Only living water can satisfy this thirst!

Word from the Center
Written By Dr. Gregory Seltz

I don’t know about you, but I need to get back in shape. It seems like that is getting harder and harder every year. But caring for both the body and the soul matters, for your sake and for the sake of those whom you love. Too often, those of us who are believers fail to realize why. God wants us to take care of our bodies, not so that we can look killer on the beach or buff at the club. No, he wants us to prepare our bodies, as well as our hearts and minds, so that we have the strength, endurance, and clarity needed for the life we get to live in His Name for others. He wants you on His victorious team, “in the game” as it were. He wants you “in the race” of life so that you can experience the joy of receiving and sharing His love with others by the power of the Holy Spirit until the “buzzer sounds!” So, get ready!

How do we do that? In the area of physical health, we should eat properly and make sure we are getting enough rest. We should stretch before and after working out. We should be disciplined about this too. But in the midst of all that, there is one thing that we dare not overlook. What is it? It’s making sure that our body is well hydrated before, during, and after exercising. In fact, drinking water is essential to life, period. I remember a buddy of mine at Concordia University, Irvine. He was committed to being in shape, so much so that he always carried around a two-liter bottle of water. I’d ask him, “Cedric, what’s with the ridiculously large bottle of water?” He would be quick to answer, “Greg, got to stay hydrated. Got to be ready for whatever comes.” I’d laugh. But I needed to realize, then as now, just how vital water is for the preparation, effort, and endurance that’s needed to live life for all its worth.

Today, Jesus is telling us that we need an even more significant kind of “water.” In fact, when it comes to real, soul-quenching thirst, He says only His Spirit-filled, living water can satisfy, and He’s offering that living water in the power of the Holy Spirit to all who will receive it as a gift (see John 7:39; 16:12-15). He’s talking about being satiated with the spiritual blessings that come from Him alone by the power of the Holy

SPIRIT. He said it pretty clearly, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Wow! Knowing the necessity of physical water in the parched lands of the Middle East, He boldly asserts that our souls need what He provides even more. Then He offers the very waters of eternal life, given to us by the life-giving Holy Spirit, as a gift.

So, where do you find yourself today? If you are physically parched, drink up! There’s nothing like cold, refreshing H2O. But if you are spiritually and emotionally parched, come to the Spirit-filled words of Jesus (John 6:63). They are the very water of life for your eternal satiation and salvation. The mission of Jesus was to enter our sinful world and our brokenness in order to take on our pain. He entered the aridness of the desert of our sin and rebellion, and endured thirst on the cross (John 19:28) in order to give us living water to drink. His living water empowers our new life with Him and satiates our thirst for God’s righteousness, justice, and peace. He knows all about that kind of thirst, but, more importantly, He offers the Spirit-filled water that can quench it: faith in Him as your Savior.

So, whatever you might be facing at the moment, if you are “parched” emotionally and spiritually, or even at the end of your rope, it’s time to realize that there is “soul-satiating water” for you in Jesus. There’s a Spirit-filled message of grace, love, and life that will quench your ultimate thirst. Drink up! God bless.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, in a world that concerns itself with physical health and well-being, give us the wisdom to look to You for the good news of Your Gospel, Your very Spirit-filled Word, that satisfies our hearts and souls, both now and forever. AMEN.

See Also
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Luther grounded his understanding of civil government and its duties toward God in creation, teaching that rulers are a type of father. In the Large Catechism he wrote, “Thus we have two kinds of fathers presented in this commandment, fathers in blood and fathers in office, or those to whom belongs the care of the family, and those to whom belongs the care of the country. Besides these there are yet spiritual fathers.” Luther recognized the universal responsibility of all mankind to acknowledge and serve God in accordance with one’s particular station. All earthly rulers, whether of Israelite or Gentile nations, were expected to follow God’s Word. If they did not serve the Lord, like emperors Nero and Domitian, they would be held guilty by Him. Luther maintained a consistently positive estimation of Constantine and other Christian rulers throughout his writings — especially their aid in resisting the grasping tyranny of the papacy. He held up David and the other faithful kings of Israel as examples of the universal duty of rulers to acknowledge and serve God.

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February 2026 Bulletin Insert
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The Bulletin Insert is designed to be printed and cut in half to fit conveniently inside a Sunday worship bulletin. Each month an insert will offer insight, encouragement, and information from the LCRL on the topics of Religious Liberty, Life, Marriage, or Education.

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The dates identifying the LCRL bulletin blurbs are only suggestions. Please feel free to use any and all of the bulletin blurbs as your ministry needs allow.

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Dr. Gregory Seltz
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