I don’t know that you could find anyone in the fishing industry more loved and appreciated than the late Uncle Homer Circle. Long before “professional sports fishermen” came to be, and at a time when this country needed uplifting, along came Florida’s Homer Circle. As a former sports editor/tackle manufacture executive, Homer became the primary author for Sports Afield Magazine. For decades this publication has provided timely insights and warm humor that has cheered and inspired sportsmen everywhere.
I knew Homer for many years and received inspiration and encouragement from his wise counsel. Many folks got a glimpse into this patriarch’s warm personality through the award-winning film “Big Mouth.” This project involved Uncle Homer and Glen Lau, a world renown videographer/producer. These two men were able to share the secrets of black bass fishing by spending thousands of hours filming fish underwater in their natural habitat. They worked hard and dove deep to retrieve priceless footage for our edification. To really know how fish would react to selected presentations they had Uncle Homer fish a variety of lures, carefully studying the nature of the fish. Many helpful theories about bass fishing came from the lessons learned from their months of research.
In some ways, I like to approach God’s Word like I approach learning to fish for a species. Sure, a cursory reading of the Bible will provide you with many wonderful insights. But when you cast deep and study God’s Word, you begin to “catch” some significant truths. For instance, you begin to see amazing correlations between the Old and New Testaments. Years ago, when I first started studying Scripture, there were just a few translations to choose from. Today we have dozens of translations and paraphrases of the Bible that can provide a clear understanding of the message God is proclaiming. When I think about Christians in China and other countries who may have to share one tattered Bible among a whole church congregation, I realize how truly blessed we are.
A frayed and worn Bible is a well-read one. What is the condition of yours? When was the last time you picked up a Bible? If you are uncomfortable with the translation you currently have, ask a Christian friend to help guide you to a translation of the Bible you can really get into. he Apostle Paul reminds us regarding God’s Word, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” ( )
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:9-16
Personal Application: If you’re new to reading the Bible, the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament is a good place to start. Always go to the Word with the intent to meet with God and not just to learn “stuff.” Make Bible reading a daily habit. You can also get the You Version App on your phone and read or listen to God’s Word anywhere, anytime.
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5