Streams in the Desert

I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument (Isa. 41:15).

A bar of steel worth five dollars, when wrought into horseshoes, is worth ten dollars. If made into needles, it is worth three hundred and fifty dollars; if into penknife blades, it is worth thirty-two thousand dollars; if into springs for watches it is worth two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. What a drilling the poor bar must undergo to be worth this! But the more it is manipulated, the more it is hammered, and passed through the fire, and beaten and pounded and polished, the greater the value.

May this parable help us to be silent, still, and longsuffering. Those who suffer most are capable of yielding most; and it is through pain that God is getting the most out of us, for His glory and the blessing of others.
--Selected

Oh, give Thy servant patience to be still,
And bear Thy will;
Courage to venture wholly on the arm
That will not harm;
The wisdom that will never let me stray
Out of my way;
The love that, now afflicting, knoweth best
When I should rest.

Life is very mysterious. Indeed it would be inexplicable unless we believed that God was preparing us for scenes and ministries that lie beyond the veil of sense in the eternal world, where highly-tempered spirits will be required for special service.

"The turning-lathe that has the sharpest knives produces the finest work."

Is Homosexuality a Sin?..... Rick Kirby

 

Is Homosexuality a Sin?

• Rick Kirby

• There are certain hot button issues in the church in 2020 that have become points of great dissension and division among the very people who are to be a model of unity for a watching world.

  Some of those issues which are before us even as I write this article are race, politics, abortion, women’s role in ministry, and any and all matters related to homosexuality. None of these issues are necessarily new, but our culture has changed. Now, many things that would not have divided the church 50 years ago have erupted like an inactive volcano suddenly come to life.

  How God views acts and attitudes of homosexuality is being questioned with greater regularity and deeper intensity in today’s culture.

  My objective in this article is simple and singular. I wish to clearly point to God’s own word to identify and articulate what God has already made known regarding homosexuality.

  One would hope that every single lover of Christ and the Scriptures would desire to discover, “What does God say?” This, however, doesn’t seem to be the main objective of many who address the question.

  If we’re not careful, we can all fall into the trap of evoking God’s name in our debates in an attempt to gain his approval for our actions rather than out of a radical commitment to know Him and be transformed by His truth.

  Is God’s Truth Relative to What We Want?

  Are you coming to God’s word in hopes that he will approve and license you or a loved one to continue on the present course? Or are you prepared to alter your attitude, actions, and relationships if God’s word is made clear to you that He disapproves of your choices?

This question applies to all of us no matter what our relational status or life choices are. I trust that all of us will answer “yes” to the latter question.

I would challenge anyone who has found their way to this article—because of your sincere need to know God’s thoughts—to prayerfully consider your motives.

The cultural perspectives regarding homosexual lifestyles have clearly shifted over the last decade among evangelicals, and the trend shows no sign of reversing course. In a study conducted by the Pew Foundation in 2017, 64% of evangelical protestants surveyed said that homosexuality should be discouraged. In 2014, only 55% of evangelicals answered in like manner to the same question.

I can only imagine what that number would be if it were presented to a group of evangelicals in 2020. In light of the vast differences in views regarding homosexual behavior, I simply want to present two questions that I pray each reader will approach with raw honesty.

1. Should Our Desires Override God’s Intent?

The first question is simply, “Has God designed the world and everything in it to function as He intends?”

Another way to ask this question is, “Is God content to allow each person to decide and discern what function is best in any given circumstance or season? And if so, is God’s truth relative to the individual and his own desires?”

To answer this critical question, I point you to Isaiah 28:23-29, in which the prophet Isaiah asks a series of unusual questions that relate to our present inquiry. Isaiah asks, “Does the farmer plow continually to plant seed? Does he continually turn and harrow the ground? Does he not level its surface and sow dill and scatter cumin and plant in rows?”

I am clearly aware that these agricultural questions have absolutely nothing directly to do with homosexuality. There is a critical principle at work here that has everything to do with our discussion, however.

The prophet is asking the reader to consider why a farmer does what he does and how he knows to cultivate in the manner which he does? And then the prophet makes this astounding observation, “For his God instructs and teaches him properly” (Isaiah 28:26).

The rules and principles of planting and harvesting are established by the Maker, not by the farmer. It is necessary that the Maker “instruct and teach properly” so that the farmer will fulfill his role in the Maker’s design.

The Sovereign, transcendent Creator cares to instruct the farmer on how he should plant, cultivate, and harvest his crop. Who better than the Master Gardener of Eden to instruct farmers how to do their work? If God stoops to train farmers in the way of His design, are we to think that the same God has not also laid out the more important spheres of His creation according to a master design as well?

It is undeniable that when the Bible says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:27), that the terms male and female describe distinctions in their makeup and role.

Males and females are different, and their roles are not the same though there is no distinction in the degree to which God values them. Time and space do not allow us to explore in detail those unique functions, but they can be clearly identified in Genesis 2.

As Adam and his wife faithfully fulfilled their God-given role in harmony and unity, they would “become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) and serve the Designer’s purpose for their lives.

