Is it in you?

Think of a time when you were extremely thirsty.  It may have been after a hard day of yard work when you were too busy to stop.  Perhaps it was an athletic event like a soccer game, a 10k run or a triathlon.  Or maybe it was just walking to your car in July in Atlanta.  Can you also remember that extreme yearning for something to drink?

The well and the water within are used throughout the Bible to symbolize the quenching nature of God the Father and God the Son.  The yearning that we have for something to drink should be the same yearning that we have for being close to God.  As the water is drawn from the well, it represents the saving grace that God has provided through his son, Jesus.  When we drink the water, it symbolizes the refreshment that comes with knowing Him more.  And as it flows into our body, it fills our soul and cleanses us of our sin.

The next time you are thirsty for a drink, think of the satisfying nature of God that can only be realized through his Son, Jesus.  Is it in you?

Those Were The Days

Parts of the Middle East have been decimated by the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict, and tens of thousands are reported dead.  But 1500 miles to the east, on a small island near Abu Dhabi, a sign of more peaceful times was found.  A tablet with a cross was discovered by archaeologists, indicating there was a thriving community of Christians that made their way to the island 1400 years ago.  This is further east than many had estimated in recent years.  Other findings indicate there was probably thriving trade between Christians and Muslims.  It is unknown what eventually happened to the Christian settlement, but experts agree that the buildings uncovered do not appear to have suffered any sudden demise.  I pray that this kind of peace can return to the region soon so that healing can begin.

Click here for the full story with video.

The Rock

In Matthew 16, Matthew writes that the disciples had been traveling with Jesus and listening to him teach.  While in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked them, "who do the people say that I am?".  The disciples replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, some say Jeremiah".   And Jesus asked, "but who do you say that I am?". Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the son of the living God."  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."  So Jesus has given Peter the amazing honor and immense obligation of being the rock that the Church is built on.  It is somewhat unbelievable that later, as Jesus is being led to his crucifiction, Peter denies knowing him three times.  While this is startling, it is somewhat comforting to know that the rock the church is built on, was also human and subject to sin.  That helps me to know that my many sins have been overcome by the power of God through his son, Jesus Christ.   

Long Distance Call

 

I have posted about my good friend, John Crawford, in the past.  We have known each other since 1980.  He is my insurance agent; I am his real estate agent; he is my wife's boss, and he has been my spiritual mentor and encourager for 45 years.  John has four amazing sons, and I  have known all of them all of their lives.  The youngest, Stevie, was always full of mischief and curiosity, and I have watched him grow into a mature, thriving adult.  He moved to Montana where he met his wife Abby.  Stevie and Abby became active in a ministry leading students to Jesus.   Abby had some serious health issues that took months to address.  During that time, they felt the full power of their faith as they leaned on God for understanding and for healing.  While Abby's health issues have improved, they still require attention and care.  Despite this, Stevie and Abby felt called to leave the country for full time mission work.  On Tuesday night, about 50 of us gathered at Stevie's parent's home and prayed for God to bless them and the work that they would do overseas.  Praise God for friends like John.  Praise God for the father he is to his boys.  Praise God for Stevie and Abbie's faithfulness to dedicate their lives to bringing good news to people who may never have heard the name of Jesus.