportunities for us to share God’s love together.  I’m looking forward to it!

Love and Peace of Christ,

PK – Pastor Katie