(The following is from our newest book, “The Dynamics of Grace: Or How To Quit Your Job As Slimy-Pond Manager”)
God’s presence is like a pure and clear River, a mighty current coming down from his high throne.
The River is too intense to jump in and experience directly, so you call on Jesus and he connects your dry land to the River. Wow! Your parched life becomes a pond as you are filled with the Living Water, enhanced with fragrant flowers, silvery fish, and soaring birds.
You want this to last forever, so God says to allow the life-giving water to pour through you to all the people you’ve ever known. Love others the way God loves you.
Recoiling, you draw back saying, “But, some of them wounded me deeply; they were wrong.” So you dam up the outlet.
Before long your pond turns into a stagnant and slimy swamp; the fish die, the vegetation rots, and the birds fly away. If only you could regain what you lost! You study about the River of Life, beg God to help, and try harder to clean up the mess – but it’s a losing battle.
Finally you are desperate, ready to do whatever it takes to turn things around. With your whole heart you cry out, “Fill my cup, Lord.” God replies, “You already have full access to the River of Life.”
What?! Full access? Then it hits you – water flows downhill. You were proud and lifted up, not meek and lowly of heart. The dam at the far end of your pond was lifted up higher than the River itself. You blocked the flow. When you dammed up love towards those who hurt you, that blockage made your pond stagnant.
You realize God loved you while you were “yet in your sins” and he desired to re-create you. And God promises that the merciful always obtain mercy.
You must smash your dam! Humbly you get on your knees to dig out every obstruction; it’s hard going, but you are determined. Eagerly you begin to carve out the far side of your pond, pouring forgiveness and restoration towards each person, even the most difficult.
Soon pure water begins to gush in from the River, transforming your life. Spontaneously you are being set free of sin and bondage. Love does all the work of cleaning up your mess; your part is to un-dam your pond.
You are invited to explore God’s word with us. Our study books and CDs can accelerate your spiritual growth.
There are people who are becoming overcomers in this life; their hearts and homes are being transformed by the love of God. There is hope for your life!