Each time I see a waterfall, I am silenced—both by the sheer beauty of God’s creation and by the symbolism water carries in the Scriptures. As God created our world, He made water a necessity of life. As scientists today consider the possibility of life on other planets, they look first for evidence of water on those planets. The absence of water makes the existence of life much, much less likely.

Paul writes in Romans 5:5, “God has poured out His love.” This phrase describes no miserly trickle! Rather, it calls to mind a mighty waterfall, a roaring, perpetual geyser! God has poured out His love for us in our Savior, Jesus.

It’s not by accident that  Jesus said to the woman at the well, “The water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.”  (John 4:14) Nor is it accidental that the woman then exclaimed, “Give me this water!” (John 4:15)

God poured out His love when He sent His Son to live the perfect life we could not live, to die the death we deserved in   punishment for our sins, and to rise from death victorious forever.

Recalling His sacrifice, let God’s love and grace continually wash over you, cleansing you in the flood of forgiveness and unconditional love Jesus earned for you on Calvary. Then live out that love in joyful confidence.

     Supposedly this is a true story but the source has been lost or misplaced. Could it have been one of those “Paul Harvey” stories? It is reported to have been written up in a small town newspaper.

     There was a burglar who was casing the homes in one particular neighborhood, trying to find his next target. He especially was looking for houses that would be left unguarded by people leaving for vacation. He slowly cruised until he saw a  family loading their suitcases and goodies into their family van. He parked a block away and watched until everything had been loaded and the van packed with kids and luggage pulled out of the drive.

     He left and returned after dark and approached the front door and rang the bell. Of course there was no answer, but he was just checking. Then the burglar neatly picked the lock and let himself in. He called into the darkness, “Is anybody home?”

     He was absolutely stunned when he heard a voice reply, “I see you and Jesus sees you.”

     Terrified, the burglar called back, “Who’s there?”

     Again the voice came back, “I see you and Jesus sees you.”

     Deciding to not run so quickly, the burglar switched on his flashlight and aimed it in the    direction of the voice. To his great relief, his light revealed a caged parrot reciting the refrain, again, “I see you and Jesus sees you.” The burglar laughed our loud. “I see you and Jesus sees you.”

     The burglar heaved a sigh of relief, his heart slowed down, he caught his breath. Then the burglar reached over and switched on the light. THEN he saw it! Beneath the parrot’s cage was a huge Doberman Pincher, mouth open, softly growling.

     Then the parrot said, “Attack, Jesus, attack!”

     The story was revealed by the burglar himself from the emergency room of the local  hospital where extensive stitches were used to close up the many wounds.

     We chuckle and think of the poetic justice meted out, “Serves him right!” Funny, yes but there is a truth here, too. At all times we are being observed by others, yes; but even more closely by God. Even the darkness can’t hide us from His omniscience. Sobering, thought provoking, and it makes you think. Not only are we being observed, but we will be asked, someday,  to give an account of how we have lived this life.

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your    presence? If I go up to the    heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”  Psalm 139:7-8

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant.
 
My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.
 
As we bowed our heads he said, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food , and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!”
 
Along with t he laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, “That's what's wrong with this country. K ids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!”
 
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?”
As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly   gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.“
 
“Really?” my son asked.
 
“Cross my heart,” the man replied.
 
Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”
 
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.
 
He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.”

I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today!