A cup of COLD water… Get it yourself

READ: Matthew 10:34-42

…a cup of COLD water… Matthew 10:42

Jesus dividing families

Today’s scripture lesson speaks of several things – Jesus coming with a sword breaking up families, fathers against sons and mothers against daughters.  The Prince of Peace goes on to say (me paraphrasing) – whoever finds their life will lose it but if they lose for the sake of Jesus it will be found.  By welcoming a righteous person as a righteous person, and sacrificing to help others we will receive the rewards of prophets. But if anyone gives one of Jesus disciples a cup of COLD water truly that person will not lose their reward.

Digging for cold water

What’s the big deal about COLD water? To us it does not mean much because of its convenience.  It only takes a few seconds for us to walk to our refrigerator and get a bottle of ice COLD water.  Just envision during Jesus time, COLD water was a luxury more of a sacrifice. To get COLD water a person would have to walk for miles to the river, climb rugged terrain, or dig a well. The COLD water was deep. You would have to lower a bucket into the swift currents and struggle to pull it out.  Then the trek back home… COLD water was not found near the surface only tepid and nauseating warm water cooked by the sun.  So would you sacrifice your time and energy in Jesus name to get me a cup of COLD water?

Looking for convenience in God

Some people’s relationship with God is like COLD water today. They look for convenience by lounging at home streaming services on-line, watching on television, or listening to a pre-recorded sermons. If it is raining, too hot or cold stay at home. Where is the sacrifice?  Nothing wrong with either of these methods the problem is people are relying on someone to make it convenient by spoon feeding them the word.   Sacrifice the time to go get it for yourself and take the word to someone else while you at it.

Lukewarm words

I have heard from many of The Soul’s Remedy followers that they enjoy reading my devotions. Thank you, I appreciate it! My devotions are my way of bringing God's message to others as I see it. Yet in translation, my words lose some of its freshness; they are lukewarm in comparison to God’s cooling water.You may have noticed I now include scriptures to read with each devotional. The reason I preface devotions with God’s word, the Gospel is more important. If reading The Souls Remedy is a method to get people closer with God, I have done my part...

But I ask of you one thing - the next time you read a devotional bring your cup to the spring dip it and take a sip. Sacrifice a few extra minutes to pray, study, ask questions and enjoy God’s COLD revitalizing word before reading The Souls Remedy.

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Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your cooling water the fresh word. May your Holy word flow fresh through each reader blessing them in the name of Jesus.  My lives be changed and souls saved today by the reading of your word.  This I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

The most hated creation of God...Fathers

World's Greatest Dad

Read: Proverbs 23:10-26

Honor thy father…. Exodus 20:12

Loving or Hating Dad

Love or hate your father, God tells us to reverence, obey and honor our parents. This is notated in both the Old and New Testament (see Eph. 6:1-3). Despite your feelings about dear old dad how do you show your love toward him – by word, action, deed, or nothing at all?

Father's Day is 6th 

Thinking of dad is typically an after thought or a last minute rush to the store. Of celebrated holidays, Father’s Day is ranked 6^th on the biggest holidays for spending list. I guess that is why thoughtless gifts of mugs, ties, socks underwear, and “world’s greatest dad” T-shirts top the gift list.

Dad may not be the most fashionable, or his appearance the most appealing. His face my show signs of worry or a stare lost in space. His words may be stern yet he listens and comforts you when in pain. For years he hustles around to get things together never once has he complained?

Fathers are unique

Fathers are unique creatures that God created and are often misunderstood. These men give their all to smooth the way for a small child. He is called upon in times of distress taking up the slack with a generous spirit. There are times humility shines bright.

Father's imperfect qualities 

Fathers have values – be it right or wrong they stand by them. Some have fallen short or did not meet your expectations. But to receive the full blessings of God we, as His children, have to heed the words of Solomon – my son do not forget my teaching, keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life Proverbs 3:1.

These imperfect qualities make dad loved and respected and sometimes hated. Regardless as to how you feel about your dad remember him on Father’s Day. Call, send a card or stop by to say hello. Because without Dad there is no you!

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all earthly fathers, dads, and pops.  For without their union with mothers there will be no me!  I thank you for the fathers those who are doing their part and for those still trying to get it.  Lord Bless each man give them the wisdom, knowledge and power to overcome short comings, doubt, fear, and disbelief.  Help me to encourage and uplift them so they can be all the man you want them to be in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

PRAYER REQUEST:

People are experiencing hardship, distress, doubt, and worry. To combat the perils of life The Souls Remedy offer comfort through prayer. Your life concerns are important to us. Click the link to be added to The Souls Remedy Prayer List