Fish Prison – Here we go!
Well, here we go. I have been contemplating this for some time. It feels a little bit like the first dive off the high board. It looked like a great idea standing on the ground. Now that I am up here – YIKES. I have friends saying, ‘how long are you going to stand up there? Jump!’
Well. Okay.
The whole purpose of the blog fishprison.com is to help us live a life that is freer in Christ… ‘to break out’ …to live beyond the glass. (Fish prison = aquarium). Jesus came to set the prisoners free. We have boxed ourselves back up in a fish tank.
But we cannot live free in the fish tank. My point here is that we seem to have repeated the past. The church as a whole has done this in the past. We have programmed ourselves into a little aquarium with fish activity, or we have designed a comfort zone for ourselves where we live – looking out at the rest of the world. We have bought-in to what the enemy wants. Containment, process, program, and over-reaching metrics of success. The enemy wants anything but release. The enemies grimy, blood-stained fingers have been at work boxing us up, again. Attempting to re–captivate us. Jesus came to set the captives free. Free to what? You will see.
I hope that my quirky way of viewing life will help you see Him more clearly. And then encourage you to live an abundant life… beyond the glass.
Starting the end of July, I break some of my own glass.
Thank you Doug, for being so encouraging. You are such a true man of God! You and your family will always have a special place in my heart. Blessings and Prayers , Barbara (Zumpfe) Weaver.
Thanks Barbara! You and Mark are (were) special. He still is!! I miss you two and think of ya’ll often!!!
Looking forward to it, Doug!
Hope it helps you draw even closer to our Lord the whole week 🙂
I am looking forward to what you share on this and the encouragement on how to follow Christ more fully. I still think about some of the things you said when you were at FBC.
Those were some great times in Harrison!!!! It is good to know a few of the words God gave me still ring true. Thanks for the encouragement!! I am praying this helps us all see Him as more relational than we ever thought possible!!
Thanks Doug. I know you’ve talked about this for a long time. Several coffee’s at Panera. Lol. Love you as a brother in Christ. I’m trying to crack the glass.
I am glad we are brothers!!! And I am glad you are one of our leaders…and a good one at that 🙂
Once the Covid slows down, we can resume Panera coffee and our discipling discussions!!! You are definitely getting outside the glass man!!
Thanks Doug. That’s an interesting analogy. I look forward to hearing more.
Thanks Mark! I have come to realize over the years that our Father is interested in walking with us in every waking minute, thought and action. And He is so much more relational as we… ‘draw near to Him…He will draw near to us’.
Here we go. To use another nautical theme by John Ortberg, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat”
It’s good to see you out of the boat.
Good stuff Mark! And thanks for encouraging me!!
Thanks Doug. Be encouraged as you encourage and challenge.
And to you Chris. Your blogs are timely!!!
Well, done big bro! Looking forward to this! So happy God thought to allow us to walk life together. Or should I say swim…
Thanks little sis 🙂 I am glad I finally have the courage to write more. God has moved me to do this. So, I hope and pray these words help others know Him and His ways so much more deeply!!