It is worth noting that never is a word spoken regarding Adam and Eve’s love for one another. I’m not denying that love existed between the two, but I am suggesting that love for one another was not what validated their relationship. Instead, their role and function in God’s design was the bedrock of their identity, and so it should be in every generation.

2. How Does God Respond to Man’s Alteration of His Divine Design?

Having established that gender distinctions and roles are a feature of the Creator’s design for His world, the second question which needs to be asked is significant:

“What is God’s response, and how does He view man’s attempt to alter God’s good design specifically as it relates to homosexuality?”

The Apostle Paul’s warnings to the Corinthians are not ambiguous. He says, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 6:9). The term unrighteous refers to those who are not in right standing with God as evidenced by their conduct, which is contrary to God’s law.

The Apostle does not leave us wondering who these people are and what conduct warrants such a harsh condemnation. He continues:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. – 1 Cor. 6:9-10, NKJV

A Lifestyle without Repentance, Not without Sin

Please note that homosexuality is not singled out, but it is included in the list of those who will not participate in the kingdom of God. It is also important to acknowledge that Paul is identifying people whose lives are characterized by these particular lifestyles and choices rather than condemning those who have struggled or fallen prey to any of these sinful attitudes at particular points in their lives. Notice, that Paul goes on to acknowledge to his readers, “Such were some of you” (1 Cor. 6:11).

Some of the very first recipients of this letter in the church were formerly known to Paul and others to live lives which were characterized by these same sinful ways. But something had changed because they are not what they used to be. What made the difference? The Bible explains:

You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. – 1 Cor. 6:11

God Cleanses and Forgives

Though this passage and others like 1 Timothy 1:10 clearly teach that homosexuality is one of many choices which are “contrary to sound teaching,” the greatest message of all is that there is hope for those who are bound by the sin of homosexuality and other sexual sins.

Though the Bible leaves no room to wrongly believe that God condones or blesses homosexual relationships, the Bible also is just as clear that:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

May all who read this article come to see that we all stand in desperate need of the forgiveness that comes only through Jesus Christ and his completed work on the cross. Though “we also were once disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures,” the “kindness of God has appeared,” and Christ is willing to save us on the merit of his righteousness and mercy (Titus 3:3-5).

The Work of the Believer..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Work of the Believer

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 12:5-7

 

The world's definition of success differs greatly from God's. Take the role of a pastor, for example--it would be easy to accept accolades for church growth, as many people equate high attendance numbers with a minister's effectiveness. But the Lord desires that we obey Him with humility. Whether we draw a crowd or not, success is measured by obedience.

 

This looks different for each believer. Some Christians have very visible jobs, so their efforts are public and obvious. Others serve Christ in quiet, less noticeable ways.

 

God bestows upon His followers gifts tailored to each one's ordained assignments. The Holy Spirit reveals our calling, and we're to give our best effort. Of course, no matter what the task may be, the result will be worthless unless the Father breathes life into it. In other words, we are entrusted with God-appointed work. He assigns the duty, provides the skills, and causes growth. The Lord deserves all of the glory. We are blessed simply to be a part of His plan.

 

As mere vessels that God uses, we should be thankful for anything He accomplishes through us. And by giving Him all the credit, we need never feel defeated with disappointment. Rather, in spite of how things may appear, we trust Him to achieve His good purpose.

 

Honor is misplaced unless it goes directly to the One who creates, sanctifies, and sustains. God created you for specific tasks to further His kingdom. He wants to use your life--and will allow you to watch His powerful hand at work. Listen for His leading, and praise Him for all He accomplishes.

Give No Quarter..... by Ryan Duncan

 Give No Quarter

by Ryan Duncan

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” – Ephesians 6:10-11

This week my small group started a new series on minor characters in the Old Testament. I have to say it’s been pretty interesting. There are so many characters in the Old Testament whose stories often get overlooked, liked Jephthah, one of Israel’s judges, or Rizpah, who defended the bodies of her slain family. The person I ended up researching though was Josiah, who ruled Jerusalem as King for thirty-one years. 2 Kings opens by saying Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, a rare feat for most of Israel’s Kings, but then it shifts gears and talks about how Josiah discovered the long lost Book of Law in God’s temple.

After deciphering the book and realizing his people have turned away from God, Josiah went on a complete rampage. Just read the passage below,

"He did away with the pagan priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the towns of Judah and on those around Jerusalem--those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations and to all the starry hosts. He took the Asherah pole from the temple of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem and burned it there. He ground it to powder and scattered the dust over the graves of the common people. He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes, which were in the temple of the LORD and where women did weaving for Asherah. Josiah brought all the priests from the towns of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He broke down the shrines at the gates--at the entrance to the Gate of Joshua, the city governor, which is on the left of the city gate.” -  2 Kings 23:5-9

My first impression on reading these passages was that Josiah over-reacted. It was great that he wanted to return his people to God, but burning everything in a ten mile radius seemed a little extreme. Then it hit me; that was the point. To God, Sin is a cancerous tumor that must be cut out of your lives completely. Maybe you’re a guy who’s fallen into the grip of pornography, or a girl who can’t stop putting others down through gossip.

