THIRSTY

 

John 4:13-14 (GW)      Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks this water will become thirsty again. [14] But those who drink the water that I will give them will never become thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give them will become in them a spring that gushes up to eternal life."

Ronald Keller - (Our Daily Bread)
  "Some time ago I saw a travelogue on television concerning a group of explorers who were searching in Africa for a vanishing tribe. In the course of their travels they came across some natives who for centuries had made their home on the banks of this one particular river.

This in itself did not cause wonder, until they were showed the polluted stream. It was filled with dirt and every contamination imaginable. The natives had developed a method of swishing over the top of the water to get out as much debris as possible before scooping it up to drink.

One of the explorers took his canteen and poured out a large cup of crystal-clear water and handed it to one of the aged women of the tribe, whose face was as wrinkled as a prune. She took the cup, pressed it to her lips, and didn’t put it down until she had drained it. Then through an interpreter she said that she had never dreamed that there was anything in this world as sweet and wonderful as that.

I thought then: how like the world without Christ! They too drink from polluted streams—just swishing through the debris because they have never known anything better. However, when they finally taste the crystal waters of eternal life, they proclaim that they never before realized there was anything so sweet and wonderful." 

John 7:37-38 (NLT)
    On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "If you are thirsty, come to me! [38] If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within."

 We would not think of depriving our bodies of water when they are thirsty. Why then should we deprive others of the "Living Water"? The living Word, Jesus Christ, and the written Word, the Bible, can satisfy every thirsty soul.

When the HEAT is On!!!!!!

Headline News:  “Eastern States Bake”

     “The high-pressure system over the Eastern States has brought soaring temperatures causing several days of sweltering heat, and the potential of fatalities and strain on utilities.”

     During this terrible heat wave the weather bureau has given several heat advisories, for example: “TEMPERATURES WILL CONTINUE TO BE HOT TODAY...IN THE 100 TO 104 DEGREE RANGE. WHILE THIS IS JUST A BIT COOLER THAN RECENT DAYS...THE PROLONGED HOT TEMPERATURES OVER THE LAST WEEK OR SO CAN HAVE A DEVASTATING EFFECT ON THE BODY....TAKE MORE CAUTION AS HOT TEMPERATURES CONTINUE.”

     This is a precaution given to protect us in severe weather.  It is the wise person who seeks shelter or takes whatever measures necessary to protect their health. Whatever may be said for our physical body may also be applied for our spiritually welfare. The advisories given to us in the Bible are for our spiritual protection and they are a reflection of God’s concern and compassion. As we all know, there are times when the heat is on spiritually and it can have devastating affects on us in our spirit, body and mind.  In those times when life is like a flood or a flame what should we do?

Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)
  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

     Heat can be very oppressive and so can life! From the Isaiah 43:2 notice these phrases: “Deep waters,” “Rivers of difficulty,” “the fire of oppression.” These phrases certainly relate to the realities of life when the heat is on. Also notice in the word: “through” mentioned three times and how it relates to the ability to endure the heat: “through the deep waters,” “through rivers of difficulty” and “through the fire of oppression.”

     How is it possible when we really feel overwhelmed, sinking into the depths or being consumed by the flame, that we can survive?  Where is our shelter or refuge when the heat is on spiritually? Of course the answer is in God’s promise: “I will be with you.”

Psalms 23:4 (CEV)  

   I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Matthew 28:20 (NLT) Jesus said: “… be sure of this: I am with you always,”

      When the heat is on and you find yourself oppressed or overwhelmed, if you will take refuge in Him, you will make it through! For all things are possible to those who trust Him as Savior and Lord.

 

image from googleimages.com

 

Saturday

Matthew 27:57-60 (NLT)
⁵⁷ As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, ⁵⁸ went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. ⁵⁹Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. ⁶⁰ He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.

Heavenly Father, when I think of your Son in a tomb it seems unthinkable. The shouts of the crowd to crucify him, the beating, the mockery, the nails and now the silence of the tomb with the great stone sealing its entrance.

Father, we know that Saturday was the day between his death and resurrection. But that Saturday is one they will never forget, though by your grace that did survive. It was the worst day in their lives. It was a day without a future.

But, Father, we know in your purpose and plan for the salvation made available to us through your Son, it was just a day of transition. It was a hinge on which the door of hope would swing.

Father, Saturday was a long day, but it did end. And the morning light of resurrection Sunday filled the sky, the great stone was rolled away and the Savior of mankind rose from the dead.

Father, without Saturday how could we ever really appreciate Sunday. And in those times when our life feels like Saturday, we know Sunday is coming. Father, we bless your Holy Name for such glorious hope

Amen

New Year New Hope

Why We Can Have A Positive View of 2013
 
We must deal with reality and reason.

Reality
2012 left us with financial fear, trembling from violence against the innocent, natural disaster that reeked havoc, and a world with an uncertain future. How depressing. So, what basis do we have to be positive about 2013? 

Reason
Here is how the Bible tells us to be confident about 2013

Psalms 46:1-3 & 11 (NCV)
¹ God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. ² So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea, ³ even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea. ¹¹The Lord All-Powerful is with us; the God of Jacob is our defender.

Five Practical and Positive Principles

1. God is our Protection

 

2. God is our Strength

3. God is our Help

4. God is With us

5. God is our Defender

Our response to this is "we will not be afraid ...."

    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Whatever the new year holds, God is with us and that has always proven to be more than enough!

My Prayer for You........

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.   

 
Amen!!!