Drink Deeply

 It is more common to say "I'm thirsty" than "I'm parched"; nonetheless, both indicate a need for refreshment! The word "parchment" is a Greek word, pertaining to the ancient city of Pergamum where it is believed parchment was first used. The [post-papyrus and pre-paper] parchment was made from animal skins, which were tanned, soaked, scraped, washed, stretched, treated and dried making them suitable for writing of scrolls, legal documents, etc. I suggest there are many times in the Believer's spiritual life we resemble that dried-out piece of parchment. During his flight from Beersheba, his homeland, Jacob slept in an open field where God revealed Himself and renewed the promise made to Jacob's father, Isaac: "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.'" (Genesis 28:16). How is it possible to not know The Presence of God? Actually, it's not difficult at all: skip the reading-studying-meditating of/on God's Word, avoid quiet times of listening and praying, neglect the worship-fellowship-service among the assembling of God's People (The Church). Oh, yeah, missing The Presence is easy - just do nothing to encourage it! In contrast, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8). If you find yourself spiritually parched, perhaps what is missing is ... The Presence. He alone refreshes, renews and sustains the spirit of man. Draw near to Him and drink deeply.