I don’t know what the temperature is in your neck of the woods, but here in North Carolina the sun is shining and the heat is on. My outdoor plants are constantly begging for water to keep their flowers blooming and it seems that no matter how much water I give them it’s not enough.
I love being outside, but when the summer months roll around you’re less likely to find me taking a jog in the middle of the day when the heat is most intense. I’m always outside early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching heat of midday.
Today I’m sharing a devotion over at Encouragement For Today where I highlight a woman who chose to be outside in the heat of the day. She was in need of basic well water but ended up drinking for a living stream that changed her life forever.
You can click HERE to read my devotional. But make sure to come back and share your thoughts. I’m curious to know how you would have responded to the man who made an interesting proposition to this woman in the story.
Click here to read my devotional first so that the rest of this post makes sense.
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So what’s with this living water and how can we get some?
Jesus uses the term “living water” twice in Scripture. The first is in John 4 when he’s talking with the Samaritan woman and this is what He told her:
“If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water! … this water I give becomes a perpetual spring within, watering forever with eternal life.” John 4:10,14 (TLB)
Did you notice that Jesus did not say He was the living water, but that He would give her living water, which would become a perpetual [permanent, constant, never-ending] spring, watering with eternal life?
That sounds amazing! Let’s take a deeper plunge in understanding what this living water is that Jesus offers. We can find out more by reading John 7:37-39:
“On the last day, the climax of the holidays, Jesus shouted to the crowds, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.’ (He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him; but the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet returned to his glory in heaven.)” John 7:37-39 “TLB)
Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit as this perpetual spring of Living Water that can saturate and satisfy our souls forever with eternal life.
As followers of Jesus Christ we receive this eternal deposit of Living Water the moment we are saved. We are immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit who is our guarantee for eternity. Check this out …
“In him [Jesus Christ] you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,” Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)
Today, I want to share 5 benefits the Holy Spirit provides as your Living Water. These are not benefits you have to work harder to receive. They are automatically deposited into your life the moment you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Benefit #1 You receive a real eternal inheritance in heaven. Ephesians 1:13-14
Benefit #2 You receive access to spiritual fruit that produces in you the same attributes as Jesus. Galatians 5:22-23
Benefit #3 You receive the same power that raised Jesus from the grave. Romans 8:11
Benefit #4 You receive special gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and abilities (Isaiah 11:2) that equip you for every assignment and calling God gives you.
Benefit #5 You have the ability to think in ways that lead to a peaceful and blessed life. Romans 8:5-6
Friend, there are many more benefits of God’s Spirit within you! We could chat about this forever, but for now, I want you to receive these 5 benefits with open hands and an open heart without any restrictions.
No matter what your past looks like or what you’re struggling with today, take ownership of these benefits right now (if you haven’t already) and start living the power-filled life God created for you.
In Christ, you are an amazing person, fully equipped, empowered and showered with the love and blessings of Jesus! There is nothing you can’t accomplish with Him by your side!
There is no obstacle too big or situation too difficult that you can’t overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus will satisfy your deepest desires and quench that nagging thirst for more that keeps you emotionally parched on most days. I promise you … it’s not more of the world you need. Jesus is the only way to experience full satisfaction in every area of your life and the Holy Spirit provides you with everything to make that happen.
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This Week’s Giveaway: Starbucks Gift Card {or} Target Gift Card {your choice)
To enter the drawing for this week’s giveaway leave a comment below sharing which one of the 5 benefits means the most to you today and why.
Also, if you enjoy social media and we haven’t connected on those sites yet, you can join me on the First 5 mobile app {via iphone and android}, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I post inspiring graphics and personal insights on a regular basis, so be sure to check it out. I’d love to connect with you there!
Attention Event Leaders:
I’d love to connect with you in person and share with the women you’re leading what God has been teaching me in His Word.
