With the King for His Work..... Streams in the Desert

With the King for His Work

Streams in the Desert 

These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work (1 Chron. 4:23).

Anywhere and everywhere we may dwell "with the king for his work." We may be in a very unlikely and unfavorable place for this; it may be in a literal country life, with little enough to be seen of the "goings" of the King around us; it may be among the hedges of all sorts, hindrances in all directions; it may be furthermore, with our hands full of all manner of pottery for our daily task.

No matter! The King who placed us "there" will come and dwell there with us; the hedges are right, or He would soon do away with them. And it does not follow that what seems to hinder our way may not be for its very protection; and as for the pottery, why, that is just exactly what He has seen fit to put into our hands, and therefore it is, for the present, "His work."
--Frances Ridley Havergal

Go back to thy garden-plot, sweetheart!
Go back till the evening falls,
And bind thy lilies and train thy vines,
Till for thee the Master calls.

Go make thy garden fair as thou canst,
Thou workest never alone;
Perhaps he whose plot is next to thine
Will see it and mend his own.

The colored sunsets and starry heavens, the beautiful mountains and the shining seas, the fragrant woods and painted flowers, are not half so beautiful as a soul that is serving Jesus out of love, in the wear and tear of common, unpoetic life.
--Faber

The most saintly spirits are often existing in those who have never distinguished themselves as authors, or left any memorial of themselves to be the theme of the world's talk; but who have led an interior angelic life, having borne their sweet blossoms unseen like the young lily in a sequestered vale on the bank of a limpid stream.
--Kenelm Digby

Understanding Guilt..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Understanding Guilt

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 8:1-11

Guilt over doing something that violates the conscience is a normal emotion. However, living under a cloud of remorse for no discernible reason is not. The Lord designed feelings of culpability and regret to serve as a reminder that a person has done wrong and needs to repent. But Satan twists those emotions to imprison men and women: those living in shame are uncertain of God's love and often lack self-confidence.

Good guilt--the Lord's effective tool for prompting repentance--is a gift that helps us find the right path. However, the Devil encourages false guilt, which involves taking responsibility for things outside our control and then suffering self-condemnation for not changing the outcome. This unhealthy type of guilt is also a widespread problem for those in legalistic churches or lifestyles--certain behaviors or thoughts are labeled as wrong, and then people feel ashamed for doing or thinking those things.

Self-condemnation stunts a relationship with Jesus. Instead of enjoying the peace of God, people who are trapped by shame fear His rejection and feel driven to prove their worth. Trust is nearly impossible because they are waiting for God's judgment to rain down. Their guilt even colors how they see themselves: rather than saying, "My action is wrong," they say, "I am bad."

Jesus did not come to accuse or condemn us. Christ restored our souls and made us righteous before God so that our guilt is removed. If our Savior forgave the woman caught in an adulterous relationship, just imagine how ready He is to take your shame away too (John 8:11).

Pretending I’m Fine or Proving I’m Right..... LYSA TERKEURST

 Pretending I’m Fine or Proving I’m Right

LYSA TERKEURST

Lee en español

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 (NIV)

If someone says something or does something that hurts me, what is the godly response? Is it to pretend like everything is fine so I can keep the peace? Or is it to confront the person to prove how wrong they are?

I’m learning that it’s actually neither.

If ever I catch myself pretending or proving, I know I’m processing my hurt the wrong way.

The godly way is approaching this situation with soul integrity — responding in a way that’s honest but also peacemaking. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure [honest]; then peace-loving …” Yes, I want this kind of wisdom — this soul integrity. I want to be honest and peacemaking at the same time. But how?

Just realizing this can help me make progress. After all, hurt feelings don’t often want to cooperate with holy instructions.

Real Honesty.

Not all honest expressions of my feelings can be categorized as “healthy.” You see, my honest feelings may not be truthful assessments of the situation. I can be honest with how I feel and still exaggerate or misinterpret what is factually true. I can feel justified in being blatant about my feelings and not holding anything back by thinking, “I’m just being true to myself.” But if I’m not being true to my most healed self, then I could compound everyone’s hurt.

Honesty that isn’t surrendered to truth isn’t honesty at all. It could just be emotional spewing. That’s why we need peacemaking honesty — honesty reined in by the Holy Spirit — if we're going to have authentic soul integrity.

