Living Water

  Man, there are few things more difficult than being thirsty for a prolonged period of time. Probably many of us have never really had to face true thirst. Especially dangerous life threatening thirst.  When I think I'm thirsty my first craving is for a Dr. Pepper or good old southern sweet tea. When I was a kid working in the hay field or watermelon patch with my dad there was nothing more satisfying than a tall cold glass of water.

Have you ever found yourself thirsty inside? That's thirst on an entirely different level. It's life threatening all the same. At the core of our soul. 

Maybe you didn't articulate it that way—but the acknowledgement for something more was present like an inexplicable craving or yearning. 

Do you believe in Jesus? He told us he was that kind of satisfaction. 

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’" ‭‭(John‬ ‭7:37-38‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

He made it really simple too. If you're thirsty go to him. How? Believe.

He is living water. (Check out the fourth chapter in John's Gospel for some more on that). 

He also said, that when we believe in him that same kind of living giving spirit would flow through us. We're not just receptacles. We're channels. 

Jesus himself saves, quenches, and supplies us with life inside—and desires that we might share it with all. 

That should impact is in the day to day stuff. Make us love bigger and better. Help us to speak with a kindness that is uplifting, work hard, and give selflessly. Basically, we should be refreshing to anyone and everyone we're around. 

How's that working out for you?

Thanks for reading! We're always interested in hearing from you in the comments. ~ Nate

The 3rd Lament: God's Great Faithfulness

When I think of Lamentations it's not usually a go-to source for encouraging scripture. But Lamentations 3:19-24 paints an incredible word picture of the beauty of God's love for us. I want to visit this wonderful passage over the next few days in hopes that it will encourage you as much as it has encouraged me.

... there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: GOD ’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with GOD (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. (‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭19-24‬ MSG Emphasis Added)

How great is the faithfulness of God? Have you ever considered that question? I mean, after all, what is faithfulness? It is the condition of being full of faith. An ongoing permeation of belief in something.

God has great faithfulness. God permeates faith.

After all it is by him that we believe in him. It is by his words that we have faith. It his because of his great limitless love that we are adopted in.

God's faithfulness is not measured by moments, actions, or attempts. It is not defined by works, not even those wondrous things by which we come to him. God's great faithfulness is measured only by him. That is to say, God is inseparable from his great faithfulness.

He will always believe. He will always be the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of the unseen. (See Hebrews 11:1) Or as one translation puts it, he is our confidence.

God's great faithfulness is as reliable as he is. Always. He has great faith. Both in himself, and in his love for you. Yes, God's great faithfulness means something for you. It means God always believes in the you that you could be. Because the blueprint for your potential rests in the grace of God alone.

God's great faithfulness is pointed right at you.

October 13 - He Has Borne

Isaiah 53:4-6, Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV)

Scourging was a horribly grotesque punishment. It was so barbaric and brutal that many actually died as a result. Yet Jesus endured.

Just as the prophet Isaiah foretold nearly three millennia ago, Jesus was harmed beyond human recognition. I find it comforting to know that as difficult as life may sometimes be, it is not outside of the reach of the comfort of Christ. He was our substitution. He was our replacement.

He has borne our sorrows, anguish, and calamities. He knows the depths of our troubled souls. He has entered into the pit of Hell and returned victorious—brandishing eternal life and salvation for all who would enter his tender care.

October 12 - Insurrection & Murder

Luke 23:18-25

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. (Luke 23:25 ESV)

Barabbas was a known murderer. He had led an attempt at a full blown uprising. Usually that type of activity was met with swift and brutal retribution in the Roman world. However, for some reason Barabbas had been left on prison to rot. When it would have came time for him to have faced justice, Jesus was there to take his place.

Jesus took his place! Barabbas deserved justice. He deserved the full extent of the law, but he didn't face it because Jesus took his punishment.

You and I face our own punishment. We have sinned, we deserve an end that often reflects a lifetime of selfishness and immorality. But Jesus didn't die for your morality. He died to make you family. Why? Because he is more interested in the criminal than the crime. He took the place of a murder.

