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Sunday

New Year’s question: Spigot or sponge?




It’s a new year, and I have decided I would rather be a spigot that a sponge. What on earth does that mean? OK, I’ll tell you.

First, what is a spigot?

A spigot is a faucet, a tap, or a pipe through which fresh water flows. Hot, cold, or lukewarm, this is the outlet for water coming from its source for our use.

If we’re thirsty, we go to the spigot. If our hands are dirty … you guessed it.



So why would I want to be a spigot more than a sponge?

Sponges are useful, right? Sure, it’s important for us to soak up all the learning and training knowledge and other edification that we can. I get that.

But when I think about a sponge, it’s from a different angle. Step into my kitchen, and you will find a squishy sponge that is used to wipe up all sorts of stuff. We use it to clean messy counters, swipe off dirty dishes, and even sop up spills on the floor.

That’s when the now-nasty sponge must be washed out well and tossed into the dishwasher on an extra hot cycle – or tossed out altogether. Otherwise, that same sponge can spread all sorts of germs and stinks. 


I don’t wanna be like that.

I’d rather be a spigot. People are thirsty for something real. How cool would it be to be an open outlet through which God could pour his life-giving fresh message to those around me?

Jesus told a wayward woman that He could offer water that would satisfy her for life.


Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14, NIV)


How great is that?

Yes. I’d rather be a spigot than a sponge. Because I’d much prefer to offer something fresh from the Source than to soak up and spread something stale and icky.
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Adapted from public domain image/s

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Zion’s Daughter (Rejoice Greatly) – Hearty Hymns from A to Z




George Frideric Handel’s Messiah oratorio is one of the most recognized musical compositions in all of Christendom. The famous composer (1685-1759) drew lines largely from the Old Testament, and particularly from the Psalms and the prophetic book of Isaiah.

Although not technically a hymn, this recitative portion of Handel’s Messiah rings familiar:

 
Rejoice greatly,
O daughter of Zion Shout,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee!
He is the righteous Saviour,
And He shall speak peace unto the heathen.


Listen to First Call’s rendition of “Zion’s Daughter (Rejoice Greatly)”:


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Created by this user with online generator

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Saturday

Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim – Hearty Hymns from A to Z



The famous English Methodist hymn-writer Charles Wesley (1707-1788) scribed these lyrics, which fit a tune by Johann M. Haydn (1737-1806).



You servants of God, your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name all-victorious of Jesus extol;
his kingdom is glorious and rules over all.

God rules in the height, almighty to save;
though hid from our sight, his presence we have;
the great congregation his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.

"Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!"
let all cry aloud, and honor the Son;
the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.

Then let us adore and give him his right:
all glory and power, all wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing with angels above
and thanks never ceasing for infinite love.


Listen to “Ye Servants of God”:




Image:
Created by this user with online generator

Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. Don’t miss the Heart of a Ready Writer page on Facebook. You are invited to visit my Amazon author page as well.