Streams in the Desert

In me... peace (John 16:33).

There is a vast difference between happiness and blessedness. Paul had imprisonments and pains, sacrifice and suffering up to the very limit; but in the midst of it all, he was blessed. All the beatitudes came into his heart and life in the midst of those very conditions.

Paganini, the great violinist, came out before his audience one day and made the discovery just as they ended their applause that there was something wrong with his violin. He looked at it a second and then saw that it was not his famous and valuable one. He felt paralyzed for a moment, then turned to his audience and told them there had been some mistake and he did not have his own violin. He stepped back behind the curtain thinking that it was still where he had left it, but discovered that some one had stolen his and left that old second-hand one in its place.

He remained back of the curtain a moment, then came out before his audience and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen: I will show you that the music is not in the instrument, but in the soul." And he played as he had never played before; and out of that second-hand instrument, the music poured forth until the audience was enraptured with enthusiasm and the applause almost lifted the ceiling of the building, because the man had revealed to them that music was not in the machine but in his own soul.

It is your mission, tested and tried one, to walk out on the stage of this world and reveal to all earth and Heaven that the music is not in conditions, not in the things, not in externals, but the music of life is in your own soul.

If peace be in the heart,
The wildest winter storm is full of solemn beauty,
The midnight flash but shows the path of duty,
Each living creature tells some new and joyous story,
The very trees and stones all catch a ray of glory,
If peace be in the heart.
--Charles Francis Richardson

The Value of Obedience..... Dr. Charles Stanley

The Value of Obedience

Dr. Charles Stanley

Proverbs 2:1-6

Despite Peter's vast fishing experience, he returned from a night's work with nothing to show for his efforts. It's quite possible that the Lord's request to let the nets down one more time struck him as unreasonable—after all, Peter and his partners were the professionals. Nevertheless, the fisherman complied, and his obedience blessed many.

Scripture demonstrates that divine plans often defy human logic. For instance, who would design a battle strategy that involved only marching and shouting? God told Joshua to conquer Jericho that way, and doing so proved successful (Joshua 6:1-5).

Moses is another example. When he felt unsure about his leadership potential, the Lord gave reassurance in an unusual way—by telling him to throw down his walking stick. When Moses obeyed, God powerfully confirmed His choice of leader (Exodus 4:1-3).

Our Father may ask us to do something that seems illogical—perhaps to accept more responsibility when we were hoping to reduce our workload, to leave a position that He provided just recently, or to take on an assignment for which we feel ill-equipped. His plan might feel unrealistic in view of our age, stage of life, or health concerns. We must press forward in obedience, regardless of how impractical the request may appear.

To grasp the importance of obeying, think about children receiving instructions from parents or teachers. Careful listening is needed for the task to be done safely and properly. Some steps may seem pointless, but the rationale often becomes clear later. Always make obeying God your priority.

Jesus Wept .....ANITHA ABRAHAM

Jesus Wept
ANITHA ABRAHAM

“And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” John 11:34-36 (ESV)

There are times when there are no words. The situation is so heartbreaking that you feel it deep down in your soul.

That’s what happened when we heard the news. A small plane had gone missing, and the only person aboard was the young pilot who had attended our church for years. We prayed for a miracle but quickly discovered our worst fears were true. The plane had crashed, and he did not survive.

He was only 17.

I knew all the “right” Christian things to say to myself and anyone else who might ask … but it was hard to wrap my mind around the incredible loss.

As followers of Christ, we have hope. We know that God uses all things for our good and His glory. We know He is sovereign.

But we still grieve. That isn’t a lack of faith or trust. It is the response of the human heart to a fallen world. The story of Lazarus in the Bible tells of a time Jesus Himself grieved.

There are so many facets to the story of Lazarus. Jesus knew him — this wasn’t just someone who pursued Him in a crowd or heard of His miracles. This was a friend Jesus spent time with. We know Jesus loved everyone, but the Bible specifically states, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (John 11:5, ESV).

Jesus had dinner with Lazarus. Jesus even found Himself in the middle of sister drama with Martha and Mary. He knew this family, and they knew Him. Personally.

That was one of the many reasons why the death of Lazarus was such a shock. It was hard to understand why.

We all know how the story ends — Lazarus didn’t stay dead long. Jesus displayed what He proclaimed: He is the resurrection and the life.

But in the middle, between death and life, something else happened. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35, ESV).

This begs the question … why? Jesus knew Lazarus would die, but He also knew Lazarus would live again. Why weep? He could have started with “Lazarus, come forth,” but He chose to shed tears publicly instead.