Regardless of background, moral slant, and failures—Jesus stands in for you. Barabbas' freedom was purchased by the death of Christ. So is ours.

September 29 - Jesus' Testimony

Luke 22:63-72

Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” (Luke 22:71 ESV)

Testimony is a powerful thing according to scripture. The apostle John wrote in Revelations that the Church would be made "overcomers by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." The truth of a story carries weight when told.

Jesus didn't flinch when telling his story. Even when he was on trial and they were looking to kill him because of his words. He didn't back down. And eventually they did sentence him to death based on his own testimony.

There are a number of belief systems that try to marginalize the deity of Jesus so as to make him compatible with their defunct religion. The truth is that Jesus is compatible with any person, but not every belief system. Jesus did believe that he is the Son of God.

We do things all the time based on the words of others. We make decisions, we make plans, and we react to situations, all based on the things people say. How should we react to what Jesus had to say about his own deity?

September 28 - Peter & Jesus

Luke 22:55-62

And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:62 ESV)

Jesus told Peter that he would deny him three times and Peter refused to believe it. Jesus also told Judas that he was the betrayer and Judas knew it to be true. What was the incredible difference between these two followers of Christ? I believe that the most significant difference between Judas and Peter rests in their response to their sin against Jesus.

Judas hung himself before Jesus was even crucified. He knew his guilt. And he felt trapped by it. Peter wept at the realization that he had sinned so greatly by denying Christ. The difference in these two responses is incredible. It's a point I have written about often but I believe we cannot look at it too closely. Judas regretted his actions and killed himself. Peter showed genuine remorse, and sought forgiveness.

Peter betrayed Jesus. He knew that he had done it. He felt horrible. But he also recognized that there was a way back. No, not immediately, but he did take his sin to Jesus. Jesus reminded him that he knew about it before it had even happened. He forgave him.

Peter and Jesus had a unique relationship in terms of teacher and disciple. But all Christians share a similar experience with the two. In the connection between redeemer and redeemed we are all Peter, and we all need Jesus.

August 28 - Though They All

Matthew 26:30-35

Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” (Matthew 26:33 ESV)

I really like Peter a lot. Mostly it is because I feel like I understand him. He made a lot of mistakes but seemed to genuinely want to do the right thing almost all of the time.

When Jesus was telling his disciples that they were all about to abandon him Peter piped up to claim that he would never waiver in his loyalty. It was a wonderful sentiment. It was a wholesale rejection of the kind of apparent peer pressure we are usually conditioned against. Too bad it didn't okay out that way.

Peter did scatter with the rest. He even went so far as to betray Christ by denying his standing as a disciple. It was a tragic moment for Peter. Thank God his story didn't end there! Peter was so sorrowful and repentant after his betrayal. Ultimately he was forgiven. And eventually he went on to lead the church. What could have been a tragic end became a hopeful beginning.

And Jesus offers each of us that same beginning. We all like to think we are above betrayal. We talk really big. But we have our moments. We aren't perfect. And we need the loving grace of God Almighty to restore us, encourage us, and point us in the right direction.

August 27 - Is it I?

Mark 14:17-25

They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” (Mark 14:19 ESV)

Jesus had forewarned his disciples of his approaching trials and death multiple times. They never quite seemed to understand what he was referring to. But when he made the announcement that he would be betrayed they all perked up. They were all concerned it would be them.

Their response reveals a common idea. It is something I have noticed a lot over the years, and have struggled with myself at times. We are afraid of letting God down. We are woefully uncomfortable with the possibility of our own inadequacy. That's not a bad thing.

Still, the truth is that we really are incapable of doing it on our own. We do fail. We do let God down when we choose to sin. And that is a betrayal of all that He is and does for us.

That sounds pretty harsh doesn't it?

