Oasis

What is the modern oasis?

Is it that cell tower that comes into view after traveling for so long with no bars?

Or how about that green coffee shop (or perhaps the red chicken) sign that you can just barely make out down the road?

Or maybe it’s that new notification from our trusted news source telling the truth we’re all to eager to hear?

Whatever the case may be, make no mistake we’re all that tired and thirsty soul in the desert.

Looking off into the distance we see our salvation.

But is it an oasis or a mirage?

Can you discern the two? Or do you have to wait till your mouth is filled with sand?

God of now

How often have we thought if only I had this or that then I could give or do?
Let me win the lottery Lord so I can do many great things.

But the Holy Spirit says have I not provided?
Is God not the God of now?
Have you listened?
Have you heard what I’m calling you to do, now, with what I have given you?

Reach out your hand
Lift up your voice
Step out in faith
You have been called
Will you not answer?
Will you continue to wait until the time is right in your eyes?

Much has been given to you
Don’t die with the gift still in your hands.

Submerge

For years I’ve struggled for breath. 
For years the water has risen and risen. 
Each day feels like my last desperate gasp to keep my head above water. 
The worries and the cares of this world threatening to end me. 
Each morning I pierce the surface and take a deep breath. 
The sky is dark and menacing. 
The sea is green and gray.
The first wave comes and pushes me back under.
And the thought occurs to me that this could be the end.
I kick my legs and sweep my arms pushing with all my strength back to the surface.
My struggle drowns out the still quiet voice calling to me from the unfathomable depths of the ocean.
“Be still. Trust. Have Faith.”
Instead I
Pierce. Breathe. Submerge. Repeat.

But what if I have this backwards.
What if the worries and the cares of this world are the air I’m so desperate for?
And the water isn’t death but rather life.
The sea is the spirit.
The flooding presence of God.
And it is inviting me to die.
To die to this world.
To die to my flurry of activity.
To die so that I might live.
Live in His presence.
Live in His depths.
Submerge. Dive Deep. Breathe. Repeat.

The Love Story of Anchor and Sail

A strong east wind began to blow racing over the water, carrying with it a torn and tattered sail. The once pure white canvas now torn and soiled was tossed and tumbled through the air. Dragged along various shores, caught on the occaisonal palm. She continued her journey on the whim of the wind.

On the desolate shores of the Unknown Island lay the rusting hulk of an abandoned anchor. He had long been separated from his ship the mighty Purpose, and washed a shore here by some miracle. Not that Anchor considered it a much of a miracle now. Stuck here Anchor could do little more than watch the sun rise and set, marking the slow progress of time.

Sail was being dragged along another shore when she was suddenly stopped. Looking down she realized she was caught on an old rusty anchor. Suddenly the wind shifted direction causing Sail to become even more tangled with Anchor. As the wind continued to blow, there was a brief moment where Sail lifted Anchor. Exhilarated he clung to Sail and the pair slowly drifted back to shore. Their short flight breathed new life into the pair.

As the wind continued to shift the pair danced down the shore, rising and falling, rising and falling. Together, freed of their bonds, they began to build something new. A new ship to carry them across the Future Sea. Once complete they christened their ship the Life Bringer, and together they set sail for the land of Promise.

At first things aboard the Life Bringer were joyous. Anchor loved Sail’s power and direction. While Sail loved Anchor’s steadfastness and quiet strength. The seas were smooth as glass and winds consistent. The few squalls they encountered a long the way were easily dealt with.

It wasn’t till the tempest hit that Anchor and Sail found the leaks in their boat. In the strong winds each fought for control, bringing their little vessel to its breaking point. A particularly violent gust finally wrested control away from both of them and slammed the Life Bringer on to the Isthmus of Expectations where wave after wave of depression battered the already exhausted and broken pair.

After awhile the winds died down and the waves were reduced from crushing to lapping. But the Life Bringer was gone, reduced to flotsam. Anchor lay pinned to the shore while Sail flapped in the breeze. Both ready to bury there hopes and dreams there on that beach. But above the rhythmic sounds of the water were the sounds of footsteps.

The Good Captain looked at the wreckage on the beach and saw something, others might have called it garbage, but not him. Good set to work at once, rebuilding the humble vessel. And as he worked he taught Anchor and Sail about love. Once his work was complete he re-christened the ship Glory, and set sail once again for the land of Promise.

Anchor and Sail were tentative being out on the sea again. But under the Good Captain’s steady hand they began to experience the joy of the open sea again kindling a faint spark of hope in each. With squalls and nor’easters behind them the Captain guided Glory towards another dark tempest. Fear gripped Sail and Anchor. Both desperately wanted to turn back. But the Captain encouraged them, so they pressed on towards the thunder in the distance.

In the midst of the raging storm the Good Captain was as calm as ever. Shouting words of wisdom and encouragement over the howling window. Anchor and Sail still struggled in the violent storm, but as they listened to the Captains voice the mistakes of the past were erased. Instead of seizing control they ceded control to the Captain. With his steady hand, he saw them through. The storm waned and the darkness was chased away by the rising sun. There before them was the golden city of Promise. At the wheel they could hear the Good Captain begin to sing, and his song filled their hearts with new joy. Together Anchor and Sail danced to the Captain’s song.