Scholars and theologians have theories on this. Jesus doesn’t ever say why, so we really don’t know. But I do know this: I’m glad He did. It reminds me that some moments don’t need words. They don’t need explanations or proclamations. They are simply a time to grieve.

The best advice I received from a friend when I was going through a very dark time was merely to “feel” whatever I was feeling. The healing would come later.

To everything there is a season, including grief. As we walk through sad times, know we have a Savior who is our sympathetic and understanding High Priest. A Savior who gives us hope and life eternal.

A Savior who wept.

Dear heavenly Father, sometimes, life is hard, but I am so grateful for Your presence through it all. Thank You for Your love and the hope that we have in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Hebrews 2:14, “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.” (NLT)

Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (NLT)

God is Present..... by Boyd Bailey

God is Present
by Boyd Bailey

There they are, overwhelmed with dread,for God is present in the company of the righteous. Psalm 14:5

God is present in your predicament. You don’t have to pray, “God be with us”; He’s there already. He’s there because He cares. He’s there because you are extremely valuable to Him. God cherishes His children. He loves to give His own good gifts (Matthew 7:11). His presence alone is a present. He’s present to give wisdom. He’s present to give you direction. He’s present to give you courage. In His presence there is peace. He is ever present.

God’s presence is there to calm and convict us. His peace is what propels us forward by faith. Don’t give up on doing the right thing. Sinful compromise for short-term satisfaction never ends well. Why put your family at risk by running after forbidden fruit? God hasn’t left you. He doesn’t wink at wicked deeds. He’s right by your side to see you through this sinful temptation. Indeed the fruit of His presence is the fear of God. He reminds us to remain pure.

“How then could I [Joseph] do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

His presence is made manifest in a company of Christ followers. In community, the body of Christ is in full expression. Sin pushes us to seclusion. It’s an illusion to think we can isolate ourselves from Almighty God. But in authentic community there’s nowhere to hide. In the presence of committed Christ followers, we feed our faith. Don’t fight temptation alone. Tell someone. Stay engaged with the righteous. This is the presence of God personified.

Stay in the presence of God-fearing followers. This time of engagement with others facilitates our alone time with our heavenly Father. Stay hard after your heavenly Father in solitude and prayer. His presence is inviting you into intimacy. Design your life around a daily retreat into His presence. Look into His face and feel His love. In His presence He provides just what we need in the moment. Therefore persevere in prayer without ceasing. Be present in His presence!

“God is our refuge and strength, 
an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

What does it mean for the Spirit to be ever-present? How does the Spirit strengthen my spirit?

Related Readings
Genesis 4:16; Numbers 20:9; Jeremiah 52:3; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews

3 Reasons to Worship God in the Barrenness..... By Jennifer Waddle

3 Reasons to Worship God in the Barrenness
By Jennifer Waddle

Worship is not only an expression of the soul to our loving Creator, it is also a choice. For in times of ease, we find it delightful to lift hands of praise. But in times of hardship, we struggle to even find the strength to worship.

As life sometimes takes on the form of barrenness, through empty womb or lonely heart, finding joy in the God of our salvation can be challenging. Rejoicing in the emptiness can feel counterintuitive, but it is the exact thing needed for the journey.

God is in the barrenness. We have to believe that, even when we don’t feel it. For without Him, there is no hope.

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” Psalm 39:7

Here and now, in the midst of the “lonely,” the Lord is worthy to be praised. He is still on the throne and He is good. Above every situation, He remains steadfast and holy.

Do we believe that?

Here are 3 reasons to worship God in the barrenness.

1. God has a divine purpose for every season.

There is a foundational and divine purpose for everything we are allowed to go through in this life. That isn’t an easy truth to accept, but it is necessary for rising above the pain, enough to praise God through it.

Remember, the enemy wants to steal our praise. And in the midst of intense trial, he will pounce on our vulnerabilities and lie to us concerning God’s divine purpose. However, when we declare that God is Sovereign over every situation, we can then look upward instead of inward, and worship Him in the barrenness.

To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

2. Jesus is our First Love.

I’m afraid it is part of human nature to love ourselves the most. Self-centeredness is a struggle for even the most serving of hearts. Especially when we face difficult seasons, our attention is quickly turned inward. Almost by default, we strive to make the “uncomfortable” go away.

