The Cleansing and Refreshing Water Of the Word

“…that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,” (Eph 5:26)

Oh, how wonderfully refreshing the Word of God is! It is like pure water for the renewing of the mind and soul, health and healing to our flesh (Pr 4:20-22) and strength to our spirit man. Truly, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

David’s prayer in Psalm 5 touched me so deeply this morning. I needed that prayer today to start the day and the new week.

“Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. … But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” (Ps 5:1-3,7)

Even when the Temple was destroyed and in ruins, Daniel prayed three times a day, facing Jerusalem and the Temple. It is still a godly thing to do this in the fear of heaven when we pray. God has never changed. His ways are eternal. It is written about Daniel: “…he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Dan 6:10)

The end of Psalm 5 says:

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” (v. 11-12)

There is absolutely no better way to start the day than with such wonderful promises. I hope that you were blessed today as well reading the Scriptures. Let’s take refuge in the LORD, rejoice and sing for joy before Him! He will bless the righteous and cover us with favor as with a shield from all the fiery darts of the enemy.

The best words of all this morning are of course the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Such unmatched, eternal words from the lips of the Master, the King Messiah – the greatest sermon ever preached.

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” (Mt 5:1-12)

Traditionally they say that the Beatitudes are eight in number. Eventually, eight became the favorite number in the Church, the number of new beginnings and of eternity. But if you count the Beatitudes they are actually nine, just like the gifts of the Spirit as well as the fruit of the Spirit. Here we find the litmus test of the character of the people of the Kingdom, the very DNA:

– the poor in spirit,

– those who mourn,

– the meek,

– those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

– the merciful,

– the pure in heart,

– the peacemakers,

– those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

– those who are reviled and lied about.

Thank You Father, for Your words of life!

Daily Bread