Drink Deep!

John 4: 14

“…but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

I have a friend who completely redid her family farm homestead.

One day during a tour, she showed me the large cisterns in the basement area. I had never seen one before.

The difference between a cistern and a well, is that a cistern doesn’t have a steady, consistent, water supply.

One thing that makes a cistern work great, is that it should never leak.

As the water is removed from a cistern though, the water supply runs low.

On the other hand, water that’s removed from a well, just gets fresher and even sweeter.

When I lived in Pickett, the water from our well was really sweet.

Most people don’t know what I’m talking about, when I talk about sweet water.

Here’s a few good questions…Are you a well, or a cistern? Do your walls leak, when trouble comes?

When your supply runs low, do you trust in the One who brings the supply, or do you trust in your bank account?

Our church has fewer people in it than it used to, and my guess is that in 2015, our supply might be lower than in some years.

This much I know…we will trust in the Supplier—and not in the supply!

What our God brings, is always sweet to the taste, and His wellspring, always gives consistent supply… 

Holy WOW!

Galatians 2: 20

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…

 

The Apostle Paul quoted some really cool verses of scripture. Some of them we use every day, and some we even misuse.

I’ve been preaching on… Philippians 4: 13 for a number of weeks—another really cool sounding verse.

 

Seriously though, how many people in the church of Jesus Christ, have been crucified with Christ?

Crucifixion suggests death to the old life.

 

How many people in the church you go to, have launched their lives into a reckless walk with Jesus?

When I read the works of Jesus, and of St. Paul, I often reflect to myself… “Holy WOW”!!

 

Who can you name by name right now, that walks a… “Holy WOW”, faith walk with Jesus?

It should be the kind of person who has totally abandoned themselves to the work of the Gospel.

 

I remember when I first entered the ministry, I was totally hot on fire to do the work of God.

If I’m really honest with myself today, I’m not sure that could be said about me right now.

 

The watching world of unbelievers, would call this kind of person, completely mad.

Would you say you’re in a reckless pursuit of the things of God?

 

There’s no mistaking a person, crucified with Christ.

It shows up in what they live for…  

Almost?

Acts 26: 28 (NKJV)

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."

I wonder if you can, “almost” be a Christian?

There almost seems to be some interest in King Agrippa—but we know that almost, is only good for horse shoes and hand grenades.

So is it possible for a person to…“almost” make it Heaven?

I think we all know the answer to that question, but believe it or not, some folks don’t.

I wonder how many people during the week, just go through the motions, without engaging in a real relationship with Jesus?

Those are the same people who could be in for a big surprise someday.

The great preacher, John Wesley confessed in 1741, that he lived most of his live, almost believing in the work of Jesus.

So if John Wesley could confess that, what might we confess?

Christians should follow Jesus, because they love Him, and we should then trust Him enough to follow.

The fact is though, we want to follow Jesus on our terms, and not His.

Jesus is the deal, friends.

It’s not Jesus and something else—it’s Jesus flat out.

The problem in American church Christianity these days, is that everyone knows we should follow Jesus no matter what—but the sad point is, most don’t… 

Cry out!

Psalm 18: 6

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.

Do you ever get to the point, where you cry out loud to God?

These days, it seems more and more the norm, than it is the unusual for me.

When it comes to the things of God, I wonder if I’m just very hard to please?

I need God to help figure me out—which only God can do.

When it’s the worse, is when I have taken eternal Kingdom chances.

You’d be surprised how many people today, never take an eternal chance for the Kingdom of God.

Step out in faith, and you can bet the devil will be hard pressing you at every point.

Often times, I have to admit that I forget how much he hates me.

King David had a habit of crying out to the Lord.

Do you cry out to the Lord in distressing times? I know I do.

I think I might have hurts that truly keep me hostage.

I’m a Pastor, and I should be stronger, and I certainly should have it more together than the next person.

If it’s all the same to you, I’m just going to keep crying out to the Lord for help.

