Second Sunday after Epiphany: Thursday, January 19, 2006

A special birthday prayer to my father in law, Eddie Calcote, a good man, today

Old Testament Lesson

Genesis 11: 1-9

Babel happened because of pride. The people on the earth thought they could do this and show how great they were, but God had other plans. Last night in Bible Study here at Coy we talked about temptation and one of the surest ways to fall into temptation is to become prideful. The moment we think we are stronger than we really are is the moment that trouble can start. The people at Babel thought they could do all these things and in turn the Lord confused them. We must always remember no matter our power, titles, money, or whatever, that we are not God. He is and He is the ultimate power.

Notice what their fear was, they not be scatter over the earth. What did their pride cause to happen? They were scattered all over the earth. Be careful with sin and temptation. It will lead you into places that you do not want to go.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 6: 13-20

The hope we have in Jesus is an anchor for the soul. I’m not much of a water person. Don’t like boats or skiing or any of that. I swim like a rock, so I prefer the land. That said, the one thing I do know is that a good anchor will hold in you place. It will keep you boat from being moved by the storm, wind, or waves. If you anchor is down deep, you are there. That is how Jesus should be the for the Christian. He should be our anchor. Storms will come. Waves will sweep over us. The rain will fall. And many may be over come. He must be that anchor that will hold us in place for the time of storm. I don’t know what storm you may be facing know, or will be facing, but I pray that Jesus is your anchor that will keep you firmly in place, and if He is our anchor, we will survive the storm. He will not let the waves overcome us. We just have to have faith in the One that has never failed us before. So, why would he start now? Make sure that He is your anchor for the storm.

Gospel Lesson

John 4: 1-15

Ever had a conversation where people are talking, but no one is listening? That is what Jesus is having here. He is trying to tell this woman about the gift of eternal life that he offers, and she things he’s talking about actual water. Jesus was talking to her, but she wasn’t really listening. Sometimes, Jesus has these types of conversions with us. He may be trying to tell us something, but we may not be listening. Prayer is a conversation. That means that we talk and we listen. Do we really listen to God in prayer? Do we allow ourselves be quiet and listen for His voice? Do we give Him a chance to speak? Sometimes we finish saying what we want in our prayers, and we think we are through. For us to hear God’s voice, we have to listen. Are you listening to Him in your prayer today, or are you just talking? We have to listen for His voice, lest we be like the woman at the well and miss the gift of life that He is trying to offer.