Surprised by Love

Could this be the greatest love story of all? Oh, how can I give you up …?How can I let you go?How can I destroy you …?My heart is torn within me,and my compassion overflows.… for I am God and not a mere mortal. (Hosea 11:8-9 NLT) Sentimentalists, don’t get your hopes up by this title; this isn’t a “chick flick” worthy story. It is, however, about the truth that underlies every single one of those stories that has value. In some ways, what we discover together here is far more important than any other story no matter how sentimental. This is the discovery of truth – the surprising, experiential, multi-faceted, ever-repeating reality – about love and all genuine love stories. Love is unpredictable. There you have it. That’s it. That’s a truth you can bank on! Love is unpredictable. Love does the unexpected. Love is full of surprises. Love is new even in the face of mind-numbing monotony. Love twists when rationality says go straight. Love forges ahead when logic says make a major change. Love doesn’t budge when conventional wisdom says run. Love moves like the wind when common sense says “Be still and hide!” Love does the unexpected! O I know that is not the exact definition of love in Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 for example). I can’t quote a verse as a proof text that really summarizes what I’m saying … at least not one verse that says it exactly. But I can get you proof. God! God is love. He shows it instead of just saying it. Or better yet, he says it by doing it. He can be tough or tender. He can be patient or pushy. He can rage and he can whisper. He can show his power and he can hide in the quietness of his creation. He can punish and he can suffer under the scourge. He can thunder and he can weep for a dead friend and his sisters. He can demand allegiance, but he can also risk everything to win our hearts. God is not unpredictable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Yet his actions will always appear a bit unexpected and surprising if we do not humbly recognize that he is driven by one truth that trumps all others … his love for us … his gracious, undeserved, and unexpected love for us. That’s not to be confused with sappy emotions without gut wrenching sacrifice. It should not be mistaken for spoken intentions without follow through. This love should never be reduced to politically correct sounding speech with hollow character. We’ve let baby boomer sappiness and TV driven sentimentality replace the real grit and authenticity of true love … unexpected, undeserved, sacrificial love. God will do the unexpected to reach the undeserving … to reach us. He always has. He always will. That’s what his book is about. Even more, that is what his ultimate message, Jesus is about. And that is what he is at work doing in your life and mine … even when the unexpected turns of our life leave us ripped up and full of questions. So … … will you trust that whatever he is up to in our world, your world, its about finding a way to reach you and your heart even when you can’t understand all the why’s of life? … will you join him in his passion to touch everyone – even the ones most of us can’t stand or wouldn’t waste time to reach – and change them by his love? About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.