I’m currently scheduling speaking commitments for the remainder of 2016 and the spring season of 2017. I’d be delighted to join you at your next special women’s event! For more details, click HERE
YVONNE SHOEBRIDGE says
Thank you for this devotional. God bless you.
Lise says
Benefit #5 You have the ability to think in ways that lead to a peaceful and blessed life. Romans 8:5-6
My family and I are getting ready to relocate to the BEAUTIFUL Crystal Coast area of NC….the unknown that comes along with selling a house, buying a house, job changes, and relocating/redistricting schools (especially with rising kindergartner) can keep us up at night for sure. The only rest/assurance I have is that God has a plan and that He will reveal each step as we are ready to receive it! I will trust in you oh Lord, for you are the truth, the way and the life. Leah – thanks for all you do! It is great to have a place to come and rest your worries and calm your weary mind – keep spreading the Gospel!
Leah DiPascal says
Lise,
Our family moved to NC eleven years ago and it’s been such a blessing! I’m praying for you today and trust that God has great things in store for your family.
Cheryl says
#2 – I want to be more & more like Christ. I have been praying lately for Him to fill me with a PASSION for His Word so that I will continue to be passionate to share His love to others in a way that causes them to thirst for Him & His life-giving Word! Thank you for your blog. I just discovered it through First Five! ❤️
T says
Cheryl, thank you for sharing your thoughts on my blog today. I’m so glad you decided to stop by after checking out First 5! 🙂
Beth Price-Almeida says
Eternal inheritance means the most to me. I struggled with accepting God’s forgiveness and always kept my past on my shoulders. I still do sometimes, but it makes me feel so much better to know that this world is just a temporary place and that, because of Jesus, I don’t have to carry my past on my shoulders forever.
Mary Palm says
Number #1, an eternal inheritance with my Savior Jesus Christ would always be on top of my list. But I will choose Benefit #4 in response to your question, Leah. As a Christian, I represent Christ and want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s Voice to minister effectively for Him. I need and desire to have the Godly wisdom I need and gifts flowing through me to whoever the Lord puts in my path daily, including my family. Thank you for your excellent teaching, Leah, that’s Holy Spirit inspired.
Elizabeth says
I would be extremely excited to receive the Starbuck’s card! Much like Benefit #5, drinking coffee brings me peace in the morning when I sit down for my devotional time.
Melissa says
You receive access to spiritual fruit that produces in you the same attributes as Jesus. Galatians 5:22-23 This is the benefit that struck me the most today. To imagine that I have access to the the same spiritual fruit as Jesus is absolutely amazing. It inspires me to continue striving to improve my relationship with God. Thanks for sharing!
Pamela Burke says
Benefit #5 “You have the ability to think in ways that lead to a PEACEFUL and BLESSED life.” Praise God for the abilities the Holy Spirit gives us in our thought life! Thank you for your wonderful devotion. God bless you!
Izzy says
Benefit#3. I sometimes forget the power the Holy Spirit provides me! Thanks for the great reminder!
Diane N says
Benefit #4 is the one I am holding to the most today. We have had some major changes in the last 9 months and my sphere of influence has greatly multiplied. This is a blessing, but I need the strength, help, wisdom, and discernment only Living Water can provide to be a blessing to all those looking to me! Thank you for this wonderful article!
sherry lehrke says
Benefit 2. I really want to be like Jesus and anything that helps me to operate like that I want to hook into. I am really seeking to hear his voice and change my attitude and my heart. I want the friut of the spirit flowing like rushing water in my life.
Darlene says
Benefit 1 – salvation makes the other four possible…
Sara says
You are right, though you probably already know that. Salvation makes us receive the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit makes these gifts and abilities possible.
Heather says
Benefit #5 You have the ability to think in ways that lead to a peaceful and blessed life. Romans 8:5-6
Oh the thought of the above sounds so wonderful!
Penni says
Benefit #1 — if I am sure of the hope of my salvation I can get thru anything. He leads me, guides me, teaches me, corrects me. I always want to know that I know that I know. I can always trust Him!
