"The King James Bible states [John 7.38] this way, 'Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.' The belly is the deepest place inside you - the place where you get anxious or afraid, where you feel hollow or empty when you are disappointed. The Greek word is koilia, and we speak of getting colitis when rivers of stress run in our belly. Scientists say we have a reptile brain - a 'brain in the gut' - that is, neurons in the digestive system that produce feelings of well-being or threat deeper than we can put into words. It is in that very deepest place that Jesus says he will produce vitality." Quoted from "The Me I Want To Be, (becoming God's best version of you)"
So, whoever believes in Jesus Christ, as the scripture has said, streams of living water (vitality) will flow from within.
The USA Today reveals a study that says, among Americans:
24% see God as distant
28% see God as authoritative
22% see God as benevolent
21% see God as critical
5% are atheist or agnostic
What do YOU believe about God? Are you aware of the profound impact that belief has on your ministry leadership? When was the last time you could describe your life as having vitality?
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Incredible implications with that quote--really fascinating. I believe God is magnificent, holy, and awesome. It is incredibly humbling that He invites us to know Him! I actually do feel my life has vitality right now. There are struggles and challenges for sure, but I feel a deep personal and corporate renewal in our church. I bless God for it.
Thanks Scott.
Posted by: jasonS | October 07, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Jason - your view of God as magnificent, holy, and awesome really needs to be part of everybody's belief system. There is such strength and vitality when that is truly believed. Thanks for commenting.
Posted by: Scott Couchenour | October 07, 2010 at 02:19 PM