[img align=left]http://www.thewayback.net/Images/photo/fountain.jpg[/img]

Once upon a time the water of life,
seeking to make itself known
on the face of the earth,
bubbled up in an artesian well
and began to flow freely and strongly.
The thirsty thronged to the well
and drank gratefully its life-giving water.

However, it was not long
before decisions were made to fence the well,
charge entrance fees,
and make elaborate laws
as to who could come to the well.
Soon the well was the protected property
of the elite and powerful.

Angry and offended by these decisions,
the water stopped flowing
and began to bubble up elsewhere.
Those who owned the first well
were so consumed by bureaucracy
and legislative paperwork
they did not notice
that the water had gone elsewhere.
They continued selling nonexistent water
and few people noticed
that its life-giving power was gone.

Sadly the same fate overtook
the new artesian well.
Again the water of life sought another place...

...and this process has been going on repeatedly
throughout recorded history.

(from "Christ-Following" by Trevor Hudson, pp. 99-100)

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And do not grieve the Holy Spirit ...
Ephesians 4:30

Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink - even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk -
It's all free!
Why spend your money on food
that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen and I will tell you where
to get food that is good for the soul.
Is. 55:1-3

Diane

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Diane