Psalm 23: The LORD is my Sheperd, I shall not want, He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou has anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Have you ever been so run down, so dried up, that you felt as though you are running out of gas?
I have run out of gas in my car before. I noticed the needle going low, but I thought that I could make it to the gas station. Not really knowing when the tank had lost it's reserve, I began to sputter along until the vehicle just stopped. I thought, "If only I had filled up last night" or "I just missed that gas station." Or how about this one? " I know my car and it's not going to run out of gas yet, besides the tank has a reserve."
How many times has someone ignored when they feel their spiritual tank running low? Stresses, Worries, Bills, Fears, Responsibilites, all of which can slowly cause us to lose gas. Suddenly, we realize that there is less time to read the Word. Or we miss time that we would have prayed. Maybe, we are even missing regular fellowship with the saints. Whatever the case may be, as we navigate life's storms we can run out of gas, if we are not keeping "Holy Ghost Maintenance".
It's like "hitch" in a baseball swing. You know, we think that we can pull that bat back and swing smoothly, but that little "hitch", or awkward movement, causes us to strike out or hit a catchable pop fly. We just need something to help us with a smooth swing.
If my car isn't running right;It may sputter. Our car needs gas, a tune up, and an oil change to run smoothly.
When we need an oil change or a tune up, in the spirit. We don't flow with God. Things creep in that take us out of the smooth running engine: Fears, Worries, Doubts, Lack of Faith, Deceived by Others, Easily wounded, etc. Without our "Holy Ghost Maintenance" saints can have "sputters in the spirit". We feel like we are alone, can't make it, become indecisive, confused, lose faith, self-pity, envy, jealousy,....(and it goes on).You may even feel like you want to give into temptations. Don't! God is with you and has equipped you in your situation.
We need to practice "Holy Ghost Maintenance"! No matter what storms you are facing, stick to the basics: Prayer, Praise, and the Word of God. Then keep yourself around the saints. Find a brother or sister in Christ. Seek one who is more mature or one who has walked your trial. They are anointed to give out to another.
Lastly, run to your first love: God the Father.
Psalm 23 is quoted so often and sung to any melodies. It is memorized and rehearsed to see a true picture of God, as a loving Sheperd. He leads us, guides us, supplies our needs, and gives us a place of rest.
When the psalmist was writing, the occupation of a sheperd was commonplace and an extension to their culture. Many of us have never had the opportunity to live on a farm or to care for domesticated animals, such as sheep. Imagine, if you would, the scenario:
http://acharlie.tripod.com/shepherd.html
When you read Psalm 23, take a look at verse 5. Often times, we miss that the "my" is referring to the "sheperd's cup".
The cup that the psalmist, David, speaks of was a large watering trough, which was carved from a large stone. It's base was a ROCK. It held somewhere around 40-50 gallons of water. The sheep came to get a refreshing in a very abundant watering hole. God's refreshing is one of abundance also. It is for all who long to drink from His cup.
God desires that we come and take a drink; a drink in His Presence. There is healing, love and freedom when we soak in the Presence of the Holy Spirit. God's cup is overflowing to refresh us, as we spend time in the burden remaining, yoke destroying anointing of God. When we worship and spend time with Him, God refreshes us with new oil and fresh fire. We are healed, delivered, refreshed, and re-empowered when we take a drink of living water.
In Ezekiel 47:1-12, the river that flows from the temple, is ever flowing outward and increasing in depth. It is the river of life. In the move of revival for our nation and the world, this river must flow outward from the temple. It is through the people of God, that others will witness the ever increasing power of Holy Spirit. Souls will be saved, lives will be delivered, People will be healed as the saints walk the way Jesus walked. We must let the very presence of Jesus be made known to others and let the wells of living water spring up in us. The river of life supplies needs, brings healing and gives life along the way. Notice that the river of life is also illustrated in Revelation 22:1,2. It is a river that flows from the throne of God, which bears fruit and brings healing to the nations.
Won't you come into the river and be refreshed. Let your soul long and thirst for more of God. Let Him poor His glory on you, and in every area of your life. Imagine more of God as the river rises and overtakes you, bringing total satisfaction, that only God can bring.
I pray that all who read this will have a new hunger and thirst for more of God. Stop letting yourself get to almost empty. Read His Word, Pray, and Spend time with Holy Spirit. Seek God for fresh fire daily. Know and Accept new oil each morning. I pray that all will be re-ignited to a passion for God like never before. Let things that are dead be washed away with the river's current and new things come to life. Lord, I pray that the flame will be fanned. Prophecies that were spoken will no longer be dormant, but with the refreshing, let them have life. Let gifts be stirred up to be used for the glory of God in excellence.
Take a look at this video:
http://www.livesteez.com/videos/watch/ZDwB767
