A water hose

A moment ago, I heard sirens and looked up to see a fire truck speeding down 29^th Street.

To put out a fire you need water.  But water will do no good until it is connected to the fire hose. Only when water is directed to where it’s needed can it do any good.  That is a no brainer.

If you belong to JESUS, you and I are like that water hose, just a conduit.

The prophets in the Old Testament were men who had the HOLY SPIRIT come upon them to give GOD’s messages to the people. They were like a water hose connected to the water facet.  Through them GOD’s words flowed to ones who needed it.

But in the New Testament it is different.  JESUS promised that everyone who believed in HIM would have rivers of water springing up within him.  It is explained that is was the HOLY SPIRIT who is given to every believer (John 7:37-39).  The HOLY SPIRIT lives within believers (John 14:16-17) but more than that HE comes upon us with special power when HE gives special assignments.

Like a water hose, we believers are connected to the source of water (GOD).  When HE has something for us to do or say HE turns the water on, and it flows through us to others. 

HE is the source of the water, and the ONE who holds the hose, and directs the flow of HIS water where HE wants it to go. Since we are not the source there is no room for pride in ourselves.  HIS water (Word) will accomplish what HE wants done (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Any old water hose will do. It is the water from GOD that matters. Therefore, it is special when HE chooses to use you or me to instruct, comfort or encourage others.

It can be as simple as a smile or making a phone call.  It may take us out of our comfort zone. But don’t stop the flow of HIS living water, by refusing to do or say whatever HE urges you to do or say.  HE is our Master, let us listen for HIS instructions.  HE places them within us (Philippians 2:13) and we know what we should do. So, we need to work out what HE places within us (Philippians 2:12) by doing what we know we should do.  It will refresh others as much as water from a hose can put out a fire.

Hugs

Sharon

Apples and stars

Many things are hidden right under our noses, just waiting to be discovered.  As I cut an apple into wedges, for a snack, I thought, ‘well, I won’t see the star this time.’  Can you believe, I was an adult with children before I discovered there was a star in the center of every apple?  Why?  No one had ever told me it was there, and I was taught to cut an apple for wedges top to bottom for coring it, not across.  You will only see the star if you cut an apple across the middle.

It is the same in the Bible. Many things are hidden in the Bible and we must search for them like treasure.  GOD loves to reward our seeking. “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2).

I love it when I sit reading my Bible and a word or a phase seems to jump off the page speaking directly to something I’ve either prayed for or wondered about.  Previously I’d not seen those words and phrases in the same light for I was reading either with preconceived idea, because I was in too much of a hurry so rushed right past them or because the time was just not right (GOD works on a time schedule Acts 17:26-27).  Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of GOD is alive and powerful and speaks to us where we are at today.

I’ve learned to pray, “Open the eyes of my heart, LORD, and keep me from deception.”  GOD promises that if I call unto HIM that HE will show me great and mighty things that I know not!  (Jeremiah 33:3)  And GOD is not a man that HE should lie (Numbers 23:19)

So as you open up the good Book and seek to hear for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find..“ (Matthew 7:7).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

hugs

Sharon

Goats and trees

It is not the goats that are special in Morocco. It is the trees. The Argania tree is a rare tree that produces such a tasty nut that the local goats just can’t get enough. They will even climb to the top branches in order to pick the delicious nuts. Goats are natural climbers and are extremely sure-footed. Their cousins, the mountain goats, often scale high cliffs on the narrowest of ledges, so climbing on a average size tree is not a difficult task for them. Goats are herd animals, so once one goat spots an Argania tree, all his friends follow him. Soon the tree is full of goats.

The sight of a tree full of goats is hilarious but seeing this picture directed my thoughts to their herd attitude. Seeing that herd attitude here in America, most clearly seen in the younger generation’s choice of values is not so funny.

He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed Proverbs 13:20

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals 1 Corinthians 15:33

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you shall not go:  Lest you learn his ways, and get a snare to your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25

Hugs

Sharon