Thoughts of summer fill my family’s thoughts this time of year. My girls are counting the days until school gets out. Yet, in my heart I look at summer as an opportunity to touch other people's lives. Up north there is definitely more "people movement" once the weather gets sunny.
I was reading John 4 the other day, reflecting on Jesus' journey into Samaria. Several thoughts filled my heart as I read. Jesus was traveling, much like many of us will this summer, and he went
through a town of people that were truly despised by the Jews. (I know from reading the Word that Jesus had a habit of only doing what the Father led Him to do, so this is not a mistake.) I believe it was no mistake either, that He sat down by the well outside the city and sent the disciples on to buy food. He paused to do His Father's will. He was about to reach out to someone that "society" said was at the bottom of the rung in status, someone that most people would cross to the other side of the street to avoid. Jesus had a higher purpose! He came to reach out to the lost (those who did not know Him yet).
Out came the Samaritan Woman and Jesus asked her for water. What a simple request, yet it opens a huge dialogue of conversation between them. He goes on to become the one who is offering "Water" (Living Water). He is offering her the water that He gives so the drinker of that water will never thirst again. He is presenting himself to her as the "Savior of the world." (See v. 42) The end result is the town comes to this realization, something that even the Jews did not understand. What an incredible opportunity, and Jesus knew it.
As you get ready to journey this summer, ask the Father to lead you as you go. Pray by yourself or with your family for opportunities to share the "Living Water" of Jesus’ love in your own lives. It will be the best part of your vacation if you do. Enjoy your journey! I look forward to hearing from you. Be sure to email us when you get back!
Three weeks ago John Velsor spoke at our church. He was following Pastor Doug's series, called "The Game of Life". He talked about how Milton Bradley did not include many things in his game, like loosing your job, facing sickness, losing a parent, and on the list goes. He refered to John 16:33 (New International Version) "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." Jesus was directing to the people that were there listening. We don't alway have peace when we go through hard times, but Jesus promised to give us peace.
John Velsor gave a definition of worry. Worry meaning to coak out life, to strangle. It also means tug-of-war. (John talked about how our fears pull us away from hope.)
He mentioned how in 2 Cor. 1:8 it says, "In fact we expected to die." In 2 Cor. 4:8 they were perplexed (meaning left wanting, embarassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to go). in Phil. 4:4 they rejoiced, acknowledging how God is. How wonderful to put our focus in the right place! A wonderful Savior who never changes. In the verses following there are some steps we can take.
John shared some things to do when we go through hard times:
1. Develope a praising heart. Our praise should not be determined by our circumstances. In Proverbs God promised to make our paths straight. We can ask Him to reign in our lives & circumstances.
2. Develope a habit of humility. (v.5) He guotd, "You know how spiritual you are by the way you accept correction from the person you respect the least."
3. Refuse anxiety and develope peace. We need to guard our heart & our mind and keep them on the same page. Most of the time we are worrying over things we have no control over. God promised to give us peace that passes all understanding. We need to keep our hearts focused on Him.
How wonderful it was to hear John's sermon, especially on the first Sunday after Jeff had just been laid off. It helped us both focus! We are trying to follow his words and keep our hearts & minds in line - keeping God's peace in our hearts.