Kathy says
Wonderful thoughts were given about the Living water that our Lord has given to us. This water will always quench my thirst and I need to realize how the Holy Spirit can saturate my being with the essence of Christ to make my thoughts become focused on Jesus as the Lord of my life. #5 is the clincher for me in realizing how I can have my thoughts aligned with God’s and thus experience a peaceful and godly life. On this warm day, water is always a prerequisite that makes me realize how important it is to drink in the life of Christ.
carolyn r says
Thanks for the devo today, Leah (and also for your wonderful First 5 posts). I always struggled with what “living water” meant. Thanks for teaching me that Jesus meant the-Holy Spirit. That makes total sense. The one that really struck me is Benefit #3 = You receive the same power that raised Jesus from the grave. Romans 8:11. How amazing is that! How blessed are we?!!
carolyn r says
Thanks for the devo today, Leah (and also for your wonderful First 5 posts). I always struggled with what “living water” meant. Thanks for teaching me that Jesus meant the-Holy Spirit. That makes total sense. The one that really struck me is Benefit #3 = You receive the same power that raised Jesus from the grave. Romans 8:11. How amazing is that! How blessed are we?
Marci says
#5 – in times of distress He gives me strength and brings a peace to me when I focus my thoughts on what is true.
Courtney says
To me, benefit #1 is the most valuable, bc without the gift of eternal life, all the other benefits would, in my opinion, be quite useless & pointless.
Taylor says
Benefit #5 You have the ability to think in ways that lead to a peaceful and blessed life. Romans 8:5-6
This benefit means the most to me today (so hard to pick one of them, they are all so great!) as I have been feeling very restless, anxious & non peaceful lately. When I listen to the Holy Spirit & let Him guide me, I truly do feel at peace & blessed. What a great reminder – thank you!
Jen L. says
Benefit #2 really spoke to me today because of a situation last week where I did not exhibit gentleness or patience. It reminded me that I need to continually walk closely with Jesus to allow Him to cultivate the fruit of His Spirit within me.
Jen L. says
Sorry for the duplicate; it didn’t look like my comment posted the first time!
Jen L. says
Benefit #2 – A situation last week where I did not exhibit gentleness or patience has shown me how I continually need to be walking closely to God and allowing Him to cultivate the fruit of His Spirit within me.
Elaine Dangrow says
#2 “You receive access to spiritual fruit that produces in you the same attributes as Jesus.” I want to be like Jesus – I mess up with my kids every day. I need the spiritual fruit and the wonderful words of your blog!!!! Thank you.
TallulahJane says
# 1 You receive a real eternal inheritance in heaven – this really is my hope. If I didn’t have this, I don’t know that I could have endured some traumatic events in my life. This hope is such a positive aspect and it keeps me focused on the eternal future not just this earthly stopping point.
Elsie says
#2 I need more of these fruits in my life to become the person that I want to be – to become more like Jesus. Thanks for listing all of these benefits.
Laurie says
#1. Eternal inheritance. A free gift that cannot be taken away or earned….phew.
Nanci says
I’m picking #2 because I’d like to see more of Christ’s attributes evident in my life.
Love all references/songs to the “Living Water”!
Becky Lowe says
Benefit #5 is the one that speaks to me today! I often let my thoughts get the best of me-I do have the choice given to me by my faith in Christ to rise above the thoughts and outside influences that can ruin my day and my attitude about myself and others. Live your post today-I am going to get my day started with the living water if Christ controlling my thoughts and actions!
Janice says
Benefit #5 is the one that I hold on to so much. The peace that passes all understanding , when things are in chaos all around me, is so powerful.
