John 7:37-38 (NLT)
“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from this heart.” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in Him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into His glory.)
Blessings upon you dear reader, I greet you in the mighty and glorious name of Jesus. For there is no other name that is more precious, no other name that should be magnified. Jesus is our reigning King, He is Lord of all, and forever he shall be praised! The Psalmist asks, “Who is this King of glory?” and he answers, “the Lord strong and mighty” (Psalm 24:8). I am excited today, to encourage and remind us that as we travel this life's journey to meet Jesus let us “REMAIN IN HIM” always!
Recently, I was speaking to a dear sister of mine in Christ who had lost her mother and facing many other trials. She looked into my eyes intently and stated, “My only safe place is when I call 911.” She noticed I didn’t understand what she meant right away. She then proceeded to say, “My 911 is Psalm 91:1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." After hearing these words the Lord immediately gave me a revelation, that seeking Him daily and staying in the secret place was the only way to “REMAIN IN HIM." In Him there is no fear, doubt, sorrow, sadness, hopelessness, despair, or weariness. Through Him they all MUST bow. In Him peace overwhelms our souls which passes all human understanding. Praise GOD! He is a safe place that when trouble comes our way we can run in and be saved. Yes, that great name JESUS. The name that is our strong tower, a place to dwell.
In the Bible the word "dwelleth" appears 58 times and has multiple meanings. The Hebrew word for “dwell” is "yashab", which means to settle, sit down, remain, or endure. “To dwell is to be fully present in a place or with a person. God has dwelled among his people throughout the Bible, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation. Dwell can also mean to “settle in” or "engage with" someone other than oneself. When we dwell with God, we are conscious of His presence in our lives. This consciousness can be a feeling of closeness or contentment with God” (https://www.newidentitymagazine.com).
Is your heart thirsty to “REMAIN IN HIM?" Are you thirsty for the living water that never runs dry? The Word of the Lord declares in Isaiah 58:11 (NLT), “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a ever-flowing spring." Jesus gives us an affirmation as He speaks to the Samaaritan woman at the well. Jesus said to the woman, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” The woman, then responded in verse 15, “Please sir, give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water”(John 4:13-15, NLT).
In our focus scripture, Jesus offered an invitation to believe on Him. For He wanted the audience to come to grips with who He was. Before anyone can partake of the living water that Jesus offers, they must recognize that they have a thirst for eternal things. We can rest assure, to “REMAIN IN HIM”, as we continue to seek for the things above and not the things of this earth. This is true submission to the Plan of Salvation (Acts 2:38). It’s coming to God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit every day! You see, even the woman at the well, understood true repentance. When Jesus exposed her sin, she never denied it but acknowledge it and made a change (John 4:16-18). Even after we give our life to Christ, there must be a consistent desire to “REMAIN IN HIM” in spite of the trials we will face. The living water must continue to flow in our souls to be conscious of the feeling of closeness and contentment with God. As children of God, our Heavenly Father knows steps we are going to take as we walk with Him. He knows that we are not going to always have it all together. He desires that once we are in awareness of not feeling His presence, (the true living water- flowing way down in our souls) we must come unto Him with our burdens. To come to Him with a heart of sincere repentance.
Let me testify of the Lord’s goodness and mercy. I can recall being in this place, hearing from God, but still walking in my own understanding. However, the beautiful thing about being in a relationship with God is you learn to identify His voice, touch, and divine presence even through seasons of stagnation. The minute you submit, The Living Water will begin to flow again like a mighty rushing wind. When you feel a flood of His Spirit flowing, bubbling and quickening you- don't quench it. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 states, "Quench not the Spirit" (KJV). I want to encourage you today, that as you hunger and thirst after righteousness, there must be true worship in spirit and truth (submitting to His Word). It is a consistent flow that never runs dry! Is it always easy? Absolutely not, but "....we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing's we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most"(Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT). We have a savior whose desires for us to “REMAIN IN HIM.”
My sisters and brothers in Christ, I love you with the Love of the Lord! Let us “REMAIN IN HIM.” “The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinary] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, AMP). We want to be ready to see our soon coming King! May the Lord bless and keep you and shine His face upon you in Jesus’ name.
Matthew 25:4-7 (NLT)
“But the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.”
Please take the time to read the Scriptures throughout!!
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