~ The Real Need ~

[Lani]

Ephesians 2:1-10
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. Psalm 130:5 (NRSV)




The mare gave birth to a fine, healthy foal, and both mother and baby seemed to be doing well. However, a few days later we noticed the mare pawing at the earth and eating dirt. This potentially dangerous behavior can lead to serious stomach problems in horses, even death. We were very concerned. An old friend with more horse experience came to see the new foal and, observing the mare’s odd behavior, explained, “She is craving salt.” The stress of giving birth had depleted the new mother of salt. We supplied the mare with a mineral block, and she immediately stopped eating dirt and instead licked the block until her need was satisfied.

This experience reminded me that people have a natural yearning for a relationship with God. If that need is not met through knowing Jesus Christ, people may seek to satisfy that hunger in their lives in other, sometimes unhealthy ways. This world offers many distractions that can temporarily dull the ache of that hunger for God, but none of these offers true and lasting satisfaction. That comes only from a relationship with God.



Prayer: Dear Friend and Redeemer, help us to live in close relationship with you, and allow us to be instruments of your grace to others. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who tend to the needs of animals.

Thought for the Day: We are created for relationship with our God.

Story shared by: D. Allison (MI)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 11/21/11