When Water Becomes Wine

How can we see this miracle in our lives? Each moment is crowded with eternal significance, yet our eyes are often blind: we expect only what is predictable. We miss God’s grace in the moment, the Father’s gift in the simple, and Heaven’s glory in the ordinary. We lose the Lord’s presence in the sunrise, his joy in the smile of a child, his whisper in the wrinkles of the aged, and his glory hidden in a spider’s web. So when John tells us his story of Jesus, he is wanting to do more than tell us history. Yes, what he writes is truth, but even more he wants us to know it is true – authentic to real life. Each encounter with Jesus tells us, not just what he did, but also what he longs to do now… in us… among us… through us. The unpredictable Savior wants to show us how water can become wine. On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” 
 They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him (John 2:1-11 NLT). Jesus is at a wedding. Possibly a relative’s wedding. Mary is likely helping. This week long celebration is the most important event in the life of the bride and groom, their families, and the small village of Cana. Losing face in this moment would be disastrous! And they don’t have enough wine to meet the needs. Joy was about to be shipwrecked in shame. Celebration was headed for embarrassment. And Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew of the need. She also knew the power of her son not yet released. She brought the two together even though it wasn’t time for Jesus’ work to begin. Jesus takes ordinary water and it becomes wine. Look carefully at the story line. Mary shared the need expecting Jesus to act (John 2:3). Mary stressed the need for simple obedience (John 2:5). Everyone is blessed (John 2:10-11)! This story is a reminder that our Savior will do what is necessary, even when the time isn’t right, to bring grace. Jesus takes ordinary water and it becomes wine, again and again… With Nicodemus he talks about being born of water and the Spirit – inviting him to enter the Kingdom through the miracle of baptism and the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-21). In the heat of the day, he uses his own thirst for water to break down the barriers of prejudice and suspicion with a rejected woman he meets at a well (John 4:1-43). In a furious storm on the water, he comes to his fearful followers and brings them safely to shore and displays his power (John 6:17-21). On the cross, water mixed with blood flows out of his spear pierced side, showing us the love of God and his willingness to face mortality to bring us life (John 19:31-35). So where in your life do you need to experience water becoming wine? I have a situation where I need a miracle from Jesus. I’m you sure do, too! So we ask… How do I get my needs met? What do I need to do to get my miracle? How can I see his glory? When will my water become wine? But lean in with John and look closely. Who’s the hero? It is Mary, Jesus’ mom. She is looking to bless someone else, not herself! We often get so caught up in our own stuff that we fail to notice others. Don’t believe me? Notice our pronouns when we pray. It’s all I, me, and my. We want our water to become wine and so easily forget the shame, the brokenness, the embarrassment, the hurt, the longing, and the lack in others. We lose the miracle of seeing water become wine, because all we can see is ourself! So let’s commit to being like Mary! Let’s share the needs of someone else with the Lord and expect him to act with grace for them. Let’s encourage those around the situation to practice simple obedience to Jesus. And let’s anticipate for the moment when their water becomes wine. And when we do, we will find that we see his glory revealed and others will be led to believe. About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God’s Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels.

In This World

Where can we find peace with what we are facing right now? Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) “In this world you will have trouble.” I think I hear someone say, “Amen! You said it brother!” And I may also hear someone say, “You don’t know trouble!” Perhaps even someone else saying, “Trouble? Trouble doesn’t come close to describing my life.” It is easy to see the trouble in this world. The trouble in this world is not limited to wars in distant countries. The trouble in this world is not confined to corruption among political and civic leaders. The trouble Jesus was speaking about hits us where we are, where we live, and often when we least expect it and feel least prepared for it. Trouble in this world comes in the form of a child with special needs, a spouse with an illness, or a friend who is depressed and needy. Trouble in this world often comes disguised as a relief from our troubles: a new and exciting relationship, a temptation we’ve never known before, a friendship that suddenly comes alive to us. Trouble in this world often comes after we have made a promise to “be there” for someone, made a public commitment to live for God, or expressed a desire for deeper faith and a more visible witness. Trouble in this world can cause us to question our commitments, lose our focus, and wander from the path we know is right. Trouble in this world can drain us of our energy, cause us to ignore the ultimate of power sources, or resist assistance from those most capable of helping. Trouble in this world can overwhelm us, blind us, confuse us, and defeat us … if we focus only on the trouble. When the trouble in this world comes at us, we sometimes cannot think of anything else. We dream or have nightmares about it. We obsess over how, or if, we will survive these troubles. When that happens, the Enemy has almost won the battle. He has weakened us. He has distracted us. If he can keep us in this place with this focus, he will eventually draw us away from the Lord. Jesus also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” “Take heart!” “Find comfort.” “Pay attention.” “Remember.” “Don’t forget.” “Don’t lose sight of the fact.” Translate Jesus’ words how you want, but hear the punch line! “I have overcome the world.” There is trouble in this world. We cannot ignore it. We cannot escape it. We cannot deal with it alone. But, we can take it to God. We can ask Him for help and wisdom. We can make Him our focus and not our trouble become all we see. We can let Him fight our battles for us. We can “Take heart!” We can know without a doubt, that He has overcome the world. Then, we can live today based on His victory. In this world we will have trouble, but we serve the One who has overcome the world. About the author: Tom Norvell is the author of “A Norvell Note” — Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus. He has ministered with followers of Jesus for four decades and loves Jesus, his family, and those seeking Jesus, passionately.

