Scent of the Rose..... Streams in the Desert

Scent of the Rose 

Streams in the Desert

Blow upon my garden that the spices may flow out (S. of Sol. 4:16).

Some of the spices mentioned in this chapter are quite suggestive. The aloe was a bitter spice, and it tells of the sweetness of bitter things, the bitter-sweet, which has its own fine application that only those can understand who have felt it. The myrrh was used to embalm the dead, and it tells of death to something. It is the sweetness which comes to the heart after it has died to its self-will and pride and sin.

Oh, the inexpressible charm that hovers about some Christians simply because they bear upon the chastened countenance and mellow spirit the impress of the cross, the holy evidence of having died to something that was once proud and strong, but is now forever at the feet of Jesus. It is the heavenly charm of a broken spirit and a contrite heart, the music that springs from the minor key, the sweetness that comes from the touch of the frost upon the ripened fruit.

And then the frankincense was a fragrance that came from the touch of the fire. It was the burning powder that rose in clouds of sweetness from the bosom of the flames. It tells of the heart whose sweetness has been called forth, perhaps by the flames of affliction, until the holy place of the soul is filled with clouds of praise and prayer.

Beloved, are we giving out the spices, the perfumes, the sweet odors of the heart?
--The Love-Life of Our Lord

"A Persian fable says: One day
A wanderer found a lump of clay
So redolent of sweet perfume
Its odors scented all the room.
'What are thou? was his quick demand,
'Art thou some gem from Samarcand,
Or spikenard in this rude disguise,
Or other costly merchandise?'
'Nay: I am but a lump of clay.'
"'Then whence this wondrous perfume--say!'
'Friend, if the secret I disclose,
I have been dwelling with the rose.'
Sweet parable! and will not those
'Who love to dwell with Sharon's rose,
Distil sweet odors all around,
Though low and mean themselves are found?
Dear Lord, abide with us that we
May draw our perfume fresh from Thee." 

God Acts On Our Behalf..... Dr. Charles Stanley

God Acts On Our Behalf

Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:6-7

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we'll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: "Trust Me." And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, "I don't trust You."

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can't see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God examines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible consequences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

God Created You to Be an Amazing Introvert or Extrovert..... HOLLEY GERTH

God Created You to Be an Amazing Introvert or Extrovert
HOLLEY GERTH

“… I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:14 (CEV)

Are there moments of your life that feel like photographs in your mind? You remember every detail. You can recall what you were wearing. When you think back, you tell yourself, “That was when everything started to change.”

One of mine happened at a campus ministry meeting in college. I sat cross-legged on gray carpet in an old building that smelled like coffee. I wore a red shirt and jean shorts. It was then I heard the word “introvert” for the first time.

I instantly felt less alone and more understood. But for years, my understanding of being an introvert still focused on what I didn’t like (small talk) or didn’t want to do (go to parties every night). But that’s not the whole story, or even the most important part, of being an introvert or extrovert.

Maybe you’ve struggled with self-doubt too. You might be an introvert who’s been told you’re too quiet. Or maybe you’re an extrovert who’s heard, “Quiet down!” Either way, what I want you to know today is that God made us introverts and extroverts intentionally.

I’ve now spent years as a counselor, life coach and author studying why we’re introverts and extroverts. The short version: It’s not because of our personalities but because of ways we’re physically wired, especially in our brains and nervous systems. I believe God created introverts and extroverts as a complementary pairing, each with gifts and tremendous potential.

Because our culture leans a bit more pro-extrovert right now, it’s often harder for introverts to embrace that truth. But I believe it’s essential not just for individual introverts but for those around us too.

After that moment in college, I still spent a long time trying to be someone I wasn’t, and it took me to the brink of burnout. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, maybe you’ve done the same. I now know true freedom and joy come not from trying to become someone else, but by embracing who God created us to be.

You are one of a kind. There has never been another you, and there never will be. Every detail of who you are was designed by God. He crafted your quietness. He came up with your crazy laugh. He made you empathetic or enthusiastic, creative or concrete, a deep thinker or fast talker. Nothing about you is a mistake or an accident.

The opposite of self-doubt isn’t pride; it’s holy confidence. As the psalmist said, “… I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt” (Psalm 139:14). When we understand who we are, it leads to praise and empowers us to fulfill our God-given purpose.

I wish I could go back to that college girl in jean shorts. I’d take her by the hand, lift her up, look her in the eyes and say, “You have nothing to prove. You don’t need to change. You’re already loved. Dare to be who you truly are.”

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, I’m saying the same to you today.

God, thank You for creating me in a wonderful way and reminding me that I am loved today. Give me the courage to be who I am and to help others do the same. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Galatians 6:4-5, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (MSG)

The Happiest Place on Earth..... by Ryan Duncan

The Happiest Place on Earth
by Ryan Duncan

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2

When I was in the fourth grade, my parents decided it was time for that rite of passage all families must one day undertake. On Friday morning, as my sisters and I prepared for school, they informed us that we would be leaving class an hour early today. Naturally, my sisters and I were excited to get a jump start on the weekend, but we also couldn’t help but wonder why.

“It’s a surprise,” was all my parents would say. That gave us pause. In my family, a “surprise” could mean anything from a baseball game, to getting our Hepatitis B shots at the doctor’s office. So it was with more than a little trepidation that we entered our family van that afternoon and began speeding toward the city. After about forty minutes of driving, my Dad pulled off the road into a crowded parking lot.

“Where do you think we’re going?” he asked with a huge grin on his face. We looked around at the city, the solid concrete parking lot, and the planes soaring overhead.

