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Archive for the ‘Restoration’ Category

Uncloging the Wells

Isaac dug again the wells which were dug in the days of his father Abraham but had been clogged up by the Philistines after Abraham’s death. And he renamed them, using the original names his father had given them. — Genesis 26:18

The Bible takes a brief moment to tell a little story about Abraham’s son, Isaac. He went back to his dad’s old wells and opened them up again.

The significance?

Wells are symbolic of the refreshing sustaining power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christ’s followers. We depend on that freshness like the desert dwellers Abraham and Isaac depended on the fresh water from their wells.

Just as enemies clogged up Abraham’s wells, so the enemy of our souls clogs up our “wells” with unforgiveness, bitterness, willful sin, pride. We dry up on the inside, life looses its joy and freshness. Our inner man can shrivel up and blow away if we don’t get it fixed.

God hasn’t forsaken us, we just need to clean out the “old wells”, the living water is still there!!

Let go of bitterness, cry out to God to show anything that hinders his flow. Give yourself to him again — he holds no grudges, the blood of Christ still cleanses, still empowers, still saves.

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. — James 4:7-9 (Message Bible)

— fritz

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“The LORD is my shepherd…He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” – Psalm 23:1a, 3

It’s after his restoration of our soul that we can be lead in paths of righteousness.

That restoration makes us want to do the right thing, only then can enables us follow, not as a precondition but as the result. This is his work, and he gets the glory for it.

Charles Wesley, Anglican Priest and brother to John Wesley who founded the Methodist Church, wrote in his hymn “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”

He breaks the power of cancelled sin
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me

– fritz

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Restoration of Soul

“The LORD is my shepherd … He restoreth my soul” – Psalm 23:1a, 3a

Those who have made a study of such things tell us the soul is where our Mind, Will, and Emotions reside.

Experiences in life can mar the soul. Dysfunctional people never intended to become that way; life squeezes the stuffing out – but Jesus, our shepherd, restores.

We don’t get our act together first then come to him, we come as we are, submit to his Lordship, he restores as we follow.

Take a moment (Hey, you have time) to read the lyrics of the old hymn, Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy (Joseph Hart, pub. 1759)1

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.

Refrain:
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.

– fritz@langgang.com
1 – http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Come_Ye_Sinners_Poor_and_Needy/

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