Be Mindful of the Words You Hear

You don’t have to listen to the noise around you! It was raining, and Starbucks was quiet. After I got my coffee and settled in next to the window, I opened up my laptop to get a few things done while I waited for my friend. Three men entered and sat down at the table next to me. They were excessively loud, so I moved to another table. A one-sided conversation took over the room from a man who “knew everything about everything.” It was impossible to tune out. I finally ended up at a table in the far corner of the room. My intention is not to be judgmental or over-sensitive. I just didn’t need, nor did I want to hear, ALL of that “information” emanating from this self-appointed expert. Actually, I didn’t need or want to hear ANY of it. But this particular fellow seemed to think I (and everyone else in the coffee shop) needed to hear EVERYTHING he had to say. Although this incident ranks extremely low on any list of First World problems, it does remind me of the importance of surrounding myself with things that are positive and uplift me. I can try to convince myself that what I hear doesn’t affect how I think and feel, but the reality is, it does. As Jesus said, we need to consider carefully what we hear: “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and even more” (Mark 4:22-24). If I watch or listen too often and too long to the news, with its panel of experts who talk (or yell) over other experts, I find myself becoming frustrated, agitated and anxious. The same negative emotions emerge when I’m in the car listening to talk radio or radio DJs. It’s usually better for me to listen to my personal playlists or nothing at all. Or when I’m writing and studying, I usually listen to quiet, relaxing music. Total silence is sometimes too quiet, and other types of music make it difficult for me to focus. Plus, when I need to look up from my computer and gaze off into the distance, the softer music provides a soothing soundtrack for my thoughts. What I learned from my experience at Starbucks was that when I allow other voices to talk over God’s voice, it’s easy for me to become dissatisfied, downcast, and discouraged. That is when I know I need to get back to the Word and let God remind me of how He feels about me. An overexposure to conversations or messages that are harsh, negative, and judgmental tends to make me react with harshness, negativity, and judgment. On the flip side, when I hear and engage in conversations that are positive and life-affirming, I feel inspired, encouraged and have a more pleasant attitude. Obviously, there are times when we have no option but to hear things we’d prefer not to. In a restaurant, for instance, we may have to focus our attention on something else so we won’t hear the conversation going on next to us. Or when we’re traveling with a co-worker, there may be no escape from hearing them rant about a colleague or boss. These situations can be uncomfortable and frustrating. We need to be intentional and do what’s best for us: move to another table, read a book, open our Bible app, or listen to relaxing music. Jesus regularly retreated from the demands of the crowd to be alone and listen to His Father. He chose solitude over the constant barrage of voices from his followers expressing their needs and demanding His time. He withdrew to be away from the religious leaders throwing out false accusations. He even went to solitary places to be away from His disciples’ attempts to redirect His mission. He used these quiet times and solitary places as a time to refresh, restore, and refuel His soul. He knew we would have the same need, so He said, “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. … Consider carefully what you hear.” So, maybe it’s time to consider more carefully what we’re hearing. We owe this to ourselves and should not feel guilty for seeking out a situation that will better serve us. Being discerning about what we hear is vital to our mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. We need to distinguish between lies and truth, redirect the conversation, or get away from the noise of life, and find a quiet place to rest so we can redirect our attention to what the Lord has to say. I promise that conversation with the Lord will leave you inspired and encouraged with a more pleasant attitude. As Paul wrote the Philippians: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9). About the author: Tom Norvell is the author of “A Norvell Note” — Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus. He has ministered with followers of Jesus for four decades and loves Jesus, his family, and those seeking Jesus, passionately.