MB says
Benefit #5 resonates with me at this very moment in my life. I recently lost my job and have been very fearful about what the future holds for a 62 year old single woman who needs the income and the benefits (Indid not work for 18 years while raising my children and therefore my savings are not enough to retire now.) I have also been dwelling on my anger toward my former employer and the heartless way that I was let go after 15 years of loyal service. There are times that I have truly believed and acted on the fact that I “have the ability to think in ways that lead to a peaceful and blessed life.” And at those times, I am at peace. Today’s message is a welcome reminder to continue to strive for that peaceful and blessed life by letting go of the anger and fear before it consumes me.
The other 4 benefits also resonate with me but 5 struck and convicted me right away.
Thank you
Veronica Hargrove says
Benefit #2 which states that, I receive access to spiritual fruit that produces in me the same attributes as Jesus. Gal. 5:22-23. This really spoke to me today because it reminded me that I have no excuse to exhibit these attributes.
I am experiencing betrayal by a friend that I really loved and whom I trusted to always be there for me. I am now fully realizing that she has not been that person. I must say that I have had that nagging in my spirit but I enjoyed her “friendship” and thought that I might be able to connect with her. At this point I realize that I cannot and I am hurt by some things that have been said and done. Reading about the fruits of the spirit reminded me that I have what it takes to love her unconditonally because of what Christ has done for me and because of his sacrifice. His death afforded this attributes and all I need to do is allow them to come forth. No excuses for how I feel. I need to honor Jesus because of all He went through to allow me to be free.
Diane says
I was the woman at the well even though I had #1 for many years but didn’t know there was more through the HS. After 4 divorces and coming to the end of me, I had a personal encounter with the HS and was filled with revelation of what the living water means and that life on earth can be victorious; I don’t have to suffer and wait for HEAVEN. With His grace and guidance, I have ministered through Divorce Care and as a lay counselor and currently lead Women’s Ministry. I love having Him as my husband, confident, provider, and my Lord. Looking to my past causes me to remain both humbled by His grace and mercy and thankful for His living water that is with me always guiding and directing.
Laura says
I appreciate this writing. Thank you for wording it the way you did. I’m thankful for all 5 of these, but especially #5 – I am noticing it more and more! Thank you ❤️👑
Donna says
#5 is what I needed to hear today. In this crazy world it is so easy to get distracted into trying to do it all. I am choosing today to be still and know that God has my back and the Holy Spirit is flowing in me.
Leah says
#5 is the most encouraging to me today, because lately I’ve been so weary in my day to day parenting. But God recently renewed my thinking, and helped me shift my perspective. So thinking about a blessed and peaceful life really encourages me to trust in Him more and more!
Pat Peter says
#1 is most important to me. The promise of an eternal life in heaven with Jesus fills my heart with the greatest hope. The other 4 inspire me to let Jesus work through me to remember the poor, the down trodden, the sick and those who are in need. Asking Jesus to help me to be more generous, more kind & more forgiving. Thank you for posting these today.
Sherry says
The Holy Spirit has been growing Benefit #5 in my life the past few months. I always smile to myself when I hear his sweet whisper reminding me how to respond to the moment I’m in with His Peace and Grace. He teaches us daily how to be more like Jesus.
sue says
Number 5 speaks to this very morning for me .. I have a bad habit of living in the past or future instead of the present .. I made myself late to work today by indulging this habit .. When I was deep in depression I couldn’t control it but He delivered me from that life with so many people and a Godly counselor and physician .. And now I still choose that place sometimes .. Not only do I think about the future but I daydream about things that ultimately won’t satisfy and fulfill me .. The scripture reference is very straightforward .. 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
LRF says
Each of the five benefits were helpful. However, #5 really stood out for me. I struggle with depression but it was so good to read that as God’s child, I have the power, through Him alone, to have the right mindset. He has already given me the ability, now with much prayer I need to take each thought captive. I just can’t put into words how much it meant to read that with Jesus the ability is already there, I just need to claim and put into practice what is God given and pray for his help to do so every day.
