Thirst

I just woke up from a sound sleep incredibly thirsty. I had to get some water. And it struck me. I heard a talk this week on the long-term affects of being dehydrated. It's not a pretty picture.

Do you ever "wake up" to find that it's been way too long since your soul has been quenched? Do you find that the long-term affects of quality time with the Lord are taking their toll?
Do you ever awake to find that you're all alone in this world, that no one is with you?

The Lord says draw near to him and he will draw near to you.
That He is the Living Water. That He will never leave you nor forsake you.
So, seek the Lord while He may be found. He is good for your soul. And He is waiting to be sought. To be found. To be loved, and to overwhelm you with His love.

It's dark morning now and I need sleep, but I think I will draw near to Jesus first.
Jesus' peace to you.

The Babes

Free

So, I just happened to think about the rich young ruler and why he couldn't follow Jesus. Of course it was because he had so much money and that he idolized it, but on a deeper level, it was because his money and his possessions tied him down so that he was unable to be available for the service of Christ. He told the young man to sell all his possessions and give his money to the poor. But that was not the end of it. He told the man to follow Him. It was not the act of selling his possessions that made him fit for Jesus' service. It was the fact that he would've been free to serve Jesus then.

This makes me think about where I am now. I am always free of possessions. I don't like possessions. I have to take care of them. I'd rather be with as few possessions as possible. But something hinders me from being free to do the service of Jesus.

I see this, Lord. Oh free me from my mentality, and allow me to serve you joyfully with complete surrender.

Your's Truly

Dear Father, Thank you for hearing my prayers, and for answering me in that still small assuring voice. You always come through in spite of my temper tantrums. Oh that I would trust you and wait through the hard times with grace and patience. Do this work in me, I pray.
Today and yesterday have been great days. You have set in me a hope for my future in your kingdom. I have a place with you for all eternity. I have been given all good things, and an assurance that you hold me in your hand, and have not forsaken me.
I went running today. It was rough. It has been rough the last two times. Nevertheless, I have been given the motivation to plow ahead to 45 minutes today. It was a beautiful run on the linear trail. The warm weather for November was great for running. The leafy trail and the birds above head gave me a beautiful setting to run in. Your creation. I love exploring. When we were little, we used to go exploring with dad. He would take us on walks or down hallways, or wherever we could find to go, and we would explore it. I think that need for exploration will always be with me in my heart.
I want to explore you oh God. I heard C.S. Lewis say that he thought in heaven, we would be exploring the depths of God for all eternity. How mysterious and incredible. I cannot wait. I start now again today. The depths of God. The sheer awe of your character. The true meaning of love. I live within your heart, Christ, and ask for the path to explore you this year. I love you, and I want nothing more, and nothing less. Let my desires be set in your heart and nowhere else.