But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give will become in that person a flowing fountain that gives eternal life.
John 4:14
John 4:14
Get in the Flow...
We are called to live in the constant flow of God's presence, moving from visitation to habitation. We're called to embrace our new identity in Christ, leaving behind the old self and walking in the newness of life.
We are called to be fountains, not cups - overflowing with the living water of God's Spirit. We are called to facilitate God's presence, to trust Him and become trustworthy, to carry the weight of His glory. We are called to be transformed by His glory and to bring that transformative power into every area of our lives and society.
And finally, we are called to respond to God's glory with generosity, creating a flow of blessing that impacts the world around us. This is the life we're called to - a life lived in the flow of God's glory. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. So let's press in, let's reach for more, let's get in the flow of what God is doing. Because when we do, we'll see His kingdom come and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
We are called to be fountains, not cups - overflowing with the living water of God's Spirit. We are called to facilitate God's presence, to trust Him and become trustworthy, to carry the weight of His glory. We are called to be transformed by His glory and to bring that transformative power into every area of our lives and society.
And finally, we are called to respond to God's glory with generosity, creating a flow of blessing that impacts the world around us. This is the life we're called to - a life lived in the flow of God's glory. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. So let's press in, let's reach for more, let's get in the flow of what God is doing. Because when we do, we'll see His kingdom come and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Our pastor, Dr. Mark A. Ellis, delivered a powerful message entitled "Flow" at the Church of God In Christ Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention in June of 2024 in St. Louis, MO. We invite you to watch it and read key points from the message below.
But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give will become in that person a flowing fountain that gives eternal life.
John 4:14
John 4:14
God's intentions Define Us
As believers, we must understand that our true identity is rooted in God's intentions for us, not our past mistakes or current circumstances. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." These aren't just idle words - they're God's specific plans for each of us.
God's affections and God's heart for us has to govern every facet of our being. It is the intention of God that should define us, not the intentions of men. Men will use you where they need you, God will only use you how he designed you. When we align ourselves with God's intentions, we step into a life of purpose and fulfillment that surpasses anything we could achieve on our own.
This shift in perspective is crucial for our spiritual growth. Too often, we allow our past failures or present challenges to define who we are. But God sees beyond all that. He sees the person He created us to be, the destiny He's prepared for us. As Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." When we start to see ourselves through His eyes, it changes everything. We begin to walk in confidence, not because of our own abilities, but because of His plans for us.
God's affections and God's heart for us has to govern every facet of our being. It is the intention of God that should define us, not the intentions of men. Men will use you where they need you, God will only use you how he designed you. When we align ourselves with God's intentions, we step into a life of purpose and fulfillment that surpasses anything we could achieve on our own.
This shift in perspective is crucial for our spiritual growth. Too often, we allow our past failures or present challenges to define who we are. But God sees beyond all that. He sees the person He created us to be, the destiny He's prepared for us. As Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." When we start to see ourselves through His eyes, it changes everything. We begin to walk in confidence, not because of our own abilities, but because of His plans for us.
Opposition attaches itself to what we don't remove.
In the Old Testament, God's people experienced His presence through occasional visitations. But now, we've progressed from a culture of visitation to one of habitation. This means God's presence isn't just for special moments or sacred spaces - it's a constant reality in our daily lives.
Imagine the implications of this truth! We carry the presence of the Almighty wherever we go. This shift should radically change how we approach every aspect of our lives, from our personal devotions to our interactions in the marketplace. As Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 3:16, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"
This transition from visitation to habitation is more than just a theological concept - it's a practical reality that should transform our daily walk with God. No longer do we need to wait for a special service or a mountain-top experience to encounter God. His presence is with us always, in every situation. This means we can tap into His wisdom, power, and love at any moment. It's about living in constant communion with Him, allowing His presence to influence every decision, every conversation, every action. When we fully grasp this truth, it revolutionizes our Christian experience.
Imagine the implications of this truth! We carry the presence of the Almighty wherever we go. This shift should radically change how we approach every aspect of our lives, from our personal devotions to our interactions in the marketplace. As Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 3:16, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"
This transition from visitation to habitation is more than just a theological concept - it's a practical reality that should transform our daily walk with God. No longer do we need to wait for a special service or a mountain-top experience to encounter God. His presence is with us always, in every situation. This means we can tap into His wisdom, power, and love at any moment. It's about living in constant communion with Him, allowing His presence to influence every decision, every conversation, every action. When we fully grasp this truth, it revolutionizes our Christian experience.
The Transformative Power of Living Water
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He offered her something revolutionary - living water. In John 4:14, Jesus said, "Whosoever would drink this water that I shall give him would never thirst. The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." This living water isn't just a one-time refreshment; it's an ever-flowing fountain within believers.
