AUGUST 24, 2026
ON THE PORCH
4 AM FISHING
**I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6
Benny and I have been passing in the night lately, so we had to fit some time in where we could. One of our favorite activities together is fishing. We get up before the world wakes and go to the Oasis State Park (near Portales) for a few hours. It’s quiet, and we are alone together and can visit uninterrupted. We fish in the dark, while listening to fish jump and looking at the sky and wildlife. It is one of the most peaceful places on earth….our happy place. Then when people start showing up, we leave. 🤣😂
Last Wednesday, Benny had the CRV packed and ready, and we were on our way by 4:05 a.m. We got there and set up in our usual spot. Benny cast his rod and set his pole down to bait another one. It was yanked off the bench before he got 6 feet away. But while I was trying to get the net, the fish broke Benny’s line and got away. While recasting, the line broke again, and sent his bobber sailing across the lake. Eventually we lost sight of it as it lazily floated away. About an hour later, my line pulled and my bobber danced. Benny told me it looked like I had something. As I reeled it in, Benny caught sight of two bobbers making their way to us. When I got my line out of the water, my hook was empty. But my line was tangled with his bobber that had escaped earlier, and it had a good-sized fish on his hook.
We joked about who would get the credit for that fish since I reeled it in, but it was technically on Benny’s hook.
We also acknowledged the fact that only God could have attached Benny’s rogue bobber to my line, especially since it had been on the other side of the lake last time we saw it. God didn’t have to do that, but if for no other reason, it gave us joy, and it made for a good story.
**The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:7-9
Paul preached at Corinth until God called him to move. Apollo was zealous for God and wanted to serve Him. After a little direction from Priscilla and Aquila, but he ended up being obedient to God’s call and turned out to be a pretty good teacher. He preached and taught after Paul left the Corinthian congregation. People started taking sides and aligning themselves with one or the other, instead of seeing Paul and Apollo on the same team.
Both were Godly men and knew all glory and honor belonged to God, no matter what happened. Their job was to be faithful and do what God called them to at the time. Neither were expected to do it all, hook, line and sinker.
Many times, I mistakenly think it’s my job to plant, water, then sow the seeds, but these verses clearly tell otherwise. My job is to be obedient in whatever God calls me to do at that moment. I can share my faith, and I can share His love, but the rest is on Him. God alone can change hearts, give life, and grow the seed I help plant.
Just as God used the ministries of Paul and Apollo together, sometimes I need other believers to support, encourage, and water spiritual seeds I’ve helped plant.
If Benny had never cast and broken his line, I would not have caught his fish and bobber. It would have been a dull morning with nothing of interest to share. But God chose to give us joy instead.
God doesn’t NEED me, but He allows me to have a part in His plan because that grows my faith and strengthens our relationship, and I am thankful He does. It is fun sometimes to sit back and watch Him work after I’ve gotten to be a tiny part of His plan.
LORD God, thank You for using me, in any capacity. Thank You for allowing me to plant seeds of faith and see who You send to water them. Watching those seeds sprout and grow are some of the best times in my own walk. I know You don’t need me, but thank You for using me anyways. Give me a heart of obedience and an attitude of faith. Remind me to do what You ask, then trust You to bring that to fruition. Thank You, LORD, for sending others to plant and water seeds in my life. Thank You for who encourage, support, and bless me so much. May all I do bring glory and honor to You. In Your holy and precious name, amen.
**Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
ON THE PORCH 