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Watering Whole-the woman FROM the well!

“So the woman left her waterpot and went into the city.” John 4:28

This verse is in there very middle of this chapter. We nearly always overlook the power of this moment as Jesus and the “woman at the well” meet and talk. We all know she had 5 (6?) husbands, we know she was a despised Samaritan and we know that she was… well, a woman. She is the complete OPPOSITE of the other characters in this text.

The disciples were men, from strict religious communities and (seemingly) tried to follow a morality derived from the law. She is a doomed and hopeless woman reduced to shame. True to form, Jesus initiates conversation with her and takes time to teach her truth. He shows her value. Fast forward through her “come to Jesus” (pun intended!) moment in verse 28. She believes she has found Messiah ! Jesus’ claim to be “Living Water” (v. 10) has changed everything and the water that springs from Him cannot compare to the stagnant liquid from her old waterpot. The dull waterpot fulfilled her physical need yet it couldn’t change the reality of her anguished soul. Her first drink of faith in Christ takes her from thirsty to satiated and from defeated to drenched!

Naturally, she had to put that waterpot down to rush back to the city and tell others about this Man! These are the Bible passages we tend to overlook because we just can’t relate to the primary character. Or can we? Where do we remain thirsty and defeated in our lives?  Are we willing to humble ourselves and receive true refreshment from His presence? Do we have a symbolic “waterpot” that just need to be left? This woman was completely changed and became the primary source of the gospel to her city! Maybe we should change her name from the “woman at the well” to the woman from the well.”  Jesus wants to be the same for us!      

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Nourishment for Souls

Years ago, Brian and I led a fun seminar on the “whys” of Bible study. It was (and is!) always helpful to ask ourselves our true motivation for any spiritual action. Basic questions can give us personal insight and a corporate humility. When we ask, “Why Should We Study the Bible?”

Nearly every group responds with the following honest answers…

“Um, because we are supposed to.”

“If we don’t study the Bible, other Christians will judge us.”

“Because this is a “Bible” church.”

“It’s good to know “holy books” like the Koran, Bible, Torah and the Vedas.”

Is that enough of a reason to study the Bible? No matter how we try to state it people will always do things because of a perceived personal benefit. Could it be that bible study is no different? How could we respond to the bottom line question ,”Ok, bible study seems important, but what’s in it for me?” Aha! Here’s the truth: You will never regret spending time in the Bible. At the end of the day, no one says, “Ugh! I wish I had not read the Bible today!” God has promised deep fulfillment as we seek Him through His word. We cannot know Him without reading His words to us. We can listen to worship music and spout other people’s spiritual opinions, but it’s ONLY God’s word that brings true life change. We have to handle His word ourselves. James 4:8 promises a response from the King, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” God is so good to offer us wisdom in His Word. As growing believers, we are enabled to respond to His command to know Him through His Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

There is only one living document that continually breathes life-God’s word.How many times have we studied a passage we are familiar with and said “What?! I never saw that!” Hebrew 4:12 brings us the reason-this thing is alive and powerful and pierces us to the core! There is something joyously comforting and a little frightening in this. It’s because we are known by the Great One Who Is. That’s enough of a reason to give God’s word time and attention.

Need a few ideas? We all like easy..so get a Bible, get a pen, and get some paper. Write down what you read and learn to ask ,“WHAT DOES THIS SAY?” (Observe), “WHY IS THIS WRITTEN?” (Interpret) and “HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?” (Application) Ask God to help you set aside 10 minutes a day to pray, read, and write. Nothing in your life will impact your character and sharpen your vision like listening to the God who speaks to His people. The gift of His word is personal at every stage in life and nourishing for souls who live for the unseen Kingdom. Lean in and listen to the One who knows you best and loves you most. #noregrets

Love this verse in our kids bathroom! No fancy frame but still shares truth!
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REST STOP

We all say “Our family is so busy! ” What can we do to change this? I’ve noticed I have to get tired enough of the chaos. If we are constantly on our phones, packing our schedules with more activities, and not stopping, then something’s gonna give. It might be our health. It might be our relationships. This constant stimulation is just plain contrary to rest.

Real rest must start in my spiritual life. For me I need a true turning from the world to stop and hear God.  I’ve got to stop repeating “I need to rest”, by actually DOING IT. 

Real Rest is active!  Confession to God energizes, reconciliation with God inspires, and wisdom from God awakens your soul!  Get in the Word and pray. Real rest is extremely active in its focus and purpose. .

Real Rest is quiet. You are fasting from noise. Here’s the glory of this-once you move through that realization and sit with God, peace will slowly steal over you. SO MANY of us are afraid of the silence because we know  we must face God or turn away from Him.  Ask GOD for the ability to be still. One of my favorite books is Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence...a monk who cleaned pots and pans, yet worshiped GOD fully in every moment. I want to live like that.

Real Rest won’t be applauded by others. By faith, I trust the LORD to “do” the most important tasks that are needful and important. You choose “who you disappoint”. I give time to an invisible God , perform secret service in my primary jobs with my husband and children, and take quiet care of myself-spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

God wants to help you -allow Him to cover you with His quiet peace today!