The Watering Hole: May 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

Friday, May 31, 2013

On the subject of Satan

Satan will use any approach to keep us from experiencing the full measure of God’s riches. Any error, no matter how small or great will do. He works through the current world philosophies, through Bible verses taken out of context, through charismatic personalities who “sound” so right and sincere. No method is overlooked in Satan’s attempt to mislead the chosen of God.

Satan says: Seek success at any price.

God says: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Satan says: Seek riches at any cost.

God says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth . . . But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19, 20)

Satan says: Be popular; push ahead.

God says: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself . . . (Matthew 16:24)

Satan says: If you don’t look after yourself, no one else will. God helps those who help themselves.

God says: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Philippians 2:3, 4)

Satan says: I can’t be happy unless I’m married.

God says: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11)

Satan says: Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.

God says: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Satan says: If it feels good, do it.

God says: “Not my will, but Thine be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Satan says: Everything is relative.

God says: “Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

We could go on, but the point is clear. We must have a plumbline of Scripture against which we can examine the philosophies, premises, and suggestions that we run into every day. A carpenter can’t build a house without a plumbline. If he tries to eyeball it and build it according to what looks good in his own eyes, he will wind up with a crooked house. He must have a standard that is inviolate. Regardless of what he feels or how it looks as he’s going along, if he sticks to that plumbline, he will wind up with a straight house.

So it is with life. We must look at the Word of God as the plumbline by which everything is measured.

–Bob George, Classic Christianity