Reflections on Creation · Attributes of God

Do rivers of living water flow from within us?

6 min read, approximately

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

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The Bible teaches us that

“But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the word of faith that we preach: if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:8-9)

When we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and accept him in our hearts as our Savior, 3 wonderful things happen, among others:

\1. We go from being creatures to being children of God

“But to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. They were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

\2. We are justified and healed

“But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, witnessed by the law and the prophets: the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, for all who believe in him. For there is no difference, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his patience he had passed over former sins. This was to demonstrate his righteousness at this time, so that he might be just and the one who justifies the person who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:21-26)

\3. We take on a responsibility to communicate the good news (the Gospel)

“But you are a chosen lineage, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an acquired people, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, we receive the opportunity to express to others what we have received

“Truly, truly, I tell you: whoever believes in me will also do the works I do, and will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

Let the rivers flow!

How could we keep silent about all this? Fear, anxiety, shame?

Let the rivers of the Holy Spirit flow!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and also to the Greek. For in the gospel God’s righteousness is revealed by faith and for faith, as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

Is it because I do not like those people?

Let the rivers of the Holy Spirit flow!

“Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not be so. Does a spring pour out both fresh and bitter water from the same opening? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a spring give both salt water and fresh water.” (James 3:10-12)

Do we not know what to say?

Let the rivers of the Holy Spirit flow! Well, first

“If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13)

and second,

“because the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12)

Do we not know how to do it?

Let the rivers of the Holy Spirit flow!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask God, who gives generously to everyone without reproach, and it will be given to them.” (James 1:5)

If we do not share with others what God has done in us, where is our love for our neighbor?

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, and for your fruit to remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give you. This I command you: Love one another.” (John 15:16-17)

If we do not share with others what God has done in us, how will they find the way?

“How, then, will they call on the one in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without someone to preach to them? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce peace, of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15)

Do we feel compassion for those around us?

You know? Jesus

“…when he saw the crowds, had compassion on them, because they were helpless and scattered like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

Please, let those rivers of living water flow… Today is a good day to stop sitting back and being indifferent…

“But rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you as a servant and witness of the things you have seen and of those in which I will appear to you. I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that through faith in me they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified.” (Acts 26:16-18)

What do you say?

_**Remember to stop by the Songbook

May God continue to bless you, and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!