CUP

Psalms 23:5: "...my cup runneth over." This signifies an abundance of good things from God. Though I, and millions of others have drank from it, the cup never empties. It always runs over the brim. We have a continual supply of pleasant, desire quenching, satisfying substance from God.

It blesses, encourages us, and lifts us up to greater endeavors, and energizes us to carry out the will of God. Praise His Name. He also anoints our head with oil, (a type of the Holy Spirit) to guide us into all truth. He enlightens us and gives us wisdom and favor with God and man. He strengthens us with His ability and makes a way for us, when there is no way, otherwise. Thus, He sustains us and delivers us and keeps us. Because He IS my Shepherd, I shall not want.

Psalms 116:13: "I will take the cup of salvation...". This can remind us that Jesus said: "This cup is the new testament in my blood..." (Luke 22:20, 1 Cor. 11:25). All good things that God has provided in Christ, are in that cup. It is ratified by His precious Blood. We are to drink of that cup, because God wants us to have what we need in all areas of life. We are to eat the Bread, the Body of Christ, and thereby gain Divine healing and strength for all our needs. Do you not agree that Phil.4:19 is "in that cup?"

We may renew our strength as the eagles, that we may run and not be weary, walk and not faint. We may experience the fact that in Christ, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 8:37. All is given us through His Body and Blood.

Jesus said that whosoever will may come to Him and drink. He also said that a river of living water will flow out of those who believe on Him.

What kind of cup have you been drinking of? If you are discouraged, depressed, defeated, joyless, could it be that you have been drinking from the wrong cup? Those things are not in the Cup of our Lord.

Drinking from apparent facts, symptoms and evidences in this world which contradict the Word of God, will cause spiritual weakness and discouragement. It can even cause death. But Jesus said: 'If you are thirsty, come to Me and drink.' The living water is still available! Praise God.

Wouldn't you rather drink that which is good, and which blesses you and others, than to drink what makes you sad, grieved, angry, vengeful, and ill tempered? Wouldn't you rather drink what is pleasant, instead of deeply pondering about what others have (or have not done) to you?

The Bible portrays the act of drinking living water as the act of pondering deeply; reasoning according to the Scripture, until it begins to satisfy your deep yearnings, bringing peace, comfort, assurance, and reviving and renewing your inner person.

The Scripture contains the pleasures of God. That is, those things that He delights in, and which are such a blessing to mankind. They are so many, that their outflow is compared to a river! Please read Psalms 36:8 now. You see, FELLOWSHIP with God, is to enjoy WITH Him what He enjoys.

We can tell when we have actually drank living water, because it will supernaturally encourage our heart. Often, peace and joy makes us know that we have drank.

Does that happen often to you when you read or hear the Scripture? Has it EVER happened to you? Did you know that you can CAUSE it to happen? Jesus said you can: "...come unto me, and drink." John 7:37.

That should happen when we attend Church. There should be times in the meetings when joy and uplifting and blessing causes us to be refreshed and to rejoice.

Of course, the water of God's Word is also for cleansing. Therefore, some- times we may sense a cleansing action in our heart, as the Holy Spirit convicts us, and urges us about things that He wants to deal with. But always when we yield to Him, His comforts assure us.

Notice Psa. 94:17-19. When God's Word especially emboldens us for some action, and we sense strength to do it, that means that we have eaten the living bread.

When the Holy Spirit reveals something of God's Word to us, and we are especially exhilarated by it, that means that we have drank the New Wine of Divine Revelation.

God knows that we need sustenance for all areas of our life. It's all in the Cup of the New Testament. Notice 2 Pet. 1:3. Oh, my friend, God is so rich in mercy, love and grace. Will you drink from His Cup?

God bless you, I love you.