sue says
I so identify with your post .. I almost lost my life 4 years ago to that disease .. But God continued to send me lifelines until I finally grabbed hold .. But the struggle is real and the phrase “living with depression” is accurate .. But claiming His promises and gifts every day and night is key to living the full life He wants for you .. I pray for your struggle .. It does get easier but it takes more work from me and constant vigilance .. Blessings to you
Bobbi Wineberg says
Benefit #2 You receive access to spiritual fruit that produces in you the same attributes as Jesus. I so need less of me and more of the fruit of the Spirit. Ministering to people who haven’t been brought up with Christian values or fled from them and are now coming back, it’s hard sometimes to love them for who they are and not for who they “should be”, at least in my “noble” opinion. Learning to let the Holy Spirit change both of us can be really hard.
Michelle says
#4 is significant to me right now. I pray that the Lord will use me as his vessel to accomplish his good, for his glory. When we’re aware of what our spiritual gift is, it becomes exciting seeing how God puts certain people in our path so he can work in us and through us to help others. Thank you for sharing this today!
Heather says
Thinking about having the same power within me (through the Holy Spirit) that raised Jesus from the grave is mind boggling! I tend to feel over-shadowed at work or pushed into a corner at times and while some of that may indeed be happening, I realize that I don’t have to fight for ‘power’ because through Christ, I possess the power that rose the dead!
Kelly says
#5! To know that He has given me what I need to “think (myself)” into blessings and peace. As a mom, peace is the “holy grail”, but God has provided it all along if we just think ourselves into it! Peace and blessings have always been there, if we step out of our own way! Wow! Thank you God!
Patti Dutko says
Benefit #2 is one of my all-time favorites. It always reminds me of one of my first times helping at my church’s VBS when Galatians 5:22-23 was the theme. But today, #4 really speaks to me. It reminds me that no matter what gifts and talents others have, mine are uniquely mine, given to me by God!
Suzanne Ungaro says
Benefit #5 stood out to me this morning. I am in a huge change of seasons and extremely overwhelmed on all sides. I am going to study the verse you referenced in Romans and, with the Holy Spirit’s help, tap into that ability to think in an orderly way and receive the peace and blessing promised. Thank you so much for speaking truth into my heart today. It was EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you Jesus!
Cheryl L Baumgarten says
#2and #4 is exactly what I need to be reminded today. After 34 years of marriage, God has uprooted us from home and put us in a new place. Definitely out of our comfort zone. We see how he has prepared us for this time in our lives. As my husband is going back to school to train for the ministry, our lives again will change again, yet I know I can fully trust in God he directing our path and continue to meet our needs…spiritually and financially. Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Jackie says
Benefit 1- my inheritance in Heaven. My name is in the book of life and I will be able to praise Christ for all eternity🎊‼️❣
Jen E says
I find the last benefit, thinking in such a way to live a peaceful and blessed life. I find right now that my world is full of chaos and bickering. I want to learn to think in such a way that I can become part of the solution not the problem.
Amanda Flaherty says
Benefit 5 speaks the most to me today. I have been really struggling since my husband walked away from his faith and I just need to be still and know that God has a plan 😊
Wendy G Bronson says
Benefit #2. When I allow the Holy Spirit to work it me, I them brim over with the fruit of the Spirit. I want people to see Jesus in me, not selfishness & the world.
Carol says
#4 and 5 bless me today. He has equipped me for his purposes, I need to lean on him and not myself to accomplish his goals for me.
Beth says
Benefit number 1 and 5 speak to me. A peaceful life and the promise of heaven for believers help me live a life that follows God.
Kim says
Thank you for the devotional. I will have to say Benefit #2 & 3 jumped out at me.
I have always enjoyed the story of the woman at the well.
Liz says
I’m really into benefit #4 right now. As I work to build up my business/ministry I’m calling on all His power to establish exactly what He has called me to for His own glory!
