The river of living water that Jesus predicted would flow out of the ‘belly’ of those that believe in him is the outpouring or overflow of his Holy spirit from their innermost being. (John 7:38)
But how does this flow out of our bellies? - In our words and actions. The outflow of the Holy Spirit was demonstrated in Jesus through the miracles he performed, his zeal for his Fathers business and house, and the authority, Truth and compassion in the words he spoke.
Here was Jesus’s testimony when asked by John (through his disciples) if he was the Messiah:
‘’So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.’’ Luke 7:22
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Likewise on the either side of the river in Revelation 22:2 is the Tree of life which produces a fruit every month of the year and whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. This signifies all round availability of the miraculous products(fruits) of the Spirit and health flowing to our world through us.
‘’ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.’’ Proverbs 3:18
However, the first important part is not seeking the manifestation of the outpouring of the Holyspirit. Our primary focus should be our intimacy with him that sits on the Throne in our innermost being. As that intimacy gets stronger, then there will be an overflow which will also get stronger.
In Jesus’ parable of the Sower, The Sower plants the Word. (Mark 4:14)
The word of God is Jesus. When the word takes root in our hearts, Jesus is rooted in there. However, as Mark 4:15 -19 shows, this Lordship of the word in our hearts is easily lost if we don’t pay attention.
‘’Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” (Mark 4:15 - 19)
What is going on in the throne room of our hearts is the most important thing.
Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5: 17 -20 ''Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.''
This in essence is cultivating the intimacy in the throne room through fellowship with the Word and the Holy spirit. This is where the 100 times increase i.e. the overflow comes from.
Wherever my call or your call as Jesus followers is, whether it be to Industry, Civil leadership, the Church or any other body, our most important assignment is in that throne room where God and Jesus (the word) dwells. Growth in oneness and intimacy with the Father and his son Jesus Christ is our most vital assignment.
Believe me, this is easily lost… that view of the Lord. But the good news is that the Holy spirit is given to us to help refocus, restore and grow anything that is missing, stolen or lost. Friendship, communion and intimacy with him is the true purpose of every man. When Jesus is enough, everything else- great and excellent, that flows out of that relationship will bear his life, character and longevity: it will be pure, healing and eternal life to all it touches.
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Proverbs 4:23 ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it’
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When I see my brother stumble
And all his dreams crumble
Let me be there for I too fail
And when I see his heart breaking
From a wrong turn he's taken
Let me be there for I remember well.
I want to spend my life mending broken people
I want to spend my life removing pain
Lord let my words, Heal a heart that hurts
I want to spend my life mending broken people
When I see a life that's broken
Lord give me words that should be spoken
For I will remember the pain
And when I see tear drops falling Lord
Remind me of my calling
Help me restore their faith in You
I want to spend my life mending broken people
I want to spend my life removing pain
Lord let my word, Heal a heart that hurts
I want to spend my life mending broken people
Writer: Mike Murdock
Amen
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