Fill My Cup Lord

Created by Carole Weaver

'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.' Psalms 23:5 (NKJV)

Ever so often we need times of refreshing. In the hot noonday sun of Samaria a Jesus Christ sat by the well. By and by a Samaritan woman came to fetch water and to refresh herself of thirst. Jesus Christ engaged her in conversation of thirst and much quenching water. Jesus requested this Samaritan for a drink, which surprised her because Jews would have nothing to do with Samaritans. 

As she delivered water to Him, Jesus told her that He will give her living water and after drinking she will never thirst again.

"Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I will give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling stream within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:13-14. (NLT) 

Like this woman, we are at times physically and spiritually dehydrated. Those of us who have gone for long route marches, know what it is to feel thirsty. We long for the water bottle decanter of ice cold water. That is physical thirst and in a way it indicates to us what it feels like to be profoundly deprived. 

But there is also a spiritual deprivation and a profound craving, a spiritual thirst. That spiritual thirst, only God can satisfy. 

'As the deer longs for streams of living water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.' Psalm 42:1-2a (NLT)

'When the poor and the needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.' Isaiah 41:17-18 (NLT)

This is the living water that Jesus said He will give that Samaritan woman, the living water that will quench us until we will never thirst again. 

 

 'Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10 (NLT)

That living water will satisfy us in two ways. Firstly, it will be our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins and the restoration of a broken relationship between God and us. We will have streams of living water deep within us.

'Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart." John 7:37b-38 (NLT)

After the miracle of the loaves and fishes, feeding five thousand, Jesus said to believe in Him and He will give us the bread of life and living water. Jesus is our enduring satiation from hunger and thirst.

'Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 (NLT)

Secondly, the living water will be our spiritual refreshment. In this earthly life, we will face trying and difficult times. In times like these, we can be physically and spiritually drained, sapped of our energy and there can be no inspiration for living. Sometimes we feel as though we are an empty tank, depleted of vitality.

Spiritual refreshment is the restoration of strength, vigour and liveliness. It is a relief after suffering and grieving. We need the living water to refresh us! 

'I will pour out water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.' Isaiah 44:3-4

Our strength will be renewed,

'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' Isaiah 40:31 

An unknown writer (Ref 1) wrote this poem, 'Fill My Cup Lord.'

When I am tired and weary

And I have lost my zeal,

Fill my cup Lord;

For I long to do Thy will.

When I get discouraged,

And my spirit needs to be renewed

Fill my cup Lord

So my soul may be rescued

When I am tempted by

Satan and one of his schemes,

Fill my cup Lord

So that I may see Your light as it brightly beams.

When sickness and sorrow

Comes my way,

Fill my cup Lord

For I know you're in control and they'll not forever stay.

Now, when I've resisted any

Temptations to do wrong,

You've filled my cup Lord!

For you abide in me and I in you; You've made me strong.

Like the woman at the well

I was seeking

For things that could not satisfy

And then I heard my Savior speaking

"Draw from My well that never shall run dry"

Fill my cup, Lord

I lift it up, Lord

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul

Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more

Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole

There are millions in this world

Who are craving

The pleasures, earthly things of gold

But none can match the wondrous treasure

That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord

Fill my cup, Lord

I lift it up, Lord

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul

Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more

Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole

Here's my cup, fill it up and make me whole 

So my brother if the things that this world gives you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray— 

Fill my cup, Lord

I lift it up, Lord

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul

Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more

Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole

Here's my cup, fill it up and make me whole 

'Fill My Cup, Lord,' fill it to the brim and overflowing. May my cup 'runneth' over.  

Lionel

Ref 1 https://slife.org/fill-my-cup-lord/

A Story To Tell To The Nations

'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope (faith) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience...' 1 Peter 3:15,16

Multi-religious societies by their very nature provide for freedom of religion. Theologian and Lawyer, Dr. William Wan at a recent workshop on Evangelism informed that Article 15 of the Singapore constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all. Every person has the right to profess, practise his religion and to propagate it. He asserted that in a society where people of different faiths respect one another, multi-religious dialogue is not only possible, it is a joy to do so. 

There are two major religions that compel its adherents to propagate their faiths, Islam and Christianity. For Christianity, this injunction was given by Christ when he was meeting His disciples just before His ascension to heaven.

'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' Acts 1:8

But propagating one's faith insensitively and rudely can become a powder keg to the harmony established in a multi-racial multi-religious society. It is to be avoided and for this reason, Singapore has the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, to ensure that while the various religions can keep their freedoms, each must practise mutual-respect for other faiths and stay within the bounds of the societal space given for each religion and race.

Insensitive proselytising is offensive to any recipient. I remember being embarrassed by Christian friends from a certain para church organisation who would corner varsity freshies during the University orientation period. While 'ragging' freshmen, these Christians will present the gospel without regard to the inappropriateness of timing nor opportunity. Uninvited they accosted their listeners, intruded on privacy and offended their intelligence. It was a definite put-off for my non-Christian classmates, many of whom complained, rejected Christianity outright and remained non-Christian to this day, five decades later!