Ellen says
The ability to think in peaceful ways …,We have so little control over so many things that could rob us of peace of mind if it were not for the mind of Christ that God gives us. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee”
Andreza says
Benefit 2 and 5 I long to be more like Jesus each day.
Michelle says
For me today benefit #2 speaks to me because I definitely see how whenever anything else is occupying my mind whether sadness or guilt or thoughts of betrayal I lose sight of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and if someone were watching me they’d have no idea that I’d been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. I really need Galatians 5:22-23 to be ever present before me. Thank you for letting me share.
Tammy says
Thank you for your words of inspiration.
Tammy
Sabrina says
Benefit #2. Fruits of the Spirit. I long for those to be complete in me. And I know I can only do it thru the help from the Holy Spirit.
Kim Thomas says
I love this devotional! Benefit 5 speaks loudest to me about having a peaceful life. I have been a Christian for 22 years and still need to be still and let God be God 🙂 Thank you!
Pearl Josephs says
Benefits 1 & 3 are making sense to me. Thank you Leah
Kristi says
Benefit 2 and 5 speak to me most. I strive to be more like Jesus, offering grace and love to others. Benefit 5 is also something I need as I tend to worry or want things that really don’t matter. Thank you for your post.
Cathleen Winter-Rafalko says
Benefit 5 makes me realize, I have been taught truth for 2 decades. I have the choice and tools to set my mind on pure, lovely, wise, praiseworthy, beautiful, godly things. This action alone, can changes my daily perspective and allow me to see christ in all my life’s circumstances ♡ great post, blessings sister♡♡
nancys1128 says
Benefit #5 is the one I will hold close. Having been given the ability to think properly is one thing; I must chose to do so each day, all day, to experience what it offers me.
Amy Dowty says
#4. Having the gifts to serve is such a blessing!
Judy S. says
Thank you Leah,
All five benefits are what I need to get myself on track with the Lord completely, but especially 2, 4 and 5. I have been struggling and this was such a refresher to my heart and soul. God bless.
Diana says
Leah I to have struggled for many years to find the path God wants for me. Trusting God has been the biggest obstacle for me , I am learning to follow Him. Not my way but His lead. Through God’s grace I am forgiven for my past transgressions, His love has blessed my life through no work on my part, it is his Grace. Thank you and bless you for this study today.
Leslie says
#5. Life has been far from peaceful for many years. I need to find time to dive further into The Word and glean what God wants to show me. #5 hit me hard this am.
Colleen Cohen Michell says
“Benefit #4 You receive special gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and abilities (Isaiah 11:2) that equip you for every assignment and calling God gives you….” This one means the most to me for I struggle with this everyday! Being a SAHM at times can seem like an unrewarding job. Though I know that God is with my through it all, I still at times feel as though I don’t measure up nor am considered. I feel purposeless and unequipped when overwhelmed. I’m left praying, “what’s my ability & special gift God?”…I thank you for this word today & seek your prayer through this journey.
Jessica Colvin says
Hi! I stumbled here this morning as I searched for peace. As a full time working mom of 2, I need the early hours of the morning to connect with God and feel the peace given by the Holy Spirit. Benefit #5 is the one I need the most this morning. Thanks!
Marcy Thomas says
I’ve really been working on hiding away scriptures that help me re-focus when my thoughts are dragging me to worrisome places. #5 is a great reminder and gives me another verse to write out for my ever-growing stack of index cards. Thanks!
Jonquil Norton says
Thank you for this reminder! I am a struggler, a worrier, and I often have trouble letting God be in control, so benefit #5 of the ability to have peaceful thoughts is one I constantly need reminding of.
Kirsten says
Thank you for teaching me about Jesus’ living water.I pray it flows in our lives.Jesus is so beautiful.
Stephanie Cramer says
This was such a blessing for me this morning and the perfect reminder that I needed. I think today I am going to hold on to benefit # 4. The Lord has already given me the lifejacket and boat that I needed to weather the storms in my life, I just tend to try to do it all on my own. Thank you.