A Refreshing Drink Scripture Reading – James 3:8 - 11 (NLT)

"But no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?"

I remember in the second church where the Lord placed our family for seven years of ministry that there was a fresh water spring on the side of the road between our two communities. And I must confess that in my mind, and to quench my thirst, there is nothing quite like fresh cold spring water. And I was not the only one who thought this way, for there literally would be hundreds or perhaps even thousands weekly who went to this spring and took home their fresh spring water, in empty containers they brought with them. It is true naturally, but even more so supernaturally!

Think of all that the Lord Jesus has bestowed upon our lives by His rich mercy and grace: A new heart, a new mind, a new and living way, a new attitude, a new hope - and yes, according to His brother James He expects us to have....new words.

However, James noted a very human problem for those of us who are believers, yet have to live our lives here in this world. Although we should not, often we are prone to criticize others - other believers, and yes of course (and we feel justifiably so at times) others in the world who have yet to experience the same grace and love of God we have in and through Christ Jesus. 

Yet - this should not be so, for those of us who have been washed, cleansed and forgiven by the pure and living water of the Word. We should not be like bitter springs, which both poison and drive people away, but rather our words should be much more like, 'A Refreshing Drink', spiritually speaking. Drawing not one, or two, but perhaps even by the working of His Spirit through our lives, tens, hundreds or maybe even thousands for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Who loves us and everyone else so much that He gave of His most precious body and blood. 

 

Prayer My Father in heaven, You truly have quenched my deepest thirsting and hunger through Jesus my Lord. Holy Spirit, fill me up today, and forgive me for the times my words have been harsh, critical and unnecessary. Help me to speak words of life, love and healing to all, bringing Your refreshing to each hearing ear, I pray for the glory of Jesus my Lord. 

 Memory Verse: Luke 19:38a “_________ on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!”