Thursday, March 31, 2005

Thirsty for God



“Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, "Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."John 4:10 nkjv

The church service began as usual with our singing a few choruses followed by a time called “Select a Hymn” – a favorite with the members of our congregation.

As the pianist, I’m challenged when this time rolls around. I never know which hymn will catch someone’s eye on any given evening. Some nights, I know them all. At other times, I’m at a loss, but since I can play ‘by ear,’ some of the songs I manage to pick my way through without sounding completely tone deaf.

At one point, the guitarist, Amy, said to the drummer and me, “I’d like to sing ‘As the Deer,’” but we were so busy trying to keep up with the current selections, she didn’t get a chance to request it.

The song leader seemed ready to wind the session down when he said to one man who had been very persistent in raising his hand, “Which number did you select, young man?”

He stated the hymn number, and out of over 500 hymns in our book, he had chosen “As the Deer.”

Amy’s face lit up. The three of us praised the Lord with her as we sang the words in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”

I thought how wonderful it was that the desire of her heart to praise the Lord with a certain song was granted. How many times have you prayed for something and the Lord answered with a resounding, “Yes!” to your request?

If the Lord knows the number of hairs on your head, He knows the desires of your heart. Of course, sometimes God says, “No” or “Not now,” but isn’t it wonderful when a prayer is answered so quickly? I loved it!

I have found through personal experience if I drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, I’m thirstier the entire day. I’ve also discovered if I read the Bible, pray, and seek God first thing in the morning, I long for even more time to spend alone with Him. As the deer pants for the water, my soul thirsts for God, the Living Water.

How about you? Are you thirsty?

Prayer: Lord, I praise You and long to draw closer to You. I thank You for the Living Water that becomes a fountain springing up into everlasting life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Given to Hospitality or Griping?



Are you hospitable? Click here to read a short piece on hospitality I wrote for Sisters in the Lord Magazine. God bless you!

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Baby Jowlface


Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God



I’ve been working on a book proposal, and studying (yes, I’m in college), so I thought I’d do something a bit different and share a link to the website of my friend and writing mentor, Mary DeMuth. Harvest House Publishers just released her book, Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God. I was privileged to see the manuscript before it hit the market, and honored to write a glowing review. Enjoy.

Monday, March 7, 2005

Still Smitten



For those who've asked how Molly's doing, here's an updated picture. The link to the original post and pictures is here.

The Gospel of the Righteousness of God


To read an article entitled The Gospel of the Righteousness of God on Living the Solution.com, click here.

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Old Hen or Spring Chicken?


The annual event that comes whether you like it or not happens this month - I get to celebrate another birthday. I say, “get to” because so many people dread their birthday. The popular saying is, “You might as well enjoy it. Think of the alternative!” But when you say that to a Christian, the alternative is better. As Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Someone in my church had a birthday last week. When I asked how old this person was, I was told thirty-nine AGAIN. And this from a man! I guess hedging when asked your age isn’t strictly a woman’s prerogative after all.

My mom told anyone who asked she was thirty-nine for so long that I really don’t know how old she is now. When I became older than my mom, I told her she was going to have to add a few years!

Our time on earth is short compared to eternity. I wrote a song with the words, “Life is like a vapor quickly gone. Our only hope for eternity is God, the Father. His never-ending love sent Christ, His Son.” These lines were based on James 4:14 , “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” We must make the best of what little time we have on earth. Cherish each day. Live a life that glorifies God.

Not long ago I ran into one of my favorite teachers while waiting for my daughter in the orthodontist’s office. It surprised me to learn his daughter was younger than mine. I took a closer look at him only to realize he couldn’t have been more than five or six years older than me so when I was 17, he was only 22 or 23 - not an old man at all. In high school, he seemed so much older.

So age is a relative matter. And in my case, my relatives remind me of my age. My siblings remind me I am the eldest. My son thinks I am out of touch with popular culture, but my mother thinks I am a spring chicken. So since wisdom comes with age – hopefully -- I have decided that I will go with my mother’s opinion!

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I intend to turn thirty-nine again on my birthday, too.

Prayer: Lord, help us to serve You with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Help us to live each day to its fullest. May something we do today have an impact for eternity. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
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