Thirsty?

"On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." John 7:37

I have spent the last couple of days with my mom and dad visiting from Florida. It is always great to get to spend time with them and just hang out. This year however, dad and I have also been hanging sheet rock in the basement for a little added fun. It is great to work side by side with my father, but hanging drywall is exhausting work. We are thirsty most of the time.

I have been reminded of a different kind of thirst that comes with all of the labor, and lifting, and dust. I don't think I have been this thirsty even after finishing a triathlon. It reminds me of the time that Jesus stood amongst the crowd and said, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." What a strange picture that is, and yet what a beautiful image of a caring and loving savior who wants to bring us hope and peace. I have thought several times the past couple of days, please anyone bring me some relief for this thirst, and as soon as I get a sip I am good for awhile.

So back to what Jesus says, if we are thirsty come to Him. What does that mean? I used to just think of it in terms of relief from pain, suffering, difficulties, and burdens. But it is so much more than that. Relief does come, but so does healing. What kind of healing comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ? Complete healing. Does that mean we will never suffer or have pain again? Most likely it does not mean that. However, it does mean that if we spend time with Jesus Christ through prayer, time in scripture, worship, fasting, and pursuing righteousness that we will receive spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing. It may not mean the cancer is totally removed or the arthritis is gone, but it does mean that through Him and by Him all things are made complete. His ways are not our ways, and we can rest in the knowledge that He cares and desires for us to know Him as Lord and Savior and Master. He wants us to be healed, but more importantly He wants us to know Him. Our time on earth will one day come to pass and that is when we will either be with Him forever or seperated from Him forever. In the meantime, Christ has offered us assistance while we go through this life. What a big life He has given us. So many options, choices, decisions

Jesus also said, "blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6.

What is it that you thirst for? Is it fame, fortune, popularity, or comfort? I think if we are honest with ourselves we will discover what we really long for is peace and a hope for a brighter today. Jesus tells us that it should be righteousness in order for us to be filled. Isn't that really what it is that we want? We want that void in our lives to be filled. We want that longing to be relieved. Jesus tells us that if we thirst we should come unto him.

My prayer for my family and friends this coming year is that together all of us will seek to be filled by the Holy Spirit as we pursue a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God and Risen Savior.

Happy New Year!

Pat

Christmas Season

The Christmas season is here! All of the hustle and bustle is taking place. As we finish the first semester today at Strong Rock with exams, luncheons, and parties the halls and classrooms are full of activity. Students and staff are discussing holiday plans and happenings and I see more smiles on everyone faces today than in the past several weeks as everyone has been busy and getting ready for finals.

I love the school setting. Just 30 minutes ago I was walking down the elementary hallway and saw parents taking pictures, setting up for parties, and everyone laughing and smiling. I am so fortunate that at any time during the day, I can take a walk down our halls and be reminded of why I love working in a school every day. I also have the wonderful blessing of being able to work in a Christian school where I can share about my faith and trust in Jesus Christ each and every day.

Maybe that is what struck me this morning as I was watching everyone in the hallways and classrooms. I was reminded of the simple fact that I get to work in a place where at Christmas time we all know what it is that we are truly grateful for. Yes, it is a joy to see children get excited about a vacation, and the anticipation of Santa and time with family and friends. But it is so much more. It really is about God coming to dwell among us. His coming as a child and living in this place, dying on a cross for our sin, and leaving the Holy Spirit with us demonstrated God's love for us. What a gift. What a blessing to be reminded of the birht of Jesus Christ. In fact, just a few minutes ago someone stopped by my office to share that a student in the elementary school had made the decision to follow Christ and they wanted me to know. What a blessing! I get to come to work each day and be a part of a ministry that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection each and every day.

This December, I pray and hope that each of you will stop and give praise, glory, and honor to Jesus Christ, the hope of the world. For we are truly in need of a savior.

Father, thank you for loving us enough to send your son as a gift to each one of us that will call on His name and follow Him. Forgive our selfishness and may we let your light shine in us today for your glory alone. Amen.

Merry Christmas to all!