Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will never be thirsty and will never need to come here to draw water!” – John 4:13-15
WORSHIP! Sunday was another wonderful day, and the perfect conclusion to a most excellent week with our grandchildren.
I write/say this a lot, but it’s something that needs to be embraced by so many more people; so I’ll give voice once more to my refrain that there’s absolutely nothing in our experience of life that will not be markedly enhanced if only we make the simple decision to engage ourselves with a faith community, and make Sunday morning worship THE priority of every weekend.
I’m going to give that sentiment it’s own highlight box:
There’s absolutely nothing in our experience of life that will not be markedly enhanced if only we make the simple decision to engage ourselves with a faith community, and make Sunday morning worship THE priority of every weekend.
Our church family at Wake Forest Presbyterian is such an inspirational and an encouraging place to be. Both services of worship Sunday morning were bright, vibrant, life-affirming hours of praise, teaching, and affirmation.
After lunch – and with the children’s help – we searched every corner of Maul-Hall for grandchild detritus. Two small children sure can redefine the geography of a house! We’re fairly sure we found it all, then we transported our precious cargo to Richmond in time for supper and enjoyed their fond reunion.
KNOWLEDGE & LOVE: I think what struck Rebekah and I most about this past week was how completely relaxed, natural, and at ease David and Beks are with us. Having them close by in Richmond means that we are getting to know them so well. And – as Rebekah pointed out in her excellent message yesterday – deep knowledge and genuine love go hand in hand.
There is a burning desire in each one of us to know and to be known. Great relationships aren’t rooted in perfection, they are built on real knowledge.
And, sadly, the inverse is true. When we fail to get to know other people, to listen to their stories, to take the trouble to understand who they are, and to invest in relationship… then we will never know and experience the quality of love Jesus charged the church with cultivating. The amazing thing about God’s love for us is that it is based on complete knowledge, and understanding of who we are. God knows us… and God loves us anyway.
Like the sign in Rebekah’s study reads: “Jesus knows me, this I love.”
The more we know our grandchildren, the deeper our experience of love. It’s just as true in the relationship Rebekah and I have with one another, and it’s such and ongoing truth in our community of faith.
To know God… and to be known by God. To know one another, and to be known. To listen, to understand, to learn, and to love. To live in community. – DEREK
Love this!!!