Prophecy is so important in the new testament. Prophecy is the future spoken in advance. The living water Jesus offers is prophetic in nature - it speaks of a future reality that begins to manifest in the present. It's the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, constantly renewing and empowering believers.
The concept of living water is a powerful metaphor for the work of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. Just as water is essential for physical life, this spiritual water is crucial for spiritual vitality. It cleanses, refreshes, and sustains. But more than that, it becomes a source of life flowing out to others. As Jesus said in John 7:38, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." When filled with this living water, believers don't just receive - we become conduits of God's presence to the world around them.
Prophecy is so important in the new testament. Prophecy is the future spoken in advance. The living water Jesus offers is prophetic in nature - it speaks of a future reality that begins to manifest in the present. It's the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, constantly renewing and empowering believers.
The concept of living water is a powerful metaphor for the work of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. Just as water is essential for physical life, this spiritual water is crucial for spiritual vitality. It cleanses, refreshes, and sustains. But more than that, it becomes a source of life flowing out to others. As Jesus said in John 7:38, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." When filled with this living water, believers don't just receive - we become conduits of God's presence to the world around them.
Focus on God's Glory, Not Fighting the Enemy
Too often, believers get caught up in a warfare mentality, constantly battling against the enemy. Satan is not the focus of the church. The bridegroom is. The primary mission isn't to fight darkness, but to manifest light. When the focus shifts to pursuing God's glory, many spiritual battles resolve themselves.
It's like flipping on a light switch in a dark room - there's no need to fight the darkness, just introduce light. The focus should be on switching on the light of God's presence in every situation. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
This doesn't mean ignoring the reality of spiritual warfare, but it does change the approach. Instead of constantly being on the defensive, always looking for the next attack, believers can take an offensive position by pursuing God's presence and glory. When filled with His light, darkness naturally flees. This approach is not only more effective, but it's also more joyful. Instead of always feeling like you're in a battle, as believers, we can live in the victory that Christ has already won for them.
It's like flipping on a light switch in a dark room - there's no need to fight the darkness, just introduce light. The focus should be on switching on the light of God's presence in every situation. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
This doesn't mean ignoring the reality of spiritual warfare, but it does change the approach. Instead of constantly being on the defensive, always looking for the next attack, believers can take an offensive position by pursuing God's presence and glory. When filled with His light, darkness naturally flees. This approach is not only more effective, but it's also more joyful. Instead of always feeling like you're in a battle, as believers, we can live in the victory that Christ has already won for them.
God's Glory Brings Increase
Isaiah 60 paints a powerful picture of what happens when God's glory comes upon His people. Glory promotes you, glory increases you, glory expands you. This isn't just about personal gain - it's about expanding the capacity to influence and impact the world for God's kingdom. When His glory rests on believers, they can't help but grow and advance.
This principle aligns with what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." As believers seek God's glory above all else, they position themselves for supernatural increase in every area of life.
This increase isn't just in material terms, although that can be part of it. It's an increase in wisdom, in influence, in the ability to impact lives for the kingdom. When God's glory rests on His people, doors open that they could never open themselves. Opportunities arise that they never could have orchestrated. People are drawn to the light of God in them. This is how the early church grew so rapidly - not through clever marketing strategies, but through the undeniable presence of God's glory.
This principle aligns with what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." As believers seek God's glory above all else, they position themselves for supernatural increase in every area of life.
This increase isn't just in material terms, although that can be part of it. It's an increase in wisdom, in influence, in the ability to impact lives for the kingdom. When God's glory rests on His people, doors open that they could never open themselves. Opportunities arise that they never could have orchestrated. People are drawn to the light of God in them. This is how the early church grew so rapidly - not through clever marketing strategies, but through the undeniable presence of God's glory.
Don't just feed systems, lead systems.
It's time to bring God's glory to the marketplace and move beyond merely participating in existing systems; we are called to lead and transform them. This applies to healthcare, finance, education - every sector of society. God's glory isn't meant to be confined to church buildings. It's meant to permeate every sphere of influence.
The impact of bringing God's presence into everyday workplaces could be revolutionary. As it says in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." When believers truly bring God's presence and principles into boardrooms, classrooms, and government offices, they can change the world.
This isn't about imposing faith on others, but about allowing the wisdom, integrity, and love that come from a relationship with God to influence how business is conducted, how teaching is done, how governance is carried out. It's about bringing kingdom principles into every area of life. When this happens, believers become salt and light in society, preserving what's good and illuminating the path forward.
The impact of bringing God's presence into everyday workplaces could be revolutionary. As it says in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." When believers truly bring God's presence and principles into boardrooms, classrooms, and government offices, they can change the world.
This isn't about imposing faith on others, but about allowing the wisdom, integrity, and love that come from a relationship with God to influence how business is conducted, how teaching is done, how governance is carried out. It's about bringing kingdom principles into every area of life. When this happens, believers become salt and light in society, preserving what's good and illuminating the path forward.