Monday, March 25, 2013

Power-Fall

The evening news described airport delays and car accidents as folk weathered the latest snowstorm. While people complain "It's supposed to be spring," the truth is that we need water, and especially after a dry summer.

One snowflake or drop of rain seems inconsequential, but en masse, it delivers water to replenish earth's crops. A torrent can disrupt life, carve river beds, and help bring fruit. A steady supply can seep deep into the soil and prepare it to help produce a harvest.

Isaiah says God's Word is like that.

Just as our Creator sends snow and rain to water the earth and provide seed and bread, so He sends the Word. Like rain, it waters our souls. Like snow it blankets us with truth. If we will let the Word soak into the deep places of our lives, it will do the hidden work of causing seed to grow and bringing spiritual food to make us strong.

That's a lot of power falling.

Makes me want to spread wide my arms and let the Word settle on my tongue and slip down into my thirsty heart.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth ... so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It ... will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)
 
Reflect on your life. Can you see a connection between the power of God's Word and fruitfulness?
 
How have the scriptures carved a river bed in your heart?

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Cupped Ear

"Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard" (Daniel 10:12, NIV).

Hard times alert us to turn to God.

When circumstances weigh on our emotions like an elephant on a potato, we become excruciatingly aware that we need help. We search for understanding. A potato is no match for an elephant.

It takes humility to agree that the situation is beyond our capacity to conquer. But as we come to the One who humbled Himself to serve us (Philippians 2:6-8), we look into eyes of wisdom and hear His comforting word: He has heard us. Humility and tenacity put us in touch with the Savior. They provide answers from God's eternal perspective.

God is listening for our call. In fact, like the prodigal father (Luke 15:17-20), God is waiting for us to come to Him for help. His ear is cupped in our direction.

As we humble ourselves and search for understanding, God sends His messengers to our aid.

Even if we don't see them right away.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Do you have a hard time asking God for help? What gets in the way of humbling yourself before God or searching out His perspective on a matter?

You may be experiencing a delay in hearing God's answer. Read Daniel 10-12 and search for insight to your situation.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Satisfying

Every day Christ calls us to come to His table.

We no longer have to scramble for food. It has been provided. We just have to wash our hands and hearts with the power of God's Word and come to Love's lavish spread. The more we thoughtfully read, meditate, and pray the scriptures is the more our ears get tuned to the Creator's frequencies. We hear His invitation to come, sit, and eat with Him and be satisfied.

Other tables entice us. They draw eye and taste buds, but the fare makes us sluggish.  A steady diet of glazed strawberries on cheese cake (while tempting) do not deliver the nourishment we were designed to have. Also, poor eating habits--if we don't eat enough, eat healthily, or on time--can lead to sickness. A diet of sugars, refined products, and deserts drains energy and lures us away from  life giving food. When we let schedule or stress push God's nourishment aside, we chose a level of dis-ease and dis-satisfaction.

So we choose what will satisfy.

Facing Wisdom across the table, we smile and exhale the deep satisfaction God called us to experience.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Using the Lectio Divina, read Isaiah 55: 1-3 slowly and thoughtfully.
After a second reading, take time to reflect on the image or phrase the Holy Spirit gives.
On the third reading, prayerfully respond to God's nudgings.
Lastly, reread the Scripture and lean back to rest, satisfied with your Lord's nourishment.