It was pouring rain: eavestroughs channelling water from the roof, directing it downward; water shooting out of downspouts in a torrent; rain-barrels sputtering with the overflow; puddles everywhere. As I watched the water swirling away, the thought came to me: Christians are not to be rain barrels, holding the water for themselves and letting it go stagnant. We need to be downspouts, letting the water of His mercy and love pour forth, fresh and free, cleansing all in its path. I'm afraid that, too often, I'm more a rain barrel than a downspout: happy to have the refreshment of His love and forgiveness, but not so happy to lavish it on others.

John 7:37-39 – On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (NRSV)

Revelation 22:1-2a – Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. (NRSV)

Thought: How can I be a downspout for the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for the times when we have been barriers to others coming to You and receiving. Help us to be open to let You pour out Yourself through us. Amen.

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About the author:

Nan St. Louis <nanstlouis1@gmail.com>
Durham, Ontario, Canada
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