“Camping?” guessed one of my sisters. My mother reached into her pocket and produced several tickets that all bore the unmistakable image of Mickey Mouse. That’s when it hit us, WE WERE GOING TO DISNEYWORLD! Normally I avoid talking about Heaven, I feel like it distracts Christians from living in the here and now, but I can’t help seeing a glimpse of our final home in that old vacation. There was so much awe, wonder, and sheer joy at just being a child in Disneyworld.

Best of all, we had no idea what was waiting for us. We all knew of Disneyworld, but we had never experienced anything like it until that trip. In much the same way, Jesus has prepared a place for us in a world we cannot begin to comprehend. Just look at this verse from Revelation,

 “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’” - Revelation 22:3-7

I’m going to restrain myself from using a “Whole New World” joke. Rather, I’ll simply close with this message: This world is not our home. God made us to be a part of this world, but it is not where we truly belong. One day we will go home, and when that day comes, it will be quite the adventure.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Live for God in the here and now, but remember it is not where our story ends.

Further Reading
John 14:27-31

How to Serve with Love (Galatians 5:13)..... By: Amanda Idleman

How to Serve with Love (Galatians 5:13)
By: Amanda Idleman

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” - Galatians 5:13

Barnes' Notes on this passage explains to us that Galatians 5 is about people who are struggling to stay committed to their new faith. They are easily being pulled back into old bad habits. The temptation for these new Christians was to abuse Paul’s message of freedom and manipulate it into a free pass to return to their old sinful ways. Paul sternly corrects this erroneous thinking and reminds them what the true reason for the spiritual freedom Christ had died for: they are free so that they may be able to serve others in love!

Paul teaches the Corinthians a similar message in 1 Corinthians 12. In this text, he explains that they all have gifts given by the Spirit, but these gifts are given to serve the common good. All we have been given through the Spirit of God is not for us to hold onto for our own profit. Just as 1 Corinthians 13:2 tells us if we don’t have love, we have nothing, Paul is reminding the Galatians of the same principle. We are free so that we may love!

What does love-infused service look like in practice?

The struggle many of us face is how to tote the line between servanthood and bitter martyrdom. As a mom of three young kids, and a wife, the line gets blurry for me on a regular basis. I so want to love my family well, but struggle with thoughts that reek of bitterness and discontentment.

It’s a common problem. We have all heard stories of the passionate pastors that become a bitter victim of congregations that work them into the ground. We see people who serve at church jump in with willing hearts and then become the biggest critics of how everything is done. Even eager new employees join their new team only to a year later find themselves unhappy at work once again. In marriage, spouses struggle to serve with love over the long-haul of a lifetime together.

It’s a common problem. We have all heard stories of the passionate pastors that become a bitter victim of congregations that work them into the ground. We see people who serve at church jump in with willing hearts and then become the biggest critics of how everything is done. Even eager new employees join their new team only to a year later find themselves unhappy at work once again. In marriage, spouses struggle to serve with love over the long-haul of a lifetime together.

A Prayer for the Journey..... By: Lindsay Tedder

A Prayer for the JourneyBy: Lindsay Tedder

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 1:6

Do you ever feel like you are just so far off course that you will never reach your goal?

I know I sure do, from time to time. I, all too often, feel like I am just too far off course to make it to where God has destined me to be. When I feel God’s call on my heart in a certain direction, I want to jump. I want to move instantly, but I frequently get distracted. Life starts to happen, and I decide that what I’m currently doing is more important than the journey that lies before me. I can’t see the end game and sometimes, the journey towards His destination is terrifying.

Have you ever felt like you were supposed to do something that was well beyond your comfort level?

For many years, I designed a delicately crafted life of comfort. I wore comfortable clothes, I bought comfortable furniture, I didn’t push myself in any certain direction. What I learned through this season of comfort is that comfort equaled stagnation. Ouch. I’ll say it again.

Comfort = Stagnation.

By staying comfortable, we are staying still. When God calls us, the journey is typically anything but comfortable, yet we must still move. I know this is painful to digest, trust me. When I lost the ideal that my life was supposed to be comfortable, I was able to clearly see that pain and discomfort aren’t always a bad thing.

The journey of your life was predetermined long before you were born. Your Father knew that you would venture off path. He knew you’d mess up. He knew you’d slip up. He knew you’d falter. And He certainly knew you’d delay. But the Word says that He never stops carrying out the work He started in you, praise His name! He never gives up on you. He will ensure that His plan is carried on to completion. No matter what you do or how badly you attempt to derail His plan, He will continue to carry on His good work until completion.

This is as true today as it was when Paul wrote it to the church in Philippi. Paul made sure to add in this verse, the key phrase “until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Friends, until Jesus comes back to Earth, our Father will continue to see that His plans are carried out. He will continue to ensure that His plans are completed. He knew we would mess up and delay and attempt to derail; but the good news is, He accounted for our humanity when He called us in the first place. There is nothing we can do to “screw it up.” So long as we believe in His son Jesus and the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, our Father will diligently and lovingly continue to redirect our course to ensure we are on the path towards His predetermined destination.

I take great comfort knowing that my humanity is no match for the strength of our Father. Today, let’s pray over our journey. Let’s pray that His will be done, despite our humanity.

Father,

Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your reminders that are as pertinent to me today as they were thousands of years ago. Thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross. Thank you for the assignment you’ve placed on my life.

I know that I am far from perfect and get scared of the destination You have assigned to me. Erase my fears. Embolden me to fulfill your call and give me grace when I wander off course. I am ever grateful that you forgive me and redirect my steps. I pray for the journey to which you have called me.

I know that there is pain and fear and uncertainty, but I also know Who holds the GPS of my journey. You know where I am. You know where I am going. You know that I will continue to mess up. And I know you will continue to guide me. Your grace is sufficient for my weaknesses and distractions. Take captive my heart, Lord, and make it accountable only to You.

In your matchless name we pray,

Amen.