We tell ourselves these things are just human weakness and they don’t mean anything, but God will never approve of our “guilty pleasures”. Christ’s grace has given us a way to battle Sin, and in this unseen war the winner takes all. So, if you’re ready to fight, remember to put on the Armor of God, and give the Devil no quarter.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Are you allowing yourself to compromise with sin? Consider how this is affecting your relationship with Christ.

Further Reading

1 Peter 1:8

3 Consequences of Rejecting God’s Authority..... by Jennifer Waddle

 3 Consequences of Rejecting God’s Authority

by Jennifer Waddle

If you’ve ever been on a road trip with a toddler, you’ve probably experienced the struggle of trying to keep them buckled in their carseat for hours on end.They don’t understand that the restraints are keeping them safe, and that ultimately, you love them and know what is best.

So it is with mankind and their Maker.

From the beginning of creation until now, people have tried to cast off every restraint placed on them by the loving hand of God. Not willing to yield to the perfect will of the Father, nations have rejected God’s authority again and again.

Though the Lord remains faithful, He also maintains justice, and there are consequences to rejecting His authority. Here are 3 of them listed in the Bible:

1. They get what they ask for.

They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. Psalm 106:13-15 NKJV

Nations that disregard God’s counsel in favor of their own lusts eventually get what they ask for. Sadly, though their flesh is satisfied, their soul is parched like a dry and thirsty land with no water.

Let us come to the Fountain of Living Water—to the well that never runs dry—and drink to the full of God’s goodness and mercy! (John 4:10)

2. They suffer unnecessarily.

Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom will ascend like dust; because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 5:24

The horrendous aftermath of a wildfire may be an accurate word picture of the consequences that a nation without God will suffer. Consumed by their own falsehoods, those who reject the Word of the Lord will suffer unnecessarily.

However! The Lord is faithful and just to forgive. (1 John 1:9) He longs for us to return to Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. He longs to cover us with His mighty hand and be our Protector.

Let us repent and humble our hearts before Him that He might come and heal our land! (2 Chronicles 7:14)

3. They are left to their own devices.

Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, and have forgotten the God who fathered you.
And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them, because of the provocation of His sons and His daughters. And He said: ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faith. Deuteronomy 32:18-20 NKJV

Rejection of the Lord’s sovereignty and provision only leads to a desolate ending. Without faith in the One who made us, we are empty, lacking, and ultimately left to our own devices.

Let us turn back to our Rock and remember our Maker. Just like the father, who was waiting at the window for the return of his prodigal son, so the Lord is waiting for us to return to Him!

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

A Prayer for the What-if’s of Life..... By Betsy de Cruz

 A Prayer for the What-if’s of Life

By Betsy de Cruz

“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 1:7, ESV

Some days my anxious feelings get the best of me. Like the day I headed out the door with my family, dog, and picnic supplies to spend 4 hours at the park so my oldest son could take an important online exam at home. I thought I had a handle on the day until I remembered something that made me tremble.

My daughter was learning to drive, and I’d promised she could practice getting on the freeway for the first time that morning.

Suddenly all my what-if’s came crashing in on me. What if my daughter had a wreck? What if the internet went out at home, and my son bombed his test?

I took a deep breath and remembered to pray for God’s grace over my life and His peace in my heart, just like I’d read in my Bible that morning. I felt calmer as I walked out the door.

In the New Testament, Paul began almost every letter he wrote with these words: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Sometimes when we hear things again and again, we tend to tune them out, yet Paul wanted believers everywhere to remember and avail themselves of the grace and peace of God.

You may be wrestling with your own what-if’s today. What if the job doesn’t happen? What if the chemo doesn’t work or the marriage counselling doesn’t help?

How about taking a deep breath right now and remembering God loves you dearly? He stands ready to give you the grace and peace you need. No matter what happens today, God will give you His enabling grace to handle it. You belong to Jesus; nothing can steal the gift of eternal life His death has already secured for you.

Through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, you can experience the peace that passes understanding. Even in the middle of unresolved, anxiety-producing situations, you can rest in the knowledge that God is working out His perfect will for you.

So much of life happens outside of our control, but let’s not miss the grace of God. What if we meditate on Romans 1:7 today and receive the blessings of grace and peace He desires to give us?

Heavenly Father,

When things happen outside my control, I remember my life belongs to you.  I surrender to your will for my life and your plan for my day. Jesus, thank you for loving me enough to die on the cross to give me the gift of God’s grace.

Forgive me for the many times I’ve trusted in my own abilities and struggled to do things in my own power. Help me to rest in and trust your enabling grace today. I know that in all my challenges, your grace will strengthen and enable me to live for you.

Forgive me for letting stress and worry get the better of me. Thank you for the gift of peace. In this moment, I open my heart to receive the peace that only Jesus can give. No matter what happens today, help me to meet it with a calm spirit and peaceful heart.

I receive your grace and peace, Lord. I remember and receive your love for me. Help me remember You are with me each moment.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.