So, if I want real honesty, I have to ask the Holy Spirit to show me real truth. I need to see things from the other person’s perspective. I need to ask questions with the desire to better understand instead of throwing out statements of accusation. Ultimately, my goal should be to add peacemaking to my honesty.

Real Peacemaking.

It must grieve God to see plastic versions of peacemaking that aren't reined in by honesty. That’s what we do when we stuff our emotions and pretend everything is okay. The upside to stuffing is that we have the semblance of peacemakers. But when we do this at the expense of honesty, we harbor a corrosive bitterness that will eventually emerge. Either it will erode our health and later present itself in a host of emotional and physical anxiety-induced illnesses, or it will accumulate over time and surprise everyone when the peacemaker eventually erupts. Saying “I’m fine” to keep the peace when we're really not fine builds walls and shuts down intimacy.

Sometimes, dishonesty comes in the form of saying things that aren't true. But it’s also dishonest when we pretend to be okay but secretly simmer with resentment.

It may seem godly in the moment, but it’s false godliness. Truth and godliness always walk hand-in-hand. The minute we divorce one from the other, we stray from soul integrity and give a foothold to the instability that inevitably leads to coming unglued.

Yes, we’re after soul integrity — honesty that is also peacemaking that leads to godliness. This soul integrity brings balance to unglued reactions. It makes us true peacemakers — people who aren’t proving or pretending but rather, honestly demonstrating what they experience in a godly manner.

None of this is easy. None of this is tidy. But I’m convinced better reactions can lead to better relationships.

Dear Lord, it is only through You that I'm able to bring all my exploding and stuffing under Your authority and Truth. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who gives me wisdom and helps me have better reactions. Help me lean on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (ESV)

James 3:18, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (NIV)

Are You Listening?..... by Ryan Duncan

 Are You Listening?

by Ryan Duncan

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. – Proverbs 12:15

It’s common to hear Christians say, "Speak the truth with love," but what about listening? I once read the story of a young man who was struggling with a number of problems. He was depressed, his faith was waning, and his parents eventually convinced him to sit down with their Church's pastor. The day of the appointment, the pastor walked in and, before the young man could even open his mouth, began to speak about "How the grace of God was sufficient for all things."

"By the end of the meeting I knew a lot about him and what he believed, but he knew absolutely nothing about me," the young man would later recall. Sadly, one of the most overlooked commands in the Bible is that we are to listen to others. Too often, in our zeal to share the word of Christ with others, we end up trampling them in platitudes and redundant scriptures. But listening can be a powerful tool. Listening builds understanding, diminishes fear, and can be comforting in a time of sorrow.

Look at this passage from the book of James,

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. – James 1:19-25

Listening is the first step in acting out the scriptures, not speaking. The Church has the potential to do so much good in the world, to share the love of Christ with so many people. However, in order to do this we must first stop talking, sit quietly, and get to know them. We need to hear their stories, understand their hurts, empathize with their anger, and then, when they have nothing else to say, that is when we speak our truth. It's time to start using our ears before we use our words.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you been listening to others? Take a moment and consider how you are reflecting Christ.

Further Reading

Proverbs 17:28

5 Lessons from Joshua to Help You Overcome Discouragement..... By Kristi Woods

 5 Lessons from Joshua to Help You Overcome Discouragement

By Kristi Woods

Joshua was a man who faced many battles. The term “leader” was pinned on his lapel. But I often wonder if discouragement tried to become chums with Joshua. After all, one of the first things God spoke to him after he became Israel’s leader was to not be dismayed or discouraged. Let’s take a look at our friend, Joshua, in order to gain fuel for our journey in overcoming discouragement.

1. Remember the Commander

Joshua’s battle with Jericho is widely known. There was a victory. But there was also a beginning, when the victory wasn’t known. Hop back to the beginning of the book of Joshua:

"Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

God reassured Joshua that He was with him – even before the battle began. When we walk where we’re led and hear fear roaring, remember God and His words: Be strong. Be courageous. Haven’t I commanded you?

2. Ask for Help

Oftentimes we need others to stand alongside us in the battle. Joshua experienced this with Moses.

"So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset." Exodus 17:10-12

Whether prayer warriors, mentors, pastors, counselors, or even a simple set of listening ears or a truthful tongue come alongside us, asking for help is often necessary.