The good news, The Gospel actually, is that in spite of our failings, conformities, and bad decisions—our betrayals are the whole reason why Jesus died. It is our sin that His death overcomes. Yes, we may fall short of the hope God has for us, but he is big enough and good enough to make up the difference.

August 26 - Quickly

John 13:21-30

Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” (John 13:27 ESV)

Over the centuries there have been a lot of questions surrounding Judas. I feel pretty unqualified to answer them. I am a firm believer in just letting the Word speak for itself on those issues that can be all too easily confused.

Jesus knew Judas would betray him. He called him out about it ina. Very subtle and private manner. He told Judas to do what he was going to do. He told him to do it quickly.

It makes me wonder if Jesus ever looks at you or I and (fully knowing our future) hopes that we will hurry through a particularly troubling season. Maybe he sees a mistake we will knowingly choose to make, but he also knows that we will choose to be reconciled after that mistake.

You see, Judas and Peter both betrayed Jesus. Judas plotted and schemed for money, but Peter denied his connection to Jesus outright. Both were wrong. The difference is in how they chose to respond. Peter sought correction and redemption through forgiveness, yet Judas chose painful rejection without reconciliation.

I don't believe Jesus wants any of us to knowingly sin, but he also knows just how imperfect we all can be. What if he is less concerned with slow punishment, and more attracted to quick redemption?

July 27 - Forgive

Mark 11:20-25

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25 ESV)

Forgiveness is essential. Without it we remain dislodged from our intended relationship with God. Primarily we need to seek forgiveness from God himself, but we must also extend forgiveness to those that have wronged us. According to Jesus our willingness to forgive others actually in as the ability to interfere with the forgiveness God extends toward us.

It almost sounds backward to think that you cannot receive from God won't you are unwilling to first give away. That kind of thinking goes against my nature. Perhaps, however, that is because my very nature itself is in need of divine repair.

Like many things in the life lived for Christ, forgiveness is something that Jesus wants his followers to readily give away. It is not always easy. In fact, I think it almost never easy. When someone sins against you, it can be dreadful to let go of the pain and anguish that is often associated with that injustice.

Our act of willing forgiveness is powerful. By letting go of the ways by which we have been wronged we begin to experience freedom from our own sinfulness. Why? Because forgiveness is about learning to let go of our attachment to sin. When we are wronged it is easy to dwell on it, and when we have committed grievous sin it is easy for the enemy of our soul to use it against us.

The clear path is to let go. Extend grace to those that wrong you. Even as God offers grace to you. Forgive.

June 14 - Jesus Says

Read: John 8:1-11

Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? (John 8:5 ESV)

The woman was caught in the act of sin. Her accusers hauled her before Jesus looking to pick a fight. Burt Jesus would not be manipulated by the wicked thoughts of the religious elite. Turning the situation around on them he declared that anyone without sin should be the one to stone the accused. Everyone left. And being the only sinless person in attendance he also refused to condemn her.

Jesus offers forgiveness for sin. He brings mercy. He overshadows the Law, bringing it to fulfillment and life. He was changing the landscape of religious thought. He was challenging their judgmental presuppositions.

The truth is that condemnation is for all who have sinned. We have all sinned. But when we put ourselves at Jesus' mercy he offers forgiveness. He offers life.

The Pharisees thought they were going to trap him. They failed to realize, or believe, that Jesus was God made flesh. He was divine. He wasn't about to contradict the Law. But what he had to say did triumph over the Law. What Jesus says goes.

May 22 - Denounced

Read: Matthew 11:20-24

Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. (Matthew 11:20 ESV)

We choose whether or not to believe in the supernatural. It is a choice all of us must wrestle with. For some this is an easy and nearly effortless struggle as they willingly, readily, and eagerly accept the notion of things happening beyond the realm of natural explanation. Others reject offhand the notion that anything can take place that is not potentially explainable by science.

Where do you fall on that scale? Maybe you find yourself believing in the supernatural. Maybe you have seen things that are unexplainable. This important statement that Jesus made boils down to one question; what do you do with the revelation of Jesus' supernatural power?