It seems that keeping company with the likes of King David, is a pretty safe place to be…

Offering the best!

Acts 3: 6

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Often times when we meet people in need, our first inclination is to give them a hand out.

Peter met a guy one day, who was begging for anyone to drop a few coins in his cup.

Peter didn’t give him any money, but what he gave this man, was worth so much more.

Debbie shared this with me last night as I prepared to write this devotional…

“Givers need to set limits—because takers rarely do…”

Most would argue that this quote actually goes totally against what the Gospel preaches.

Amazing that even the disciples turned down some specific, spoken requests.

Maybe we should learn to look past what a person is asking of us, and identify what they truly need.

I preached on this verse some time ago, and for some people, the worst thing we can do sometimes, is write out a check.

                                    

So if we teach a person to fish—then maybe they will be able to eat for a lifetime?

Obviously, we should never loan a person money, who intends to fund their sinful lifestyle.

I have learned to give until it hurts, and it’s taken me some time to establish limits.

Maybe instead of handing a person a bag of groceries—or a gift card—we should offer them Jesus.

Let’s face it—He’s our very present help, in times of trouble…and with Jesus, there is no limit to His transforming power…

Be completely honest!

Proverbs 10: 18

He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

If any of us are completely honest, this verse probably speaks to every person within ear shot of this devotional.

I wonder how many people have purposely flattered, the very person they can’t stand.

If we were standing before God, how many of us would be forced to confess the slander of another person?

Seriously, in the end, who really wins?

During moments like these, can we say that we all have pure motives?

I mean, why would any follower of Jesus, detest anyone?

Is there anyone you’re holding animosity toward?

Are holding onto to a wrong, committed against you—or could there be even the slightest bit of unforgiveness in your heart?

Every person I know of, including me, could be within eyelash from standing in the very presence of God.

How would God look at these issues?

Maybe we should keep short accounts, like the Bible suggests that we should.

I know there are people at this very moment, that wouldn’t cross the street to talk to me.

Maybe we should keep the length of the spirit of sin, as short as possible.

So who do you need to go to today, to make the wrong, right?

Perhaps today would be as good a time as any, to actually pick up the phone

Get over it!

Psalm 10: 4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

I’m having the honor of leading a few ladies from church, in a Bible study on Monday’s mornings.

Yesterday, we finished secession 2.

A question I posed during the week 1 session, was this…

“Is it possible that you have more pride than you have humility?”

Some ladies actually answered “No”, to that question.

Now it could be that these certain ladies are as humble as one could be.

Maybe I’m the only one who has a prideful streak?

Maybe I’m the only one who has a big issue with pride?

I have met people who’s strongest suit, is holding onto grudges like no other I know.

They wouldn’t forgive those who sin against them, if that person were lying on the death bed.

Who do you need to forgive today?

Who needs to hear those precious words… “I forgive you”.

Before we can answer “No” to that pride question, we had all better look pretty deep within… 

He Knows!

Luke 16: 15

He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.”

God knows our hearts, and He knows what needs to change.

Is there anything that needs to change in your heart?

Even people in the church, value things that God does not value.

Detestable is a pretty harsh word.

Take money for example, we seem to be more impressed with it, than God is.

Not that money is bad per say, but who needs money to justify ourselves with God?

Try something kind of fun…

Go to this web site, and enter your personal or household income.

http://www.globalrichlist.com/

Keep scrolling down to find out some interesting facts.

As you see where you measure up in the realm of the rich and famous, scroll down and follow the directive on this site.

Maybe you’ll find out something about yourself?

We might actually find out something about God.

Again, what we consider highly valued, God might consider worthless….

Are you hot?

Revelation 3: 15 – 16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

I have to confess, that when I write a devotional, my preference would be that people would laugh and be pleased.

I also like to have people like me, but then if I’m not telling the truth, people might stay lukewarm.

This lukewarm suggestion, fits me to a tee…

·         You crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.

