"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" John 7:37-38
I think there is something so beautiful about Jesus comparing himself to living water. When I look at photos like this He takes my breath away. He offers us an endless supply of spiritual water yet often we feel dry or at the very least thirsty. What can cause us to feel this way? Hurts and disappointments, getting tired, sickness, needing a break, the sameness of it all, too much activity. Just being me:)
Lately I've been feeling very thirsty. I'm in between Bible studies, having done several Beth Moore ones which I love, and then a wonderful one at our pastor's home, followed by two at church. There have been years when I was Bible-study-less, so to speak. Sometimes it's good to take a break and sometimes you need a season of study on your own. I think this craving for something more is a good sign, one I need to heed. Right now I'd love to know how you replenish yourselves.
Do you ever feel a need for more of Him? What do you do about it? Ignore it? Or embrace it?
Morning by morning conversation with the Lord. It only takes a few minutes, but if I miss that sweet time in the darkness while the rest of the house still sleeps, I get so focused on me, and distracted by worldly cares, that peace shatters and I get selfish and cranky. But morning by morning He is there, speaking to me from His word, and I get to refocus on Him. It never fails that all I'm longing for IS Him, and each morning my eagerness for heaven, and His embrace, gets renewed.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, in the "wee sm' hours" He is there. I love meeting Him in the morning, too. If I don't my day often unwinds in a frightful way. How He is able to ground us is beyond me! But I'm so thankful. Beautiful thoughts, Lori. It really helps to hear how you meet Him day by day!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE being part of a Bible study! Right now I'm studying a book called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed. It's a study of David. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOur church is also doing a study on Hope. We've written our own book called The Hope Experience: 50 Days of Hope.
I'm posting the verses on twitter everyday! :)
Blessings!
I start my day with a devo reading...my sweet aunt gave me Streams in the Desert a few years ago and I've read it daily since then. Never get tired of it...the devos take on special meaning because my life is always changing. Some have been so on target with what was happening in my life. Not scary at all...it's God at work!
ReplyDeleteOh, Laura, all too often I am prone to ignore Him! Today for example, I didn't start off with my Bible study and quiet time...and I am regretting it!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of what Bible study or method you are going to do next?
I've started following a blog called "The Spiritually Unequal Marriage". I really struggle with this part of my life. But one of the things the ladies with the blog have said to do is to place Jesus back on the throne of our lives. Not me, not my kids, not my husband, but JESUS!!
ReplyDeleteEvery morning before I get out of bed, I commit the day to Him and his purposes. I ask Him to reign on the throne of my life!
It's amazing just in the past week, how my attitude has changed toward my husband. I'm placing all things in His hands.
I'm also working on memorizing a few scriptures.
Isaiah 26:3- You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.
Romans 8:28- In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
All this together has refreshed my soul and spirit lately.
Sherry, I'm enjoying your tweets/verses so much but didn't know they were part of your study. This is just the feedback I'd hoped to hear from you all as it helps us share and sparks ideas. I'm not so thirsty now:)
ReplyDeleteBless you right back!
Patti, I'd forgotten all about Streams in the Desert and it is a classic! I remember my mom reading it growing up. I'm finishing up Beth Moore's Praying God's Word Day by Day and am going to order Streams. Don't think it's an accident you mentioned it here and jogged my memory:) Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteMary, I know all to well what it's like skipping it or just plain forgetting it. On weekends here it's so crazy - sleeping in, big breakfast, everyone doing a different thing. Weekdays are better but sometimes it is more discipline than joy. But you are so right - how soon we regret it!
ReplyDeleteI think I will order Streams in the Desert next. Would love to do another Beth Moore (Esther) but am so pressed for time right now. I do have a new Bible and am loving it - ESV Study Bible (English Standard Version) which has great footnotes:) Kind of a mini-sermon along with each verse.
Bless you today!
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteAm so glad you found that blog - no accident there either! The ladies' focus is so wise - Jesus first. He will handle all the rest in time - and we can rest in Him while He does. I loved your post of yesterday!
The Scriptures you have here are two of my favorites. You're doing such an important thing - memorizing which fills us with His living water so that we don't run dry. I keep index cards of verses around the house and here's one of my favorites:
He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him. Isaiah 33:6
Praying for you all!
Loved your words on this. I belong to a very small church, there is not a bible study to say...just Wednesday night...but it's not the same. I love our little church, however! I also have Beth Moore's books...she is so wonderful!I also keep a spiritual jounal. I also take long walks....it's a great way to talk to God!Have a great week, blessings,Kathleen
ReplyDeleteKathless, I love hearing all the different ways we seek Him out. I think He enjoys our sharing, too:) I'm a big fan of walking myself and agree that it's a great time for prayer and just enjoying the gift of nature. Wish we could take a walk together! Bless you for your comments here.
ReplyDeleteWhen I don't stay in His word, I'm miserable--health, attitude, outlook, and everything suffers. Without His living water, I'm soul parched. Currently, I'm in one Beth Moore study, at home I'm revisiting Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God and reading Fearless by Max Lucado. Still wish I had a 24/7 IV God's word drip!
ReplyDeleteLisa, Love that 24/7 IV drip:) His word really is living and active, able to keep us grounded and in a sweeter frame of mind. And I'm so thankful!
ReplyDeleteBlackaby is great - I love his Experiencing God study. Will have to check out Lucado's Fearless as that sounds so intriguing. And Beth Moore never disappoints. We are so blessed to have all these resources. Thank you, Lisa, for your great ideas! Sharing like this really helps. Praying many, many blessings come your way today!