Stuck at the Tracks

Is your life stuck at the light? On the way to work the other morning I was running a little behind, but that really didn’t bother me. I drive through one small town on the way. Unfortunately as I started through town, a school bus turned onto the road in front of me. It immediately stopped to pick up some children. I thought, “OK, it’s no big deal, I’ll be through here in short order.” But, the bus continued to make more stops for more children. Time was passing more quickly than I liked. Just before we got to the train tracks, the flashing lights came on and we were all stopped as a freight train made its way through town. This completely dashed any hopes I had of being early to work. As I sat there, I had to chuckle to myself about the situation – beats fussing and fuming. It seems that no matter how hard we try to control time, it never works out. No matter how well we try to plan our lives, something comes along to mess up our plans. Our son, daughter-in-law, grandson and my wife all went to the doctor’s office this past week to have a look at the new grandchild our daughter-in-law is carrying. Although everything looked fine and the baby was extremely active, they were not able to tell what gender the baby is. They were all disappointed. They wanted to start decorating the nursery and buying baby things. They had all looked forward to this for the past couple of months with great excitement and anticipation; but, instead, they found themselves sitting at the train tracts, stopped cold. What about you? What has unexpectedly stopped you? What has derailed your plans or kept things from working like you wanted them to work? What kind of disappointments have you faced? We all have choices to make, don’t we? You can sit there and fuss and fume, or you can shrug your shoulders, chuckle about the ironies of life, and get on with living. Wouldn’t it really be better to focus on what is really important in life! Remember the story of “the rich fool” found in Luke 12. He was the guy that made big plans that didn’t take place. He was going to build bigger barns and store up lots of stuff so that he could retire to the good life. Notice Luke 12:20: “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” (NIV). Do you know what the message is? Focus on the important things? Whatever plans you have, whatever goals you have in mind, if they don’t come to fruition, are they really worth fussing and fuming about? Count your blessings and focus on the really important things in life! Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT) About the author: Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

How Do You Know?

How can we know the answer to life’s questions? The question is always blunt, direct, personal, and demanding. Once asked, it must be answered. The challenge, once made, requires a response validating your position. The question is not politically correct and the answer offers no public relations subtleties. “How do you know?” How do you know God is real? How do you know there is a heaven or hell? And maybe the most important question of all, how do you know you’re going to heaven? To answer those “How do you know?” questions, scripture says: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed (1 Peter 3:15-16 NKJV). This is one of those interesting human dilemmas that we feel trapped by. When we try to explain how we know, there is a fear that others will interrogate us as to why we made such a dreadfully poor decision. Yet look at the words. It says we are to give a reason for our faith. It’s not a debate to prove whose reasons are best; it’s not a dictate that everyone believes exactly the same on every subject; and it’s not collective wisdom. It’s why you, personally and individually, believe. How did you come to those conclusions? When we stand before God Almighty at the final judgment, it will only be you and Jesus who have to answer for you. The opinions, beliefs and choices of others will not be admissible. So, how DO YOU know? Tell me at bbrant@heraldoftruth.org or join our blog dialogue at hopeforlife.org. (Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org) About the author: Bill Brant is the President and CEO of Herald of Truth Ministries based in Abilene, Texas.

