Friday, October 26, 2012

Singing God's Song

There were mainly older folk in the audience, but they were attentive. I mentioned how the Lord confirmed the topic of holiness through a hymn I'd recently sung during my devotions. I also shared, in passing, that I sometimes make up tunes to unfamiliar hymns so I can sing them to God.

After the program, Kitty shared that she also made up songs. She wove her melodies with Scripture, which proved a great help in memorizing them. We enjoyed talking at length, for she obviously loved God and His Word. She told me she sometimes sings those scriptures over individuals as God leads--usually friends.

Before we ended our conversation, she told me she had a gift for me. She began to sing.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid [John 14:27].

My heart warmed at the sound of a stranger-turned-friend singing God's Word over me. Grinning wide, I filled with gratitude. We had a holy encounter.

She had become Jesus to me by singing God's song.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing [Zephaniah 3:17, NIV].

How can you be a part of singing God's song over someone?

If you could hear God singing over you, what would you wish to hear?

Look for an opportunity to encourage someone on Jesus' behalf today.





Sunday, October 7, 2012

I’ll Have What She’s Having


“Have we begun to walk the practical path in grace? Do we know anything about the practice of pain? Watch what the Bible has to say about suffering, and you will find the great characteristic of the life of a child of God is the power to suffer, and through that suffering the natural is transformed into the spiritual."  -Oswald Chambers
I cannot remember Auntie without thinking about my favorite thing at her house: her water. She would take water which was probably from a spring somewhere in her backyard, put it in old Rum bottles, and allow it to become ice cold in the door of her refrigerator. It was easily the best water I’ve ever tasted… if you don’t believe me, ask Daniel.

But even more refreshing than the water was listening to someone who had seen and experienced so much throughout her life with unwavering strength and faith. Auntie had endured so much pain, suffering, and aloe juice in her life, yet did not become calloused or ungrateful. Instead, she became kind and selfless.

By 2005, both my grandmothers had passed away. They left a void that Auntie happily filled. She provided plenty of love, wisdom, laughs, and Turkish coffee. She helped put things into perspective. Medical education is a breeding ground of selfishness and pride; we study to get better grades than our classmates in order to attain superior residencies. I was always challenged by how Auntie had time to put the needs of others before her own; it changed how I studied. It motivated me to help others learn instead of focusing only on myself. For a few hours the week before each exam, I tried to do what Auntie has done her whole life.

Because of Auntie, I have tasted the most refreshing water on earth. Yet no matter how much I drank, I was left wanting more. Jesus tells us that that “whosoever drinks of the water I give shall never thirst.” Auntie personally knew what that verse meant. She had joy and hope even in the bleakest situations. She kept her sense of humor and faced adversity with grace. She knew that in our weaknesses, He is strong. In the circus of everyday life, I find myself distracted by the wants and needs of my own selfish pursuits. My prayer is that one day I may be like Auntie—content with all things, yet only satisfied by the living water.

Note: One of my Mom's greatnephews, Souhail Karram, a med student, sent this to be read at her funeral almost a year ago.
Thank you, Souhail.
May you always be satisfied by (and offer others) that living water.