I was blessed to spend a few days in the mountains with family...in-laws (yes, I said in-laws!), kids, and grandkids. Where we were there was no television, internet, or cell phone service. As a result, the blog readings from Outflow had to take a break. The only sounds we heard were the animals and the laughter with family. Last night, however, Lucy began to cry and when asked why, she simply said she was very sad to see Great Grandpa and Great Grandma go back to Ohio. Then this morning, Lily began to cry and said she didn't want to go home because she wanted to stay with all of us forever. Wow, from the mouths of babes. I began to think about being in a place of no distractions and experiencing joy and peace with everyone around. I suppose that is just a small glimpse of what Heaven will be like, worshipping God and being with Jesus with no distractions, experiencing the joy of eternity for all time (see Revelation 21). While we may not want to go to our temporary homes, I can hardly wait to go to my eternal home!

So back to Outflow; if being with Jesus and experiencing all that joy is so good on earth, imagine what it will be like in Heaven. I suddenly feel an urgency to bring as many people as I can with me to share that joy both now and forever. So it is imperative that our lives overflow into the lives of others that that they to can have the hope of an eternal joy with Jesus. I need more of the source (God) to flow through me so that the water of life flows to others.

It is only through God and Christ (and His Spirit) that we can flow freely. My Father-in-Law reminded us this morning that Jude says it well. "But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in teh Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jsus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who boubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy , mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." (verses 20-23). That's a pretty good description fo outflow, isn't it? But then Jude sums up our hope and reason for our outflow in the doxology when he says, "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

So I don't know about you, but I'm ready to outflow and then go home!

Outflow readings will resume tomorrow.