Seeking satisfaction happens on many levels, on an array of topics, moment by moment with all of us. Quenching appetites is a daily job. Psalm 90:14 offers four surprising facts about the satisfaction that comes from God. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Arlan Miller and Matt Kaufmann highlight these surprising qualities and muse on how beautifully welcome each one is.
So much time, effort and energy goes into satisfying our appetites. Hunger, thirst, sleep, love, comfort, approval, accomplishment, affirmation, achievement are a few of the many cravings we try to satiate every day. Yet, God’s satisfaction is different - in four ways.
“O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. “ Psalm 90:14
| Earthly Satisfaction | God’s Satisfaction |
| We prize the pursuit of satisfaction as much or more than the satisfaction itself. For example, eating the meal is pursued and valued as much as the filling. | God’s satisfaction is the prize. |
| Satisfaction comes at the end. For example, at the end of a meal or at the end of a hard day’s work. | God’s satisfaction comes early, at the beginning not the ending. |
| Satisfaction must be earned. For example, you must cook the meal. You must contend, work, strive and achieve to be satisfied. | God’s satisfaction is already realized. We enter into his satisfied reality. |
| Satisfaction expires. For example, we are hungry again. We are thirsty again. We need affirmation again. | God’s satisfaction lasts all our days. His satisfaction does not expire. |
Jesus lived among us. He taught us. But more importantly, he exampled for us “the way.” Now we have a chance to follow His lead. But how? In this episode of Breaking Bread, Katie Miller and Marcia Koch share their top three lessons learned from mentoring others.
Notes:
· Mentoring is more relational than educational.
o Be vulnerable and trustworthy.
· Everyone is unique.
o Be careful not to over generalize.
· The cross of Christ is central.
o Everybody in every situation can be pointed to the cross.
· The “self-talk” that people are saying to themselves matters.
o Listen for lies.
· Good questions are key.
o Assume you don’t know and ask. Assume you still don’t know and clarify.
· Regularity is more important than frequency.
o Be there.
· People are more than their issues.
o Relate to people on a variety of levels.
· The Holy Spirit is the change-agent.
o Pray with people.