The experts tell us that in order to survive, we have five basic needs. We need food, water, clothing, sleep and shelter. So, I got to wondering how long we can last without those things.
Apparently, the longest recorded lapse in sleep is 264 hours or 11 days. But those experts stress that after just 3 or 4 nights, we will likely begin to hallucinate. Not fun.
Clothing and shelter are needed for longer ranged activities like camping in the woods or surviving airplane crashes. And I am told that men and women can last months without food, depending on their overall health. No thanks.
But we must have some water every 3-5 days, or our bodily systems shut down.
Well, there are some other things that we truly need, and they are spelled out for us at the end of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. As Paul wrapped up his letter to this church family he knew so well, he reminds them of 6 things they require in order to live a Godly life.
He starts by talking about their need for prayer and its “bookend,” God’s Word. Like babies that crave their mother’s milk, we too should crave the opportunity to speak regularly and openly with our Heavenly Father. Like chatting with our BFF, we need to be eager to share with the Lord the events of our workday, the joys and the sadness of normal living and our hopes for tomorrow. And as we reflect on those events, we need to apply the truths of His Word everywhere we can.
We also need boldness as we share those truths with friends, co-workers and family members. It takes courage to speak up about our Savior.
Speaking of those folks we need to point to Christ; we just plain need people in our lives. We were not meant to live in caves by ourselves. We need them and they need us. We need to live an open, vulnerable life before others. That openness creates space for real love to exist.
As we spend time with folks, our capacity to love, share grace, extend peace and show mercy explodes. We need them and they need us.
So this week, let’s all make sure we get plenty of fluids, sleep and yummy food. Let’s enjoy our favorite sweatshirt in our favorite chair at home. But let’s also remember how important our devotional time of prayer and Bible reading is. Let’s remember to bravely speak the name of Jesus as we reach out to family and friends.
We need them. They need us. So, let’s be real and open offering peace, love and grace wherever we go.
Apparently, the longest recorded lapse in sleep is 264 hours or 11 days. But those experts stress that after just 3 or 4 nights, we will likely begin to hallucinate. Not fun.
Clothing and shelter are needed for longer ranged activities like camping in the woods or surviving airplane crashes. And I am told that men and women can last months without food, depending on their overall health. No thanks.
But we must have some water every 3-5 days, or our bodily systems shut down.
Well, there are some other things that we truly need, and they are spelled out for us at the end of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. As Paul wrapped up his letter to this church family he knew so well, he reminds them of 6 things they require in order to live a Godly life.
He starts by talking about their need for prayer and its “bookend,” God’s Word. Like babies that crave their mother’s milk, we too should crave the opportunity to speak regularly and openly with our Heavenly Father. Like chatting with our BFF, we need to be eager to share with the Lord the events of our workday, the joys and the sadness of normal living and our hopes for tomorrow. And as we reflect on those events, we need to apply the truths of His Word everywhere we can.
We also need boldness as we share those truths with friends, co-workers and family members. It takes courage to speak up about our Savior.
Speaking of those folks we need to point to Christ; we just plain need people in our lives. We were not meant to live in caves by ourselves. We need them and they need us. We need to live an open, vulnerable life before others. That openness creates space for real love to exist.
As we spend time with folks, our capacity to love, share grace, extend peace and show mercy explodes. We need them and they need us.
So this week, let’s all make sure we get plenty of fluids, sleep and yummy food. Let’s enjoy our favorite sweatshirt in our favorite chair at home. But let’s also remember how important our devotional time of prayer and Bible reading is. Let’s remember to bravely speak the name of Jesus as we reach out to family and friends.
We need them. They need us. So, let’s be real and open offering peace, love and grace wherever we go.
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.