Some who experience the supernatural still refuse to acknowledge the source of that power. They explain it away, chock it up coincidence, and try to forget about it. Jesus would have none of that. He let it be known that his supernatural acts were attempts to draw attention to the Father. Everything the Son did was to exalt the Father.

Jesus used powerful language when describing the fate awaiting those who experienced his supernatural power and did not repent. He warned them of the trouble that awaited their stubborn refusal to return to a right standing with God. It's a side of Jesus we rarely see in the Gospels.

What would it take for Jesus to denounce you or I? Surely we must be wary of falling into the same trap of refusing repentance. It's not about merely being sorry for our actions. It is about our willful acknowledgement of God's plan and power.

May 21 - Don't Look Back

Read: Luke 9:57-62

Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62 ESV)

Not every yesterday is a pleasant memory. Often the recollection of yesterday is a painful remembrance. Perhaps terrible thing were done to you or by you. They are part of your yesterdays.

Jesus cautioned his followers against being consumed by worry for yesterday. In order to thoroughly live in the freely given identity we receive in Christ we must step into the new life provided for us while rejecting the pain of the past. It means recognizing that all of our hope, all of our strength, all of our joy, and all of our provision are rooted in Christ. It means looking ahead to the life and work he has for us.

I have made many mistakes in my life. Some would easily be deeply regrettable. But instead I find a measure of gratitude where cynicism, or even, fondness could linger. I don't miss my days of reckless selfishness. I don't wish to be back in that season of life. I'm not looking back instead of ahead.

Jesus calls each of us that bear his identity as a child of God to press on. Yes, we have been hurt. Yes, we have failed in some pretty shameful ways. But those things do not define who we are. We are children of God. We are coheirs with Christ. We have identity in Christ. He is calling us to look ahead.

May 13 - Gaining Brothers

Read: Matthew 18:15-20

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15 ESV)

A lot of the language used in describing the early community of Christ followers was familial in nature. Brother and sister were words regularly used to refer to fellow believers. This is the kind of brother Jesus was speaking of.

There will be times in this life in which we find ourselves at odds with fellow believers. Usually it will be a difference of opinion or a misunderstanding, but there are also times when this tension will be a result of a moral failing. We have an obligation to address the sins of those we care about.

Too often in the Christian culture we paint sin as something incredibly easy to deal with, but the truth is that sin is anything but easy. Obviously we are supposed to take our sins before Christ as a matter of repentance and forgiveness. But what about dealing with them friend-to-friend and brother-to-brother?

Jesus advocated one-on-one confrontations. Upfront personal conversations are best. Sitting with someone and talking the issue out always reveals the honest nature of those involved. It cuts through the potential miscommunications and lays all of the cards on the table. Hopefully in a way that brings healing and restoration to the relationship, and points the one who has sinned toward redemption.

April 20 - Trespassing

Read: Matthew 6:14, 15

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14, 15 ESV)

We have all been sinned against. We have all sinned against God, and other people. The English Standard Version uses the word trespasses which paints a significant word picture. All of us have passed into territory where we do not belong.

Thinking in terms of trespassing the idea of separation from God takes on a lot more meaning. God is sovereign. He is the rightful king of our hearts. But, when we assert selfish control over our own lives we have trespassed into His territory. This is the essence of sin and it puts distance between our hearts and our holy God.

Likewise people trespass into our territory. Perhaps they do so accidentally, or maybe even with pure intentions, but it is inevitable that we will be wronged by others at some point. This creates distance and discord between our hearts. Jesus taught that it is his followers' duty to forgive those kinds of trespasses committed against us. We are to extend grace to our fellow man when that situation occurs.

Trespassing happens because of the idea of ownership. We easily, willfully, and frequently trespass against God because we think we possess ownership, when in fact He is in total ownership. We regularly feel trespassed against for the same reason. Sometimes it is valid as others extend their perceived ownership too far. Often it is invalid as the pride created because of our false sense of ownership is offended. Even this is encroaching on God's dominion.

