Take the water and thirst no more

     Remember the old Calgon commercials where the lady is having a bad day and she says, "take me away Calgon."  Next we see her in this nice bubble bath relaxing.  As a mother of 5, there have been many days I wish I had a big tub so I could say, "Calgon take me away." Instead I watch a movie or go shopping at the resale store.  I think it important as a mother, wife and friend to take a few minutes each day to do something for yourself, but its even more essential to take time out for God.  He can refresh like no other can.
Take a look and see how the Lord brought refreshment to the women at the well...

    JN 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
    JN 4:13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
    JN 4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
                   The Samaritian women was really shocked to have this Jewish man speak to her, not only was she a hated Samaritan but she was adulterious women, who could only come at noon, (the hottest part of the day), just to avoid the other women in the village and their nasty glares.  Jesus didn't just speak to her, but He offered her the one thing she needed most in her life...Himself.  When she finally relaized who He was, she ran to tell everyone else in the village.  Something she could not, nor would she do if it hadn't been for Jesus refreshing her soul with His truth.  Not only can we be refreshed by Jesus, but we also can refresh others when we come to Him.      
    John 7: 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."   We can tell others, like the women at the well, about our Messiah and how He gives water that never runs dry.  He is our refreshment, He is our Calgon!

Part of the Family of God

Many years ago we used to sing a song in church that went like this:
"I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God, I've washed in the fountain cleansed by His blood..."  Do you remember singing that?  This should be not only a song, but our life.  However, how many fellow brothers and sisters do you know that are hurting because someone in the church turned on them? Or talked behind their back?  Or flat out lied? This shouldn't be! Take a look at God's word.
     Ephesians 4: 31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
     Col 3:8-10 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator...
    COL 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
     Let us not forget what our Lord and Savior did for us and follow His example by setting aside foolish arguments and forgiving one another. If at all possible make peace with your fellow brethren. Then the world will see our love and want to be a part of the family of God too!

G.R.A.C.E.

G.R.A.C.E. = God reigns and controls everything. 

 Isn't it nice to know that God has got your back?

 Whatever happens is never done without Him knowing it, and He always has your best interest at heart.  If something bad happens its because He wants you to stop and look to Him.  Depend on Him, lean on Him, totally trust in Him.  I like how The Message puts it in

 Proverbs 3:5,6 

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don't try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go,  He's the one who will keep you on track." 

 Are you listening for His voice? 

 Or is the world drowning Him out?

It's time to get in the quiet spot and take time out to just sit and listen, listen for the still quiet voice of God. 

 He is there and He wants to speak to you today!

  So sit down and take a load off 

and be refreshed by God in Jesus name.

 Amen!