A large part of our ministry in Africa is preaching in
churches. I know what you’re thinking, cause I was thinking the same thing…
“Lindsey, you aren’t a preacher.” Seriously. During training camp in August
when this was first mentioned I thought maybe I would claim a doctrinal issue
with females preaching in the church… but I knew I couldn’t A) lie and B)
force my team to take on my burden when all of us were equally apprehensive
about preaching in front of a full Kenyan church. So after spending time in
prayer and in Scripture I came up with my first sermon (which consequently was
well received by two congregations:)). Here is a synopsis, be encouraged!!
I grew up in a happy home. My four siblings and my parents
lived in California and we had what we needed. When I was young I really
thought there was not much more I could need. Then as a teenager I learned
about my greatest need. My need for Christ. When I was a sophomore in high
school I dedicated my life to Christ and to giving Him glory. I no longer
searched for my life’s purpose or for the fullness God gave me. John 4:13 says:
13Jesus
replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14But
those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a
fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
I now had this living water. The more I pursued Him the greater
my thirst for him, and the greater the satisfaction was in Him. I lacked
nothing in Him, and I had the security of eternal life; there is no greater
security. On top of that, my newfound salvation was something I could share!
Revelation 22:1 says:
Then the angel showed me a river with water of life,
clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The water of life washes away our sins, cleanses us and sets
us free. It replaces any emptiness with His love. Not only does it fill us up,
but it is renews us daily. The water flows freely overflowing from God. Let
yourself be swept up in the currents of His love and let Him take you to a
whole new place. Let His river flow over you. Once you are submerged in His
love completely — saturated in it — you cannot help but pour it out on others
around you. God is good, rejoice in Him. There is a River of Life, jump in and
drink up the Living Water.
I’ve got a River
of Life
Flowing out of me
Makes the lame to
walk
And the blind to
see
Opens prison doors
And sets captives
free
I’ve got a River
of Life
Flowing out of me
Spring up oh well
(Gush, Gush, Gush, Gush)
Within my soul
Spring up oh well
(Splish Splash)
And make me whole
Spring up oh well
(Yeehaw)
And give to me
That life
abundantly
