Water Sources

Last time I wrote about Summit and how the speaker spoke on water sources. Well, I kept learning that the week following Summit.

Isaiah 12:3 states "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

The key phrase that stuck out to me is "...wells of salvation," the key word being "wells."

Then I realized I must dig deep in order to get water stored in wells. Also, "water" is metaphoric. When I make an effort, I will draw "water" from deep within where salvation is rich, pure, and constant. With wells, I can't see the depth, how far they go. The same is true with my relationship with God: I can never see how deep I can possibly go.

Going along with "water" I'm reading this book by Neil T. Anderson, "Victory Over the Darkness" and a phrase caught my attention: "spiritual growth in the Christian life requires a relationship with God who is the fountain of spiritual life..." This re-emphasized the focus of Summit: how I need to be a "drinking fountain" Christian.

Psalm 36:9 also came to mind: "For with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light."

In those times when I'm "spiritually" thirsty, all I need to do is look toward God who will satisfy my soul. I have found that the more God reveals to me, the deeper I go.

I also asked, "what is significant about God being the "fountain of spiritual life?"

Fountains are consistent, purifying, and constant. I can go to a fountain (and approach God) at any time and be completely satisfied. This amazes me.

The truth spoken at Summit flooded into my life long after the week ended. I'm a Communication Studies major where I recently learned about marketing and "branding."

That also applied to my devotional life: I had an image ("brand") of fountains stuck in my head and I love it.

Eventually I will move on to a different image but for now I'll enjoy this image of fountains.

Peace :-)

Spring Summit 2011

A "summit" is the highest point or degree.

That's an obvious definition. When someone says the word "summit," I automatically think of a mountain's peak.

This past week (January 17th-19th) was IWU's spiritual emphasis week (Summit). I have attended many Summits, this one was by far the most life changing.

The speaker challenged me in many areas.

First off, going into Summit week I wrote this in my journal: "Summit is on the brink...no matter what happens, no matter how God works this coming week, it changes nothing about the nature and character of God. Let it not be about the "experience" or "spiritual high" but also the lasting change He would bring upon our lives. I wanted Summit to be all for the glory of God. "

Summit truly was all for his glory.

I could write about past Summits but that is irrelevant now.

One of the services was from Ephesians 4:29:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen."

This is one of those verses I try to live by. I want to encourage others by what I say.

I also learned about being low and humble before a holy God. Every day I can walk in pride or humility.

Another thing I learned was 5 life patterns to live by:

1) chastity: learn to control our physical appetites to glorify God. This is not just about sex, but all our physical appetites.

2) poverty: Learn to hold on to our earthly possessions lightly.

3) obedience: Respect and submit to those in authority over us.

4) stability: Be content in the place God has put us. Let's stop and ask God where he wants us to be.

5) conversion of manners: Live in such a way that our faith in Christ is evident to others.

"pray and work"

The last Summit service was on water sources and how they can relate to the types of Christians there are.

"What if the thirsty world came to you looking for a drink...what kind of living water would you be?"

"Downspout Christians"

-gushes during showers of blessing

-but goes dry when the heat's on, never really available when thirsty people need it.

The problem with this is inconsistency.

"Swamp Christians"

-once filled with fresh living water

-now the water is old and stagnant

-a breeding ground for "creepy crawlies"

-not appealing to a thirsty world.

The problem with this is stagnation and impurity.

"Water pump Christians"

-living water is there and it's pure

-but it's buried deep beneath the surface.

-available only on demand

-requires effort by others to get it.

The problem with this is inaccessibility.

and finally,

"Drinking fountain Christians"

-The living water is there

-It flows freely from one's life

-fresh and pure each day

-constant and consistent

-satisfies the thirst of others

The blessing is purity and consistency.

God brought conviction in my life through this service:

I'm a "hidden" Christian where I keep what I'm learning beneath the surface because I care what others think of me. I also think, "Do they really need to know how I'm growing?" So I just keep it locked up inside me. The water is starting to flow again...

I wrote this in my journal too: "The world is thirsty for grace, for something real.

God is real. He is alive in millions of people across the world. Christians are the "drinking fountains" of the earth.

One thing I appreciated about this past summit was that it was real and I'm still reflecting on what I learned.

I'm still climbing down from the "Summit" peak and I want to be consistently growing in my life with God so that it brings satisfaction to those around me.

peace-

Time

With a new year brings new years resolutions.

I'm not the one to make them because I usually can't commit to them for longer than a week.

But today I actually thought of one I won't have trouble keeping and that is to spend more time in devotions.

I know God rewards time I spend with Him so why don't I spend as much time as I need?

I do my "quiet time" for ten minutes and I think "ok. I'm done." I almost feel as though I have something better to do.

I have less than a week until I head back to IWU for the Spring semester and, once again, I'm going to be crazy busy with reading assignments, writing papers, etc. and then I'll have an excuse for not doing them (meaning devotions)

I also know God has heard every excuse:

"I have to write this paper."

"I'm too tired."

"I have to read this chapter."

The list goes on.

If I'm serious about pursuing God's heart, I won't make excuses. My schedule will be centered on God, not vice versa.

I know it will be a struggle.

But I also know God is stronger than struggles.

He revealed to me that the amount of time I put into devotions reflects how strong my faith is.

peace-

Happy New Year :-)

Happy 2011!

this is going to be a good year.

I already know it!

My prayer for this year is that I would live by Matthew 6:33: I would seek God first in everything.

Everything else will follow :-)

One of the things I want to do more this year is I want to journal: I want to just write prayers down and reflect on how God has worked and is working now.

peace-