Maybe if more… “ouches” came from today’s preachers, people would be more inclined to make wholesale changes.

Spiritual, “ouches” are good for the soul, and can affect spiritual temperature.

This is an e-mail I received from today, from someone I would consider a spiritual giant.

Maybe we could learn something, from a person who is this humble…

“It's quite a 'coincidence' that you should be writing about this.  Sunday morning as we were watching David Jeremiah I thought to myself, "You –(meaning me) - are lukewarm?" 

We went to a Southern Gospel concert Sunday night at our church and the tenor gave part of his testimony and said he had been so lukewarm that after 27 years

in gospel music, he quit what he loved, which is singing, and was so apathetic about his faith.  He has since regained his passion for the Lord and is back in a gospel group. 

Then I read your writing for yesterday and today.  Even though I'm going to church, leading a Bible study here in our home, and doing all the right stuff, I don't have the excitement or passion I once had. 

My prayers are lacking and so is real study.  Wonder how many Christians are going through a similar time.  I don't like it!  I don't have doubts, just don’t have the enthusiasm I wish I did.”

So how’s your enthusiasm? And by the way, if you’re mad at me, I’d prefer you take it up with Him.

He’s the one who determines who’s hot—and who’s not….

What is your temperature?

Revelation 3: 15 – 16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

I’m not convinced that I should follow the Gospel according to Francis Chan, necessarily, but one can’t really argue his sentiment.

·         Lukewarm people are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act…

·         Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors…

·         Lukewarm people love God casually, but they do not love Him all their heart, soul, and strength…

I attend church with some of the greatest people I’ve ever come to know.

Some of them though, haven’t even been in church once this year, yet.

What does that say about their temperature?

What does that say about their devotion to the cause of Christ?

I’m not pointing fingers at anyone but me.

Some people though, just want a devotional and Bible verses to tell them how good they’re doing.

Honestly, I only see a fraction of the church, going to great lengths to glorify God.

Seriously, I’m not even sure I’m a part of that group.

So if Jesus came back this afternoon, would He say that you’re red hot—or ice cold?

He would prefer that we were one or the other—and not somewhere in between…

Luke warm?

Revelation 3: 15 – 16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Luke-warmness is a battle that some people fight on a regular basis.

At times, I happen to be one of them.

Francis Chan wrote a book a few years ago, entitled… “Crazy Love”.

Being lukewarm as a follower of Jesus, is not a good thing. Actually, that would be a classic oxymoron.

Lukewarm is somewhere between hot on fire—and cold as ice.

This verse seems to suggest, that God requires us to be on fire for Him.

Why would Jesus be so hard on the lukewarm person?

Would He really prefer me to be cold as ice—as compared to lukewarm?

This is part of a list, that Francis Chan compiled, that should be considered on a regular basis:

You might be lukewarm, if…

·         Your life is really no different, than those who live in the world.

·         You know Jesus, just enough to save you from hell.

·         You compare yourself to others, rather than comparing yourself to Jesus.

That’s enough to think about for one day…

Forget it!

Isaiah 43: 18 – 19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

One of the best ways to keep the New Year fresh and light, is to make the Word of God a big part of it.

A daily dose of God’s Word, can give us New understanding—fresh insight—and a Renewed strength.

Why not start drinking in the Psalms this New Year?

Psalm 33: 3 says… “sing unto the Lord a New song.”

We can read in the book of Ezekiel, where God promises to give us all a New heart and a New spirit.

Who wouldn’t want that?

We can rejoice this year, as we recall the words of Paul… “If anyone is in Christ Jesus, he/she is a New creation; the old has gone and the New has come”

(2 Corinthians 5: 17)

If we need any motive to live like a New creation, God has provided every key we need in His Word.

Find comfort this New Year, when we consider a time when God is going to right every wrong—and heal every hurt.

Actually, the Bible says that God is going to give us a brand New name—and a brand New home.

Feel free to live each day, expecting the New.