Forgiveness happens, and can only happen, when we lay aside our false sense of ownership over places in our hearts. When we are unthreatened by someone's presence somewhere we will gladly welcome them in. This action extends forgiveness to others, but it also helps us to receive forgiveness from the Father.

April 18 - Pray: Debts

Read: Matthew 6:9-13

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12 ESV)

Have you ever had someone owe you money or a favor? Have you ever tried to unsuccessfully collect on it? Jesus' teaching on prayer included a phrase about debt, debtors, and forgiveness that reflects several of his earlier teachings.

The prospect of taking on a large financial debt is pretty intimidating to me. I feel a lot more freedom in my life without massive debt. But, where God and our sin are concerned that is precisely the issue at stake. We are all sinful people. Our sin has accrued for us a debt owed to God. We are all people that have fallen far short of God's standard for us. However, He is willing to reach down and willfully remove our cumbersome debt. In fact Jesus died to accomplish just that.

The words of Christ during this teaching serve as both a reminder and an incentive. We are freely forgiven of our sins if we choose to receive such forgiveness. We are also forgiven as long as we extend the same kind of merciful grace toward those who have wronged us.

Youer than You

I am always deeply saddened when I meet a young person that has written off their future because of their past. It is far too common. This quote from Dr. Seuss's "Birthday Book" hits the nail right on the head--pointing to an incredible spiritual truth we all too often overlook.

Our perspectives, understanding, and experiences are shaped by time. We are bound to time. The only day we have today is today. We only have the right now. The yesterdays are no more, and the tomorrows never will be. We are here today. What we experience, what we do, and how we feel, are all products of how we allow moments that are not right now affect us. Yes, you may have done something terrible some long ago yesterday, but that is not who you have to choose to be today. Even better! You can begin right now to set apart each new today, choosing to make it so that every tomorrow becomes a better today.

All of us feel this incredible pressure to be someone special. Too often we want to pour ourselves into the mold we feel destiny has shoved our way. Tragically, many people allow their mistakes to push them in that direction, and in the process become something deeply different than the wonderful masterpiece God had intended for them.

The truth is that God loves us, has provided reconciliation for all of our wrongdoing, and is longing to lovingly bring us back into the fold. When you look in the mirror and see the addict, liar, or any other number of things, God sees you. He sees the youest-you. He made you to be that kind of you, and no one else can do it. He wants you to be you in all of your joyous eccentricity. Be the youest you you can be. Let God shape how that plays out. After all, you were made in His image.

Why I'm Thankful for My Mistakes

Mistakes hurt. Sin hurts. This stuff creates pain in our lives. Many times, after God has helped someone come through a difficulty, they want to forget it and act like it never happened. Of course not everyone is like this, but it happens. Most of us are guilty of doing just that from time to time. I'm not happy about the awful things in life that I have done; the bad judgment calls, the willful disobedience of the Father, the selfishness, or the legalistic idolatry, and many, many, others that would be impossible to remember and/or quantify. I'm not happy about my mistakes. However, I'm exceedingly grateful for where I find myself in life in spite of my many failures. There is a part of me that recognizes this journey that I am on, and is entirely thankful for my mistakes.

Jamie and Ethan are the world to me. Nothing else I do in this life is as important, or should be, ministry included; and I would have never been in the place to meet this awesome woman of God if not for a series of monumental errors in my life. In fact, the biggest mistake of my life set me on the path that lead, not only to this incredible relationship and family that I adore so very much, but also to this ministry that means the world to me.

I don't glorify my sin. I also don't pin it to myself for all to see, so that I might somehow wear it as a badge of honor. But I don't run from it either. I realize the errors I have made, and at times still make. I seek forgiveness. I repent. I share the truth of my many failures in moments when I feel that they might make a difference in someone's life. Above all of that, I offer up continuous thanks to the wonderful Father who continues to shepherd me through it all. Him I do glorify, as best as I know how.