Therefore, it is crucial to remember our “First Love” in times of barrenness. By loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we will still be able to worship no matter what comes.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 ESV

3. God will turn our mourning into dancing.

Barrenness is but a season, a painful time of yearning and wandering. But God is faithful. He is with us in it and He sees us through it. No matter how long the road seems, how dark the night is, there is joy in the morning. The Lord turns every sorrow into rejoicing and our mourning into dancing.

For I will turn their mourning to joy, will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Choosing to worship in times of barrenness is a beautiful and sacrificial act of love and obedience to a worthy Creator. By loving Him with our whole heart, and knowing His divine purpose exceeds our current circumstances, we will indeed dance with joy again.

A Prayer for Those Weary from Spiritual Battle..... By: Maggie Meadows Cooper

A Prayer for Those Weary from Spiritual BattleBy: Maggie Meadows Cooper

My heart has been heavy for someone I love in recent months. The prayers have been endless. The constant hamster wheel of ideas turning in my mind of how to be supportive. The weight on my chest has been so heavy that at times it feels hard to breathe. And it is fully evident that this battle is not able to be won with earthly strength alone.

The enemy is a master manipulator. A liar, evil, devious, and relentless in his pursuit of those who are trying to break chains and grow closer to the Lord. He knows where to hit them hardest. And he knows where to hit everyone in their circle hardest. His ploy is to wear us down so that all seems lost. All seems hopeless. And faith can be replaced with anger, bitterness, and resentment over what should have been instead of even more fervent prayers.

My sweet friends, whether you are going to battle for someone you love, or for yourself, here are five things from 2 Chronicles 20 the Lord showed me we must remember when our hearts grow weary:

1. When we don’t know what else to do, look to Jesus.

“O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” - 2 Chronicles 20:12

Y’all, there have been so many prayers for open and closed doors, for wisdom and discernment, for the right people to be in place at the right time. And there are times earthly doors have been opened…only to be closed. Steps forward…that quickly became steps backward. And I didn’t know what else to do. But Jesus does. No matter what your “mighty army” may be, do not forget that His resources are endless. His plans are good. And His timing is perfect. When you don’t know what else to do, cry out to Jesus.

2. The battle is not ours, but God’s.

“He (Jahaziel) said, “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” - 2 Chronicles 20:15 

If you are like me, you try to carry all of the burdens in your own life and those of the ones you love, around. You pick them up, pile them on, sling some over your shoulder in a backpack, and trudge along until you can’t take one more step. But y’all, we were never meant to go to battle alone. We are God’s…and the battles are His. Surrender to Him. Trust Him to do what He says He will do. He is faithful.

3. We are not alone!

“Tomorrow, march out against them…But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you.”- 2 Chronicles 20:16,17

So many times in my life, I have heard the Lord whisper, “I’m right here.” But I’m embarrassed to admit that it hasn’t always been a comfort. When my baby refused to sleep through the night, and I was begging God to help her rest as I cried by her crib, I heard him say, “I’m right here.” But I quickly snapped back, “Then do something!” Some of you may have been in that same place. But let me encourage you that He is doing something…always working (John 5:17)…even when we can’t see it. Lay down your weapons. Stand still. And allow the Lord’s presence to be enough for the moment.

4. Worship God with prayers and praise, before the battle is won.

“Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.” 2 Chronicles 20:18,19

When I am discouraged and weary, worship may be the last thing on my mind. I don’t feel like praising the Lord for something that hasn’t happened yet. It can become difficult to celebrate small victories when the big one is so very distant. But if we are going to stand firm, we must believe in the Lord’s faithfulness and worship Him, not because of what we want Him to do, but because of what He’s already done, my sweet friends. Praise Him and sing out to Him as they did that day, “Give thanks to the Lord, His faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:21)

5. Prepare your heart to meet in the Valley of Blessing when the battle is finished.

“On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there.” 2 Chronicles 20: 26

The people of Judah were victorious that day as they gathered and praised the Lord. I pray our outcomes will be the same, but the truth is that I don’t know how our battles will end. Many years ago, I committed to praising the Lord in the good…and in the bad. And the truth is, I’ve had to do both. One is harder than the other. But no matter the outcome of the battle you are facing, God is still God. And He is still good. So, praying and believing for victory in Jesus’ name, I will prepare to meet the Lord in my own Valley of Blessing after each battle I face. And I pray you will too.

Dear Jesus,

The battle I am facing seems impossible to win. Help me to look to you when I don’t know what else to do. Help me to remember that the battle is yours, I am never alone, and that there is power in your name. Give me a desire to worship you, even when I don’t feel like it. And prepare my heart to stand firm, give thanks, and praise you, no matter the outcome.

 In your mighty name,

Amen!