One day, God is going to… “make everything New”, anyway. (Revelation 21: 5)

What not start living that New way, today?

Timeless!

Isaiah 43: 18 – 19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

God loves to do New things for His people, but are we always open to His ideas?

Too often we’re like the children of Israel, when they were traveling toward the promised land.

God provided everything they could ever need.

Bread from Heaven fell 6 days a week—and He said He would take care of them on day seven, if they obeyed and only gathered for 6 days.

When the people disobeyed, the bread turned moldy and got rotten.

At times, I’m a little like the children of Israel.

God wants to do something New and fresh in my life, but I for some reason, prefer holding onto yesterday stale bread.

I’m not always very good at letting go, of the comfortable and the familiar.

I still cling to some of my old ways of thinking, and God is pretty clear that I shouldn’t hold onto the past.

And as a result, I miss the New and exciting, when I don’t fully trust and obey.

One of the best ways to keep things New and fresh, are to be in God’s Word every day.

I spent some time yesterday, with some Godly friends, and I learned something new again, as they expounded on God’s Word.

God’s Word is timeless, and let’s be sure not to forget, that His compassions are New every morning

Forget the Former things!

Isaiah 43: 18 – 19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

In this New Year, God wants to do New things.

Someone said to me just the other day, that it’s harder for older people to get adjusted to New things.

The problem with that analogy, is that we underestimate the power of our God.

God can still teach more senior dogs, many New tricks.

Our Heavenly Father wants to do New things in the lives of His children.

He desires very much, to teach us all New truths about His very nature.

God is also the One, who wants to give us New assignments so as to minister to other folks.

God is also the One, who brings New people into our lives, so we can share the blessed Hope with them.

Did you know, that God would love to take us to New, and higher levels of worship and understanding of His will?

So what’s holding you back? Could it be the past? God says that we should forget about the past, and that we should focus on the bright future.

I’m not sure about you, but I want deeper and New levels of trust with my God this year.

I want a New sense of purpose in this New Year.

Let’s not forget, that those of us who are in Christ, that the old has gone, and the New has come…

New things!

Isaiah 43: 18 – 19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

As other New Years have come and went, we’ve always experienced New things.

A New calendar—new bills—new resolutions, and maybe even a New attitude.

There isn’t anyone I know of, who doesn’t like New things.

Even God likes New things.

He’s called… The Ancient of Days, and yet in His Word, He tells us to forget the former things.

He also commands us not to dwell in the past.

How much time do you spend dwelling on the things of the past?

Could it be, that they keep you from celebrating the New things to come?

God starts the Bible off with creating a brand New world.

The end of the Bible is filled with a promise, that God is going to make a brand New heaven, and brand New earth.

You might be thinking all ready… “What’s wrong with the earth we have??”

Just look around, and you should soon have your answer in no time.

Maybe it’s because God knows what He’s doing, and He alone, knows when a complete makeover is necessary

Fresh start!

Isaiah 43: 18 – 19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

This verse of scripture, is especially meaningful to me, and to a hand full of other Christian pilgrims.

We were about to take a huge step of faith, and start a small Bible believing church in the middle of nowhere.

We didn’t have an ounce of experience in planting a new church, but what we had, money could not buy.

We had a small ounce of faith, and we let God do the rest.

God gave us all a fresh new start, and a brand new heart.

I wonder, as we begin a brand New Year, do you need a fresh new start, and a brand new heart?

Yesterday was the first day of the church New Year, and yet many people opted to stay at home.

For those that came to worship though, yesterday was a powerful day.

Thanks to the season of Christmas, we all have new stuff—new toys—and a few new pounds.

But now that the calendar has turned another page, we all have a brand new chance.

Everybody I’ve ever talked to, loves brand new things.

It’s why they sell the… “new car smell”, in a bottle.

What new thing are you going to try this year for God?

Whatever effort you put forth, He’ll be right there, and you will not be able to perceive it’s power…