    
So how does one witness and share the faith while maintaining the desired multi-religious harmony? The take home advice is to be careful how one propagates one's faith and to do so respecting the dignity of the listeners. Jesus Christ Himself set this example in His discourse with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, which is recorded in John's gospel chapter 4. William shared how sensitively Jesus engaged the woman in conversation: 

• Advance towards the person. It is evident from the narrative that Jesus had purposed to engage this woman. He initiated the conversation by asking her for a drink. He had her in mind and was aware of her circumstances. He did not retreat from her nor kept his distance. 

• Approach with humility. When Jesus asked her for water, the woman was shocked that he, a Jew would 'lower' himself to speak with her. She was a Samaritan and a woman, two reasons any other Jew would have considered her repugnant. Instead, Jesus interacted with her and took on a humble posture.

• Address practical relevance. Jesus turned a simple encounter, beginning with an innocuous request, into something of practical relevance; finally addressing her condition and circumstance. The woman was ostracised and needed to be accepted. Jesus spoke with her and together they shared their views. 

What transpired at Jacob's well was lifestyle evangelism. Jesus discussed with the woman issues concerning her lifestyle. This was relevant and it spoke to her heart. In return the woman had an insight into Jesus' humanity and deity - His lifestyle. She was willing to listen and receive His message. Furthermore she went back to her village to share the good news.

Many non-Christians are repelled when we present the gospel, going around knocking on doors uninvited and unapproached. In contrast, the conversation at Jacob's well was mutual, friendly, engaging and non-threatening. The art of evangelism is to be able to turn around a conversation and weave in religious matters and issues that are real and relevant to the listener. Views are heard and shared sensitively and sensibly. This also means that we are listening to the story of the listener and open to his/her views. 

We should be thankful that Singapore's religious harmony laws do not restrict us from propagating our faith. There is however one proviso, we cannot convert the person against his will. We must wait on the Holy Spirit to create a need within the listener until he/she will ask, "How can I be a Christian?" It will require faith, belief and action on the part of listener who willingly requests to become a Christian. It also requires humility when we present the gospel and give the reasons for our belief. 

Let us be authentic and do our best to witness, then let the Holy Spirit work on the heart of the recipient. Allow the Christian in us to shine through and let God do the rest.   

'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope (faith) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience...' 1 Peter 3:15,16

We have a story to tell to the nations, a message that we can deliver effectively as individuals or as a church 

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,

1. That shall turn their hearts to the right,
   A story of truth and mercy,
   A story of peace and light,
   A story of peace and light.
   • Refrain:
     For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
     And the dawning to noonday bright;
     And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
     The kingdom of love and light.
2. We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
   That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
   A song that shall conquer evil
   And shatter the spear and sword,
   And shatter the spear and sword.
3. We’ve a message to give to the nations,
   That the Lord who reigns up above
   Has sent us His Son to save us
   And show us that God is love,
   And show us that God is love.
4. We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
   Who the path of sorrow has trod,
   That all of the world’s great peoples
   Might come to the truth of God,
   Might come to the truth of God.

Lionel

This article is inspired by a Workshop on Evangelism given by Dr William Wan at the Discipleship Training Centre on 26 April 2021

  

People Hearing Without Listening

"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land - not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11

Amos is also known as the prophet of doom. Living in the 8th Century BC, he was the first to have accurately foretold the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel. He lived in a period of relative peace and extreme wealth for both the Kingdom of Judah and Israel. However, beneath the affluence, the two kingdoms were morally corrupt and spiritually destitute. Amos warned of an impending 'Day of the Lord' when God judgement will descend but the people would not listen. 

In Amos 8:12-13, he wrote "Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. In that day the lovely young women and strong young men will faint because of thirst.” He warned of the danger of a famine of the hearing the words of the Lord. This may well be the case also for our times 

It is not that there are no bibles. The Bible has been the a best seller for centuries. Each Christian household usually has more than 2 bibles of differing translations. At times and places where the Bible was banned Christians have been known to smuggle bibles into these countries. This happened for China in the 1960s-80s until we realised that more bibles are being printed in China than in any other country in the world. 

It is not a famine of preaching and preachers either. Today many sermons can be downloaded from the Internet. We can search for sermons or Christian writings by key words. There is such a deluge of material that people tend to ignore or simply gloss over them. 

