How's the day, girlfriends? Have you got your coffee in hand and a few minutes to sit with me as we look into our hearts and God's Word this morning? I'm excited to share what I've been given!
In the fourth chapter of John, Jesus made an offer to a Samaritan woman she couldn't refuse. As she came to the well to draw water, he used the very setting, where she was, to speak to her need. He first got her attention by asking her to draw water for him. It was unheard of that a Jew would ask a despised Samaritan for anything! Once he made her comfortable in talking with him, he made the offer.
He told her that unlike her trek to visit the well, repeatedly, for water, he could offer her living water that, if she would drink of it, she would never thirst again. That's quite an advertisement! Move over, Michael Jordon - even your Vitamin water can't hang with that!;-)
Finally, after some further discussion, where he revealed that even though he knew her darkest sins, his offer remained in place! What a joyful day it is when we bring all our sin to the cross and we are washed clean and made new! There is nothing too sinful or dark that he cannot forgive. Jesus then introduced himself as the Messiah she was waiting for, who would "explain everything." What she needed was fresh water, living water and he was that water. While we don't know her ultimate decision, we do know she ran back to town and told the people to come see this man who told her everything she ever did, which is significant.
There are some great lessons, for us, in this passage! How do we approach the people, in our sphere of influence, with this living water? First, we have to be sure we have it to offer...that our own cup is full. Have you been to the place where you have traded your empty cup (heart) for Jesus' living water (salvation, accompanied by the Holy Spirit)?
Are the truths about Jesus, who he was and what he accomplished on the cross, merely facts you accept as true? Jesus isn't looking for a mental ascent. There is a passage that speaks to the possibility of having a factual belief that is not accompanied by salvation. "You believe that there is one God? Good! Even the devils believe and tremble." (James 2:19) He wants to make an exchange - our life for his! As we experience this living water, it changes us. We become thirsty for spiritual things and to know him more. We become more aware of our sin and have the desire to turn from it. Oh, the flesh is still alive and well, but, whereas before, we just gave in to it, we are now in the battle! Yes, there are times, in our weakness, where we fail to walk in the Spirit and give in to the flesh. This is where we look to the cross and receive God's grace, once again. That is the good news of the gospel! He is there to lift us back up and dust us off as we continue our journey. We are now armed with that living water that springs up inside us and produces the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible tells us that before this exchange takes place, we are "dead in our trespasses and sins but that he has made us alive." Just as water is the source of life for our bodies, the water Jesus provides, which is the Holy Spirit, who lives within every believers heart, is the source of our spiritual health and growth, if we are tuned in!
There are some other passages that relate to having a spiritual thirst and how to find the living water we need to thrive and survive! Let's just look at one. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) As we desire to follow Christ with that thirst for more of him and less of us, he promises us he will meet that desire.
As we tap into that living water, we will want to share it with others. After being told they had to stop speaking about Jesus in Acts 4:19, Peter and John replied they could not help but speak of the things they had seen and heard! Taking a few thoughts from the passage in John 4, lets remember we need to meet people where they are and accept them, without judgement. We have opportunities within our daily settings to make a difference as we make it comfortable for others to talk to us by not coming across as pious or preachy. God will use us, as he made us, to share our faith. In fact, as we live connected to our water supply, this passage implies that people will ask us what we have. "Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15) As we allow the hope that is within us to shine, God will grant the opportunities to share.
Sometimes, I find that I'm not thirsty for water and it's hard for me to drink it. Can you relate? For me, it's usually because I haven't been drinking it and I've been having a steady diet of coke or some other substitute. The only way to push through these times is to cut the sugary drinks out and begin drinking the water again, by an act of my will. The more I drink of it and the less I consume of the others, the easier it gets. I start to like having water as my thirst-quencher. That's how it is with prayer, reading the Bible and meditating on spiritual things. We must develop that thirst by disciplining ourselves to drink of that living water instead of substituting it with fillers...you fill in the blank - entertainment, busyness, even religious activities. None of these are bad but we just need to be sure we carve out time to drink from the well that never runs dry! As we begin to see the fruit in our lives, the discipline will all be worth it. "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)
Have a great day!
Still Climbing,
Cher
Monday
Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue Proverbs 18:21
Good morning, girlfriends! Grab your coffee and a comfy chair and lets chat for a few.
Today, I’m inspired to share some thoughts about that little member of our body right behind our teeth…you know, the one that tends to get us in so much trouble! I’m certain this is a topic we can ALL relate to and, as usual, one that I need to be reminded of, myself! Let’s begin with a few verses. Apparently, this is an important point, as there are many to choose from!