The Long, Hard Chill of Winter

Are you ready for the long hard chill of winter? Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything (James 1:2-4 NLT). Are you a winter person? Over the years, I’ve learned that there are winter people and that there are summer people – some folks who prefer the cold and others that prefer the heat. I guess I’m one of those summer folks. I’m not big on cold weather. So as much of the U.S. has come has endured a long stretch of cold and ice, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the long, hard winter for a bit. I was surprised that there are some interesting similarities between handling a long, hard, cold spell, and dealing with periods of trial, temptation, and trouble. Prepare for It: One of the keys to enduring a hard freeze and a period of really cold weather is to prepare for it appropriately. Make sure the outside spigots are covered and insulated. Check out the heating system, so you know it is ready to handle the load. Provide cover and warmth for pets and tender plants. Locate the proper tires or tire chains if the roads are impassable. Fill up the pantry with food and the cars with fuel to make sure you aren’t caught unprepared and left stranded. While we usually can know in advance when very cold weather is approaching, our spiritual times of trial are a little more unpredictable. However, even though we don’t know exactly when these tough times are going to come, we can be sure they will come. Spiritual preparation is crucial. Having a regular time to be with the Lord – a familiarity with prayer and Scripture – is essential. Jesus used his knowledge of both the heart of God and the will of God to help him through his time of testing. In addition, having supportive relationships with fellow believers is crucial to help us weather these times which are much harder to endure alone. Dress Appropriately: As the winter chill sets in, appropriate dress helps deal with the wind’s bitter bite and the chill that infiltrates all the corners of our routine. Dressing in layers, having an appropriate coat, and wearing the right kinds of clothing close to our skin all make the winter chill bearable. Having the right shoes and gloves helps immensely. A good hat, cap, or hood helps the body retain much of its warmth that is lost if the head is uncovered. The cold isn’t so cold when we dress appropriately. Spiritual dress is equally important if we are to endure the bitter times of testing, trials, and troubles. The apostle Paul twice refers to this as spiritual armor – the dress we need to withstand, defend, and win our battles with the evil one. This spiritual dress is even more important for us than winter clothing if we are to survive Satan’s chilling attacks. Realize that this Time Will Pass: Winter isn’t forever. The season of bitter chill will pass. Good things lie beyond the cold weather and the bleak landscapes. Spring awaits us. Life with all its beautiful colors will burst forth, bringing with it warmer temperatures, longer days, and different times. Our spiritual times of chill also are not forever. As children of God, we’re destined for better things – more glorious things. For most of us, a season of trials is over sooner than we feared and the joy returns to life leaving us with renewed vigor and joy. Even when our physical circumstances don’t change quickly, we know we have an eternal home with God that is without the bitterness of temptations, trials and troubles. The great reassurance we have in Christ is that good things and joyous times await us in our future. Learn to Value the Good Tough Times Bring: As much as the winter chill can be hard to endure, it does bring good results. The hard cold of winter helps rid our world of pests and weeds. It forces us into periods of rest and retreat. It offers some of our trees and outdoor plants a time to grow in ways that are not readily seen, but desperately needed. While we don’t ever volunteer for spiritual times of temptation, trial, and trouble, these too, offer us the opportunity to grow in necessary ways. These times slow us down, make us depend more upon God, and strengthen us in ways the easy times and good days can’t. When we realize that our task on earth is not to find ease and comfort, but instead to develop an enduring faith and a holy character, then we can welcome these times knowing that God is at work in us to make us more like him. Even if you are a winter person, I hope that you can see the importance of these observations. Troubles will come. Satan will make sure temptations assault us at our most vulnerable times. Trials are a part of human living. However, if our heart is set on our Savior and our desire is to please him and become more like him, then even the chill of this unwanted time can be a time of blessing. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:3-5). About the author: Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people

Not Left as Orphans

What can we expect the Spirit to do for us? Years ago, we were going to a new church. When it came time to head home one evening, we could not find our 22 month old son. He had been with us just a few moments earlier, but as they were turning off the lights and closing up the building, Zach was nowhere to be found. This was new turf for him. He didn’t know his way around. We didn’t know his favorite places in the building. All the lights, except a few in the foyer, were off. Donna and I were frantic! What if he made it to the street with it already dark outside? Where could he be? How had he gotten away so quickly? Why wasn’t he crying if the lights had been turned off on him? I went out and began a search of the parking lot and the street. Donna began a search through all the classrooms in the children’s wing. She found him in a classroom with the lights off but with a window that let the light from the parking lot outside filter in through the window. Zach was perfectly happy playing with a few toys in near total darkness as he talked and sang unaware of his crazed parents looking for him. Most of us know the terror of a child being momentarily lost or of our being lost and left alone as a child with our parents desperate to find us. Adults left behind can be even more painful – being left at the altar, being left alone in ER after a loved one has passed, being left to pay the bills after a business partner has stolen funds, being left by a rebellious child who has run away from home determined to leave behind all the values we hold dear, or being left alone after having been served divorce papers by an officer of the court. Jesus’ disciples were about to be left behind by their Lord. So Jesus shared with them some of the most beautiful and comforting words ever recorded: [Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:1-3). As beautiful as these words can be in times of death, the question remains: “What do we do when we feel alone today?” Jesus’ words of comfort didn’t stop with the promise that he is preparing a place for us with the Father and coming back to take us home with him. Jesus makes the following promises based upon the Holy Spirit’s coming to us and living in us: “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you” (John 14:18). “I too will love [you] and show myself to [you]” (John 14:21). “My Father will love [you], and we will come to [you] and make our home with [you]” (John 14:23). “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). Because of the Holy Spirit within us, Jesus reminds us that we will never be alone. The Spirit will live in us and make our heart the home for “all the fullness of God” living within us (Ephesians 3:16-19). We are never abandoned, forgotten, or on our own. God is not only near, he is also present within us. Until the Father is ready for us to come home to him, He chooses to make his home in each of us! We are never left behind. The Spirit is always there with us, within us, to do God’s work and bring God’s blessings to us! (For a list of some of the things the Spirit does for us, with us, and through us, see the list at the end of this article.) Several months ago, I walked out into a field from my truck on a cold, dark, crisp morning two hours before the sun came up. There were no clouds in the sky. It was a new moon so there was no moonlight. The first two hundred yards of my half-mile hike was a bit treacherous, so I used a green light to walk carefully yet not scare the wildlife. Once on an old ranch trail, I turned off the green light and my eyes began to adjust, After four hundred yards, my eyes had adjusted to the darkness and I looked up into the inky black darkness of the moonless sky and was amazed. The sky was not dark at all. In fact, the deepest “darkness” was still a dull faint glow as billions and billions of stars merged into the night background. When my eyes focused on a few clusters of stars, the background became dark and the stars were everywhere – all sorts of brightness, but everywhere in their dazzling array like diamonds under a light scattered across black velvet. I had to stop. The Holy Spirit immediately called up the words of Psalm 8:1-5 and I uttered them instinctively out loud – not once or twice, but three or four times, rhythmically repeating them without regard to scaring off the wildlife. As we look at all the Holy Spirit does for us while indwelling us, we cannot help but be awestruck. Like the shimmering stars in the darkest night sky, there are layers upon layers and grace upon grace to the Spirit’s work in us, for us, and through us. What follows is a bit of a visual reminder of SOME of the things the Spirit does for us followed by

