The wild animals in the fields will thank
me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will
make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed. Isaiah
43:20
 |
| Sandhill Cranes migrating through the Tri-Cities, WA |
Streams of water in the desert—actually
rivers. My home is in a semi-desert area where the great Columbia, Snake and
Yakima Rivers converge. Most people think of rain, evergreen trees and
mountains when they consider the Washington state environment. Actually, on the
southeast side of the state where I live we typically get less than ten inches
of rain a year—and it can be very hot and dry during the summer. Not much rain
to encourage evergreen trees to grow here, so farmland has been developed on
the rich volcanic soil. According to the Northwest Power and Conservation
Council there are about 5.1 million acres of irrigated crops farmed in the
Columbia Basin. Beyond the farmland the hills are covered with native sagebrush
and cheat grass that has invaded our region. The rivers have deer and lots of
birds thriving on the shores of their banks. It is exciting to see meadowlarks,
heron, hawks, pelicans and Sandhill Cranes flying around nearby. I’ve even spotted a coyote,
some rattlesnakes and quite a few rabbits while hiking just a few miles from my
home. Those wild animals are sure to thank the Lord for the water available to
them.
We have living water here, too, provided by
the Lord. Jesus is alive and well in our community…but you have to look pretty
hard to find Him in some areas. Jesus has refreshed me here in this desert
wasteland—I’ve renewed my strength in Him daily—because I do seek Him. Years
ago I realized how much I need Jesus—His word and some conversation with Him
every day. On days that I don’t make time for Him—I usually fall into a slump
or a bad attitude creeps into my thoughts and actions. How do I escape?
Scripture is the key for me. A few verses that I’ve memorized rescue me from
the doldrums that invade my life. What do you do when you need to be refreshed?
Have some cool, living water. Jesus will provide some unique refreshment for
your soul.
(Recycled from June 29, 2017)
Prayer
~ Jesus, You said You have Living Water—the Spirit. Refresh us today. You
said…"If you only
knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me,
and I would give you living water." John 4:10.
Daily
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
Food safety is so very important in the
summer to keep bacteria from growing and contaminating your foods. You’ve
probably heard the essential ones:
·
Keep hot foods hot and
cold foods cold.
·
Wash your hands and keep
your preparation surfaces clean, too.
·
Don’t allow
cross-contamination between raw meats and other raw foods.
·
Use a thermometer and
cook to the right temperature.
·
Refrigerate unused foods
in one (if over 90 degrees outside) or two hours after beginning to serve the
food.
·
Check web sites like the
Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information. foodsafety.gov
© 2018 Text and
photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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