Flowing Rivers Of Living Water

John 7:38 – He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water." (NASB)

John 15:8 – This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

This morning, when I was driving to work, I was listening to a Farsi language tape from Muslims who had become Christians. (I speak Farsi.) I noticed that they had a very lively church with a powerful message, songs and prayers, and I could feel their desire for God and for spreading the gospel. By listening to the tape I was moved, and was led to think about the power of God.

The first thing I did was to go on my computer to the Bible Gateway website at www.biblegateway.com/ and typed the word power in the word section. Voila! Hundreds of passages came up on the screen. I started reading the verses from the New Testament first, and was truly blessed to know how amazing the power of God is! I said to myself, "Now I have to use this power and start to become more fruitful and active in my Christian walk as that church was in its walk." Then I started pondering the prayers that I heard on that tape: "Father, pour the Holy Spirit in us much more so our innermost being can overflow!"

The flowing of rivers of water that Jesus talked about in today's scripture verse crossed my mind, and I imagined two natural rivers: one, a narrow and calm river with less water, so slow that it is unable even to sweep away the dead leaves that have been clinging to it for a long time; the other, full of lively waters with a flowing stream and gushing sound that from a distance brings chills to anybody passing by.

These two rivers remind me of two types of Christians: one, joyfully active and fruitful in his or her calling; the other, a secret and closet believer whom nobody can tell if he or she is a Christian. Then I said to myself, "Christians must come out of their closets and start praying for the gifts of Holy Spirit to empower them."

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Prayer: Father, thank you for your gift of the Holy Spirit that is given to us freely to empower us spiritually. We confess that we have not always taken it literally. Open our eyes so we can see all the divine gifts that you have promised and for years stored for us. May we receive and cherish them with gladness. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.