Quiet Waters

Is there hope for those stuck in the long stretches of life without peace? Sitting on the fishing deck of a nearby lake, all I see is peaceful and serene. A light breeze stirs the surface to quiet ripples. Flags on the docks of the lake-dwellers indicate an early start to the winds that will follow. An egret glides smoothly across a small inlet to fish in the shallow water. What could be more peaceful? Somewhere in the distance, however, there is the sound of what is to come. A motor ignites with a healthy roar and the day is on. Shortly, the lake will be filled with the noise of boats – ski boats, fishing boats and those angry little hornets called Sea-doos, the motorcycles of the waterways. This rhythm is the daily cycle, the transformation from peace to chaos and back again. This rhythm of a day on the lake strikes me – life is not so different. Few of us can hold on to those peaceful moments very long without interruption. Most of us have the promise of the return of peace. As the old country song says, “Life has its little ups and downs.” For some, however, a time of peace never seems to appear. Their lives are stressful from daybreak to dark – and often stressful through the night. Those long stretches without peace are difficult times! Most of us have experienced them for periods, but few of us for what seems to be forever. Is there hope for those stuck in the long stretches of life without peace? For most, the return of pace can be found in focus. If I am seeking silence, every noise is an irritant! On the other hand, if I am hammering loudly, few extraneous sounds have meaning. Perhaps we should learn a lesson here. To seek quiet in a time of noise can be perplexing, but to chose to follow the natural cycle of time and place may well be enjoyable. If you look for the quiet on the lake in the middle of the day, then you will be disappointed. Quiet comes in quiet times and quiet places. Don’t try to force life against the grain or you will constantly be irritated! Now, does this mean “go with the flow” when choices of sin and righteousness are involved? Of course not! Choosing the wrong never brings peace! I am only referring to the natural flow of life, busy-ness, and noise. When it comes to inner peace, there is no true peace without God. All the adjustments to the times and places will not compensate for the stress of an undirected life. Regardless of the question, God is always the answer – He can be our peace in the middle of life’s busy-ness and noise. I may choose to sit on the dock in the early morning to find the quiet of the lake. David, the shepherd king, knew the true source of real peace and quiet: [The LORD who is my Shepherd] makes me lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside quiet waters.He restores my soul;… (Psalm 23:2-3 NASB). Many are searching for the quiet waters in a world of raging storms; we all need the constant restoration of our souls. May you find this grace in your quiet place and the restoration of your soul! About the author: Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill’s family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

