Ain’t chairty. It’s called hospitality. I’ll never deny a man a cup of coffee or a drink of water.”
–Brad Denison (The Long Trail)
“For I am not aware of anything against myself; however I am not vindicated by this, but the one who examines me is the Lord.”
–1 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)
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Several years ago, during the summer, instead of Daily Paines or Echoes, I wrote A Taste of Cool Water. Oh, that is wonderful relief for a parched throat. I remember the days when I worked landscaping. The water hose was always available and the water was cool and refreshing. How many gallons did I drink over the summer? Today, there is a drought of water, of cool refreshing water in the land. The Word of God is here in plenty, yet not adhered to, obeyed, or listened to. Christians even do not drink from the fountain of Christ–they do not obey, or listen to, or seek the Word. Soon, I fear that the words of Amos will come to pass in our country.
“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it.'” (8:11-12, NKJV)
One day, a person will find they are so thirsty for the Word of God and will look for it for naught. There will be plenty of things to drink, most not nourishing, but that cool water that flows from the Lord will not be found. They will wander from here to there, seeking refreshing water. They will come upon an oasis only to find it dry. Now is the day of salvation, know this, grasp this, for the day is coming when it will be too late.
Self-deception is keeping many from drinking from the waters from above. That man thinks he can work out his salvation. No, salvation comes from Christ alone, then the works come. Seek the refreshing water of the Spirit–NOW! Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedience and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God.”
Drink deeply of the cool water of the Holy Spirit. Ahhh, the refreshing water…