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For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. —Psalm 36:9
In a recent health article, leading researchers noted that while no one has found the proverbial Fountain of Youth, it is possible to increase our life span up to five years if we eat less. Moreover, if we eat in moderation, it might also lead to living a healthier life.
We know that to sustain life, the body needs daily replenishments of water, as well as a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains with moderate amounts of meats, fats, and carbohydrates. By eating this way, many believe that we can have a healthier quality of life, but not necessarily a longer life. And while healthy eating habits should be maintained, it is far more important that we partake of the everlasting food provided through the Word of God, which guarantees life eternal. Just as we come everyday to our natural tables to partake of the foods and drinks to nourish our physical bodies and satisfy our taste buds, we must come daily to God’s table (His Word). Here is where we partake of the feast of His food, which not only feeds the spirit but also keeps it whole, healthy, and satisfied.
Throughout the Bible, we learn of two essential staples for our spiritual diet and wellbeing: Water and Bread. Jesus Christ is our Source of both. Jesus said that if anyone thirsts, they are to come to Him and drink (John 7:37b). In John 4:13, 14 we read that whoever drinks of the physical water will thirst repeatedly, but those who drink of the Water that He gives, will never thirst. Once we drink of this Water (accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord), it becomes in us as a fountain springing up into everlasting life. Jesus is the Living Water, which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
The bread we eat to satisfy our physical need is not the same as the Bread of Life referred to in the Bible. This Bread is the Truth that feeds, nurtures, and strengthens us in the spirit throughout our lifetime. This Bread is the true manna from heaven, which came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful promise to know that anyone who comes to Jesus and eats of this Bread will never go hungry and will live forever (John 6:47-51).
In chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes, we see that there is a season and a time to everything. There is a time to be born and a time to die, and many earthly things will occur during the seasons of life. Because the Bible is all truth, we have no need to worry about our days on earth. God is in control of all things. We can trust in His Word. Unlike the thief of life (Satan), who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus comes to give life and give it more abundantly (John 10:10).
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we have no need for a fountain that promises youth because we have the true Fountain of Life: Jesus Christ. He alone is our Provider. He freely gives to whoever hungers and thirsts after righteousness. God’s spiritual diet doesn’t declare that we will have five, 10, or 20 years more of life, but promises eternal life through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. ♥♥♥
“I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts”(Revelation 21:6).
Prayer: Father God, help me this day, and all the days of my life, to hunger and thirst for the true Fountain of Life, which is your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach me to value my time on earth and use it for Your honor and glory.May I become a blessing to others, and may others become a blessing to me. Amen.
WILL THE REAL CHRISTIAN PLEASE STAND UP by Diana R. Savastano
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
In the 1950s, a television game show called To Tell the Truth featured a host, four celebrity panelists, and three contestants claiming to be the same person with the same occupation. The host secretly revealed the true contestant to television viewers and the panel then questioned each contestant in an effort to identify the real person.
At times, it was difficult for the panelists to tell the truthful contestant from the two imposters. More times than not, the imposters were so convincing that they fooled the celebrity panel. At the end of the show, the commentator asked a question that went on to become a popular catch phrase when someone’s identity was in question: "Will the real [person’s name] please stand up?" Imagine for a moment that you are a panelist on To Tell the Truth. In front of you are three contestants all claiming to be Christians. No doubt, by appearance alone, you would be hard-pressed to tell one from the other. You couldn’t make a determination based on a particular style of dress or even rely on language or nationality. Because of this, your questions focus primarily on biblical principles. To begin, you ask how each contestant views the Bible. Do they believe that ALL sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, are the inerrant Word of God? The real Christian will answer yes. The other two might doubt, dispute, and even disbelieve, but they will lie and also answer yes. Remember, they’re programmed to lie.
Your next few questions might sound something like the following: • Do you believe in the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? • Do you believe that God, who is the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the same God of both Jews and Christians? • Do you believe that God sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish and have everlasting life? • Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world? • Have you repented of your sins and accepted Him as Savior and Lord of your life? • Are you obedient to His will for you life? • Do you walk on His path of righteousness?
All the contestants respond to every question in the affirmative, even quoting Scripture to strengthen their position. Clearly, while you know that there are two imposters, you realize how impossible it is distinguish truth from lies. It’s becomes obvious that it’s easy to deceive and even easier to be deceived. As Christians, we are called upon every day to authenticate the real from the counterfeit: what is and what is not of God. We are instructed by the Word of God to be aware and beware that Satan and his emissaries are transformed into angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14,15) with one purpose: to deceive and lead away from God. However, the Bible warns that we are not to be deceived in any way and that we are to be “sober and vigilant” because this great deceiver and liar of the ages is walking about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).
Be assured, while others may be fooled, Satan knows exactly who we are and what we stand for. Moreover, he knows just how to manipulate and twist God’s Word so that his words, which always lead away from the truth, sound believable. So, how then is the real Christian revealed? It’s not by what is professed, but rather by what is lived. It’s not by words only, but by actions. It’s not by religious affiliations, but by a committed relationship with Jesus Christ. When Jesus was asked which is the great commandment in the law, He answered, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37). Notice that Jesus used the words “with all” three times. “With all” means: not in part or halfway but to love God above all things. In verse 39, we read, “And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
When these biblical truths are applied to all aspects of life, true believers and followers of Jesus Christ are easily revealed. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).♥♥♥ Prayer: Father God, help me today to be the light of Your love and Your Word so that others will see Your Son, Jesus Christ, living in me. May I become a blessing to others, and may others become a blessing to me.