Let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Proverbs 17:28
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:15
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So, also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:2-13
We have been given this unique gift, among the creation, to be able to communicate with a wide variety of words to one another. While the animals also have the ability to communicate with one another in specific ways from one species to the next, it is limited and simplified compared to our vast array of arsenal…oh, I mean words, tone, inflection and body language with which we convey our intentions. Some of us who are “talkers” have more trouble with this than others. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Anyone need interpretation here? :-D Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
As a side bar, Proverbs is a great book to read, and gives us the opportunity to tap into godly and practical advice with regard to many and various things in life that we encounter on a regular basis and how to handle them wisely. You might like to make it a daily part of your practice to read one or two chapters as an addition to your devotional time.
As we think about how we use our tongues in speaking to each other and to ourselves (self-talk) and as we look to God’s word for help in this matter, we realize that just deciding to tame our tongues isn’t going to work. James tells us that no man can tame the tongue! That creates a dilemma. Let’s look at Jesus’ words for further insight.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
So then….it’s a heart matter. That is so Jesus. If we want to see progress in the things that are coming out of our mouths, we must go straight for our hearts and let God shine his spotlight on the areas that are in need of his cleansing. We all have them! There is none righteous, no not one! Romans 3:1 Let’s make a visit to our knowing place, today, and it would be a great exercise if we would open our Bibles to Galations 5 when we do. As we look at verses 16-25, we can see the contrast between the fruit of the Spirit that we want to be evident in our lives and the works of the flesh. As we walk through those things with a prayerful heart, our Father is faithful to show us where he wants to do a clean-up on the inside and that is what will produce a more loving and cleaner presentation coming from our lips. Of course, this requires maintenance! God wants us to come to him, daily, and walk in relationship with him. No doubt we will always struggle with our tongues as long as we are in these mortal bodies but there can be a definite change as we open our hearts and look together with our loving Father on the inside to see our need.
Let’s remember that the words we speak have the power of death and life, especially in our homes. We can tear down and destroy or we can build up and encourage. Ask God for wisdom in how to communicate in a loving and productive way, especially when having to confront difficult issues. We also need to communicate with ourselves in that same way. We can't love our neighbors or others very well if we don't have a proper love for ourselves. As an example, if we condemn ourselves when we fail, rather than accepting God's grace and moving forward, we will likely do the same with others. He will help as we lean in for understanding.
Girls, have a great day and I can’t wait to share together, again, soon! I’m praying for you. Please remember me in yours, as well!
Still Climbing
Cher
Today, I’m inspired to share some thoughts about that little member of our body right behind our teeth…you know, the one that tends to get us in so much trouble! I’m certain this is a topic we can ALL relate to and, as usual, one that I need to be reminded of, myself! Let’s begin with a few verses. Apparently, this is an important point, as there are many to choose from!
Let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Proverbs 17:28
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:15
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So, also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:2-13
We have been given this unique gift, among the creation, to be able to communicate with a wide variety of words to one another. While the animals also have the ability to communicate with one another in specific ways from one species to the next, it is limited and simplified compared to our vast array of arsenal…oh, I mean words, tone, inflection and body language with which we convey our intentions. Some of us who are “talkers” have more trouble with this than others. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Anyone need interpretation here? :-D Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
As a side bar, Proverbs is a great book to read, and gives us the opportunity to tap into godly and practical advice with regard to many and various things in life that we encounter on a regular basis and how to handle them wisely. You might like to make it a daily part of your practice to read one or two chapters as an addition to your devotional time.
As we think about how we use our tongues in speaking to each other and to ourselves (self-talk) and as we look to God’s word for help in this matter, we realize that just deciding to tame our tongues isn’t going to work. James tells us that no man can tame the tongue! That creates a dilemma. Let’s look at Jesus’ words for further insight.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
So then….it’s a heart matter. That is so Jesus. If we want to see progress in the things that are coming out of our mouths, we must go straight for our hearts and let God shine his spotlight on the areas that are in need of his cleansing. We all have them! There is none righteous, no not one! Romans 3:1 Let’s make a visit to our knowing place, today, and it would be a great exercise if we would open our Bibles to Galations 5 when we do. As we look at verses 16-25, we can see the contrast between the fruit of the Spirit that we want to be evident in our lives and the works of the flesh. As we walk through those things with a prayerful heart, our Father is faithful to show us where he wants to do a clean-up on the inside and that is what will produce a more loving and cleaner presentation coming from our lips. Of course, this requires maintenance! God wants us to come to him, daily, and walk in relationship with him. No doubt we will always struggle with our tongues as long as we are in these mortal bodies but there can be a definite change as we open our hearts and look together with our loving Father on the inside to see our need.
Let’s remember that the words we speak have the power of death and life, especially in our homes. We can tear down and destroy or we can build up and encourage. Ask God for wisdom in how to communicate in a loving and productive way, especially when having to confront difficult issues. We also need to communicate with ourselves in that same way. We can't love our neighbors or others very well if we don't have a proper love for ourselves. As an example, if we condemn ourselves when we fail, rather than accepting God's grace and moving forward, we will likely do the same with others. He will help as we lean in for understanding.
Girls, have a great day and I can’t wait to share together, again, soon! I’m praying for you. Please remember me in yours, as well!
Still Climbing
Cher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)