July 12, 2007
Freshen Up
By Wendy Pope
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38, (NLT)
Devotion:
We are in the middle of a drought where I live. The air is stale. The luxurious feel of the once cool, green grass has long since faded into hard brown weeds that crunch under your feet when you walk. As I washed dishes the other evening I noticed my house plants were shriveled, as well. My heart saddened as the petals drooped on my beautiful Peace Lily. I thought to myself, "I can't ever keep any plants alive. I wish I had a green thumb." Then a thought popped into my head to, "give the plant some water." So I did. Do you know what happened? The next day the leaves were reaching out to me as if they were saying "thank you." Within the next couple of days I noticed a bloom opening. "Wow God," I said, "that is really cool."
I have confessed many times before I have a learning disability. I am "spiritually learning disabled." In layman's terms, it means that God has to take my face in His hands and speak real slowly to me. He held me face at this moment and said, "You need some water, too, my child. No water, no fruit."
In the long, hot, sometimes, drought days of summer, it is easy to become spiritually fatigued. Most churches, because of summer vacations and family activities do not offer Bible studies. It is so easy to mentally decide to "take the summer off" from in-depth study of God's Word. Oh friend, let me caution you to mentally be determined not to take the summer off.
Do something new with something old. Pull out a previously completed Bible Study and read your margins notes. Take the time to study your Sunday School lesson. Take a fresh look at scriptures your Pastor teaches in his sermon by looking them up in various translations. Nothing makes scriptures come alive for me outside of the Holy Spirit's power than reading the ancient words in other translations. Read aloud the following translations of Zephaniah
“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." (NIV)
"For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you in great gladness; He will love and not accuse you." Is that a joyous choir I hear? No, it is the Lord Himself exulting over you in a happy song." (LB)
Can you almost hear the happy song? Dear sister, take time to refresh your walk with the Lord this summer. Those who drink His living water will never thirst again, even in a drought.
Dear Lord, The majesty and glory of Your name overwhelms me. Lead me to the refreshing living water of Your Word. Awaken my soul with a happy song. I pray that I will delight myself in You and that You will enjoy my company. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Worship: Nearing the Heart of God by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer
Out of the Mouths of Babes by Wendy Pope
Application Steps:
Pull out a previously completed Bible Study and read your margin notes.
Take the time to study your Sunday School lesson.
Take a fresh look at scriptures your Pastor teaches in his sermon by looking them up in various translations.
Reflections:
What can I do to renew my relationship with the Lord?
How much time do I spent with the Lord each day?
Is spending time with the Lord a priority in my life?
Power Verses:
Jeremiah 31:25, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org