THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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A poor man, John, worked most of his life building ships for Cunard Cruise Lines. He won a pool, and decided to use the money by taking his wife, Joan, on one of the cruises. Joan is a little hard of hearing.
The captain of the ship heard that this man was one of the builders, and invited him for dinner at the captain's table. The poor man and his wife were seated beside a wealthy couple. After the captain had introduced all his guests, he specifically applauded the poor man for building such worthy ships.
The wealthy wife spoke to Joan, "Have you sailed on these ships many times?"
Joan answered, "No, this is our first time."
Wealthy wife, in bragging tone, "We take these cruises 3 times a year."
Joan, "MY! How do ya manage it?"
Wealthy wife, in bragging tone, "My husband works for Cunard."
Joan, "Well, my husband works hard too; but we don't brag about it."
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Ps 104:16
The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
KJV
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Christians, by nature are born of a "wild olive tree," because of sin. But they are cut from that tree by an act of the Lord upon conversion, and graft into a "good olive tree" (Rom. 11:24). The regeneration of the Christian includes the "sap" of the "trees of the LORD."
Without the "sap" we would be dead branches, but with constant filling of God's Holy Spirit, we have LIFE! That life is the vitality of being which flows in the "Tree" (Jesus) constantly! What an amazing thought that we are filled with the very being and livelihood as our Savior!
Our very being (livelihood), as Christians, is based upon the flowing of God's Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul says, in Colossians 3:3, "....your life is hid with Christ in God." We are sustained by the divine food of God Himself!
The "sap" is permanently active and constantly working; sometimes with energy for strength and growth; sometimes with conviction for sin; sometimes with convincing to cling to the Savior; sometimes with commission to produce fruit.
The grace of God provides every believer with a constant knowledge of His presence and power. That presence and power flows to produce evidence through the conduct and conversation of the Christian's life.
Let us challenge ourselves to live this day with the wonderful knowledge of His empowering presence.
And let us challenge ourselves this day to give evidence of that Life which is within us.
Love ya,
Bruce