In middle school, I joined a drama group who performed every Thursday night at the Inner City Ministry. One of the song leaders in the ministry would always sing, “Wade in the Water.” It became a favorite of mine, the kids, and everyone who heard it. Sung with many verses, improvisations, and even a rap lyric thrown in for good measure.

While the Civil Rights History of this spiritual provides for some excellent stories about Harriet Tubman & others; It declares for us that God is doing something in “the water.” Should that be: the trials of your life, the confession or your heart, or the final transition of life. God’s angel shows up to trouble your waters…And thats a good thing! “Rise up! Be Healed!”

As the man in The Book of John exclaimed, “I have no one to carry me into the water.” Remember, Jesus will always step in and say to you, with power of His Spirit, “Rise Up!”

Rise up, O Sinner!
Rise up, O Heartbroken!
Rise up, Sweet Ann!

- Patrick Luse

  “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬)

   The Lord says, as laborers in My harvest, I want you to be  precise, very careful as it relates to My harvest of men and women for my Kingdom. Be direct and plain with the gospel entrusted to you. My gospel will help you correctly and directly explain My words and will help the hopeless wanderer find Me. You must also continue to harvest until every last one is brought in. Be careful to bring in all of those that you have an opportunity to reach.

​Blessed be the name of the Lord!

   The Gospel is the good news that although we are sinners and worthy of God's wrath, God, in love, sent His Son to be our substitute, bearing our punishment, so that we could be made completely righteous in His sight. This righteousness is based only on our trust (faith) in this completed work of Christ and not our own performance.

Allen Coker

​    It’s easy to be misheard, misunderstood, and misquoted. One example is misheard lyrics. They seem to be a common occurrence. I have a friend who does an after school bible program for kids. This week a little boy said, “I can’t get that christmas song out of my head!” “Which one?” she said. “You know the one that is different languages and it's about a flappy dog with fleas…” “I don’t know that one,” she said. “Sing it for me.”

He began, “Fleas, flappy dog, fleas flappy dog…” (Feliz Navidad) 

Our mind tends to hear what it what’s to hear. Perhaps the very reason Jesus sets the example for us to spend quiet time with God.

• May The Spirit resound.
  
• May we receive the direction. 
  
• May we respond promptly.
  

For the resounding of the Spirit is a sound loud enough to echo. Listen closely so you echo the right words. 

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to his people…” Psalm 85:8

Patrick Luse