A Dry Time

Who around you needs more than just a drink? A friend of mine calls them dry times. Dry times are those times in your life, more specifically in your spiritual life, when there seems to be a void. A time when all the things you typically do to nourish your soul seem to have stopped working. Some of you understand the dry times very well. You have lived through them. You may be going through one right now. Maybe you have recently come out of such a time. Here are a few examples of how a dry time may express itself. You are going through life pretty much like you always have, but one day things seem different. The sky is not as blue. The breeze is not as cool. The sunshine is not as bright. The snowfall is not as white. Rainbows don’t provide much of a thrill. And very few things seem to give your heart much of a thrill. You are doing the same things you have always done. Except now you are enjoying it less. Very few things seem to excite you. When you try to describe how you feel you use the word “bored” more than you have in a very long time. Your job once gave you a reason to get up in the morning. It was challenging. It was rewarding. Now, it is a job. You go. You put in your time. You come home. Nothing has changed. It is the same job. Nothing has gone wrong. You still like the people you work with and you still are paid well for your efforts. But, it just seems to bore you. You have a great family. You love them. You would die for them. You long to be with them every opportunity you have. When one visit ends you begin planning the next one. When you are together you laugh, you cry, you really enjoy your family. You have a wonderful marriage. Your children are healthy. They are doing well in school. Life is good on the home front. But, something seems to be missing. You have an amazing spiritual network. You have been on mission trips with some of them. You have taken vacations with some of them. Your children have grown up together. You have attended weddings, funerals, ball games, parties, seminars, workshops, and baptisms together. You look forward to being with them every opportunity you have. But, it seems stale. Your personal spiritual life seems to be going well. You are doing all the right things. You read you Bible regularly. You pray consistently. You participate in an enriching small group. You occasionally teach a class. You sing on the praise team. You are even thinking about chaperoning a youth trip. You love your church. You love God. You love God’s people. But, you feel empty. Songs that once moved you to tears now seem old and tired. Sermons that should touch your heart do not. Prayers seem shallow and repetitious. When people around you are weeping with compassion you are gazing out the window or checking your phone for messages. There is no place you would rather be than in an assembly worshiping God, but you just don’t feel anything. It is a dry time. What do you do? Where do you go when your well is dry? Where do you go when your heart is empty? Where do you go to find joy? Where do you turn to when you need to be refreshed? Where do you go when your soul needs to be restored? Where do you go when you need hope? John tells a story about a woman going through a terribly dry time (John 4:4-42). In fact, dryness was about all she knew. Her home life, if you call it that, was a complete mess. She was lonely. She was rejected. She was isolated. Perhaps the saddest part of her story was that she had reached the point that she was resolved that this was all that her life would ever be. At one time she longed to have a real relationship, but that was so long ago she could barely remember what it was like. As was her routine when this Samaritan woman needed to refill her water jars, she went to the same well where she had always gone for water. She made sure she went during the middle of the day so that she would not bother anyone, and would not be bothered by anyone. When Jesus initiated a conversation with her, she was reluctant. Almost annoyed. Yet, there was something about Him that caught her attention and took her completely by surprise. He seemed to care about her. He had no ulterior motive. He listened to her. He answered her questions. He actually heard her. He knew her even though she had never met him. He talked to her like a real person. He treated her like she mattered. He gave her hope. He offered her a solution to her dry world. “This water,” Jesus said, “if you will drink it will quench your thirst. You’ll never be thirsty again. This is living water.” She drank the water. She came to the well to fill her jars with water. She left having had her dry and empty spirit refilled and refreshed. As she shared her story others came from their dry world to drink of the living water. Are you in a dry time? Follow the example of the woman at the well. Spend some time with Jesus. Get alone with Him. Dig into the Word. Go to a place of beauty and soak it in. Be still. Call or visit an old friend. Listen to your favorite music. Take a long walk. Rest. Listen. Play with a child. Serve someone who cannot return the favor. Drink from the well of living water. After you drink, share your story. You never know who else might be going through a dry