The Watering Hole: March 2013

Welcome to my Watering Hole

Years ago, I heard a man say, “You will be the same in five years’ time as you are today, except for two things—the people you meet and the books you read.” When I look back over the past 32 years of following Jesus, I would have to say that I agree. If not for the people who have come into my life and the books I have read over the years, my life would have changed very little.

The first book that I read was the Bible. I picked it up, after making a decision to follow Jesus, and to this day I have been unable to put it down. The second book I read was called Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey. I think we all struggle to find ways to understand what God is trying to tell us. For me, one of the most effective ways is through what I read. Over time I have kept a journal of quotations that have had an impact on me. Often I reflect on something I recorded years ago and see that in some areas of my life I have grown and in others there is still much work to do. Sometimes I have been motivated, encouraged and inspired by what I read, sometimes frightened and overwhelmed, but never, never discouraged or without hope.

In my conversations with men, more often than not, other than the odd newspaper or magazine, many read very little if at all. My suggestions is, before you read on, take time out to pray, ask yourself and God what are the challenges at this time in your life and then read, expecting the Holy Spirit to bring alive what is relevant to you. Don’t read for reading’s sake. See it as a watering hole where your thirst for life’s answers can be quenched. As time goes by, I will add to the site. I want it to be living.

In conclusion, I have to say that there are many things I don’t know. One thing I do know is that God would want me to share with you what He has shared with me. I pray that He will bring alive these writings and burn them in your heart. I wish you well. Life is very demanding for many, and at times it seems that society is demanding more than we’re able to give. But don’t give up. To borrow the title of Wayne Bennett’s autobiography, Don’t Die with the Music in You. That would be a tragedy.

In His name,

Grahame

Thursday, March 28, 2013

An Easter Reflection

See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be lifted up, and shall be very high. Isaiah 52:13 NRSV

Good Friday: The Transformative Love of Jesus

What a holy day this is, Good Friday. But taken on its own, the events of this day feel anything but good.

Jesus, who rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey only five days ago is headed towards the Cross today. He gave up His life for His friends, most of whom stood aside and silently watched Him go to His death. The love that Jesus showed inspires me and spurs me to focus on the parts of my life where I live unaffected by God’s love.

On this day, in many churches around the world, coverings are placed over the images of Jesus, including the Crucifix or crosses and any painting of Him. This is a solemn act that’s intended to direct us towards mourning. Similarly, there is tradition in many churches to bury the alleluias we sing and say. Alleluia comes from the Hebrew and means “Praise the Lord.” Today, think of not saying it as a sort of verbal fast. When we hear, say and sing it again, two days from now, we will appreciate and mean it all the more.

I have never experienced Christ’s love like a thunderbolt, but I’ve seen and been through a slow process of transfiguration at various times in my life–times when I have been affected by God’s love. Transformations can come when we live a life with God. With Him, we “shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.”

–John Sweeney, Daily Guideposts