Can We Wait?

Jesus replied, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
“Please Sir,” the woman said. “Give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again and I won’t have to come here to haul water.”
John 4:13-15 NLB

Isn’t it just like human nature to look for the easy way, or the shortest way, to the desired end? The woman misses the point so totally that it seems almost pathetic. Before we get all huffy and self-righteous though, we might consider if we aren’t just as pitiful when it comes to grasping God’s intended purpose. We want to lead godly lives, but we would rather avoid the tedious process that is the natural path to the end result – and we definitely don’t want to have to WAIT for it.

In our world of instant gratification at all cost, we have become a people who miss the journey even more so than our predecessors. Although we have progressed as far as instant access to information, we often lack real understanding. We are incredibly impatient and in our rush to avoid anything challenging, we miss the lessons intended to teach us the value and purpose of achieving a godly lifestyle. By constantly avoiding the process, we learn very little. And then we audaciously proclaim God’s way as terribly difficult. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” So which is it?

Jesus is the living Word and the Bible is the written Word and we need to take each into our souls, devouring every morsel of all that is available to us so we can begin to know how to live our lives in such a way that our comprehension of our life's purpose progresses. And although that progression may be achieved in tiny increments, we can gradually begin living a life that reflects truth and glorifies God.

Since each new day demands our participation, let’s decide in advance to let His faithful instruction be on our lips and burnt into our hearts - so that it can take us as HE wills

Purpose Driven Connection

Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Connection is sweeping the world with a new hope for God’s love, spread through anointed volunteers who have gone to over 69 countries to help in the refugee camps, hospitals, schools and clinics. This is all part of Rick’s worldwide initiative. How’s this for an acronym…? “PEACE Plan to promote reconciliation – Equip leaders – Assist the poor – Care for the sick – Educate the next generation… I love it!

The goal of the peace plan is described by Rick as the three-legged stool – churches, governments and resources of business and nonprofit organizations. What a tremendous vision God has laid on Rick Warren’s heart. Who better than the author of, “The Purpose Driven Life", which according to the premier issue of ‘The Purpose Driven Connection is “the best-selling hardback in American history and the most translated book since the Bible.” Translated in 91 languages, this book has sold more than 40 million copies.

I just love this quote from Warren about his PEACE plan: “The PEACE plan is like we’re building a plane while flying it."

As The Purpose Driven Connection movement continues to engage many more churches, leaders and volunteers, we can look forward to a growing worldview of trust and cooperation as the Holy Spirit leads.

And all God’s people said…AMEN!

Thoughtful quote:

Philip Yancey (The Power of Writing, Christianity Today – Oct. 24, 1994 issue)
“We may be entering a different kind of Dark Ages, a time when the devil owns the airwaves and when words seem gray and dull compared to the dazzle of virtual reality and multi-media CD-ROM. I have hope, though, because despite the waves of hysteria and authoritarianism in church history, words of truth have survived, emerging later as living forces to change individuals and entire cultures.”

If I can say what’s in my heart in words that translate easily to another, then my heart prevails. My heart is the only part of me with any real value. The rest is superficial at best and absolutely wicked at worst. But the evil one can not touch my heart because it already belongs to Jesus – so from it springs His truth and love: I am just a grateful bystander.

Amazing, by Toni Smothers

Life was mute – Few rainbows.
And there were only puny, fleeting sunsets.
No time to notice anything,
Too many goals, too busy - Numb to love’s ever-flowing rhythm.
Trees and flowers swayed, giving beauty to each day.
So what?
God’s perfect truth, His essence – Was a distant myth.
My frozen granite heart knew better.
Life was for self, snatching moments, surviving.
The entire world cannot comfort one heart void of hope.
So what?
Busyness is foolishness – More unstable than whirlwinds.
Worse even than plain falsity, wherein dwells the Devil.
Funny - The evil one knew me well enough to swear he'd won me -
With his shiny dime.
So What?
So everything...At least according to the Lord.
The One God, Almighty.
The author of it all - Creator extraordinaire!
He sent his answers well before I asked for them.
Turns out that I'm more precious than I’d ever dreamt -
Jesus told me so.
Why did He care so much that he could not abide my anguish?
Why indeed?
Why had the great God claimed me?
If ever there was a good reason to ask, "Why me?" I know none better.
But claim me he did - His own, from the very first.
Never to be lost again!
Remarkable!
He sweetly healed each grief, searched me, and still He took me to Himself.
A place beyond rainbows, beyond sunsets... and far past shiny dimes.
Thank God!
Thank God for His perfect love, which sweetens all of life.
Its music plays a chorus within all hearts to hear.
Eyes see each sight and sound beam bright with promise.
And Grace and mercy transform all who would come –Yes, even you -
If you will take a chance and simply draw near!
Amazing!