Drought

We’re facing a severe drought in California. Hills and fields that are usually green this time of year are dead, brown and barren. Even the mountains that should be packed with snow are dry. 

Water is one of the necessities of life. Without water the fields produce no food, the lakes and rivers run dry, and there is no life. 

It’s possible to become spiritually dehydrated, too. Without the constant inflow of the living water into our life, we also become dry, barren, and fruitless.

There are a few things that can cause spiritual dryness:
·      Avoiding the presence of the Lord.
·      Allowing sin to get a grip on our lives.
·      Walking in the flesh, and neglecting the Spirit.

The remedy:
·      Jesus is the source of living water. Spend time in His presence.
·      In the words of Peter, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:19)
·      Jesus, speaking of the Holy Spirit, said that for those who believe in Him, out of our inmost being would flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

Feeling dry or spiritually parched? Drink up! Allow the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit to flow into you, and out of you as you commune with Him, singing and praying in the Spirit. 

Enjoying the Journey

David

Unique

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God must love variety.

We were walking on the beach near Cayucos, CA recently and Dad saw an unusual plant. He asked what kind that was. I have no idea. On that same trip we saw elephant seals, birds with strange beaks and a variety of human individuals . . . just to name a few.

Of course, there are more species of plants and animals in the world than any of us will ever have the opportunity to see with our own eyes. (And if I never see a mosquito again, it will be too soon.)

In Genesis 1 we read, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good…” (Gen. 1:31) So, when you see that weird animal or sit next to that person that is different than you in church or in school, remember, God made them and He thinks highly of them. (And they just might think you’re different, too.)

Imagine how boring this world would be if there were only one plant type, one animal, and all the humans were alike. I’m grateful for those people who can repair cars. I can’t. I appreciate teachers who have patience with kindergarteners. That’s not how I’m wired.

The strength of relationships, a society and a church can be in our differences, where the sum of the whole is greater than all the individual parts. Such is the case with a choir, or orchestra. If you were to hear just the alto part, or the second clarinet alone, you may not be impressed. But add those unique sounds to a multitude of unique instruments and voices, and you have beautiful music.

Celebrate the uniqueness of those around you today. They are part of the symphony of God's design. We’re all a little different, . . . thank God.

Enjoying the Journey,

David