 

It is not that there are no churches. In Singapore, there are more church attendees today than at anytime in our church history. Unfortunately many flocked to churches attracted by the entertainment mode preaching or by lively praises and not for true worship. It seems we have no time nor patience to listen to God's words being preached if we cannot be entertained. Given the competition for attention in advertisements, entertainment, internet in an info-deluge world, dull preaching is given no time of day

These are circumstances similar to Amos' days. At that time, a pseudo-religiousity was introduced by King Jeroboam. 1 Kings 12:25-31 recorded that Jeroboam set up the trappings of religiosity and false religion in Bethel and Dan. He made idols, ordained priests and set up his own holy calendar but lacked the religious truth. In the same way we look for the trappings of religion today not the truth within. 

Is there something plastic in our spirituality that we listen and yet not hear, hear and yet not listen? Is there a famine in the midst of plenty? We may end up be searching for God’s words but at all the wrong places and we will not find Him. Amos warned that there is going to be an unquenchable thirst which can be dreadful. 

Let us turn to the discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-13. This woman saw that significance of the water from that well was attached to popularity of Jacob. But she could not see beyond the mere cult popularity of Jacob to the significance of the water she was drawing for Jesus. 

What did Jesus offer? Jesus taught her that there is a NEW water which He shall provide. This water will be a cure for thirsty people. Jesus, the Living Word of God, provides water that shall make us never thirst again, the drinking of which will well up to eternal life. 

So often, Jesus would preface his preaching with, "He who has ears, let him hear." Jesus the Living Word brought us Wonderful Words of Life, it will do well for us to listen.

 Sing them over again to me,

1. Wonderful words of life;
   Let me more of their beauty see,
   Wonderful words of life.
   Words of life and beauty
   Teach me faith and duty;
   • Refrain:
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     Wonderful words of life;
     Beautiful words, wonderful words,
     Wonderful words of life.
2. Christ, the blessed One, gives to all
   Wonderful words of life;
   Sinner, list to the loving call,
   Wonderful words of life.
   All so freely given,
   Wooing us to heaven;
3. Sweetly echo the Gospel call,
   Wonderful words of life;
   Offer pardon and peace to all,
   Wonderful words of life.
   Jesus, only Savior,
   Sanctify forever;
4. 
   

Let's strip away all forms of religiosity, which are false and come back to Jesus the Word of Life. Come back to the Fountain whose water when we drink, shall never make us thirst again?

Lionel

Updated from previous article published June 2006

Water Everywhere Yet Not A Drop To Drink

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" Matthew 5:6

The Rime (Rhyme) of the Ancient Mariner was written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and published in 1798. It tells the story of a mariner, who was doomed to sail aimlessly through stormy seas and adrift in hot endless oceans. They were endlessly drifting because the ancient mariner, on an impulse, shot and kill an albatross who was leading the ship out of the Antarctic ice sheets on which they were trapped. The ship's crew blamed him for their misfortune and placed the dead albatross around his neck. 

The Albatross Around His Neck

The Ancient Mariner struggled to find a meaning to his suffering and solutions to the long-term predicament but to no avail. At one point the ship ran out of water in a lifeless ocean which spawned the memorable line in this poem, "Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink."

Like the sailors in the tale, we find ourselves adrift searching for answers to questions during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Why is it taking so long for the pandemic to pass? Will we be able to maintain our jobs and livelihoods? We try to find meaning to this suffering and grief that affected so many families. We are apt to lay blame on anyone and anything. Some may even blame God. 

Yet, this is exactly the right time to look to God. The Bible often spoke of times of famines, hunger and thirst during which people turned to God. During such times we look to God to be filled. In his struggles, the Ancient Mariner managed to pray, the albatross finally fell from his neck, his guilt was expiated and his suffering alleviated.  

"Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink" is a refrain of despair. There are other words about thirst and water, the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman at the well. It is one of reassurance, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." 

This conversation, Jesus Met The Woman At The Well was made into song in the 1960s and sung by Peter, Paul and Mary. It began with a simple question by Jesus, "Will you give me a drink." Jesus was thirsty and He knew it; conversely the woman was thirsty but she did not know. He led her step by step, going over embarrassing facts about her life, until she  realised her greatest need. She met Jesus, He transformed her life. 

My elder daughter, Debbie said, "It is so amazing how Jesus always had the right words to say to people. He was able to tailor his conversation to inspire the educated as well as the despised. At the well, Jesus met a Samaritan woman and he offered her the water of life. How appropriate, to be meeting at a well and talking about water! It was the right thing to say at the time." 

We are all seeking for answers especially now than ever before. There will be an appropriate word for us today. Come to Jesus, Come to the Water.

You said You'd come and share all my sorrows,
You said You'd be there for all my tomorrows;
I came so close to sending You away,
But just like You promised You came there to stay;
I just had to pray!

And Jesus said, "Come to the water, stand by My side,
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied;
I felt ev'ry teardrop when in darkness you cried,
And I'm here to remind you that for those tears I died."

Jesus, I give You my heart and my soul,
I know that without God I'd never be whole;
Savior, You opened all the right doors,
And I thank You and praise You from earth's humble shores;
Take me, I'm Yours.

Lionel