I was staring down into my empty coffee cup looking at the dry brown ring of coffee that had been left a little while before, it was already starting to dry on the bottom of my cup; I was wishing I could have more, the reality is that I could, I simply needed to get up and go pour more into my cup and enjoy. I needed to take action, if I wanted a new filling of coffee I needed to move from where I was at the table to the coffee pot, pick it up and pour it into my cup. To be honest I was feeling lazy wishing the coffee would just walk itself over and pour into my cup, oh well maybe someday someone will invent such a thing. LOL

As I was staring longingly into my cup I began thinking about how dry our spirits and hearts can become when we are not active in our pursuit of more of Jesus. We want the Lord to just drop nuggets of wisdom down deep into our hearts and souls without our ever having to do anything. No reading in his word, no prayer life, no church, no Christian fellowship to grow and learn with. Seriously, it is easier now to hear a good message from the Lord than ever. You can live-stream them, download them, hear them on the radio, have the Bible read to you through an audiobook etc.

We say we want more Jesus and then do nothing. He longs to come and sit with us, to teach us his commandments, to give his wisdom to us to help us in our walk through this troubled world. Yet, we are lazy, we want someone else to do it for us. Your relationship with Jesus is just that “YOURS.” It is a personal relationship, something between you and Jesus.

I took action finally, I realized the only way I was going to get coffee and make that slightly dry spot wet again was to move myself to the coffee pot, pour that hot liquid into my cup and enjoy the wonderful fragrance and taste. I was so glad I did, it smelled and tasted even better the second time around. And when I take the time to pray, to sit with Jesus in his word I always walk away with a new sense of closeness, a new settledness in my soul and a good taste in my heart of time well spent. New wisdom is poured into my dry and parched spirit and I am refreshed for a new day and new trials. I feel ready to give to others because I myself took time to nourish my soul. My dry spot has a fresh word on it and my heart feels lighter.

No one else can spend time with Jesus for you, Oh, they can pray for you and the Lord can work in your life even without your permission, but the growth comes from getting into his word, listening to it, praying and meditating on it, letting it seep deep down into your very marrow. That requires your action, your movement toward a closer relationship. Yes, you can be saved and stay a “baby Christian” your entire life, but why would you want to? I want to know Him in the fullness of His glory. I want to feel him in every breath and heartbeat I have. I want to be so close to Jesus that I can almost reach out and physically feel him near me. I cannot live a day without him, I just cannot!

As I gaze through the windows of the past and I see his hand at work in my messed up life and I know that it was He and He alone that brought me through those horribly long and dry places, I am brought to this place of hunger for more. I want to know who this God is that transforms even the lowest of the lows, the meanest of the mean, those so steep in sin they never give God a thought. Oh, I know He does it all, the calling, the saving, the filling, the moving, the growing…but when we take the time to go read, go pray, go spend time with him, the intimacy in your relationship with Jesus just goes to the next level. It is in those quiet times that He has your undivided attention that He waters your soul and wets your desert land.

Think of it this way, what would your relationships with your spouse, a friend, anyone look like if you never invested time alone with them? Would you even have a relationship?

I will leave you with these words from His word:

James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

2 Peter 318 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Timothy 3:16 ” All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

John 1:1″ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Proverbs 8:17 “I love those who love me

and those who seek me find me.”

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light to my path.”

Blessings on you as you pursue the Lord with your whole heart, mind, and soul and you grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord. As you spend time alone with Him in prayer, as you seek Him, He will be found and you will be changed!!!