Worship

Scripture

This summer in Texas has been unusually hot. The Washington Post declared it was Texas’ hottest summer on record (what do they care), and the toll it has taken on my yard is clear from the moment you pass by. What was once a beautifully green comparison to a PGA rough is now lucky to be considered a yellow, burnt goat ranch. I watered. I prayed for rain. I watered some more. Then finally, after nearly 40 days of waiting, a thunderstorm gloriously saturated my yellow goat ranch. A few days later the clouds released another couple of inches and something beautiful began to happen. The yellow turned green again. Not just green, but a thick, beautiful green I had nearly forgotten about before the rains. 

As water vividly awakens a drought-stricken yard, so does the Spirit of God bringing life and healing to our lives. Ezekiel 47 is bringing to a close God’s vision of the restoration of Israel and hope for all humanity, and a new river flowing from the temple is the raging flood that brings life. Water has long been a metaphor for the Holy Spirit with Jesus Himself speaking about the living water, clarifying its meaning as the Spirit (Jn. 7:39). Here in the visual of the water flowing from the temple we get a vision of the Spirit of God flowing among us and making all things new, bringing healing, cleansing swamps, and bearing fruit. 

Reading through the imagery I can’t help but think about how the Holy Spirit has done such a cleansing work in my own life. From cleaning up the dirty parts of me, healing my brokenness, and bearing more fruit through my life than I could have ever imagined or manufactured on my own, the final piece of God’s restoration of humanity is by His Spirit. 

Meditate on that today. Lean into the Spirit of God. Welcome His presence, and obey His correction. There is a river of healing waiting to flood your soul.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

God is more concerned with your willingness to glorify Him than what you have to offer Him. Will you honor Him, now, with what you have? Take a moment and give Him your best praise in prayer.

ASK GOD

God is ready to meet you in your time of need. Where do you need God’s grace?

SUBMIT TO GOD

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank you that we have the Holy Spirit residing within us. Thank you that Christ came to cleanse us so that even when we make a wrong turn, we are forgiven and redeemed. Father, help us to listen intently to the convictions and guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we stay on track with what you have planned for us. We love you and trust you. In Jesus Name, Amen