Exodus 15:22-27 (NRSV)
God gives the people water
Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" He cried out to the Lord; and the Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made for them a statute and an ordinance and there he put them to the test. He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you."
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there by the water.
DEVOTIONAL
Today’s devotional is a wonderful reminder that journeying with God is not always “tippy-toeing through the tulips!”
Some people mistakenly believe that when they put all of their hope in Jesus and became Christians, they were signing up for the “perfect life.” My friends, I am sad to report that this simply is not true for even Christians have “dry spells” now and again.
However, what distinguishes Christians from other people, is that in the time of drought we draw closer to Jesus. When we are hungry, tired, lonely, depressed, or afraid—we cling to Jesus. When we don’t know how we are going to pay our bills, dress our children, or find/keep a job—we run to Jesus. When our marriages are strained, children are misbehaving, and friends forsake us—we cry out to Jesus!
Our relationship with God is the difference between “dying of thirst” and “finding water.” In John 7:37-38, Jesus cries out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.””
Just as God blessed the Israelites by making bitter water sweet and by leading them to camp at Elim where there were twelve springs of water; God blesses and leads us to the source of living water—which is Jesus Christ!
We are given the promise in today’s scripture that if we listen to God’s voice and obey God’s commandments, God will heal us!
What a wonderful GOOD NEWS promise! We don’t have to stay thirsty. We don’t have to stay spiritually sick. We don’t have to suffer permanently with dis-ease; we can run to Jesus who is the source of living water! As we ask God to forgive us of our sins and fill us with the Holy Spirit, we will find that our thirst is quenched and we will be equipped and empowered for the journey ahead!
Today, I urge you to take note of the “thirsty” areas in your life! Run to Jesus and drink of the Spirit until you are satisfied!
Now, ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?
Do you know anybody who is “dying of thirst?” Will you lead them to Jesus, who is the source of Living Water today?
My Jesus, how I love you, you are everything that I need. Thank you for quenching my thirst and for preparing me for the journey ahead. In childlike faith, I put my hand in yours trusting that you will lie me down in green pastures and lead me beside quiet waters, restoring my soul. Thank you for taking such good care of me, I will not fail to share your blessings with others! In Jesus Name.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are celebrating with all of the GOOD NEWS readers who have put all of their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-Birth-Day!
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
FIVE DAYS: The Good News Living Book Club will be reading Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard during March. Please mark your calendars for our very first book club meeting to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 9:00am in the Good News Living Chat Room. Even if you don’t read the book, please join us for a discussion of our faith!
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
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Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda’s blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
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