John 7:37-44

1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)

2) Scripture Reading - John 7:37-44

3) Devotional:  In April 1775, Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that "the British were coming" by sea, to arrest them for supporting the growing insurgency, that one year later became the United States of America.  The Sons of Liberty abut s they were called, had created signals using two lanterns to indicate how the British Army would attack - so the people would be prepared.  When Paul Revere saw the two lanterns in the bell tower of Christ Church in Boston, he set out on his ride.  His announcement kept both Adams and Hancock safe, and prepared the people for what was to come. . .

In a similar way, the bible says that Jesus stood up on the last day of the Feast in Jerusalem and in a loud voice, announced to the people how they could relieve their spiritual thirst.  He didn't want anyone to miss what he had to say.  "Whoever believes in me as the Scriptures has said, streams of living water will flow from within Him."  He wanted people to know, that He - and the promised Holy Spirit were the answer to their spiritual thirst. 

I wonder how many of Paul Revere's contemporaries lost their lives or land, because they failed to pay attention to those famous words. . . the British are coming, much like people today, who miss out on the manifest presence of God, by glossing over the significance of Jesus' words "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink."  Those words meant something to Jesus, for us, and they still do today.  It's why he stood up and spoke in a LOUD voice.  He wanted to get people's attention.

4) Questions to ConsiderIs our Lord trying to speak something into your life?  Has he spoken loudly through either His word, prayer, a friend or a church sermon?  Pay attention.  Write it down.  Acknowledge it before Him.  Allow it to be living water!

5) PrayerLord Jesus, help me to hear you when you call.  Let me never grow weary of heeding the warnings you send my way.  Than you for loving me, and caring for my heart and life.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)