The never-ending thirst quencher

Zechariah 13:1 (GW) The Lord declares, “On that day a fountain will be opened for David’s family and for those who live in Jerusalem to wash away their sin and stain.

This morning in my quiet time I read through the last few chapters of Zechariah (chapters 9 - 14). In these chapters Zechariah gave several prophecies about the 1st and 2nd coming of Christ. But it was verse 1 of chapter 13 that caught my eye and reminded me of God's never-ending fountain of forgiveness and mercy.

The reference to a never-ending fountain reminded me the Samaritan woman (John 4: 7 - 14) at the well. She was going about the activity of her daily life. Carrying her empty bucket, the woman went to the well to draw water. When she arrived, she bumped into Jesus who offered her so much more than just ordinary water. He offered to fill her with  soul-quenching water that would bring hope, healing and eternal satisfaction. With the water Jesus gave, she’d never be thirsty again.

As I continued to think about the different places in the Bible that refer to water, I got a mental image of a river flowing from the very throne of God (Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-2). The river mentioned in these two passages of scripture refer to a life-giving body of water giving fullness of life and bringing eternal satisfaction of our spiritual thirst.

Because of my allergies coupled with the cold I've had the last few days I have become spiritually thirsty because I didn't have my quiet time nor did I draw close to the Lord in my time of prayer.  Today, as I read over the words in Zechariah, John, Ezekiel, and Revelation my thirst was quenched as I drew in a big gulp from God’s life-giving river. Its waters washed over me and renewed/refreshed my thirsty spirit.

Are you “thirsty” today? I encourage you to step into the river of the Spirit and drink deeply. There you will find refreshment and renewal for your soul.

Where did the summer go?

It’s hard to believe it’s almost fall. The words perhaps cliché but honestly “where does the time go?” It seems like just yesterday my family and I were celebrating Memorial Day weekend by my mother-in-law’s pool. Have you ever felt like the world is spinning in a thousand different directions? I know I do.  At times I feel like my life is a roller coaster full of responsibilities and appointments. At every turn I’m looking for a way to stop the ride for just a few seconds so I can catch my breath.

When my life seems to get out of control it’s usually because I haven’t “fueled” my spirit. I have forgotten the most important part of my day… my quiet time with Jesus. I have been too busy to “come to the water” and drink from the well that doesn’t run dry. Anyone care to admit that with me?

When I finally realize I am running on empty…I head to the comfort of my favorite quiet spot and flip to the following scriptures to get me back on track:

Isaiah 55:1 - 2 (MSG) “Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyway—buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. Buy without money—everything’s free! Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words.”

God wants to satisfy our need for spiritual nourishment.

Psalm 23 ^1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

God wants to refresh and renew us.

Matthew 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

God doesn’t want us to be stressed out from the “stuff” of life.

He wants us to walk with Him and learn from Him.

Have you ever taken the time to think about your relationship with Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him? Perhaps, you’re a Christian and you attend services on Sunday and then go about your life Monday through Saturday. Have you ever felt that something is missing or that there should be something more to your walk with Christ? Maybe you have walked with Christ for years but haven’t found the spiritual nourishment these verses talk about. May I encourage you to find a time and a place and let God fill you with His peace and springs living water.