Water that Refresh and the Bread of Life

Our quest to be always introducing you to new devotional writers took us today to No Thought Police, tag line “Freedom of thought and speech not policed here.” With a readership all over the world, I need to tell you that some of the content is clearly intended for an American audience and gets into U.S. issues. But the two shorter articles we’re sharing here are examples of great devotional writing. The author is Rev. Patti, and you may click each of the titles which follow to read these where she posted them.

Read a Banned Book

The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

Read Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-26

Write…all the words that I have spoken to you…that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. (Jeremiah 36:2-3)

Each year the American Library Association designates a “Banned Books Week” in celebration of the freedom to read and to express one’s opinion “even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular.”

The Bible is the all time bestselling book, but in some parts of the world it is banned because it’s considered dangerous. The Bible is dangerous, however, only to those who fear finding out that they are wrong. It’s dangerous to those who exploit the weak and the innocent, who use force to keep others enslaved in poverty and ignorance, who don’t want to give up their favorite sin, who believe that salvation can be found apart from Christ.

No one wants to be told they are wrong. No one wants to hear that their behavior is putting themselves and those they love in danger or that God’s patience will eventually wear out. Yet that was the message God told Jeremiah to write (Jeremiah 36:2). When His message was read to King Jeboiakim, the king cut up the scroll and threw it into the fire.

The only way to know we are right  is to be willing to discover where we are wrong. Read the all-time bestselling banned book, and let it reveal to you the truth about God-and about yourself.

LIFE MOMENT

What do you think would be a good reason to ban a book? Or do you think no books should be banned?

GOD MOMENT

Other than salvation-the most important truth-what are a couple of biblical truths that you think are essential?

“The Bible is dangerous only to those who fear finding out that they are wrong.”

Water Where We Need It

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. – Psalm 3:3 CSB

Read John 4:7-14

Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, is vast and magnificent. Measuring one mile deep and nearly 400 miles by 49 miles across, it contains one-fifth of all the surface fresh water in the world. But this water is largely inaccessible. lake Baikal is located in Siberia-one of the most remote areas of Russia. With water so desperately needed for much of our planet, it’s ironic that such a vast supply of water is tucked away in a place where not many people can access it.

Although Lake Baikal may be remote, there is an endless source of life-giving water that is available and accessible to those who need it most. When at a well in Samaria, Jesus engaged a woman in conversation, probing at the edges of her deep spiritual thirst. The solution to her heart-need? Jesus Himself.

In contrast to the water she had come to draw from the well, Jesus offered something better: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).

Many things promise satisfaction but never fully quench our thirsty hearts. Jesus alone can truly satisfy our spiritual thirst, and His provision is available to everyone, everywhere.

MOMENTS FOR REFLECTION

• Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. (John 4:13-14)
• Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters. (Isaiah 55:1)
• With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3)

MOMENTS FOR RENEWAL

Father, thank you for the life you provide and the purpose and meaning you give to me. Teach me to find my truest satisfaction in you and your love.