Monday, July 19, 2010

Flying Solo


Flying solo these days?

Think twice about going it alone. We were meant to do life in groups.

Do you know why birds often fly in a "V" pattern? To save energy! One of the stronger birds takes the lead, performing most of the hard wing work, while the others glide on the air draft he creates. But if you watch long enough, you'll see the leader drop back, allowing another in the flock to assume the lead. The birds form a community, providing support for the journey.
The author of the Book of Hebrews instructed Christ followers to "fly" in groups.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25.

Life was hard for these persecuted believers and this wise author knew they needed each other to make the difficult journey. Perhaps you are finding life really hard today. Are you trying to do it alone? I've found that leaning on a stronger believer energizes me until I can take my place as the encourager. Just as I noticed that birds know their exact position; we, too, need to be sensitive to how long we depend on others as well as when we need to take the lead.
So are you flying solo? Is it leaving you spiritually exhausted?

Maybe it's time to "get your group on."

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Woman at the Well

I am the woman at the well and I've seen Jesus! Day after day I come to this ancient well to draw water, but today was different. He sat there, a Jew, tired and thirsty, and asked me for a drink. Me? An unclean Samaritan woman? Unheard of! I tried to argue, but He offered me everything.    Who am I to question this prophet who knows every detail of my life, even my current shame?   This Jew, he offers me permanent, living water,  not the temporary kind that flows from our father Jacob's well. But eternal, cleansing, saving drink that could only come from Him. I no longer need my dusty jug and the others? I must rush and tell them. Will they come and see for themselves the Savior who satisfies my soul?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Monologue written for Camp Tallowood 2010
She left behind her water jug that day. What must I leave behind to truly follow Jesus?
...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14