The dictionary says: “a term normally used of once fresh water which has become slightly salty, as is the mixture of river water and sea-water in estuaries.”

The word “brackish” actually has a German background, where “brac” means “salty.” If the water had been even saltier, it would have been called “briny.”

(I enjoy learning new words. A wholesome vocabulary is a Preacher’s friend.)

This reminds me of something James, our Lord’s half-brother wrote long ago in his little New Testament Epistle.

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. DOTH A FOUNTAIN SEND FORTH AT THE SAME PLACE SWEET WATER AND BITTER? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? SO CAN NO FOUNTAIN BOTH YIELD SALT WATER AND FRESH.” James 3:8-12, you will notice the capitalized words.

The Lesson today … let’s be consistent, faithful, steadfast for our Lord.

One old Preacher used to often say “THE GREATEST ABILITY IS DEPENDABILITY!”

Jesus, in Revelation 3, censured a Church (Laodicea) for being “lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.”

I do not want to be an “up and down, on and off, in and out” Christian!

Lord, help me not to be “brackish!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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