3. Follow God’s Counsel

Yahweh said to Joshua, “Behold, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty men of valor. All of your men of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up, every man straight in front of him.” Joshua 6:2-5 WEB

I don’t know about you, but I might have questioned a seven-day march. But that’s what it took to overthrow Jericho. Joshua was wise. His counselor – God, was even wiser. The end result of Joshua’s obedience to God was an overthrow and victory.

4. It’s About More than Us

“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them." Joshua 1:6

When loser status hits, think big. The situation is likely about more than simply us. Darkness loves nothing better than to single us out, reminding us that it’s only about us. That’s not true. Our lives intersect with others’ – that’s God-ordained for His purposes. This battle and its outcome are about more than just us. 

5. God is with Us

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.  Joshua 1:5

Joshua had just taken over the leadership role. Mighty and humble Moses was gone. Joshua had big shoes to fill, and with God’s help, he did.

Sometimes we have big shoes – or even little ones - to fill as well. There may be bumps along the way, but let’s promise each other to keep this verse solidly before us, okay? God isn’t in the business of failures. He’s not an absent Father, either. No, when we feel like a loser, it’s okay to tell those feelings to take a hike, to set them in prayer at the throne of the Almighty. After all, God is with us.

A Prayer to Remember: God Fights for You Today..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer to Remember: God Fights for You Today

By Debbie McDaniel

“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” - Deut. 3:22

One thing is sure - if you're a believer who is living like salt and light in a dark world, you won't go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks the enemy will hurl your direction. God's words are true, this battle is real, and intense.

If you find yourself facing hard struggles today, please know you're not alone. Neither are you left to fight on your own. Many of us are in the battle with you, and God is the One who fights on behalf of His children, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening, even when we're unaware.

And He's given us His words that are powerful and true, so we'll have the wisdom to stand against the enemy. We do not have to walk in fear. For when we belong to Christ, the enemy never has the final word. We are secure in God's hands and He reminds us over and over in His word to keep standing firm.

You never fight alone.

Let God do, on your behalf, what you could never do on your own.

He's with us.

Always.

And He is Mighty.

Dear God,

We thank you that you hold the victory over sin and death in this world. We thank you that you came to set the captives free.  We thank you for your redemptive work you’ve done in our lives.  We thank you for freedom and the hope you bring.

Your word says to “stand our ground,” and that’s what we will do, in the power of your Name. The enemy has no control over us, and we bring your words of truth as weapon against his schemes. We know that we’re never alone, for you are constantly at work on behalf of your children, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware.

 We ask that you would give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy and to stand strong against his work.

We ask that you would remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers.

We ask that you would help us to stay alert in a dark world.

We ask that you would help us to be salt and light, that we would be loving and gracious, yet unyielding to sin.

We ask that you help us to remember to put on your armor daily, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this day.

We thank you that you are far greater than anything we face here in this life, and we have overcome, because you have set us free.

We thank you for your truth, “no weapon formed that is formed against you will prosper.”

Lord, we ask for your peace, we ask for your protection, we trust you for your constant work on our behalf. We ask you to bring justice. We ask that you would bring light, knowing that you expose the deeds of darkness.

Standing together in your great and powerful Name, believing you are with us.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Gratitude Changes Everything..... Sharon Jaynes

 Gratitude Changes Everything

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and so I’ve been thinking about gratitude a lot lately. What is it? When should we show it? What does God say about it?

Paul wrote the Thessalonians, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Most read that verse and think it rather nice. So we slap a sloppy coat of thanksgiving on life and go about our day. In reality, most of us are thankful for very little.

Notice the Bible doesn’t command us to feel thankful in all circumstances. Instead it commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” When I begin to praise God in a difficult situation, even if I don’t feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation like diamonds on black velvet.

Sometimes I don’t see glory in tragedy, but I still can praise God because I know He is there.

Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the circumstances in our little slice of time. Thanksgiving changes our perspective despite broken dreams, broken relationships, tumultuous circumstances, and unfulfilled longings.

As you praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He’s done, your perspective of Him grows larger and your problems grow smaller. As a result, you will experience a deeper sense of intimacy with God as the emotional gap between what you know to be true and how you feel at the moment closes.

On many occasions in the Psalms, David complained about his circumstances (Psalms 42; 57; 62). But more often than not, about midway through David’s laments, he begins praising God for who He is and thanking God for what He’s done. And you know what happens? All of a sudden David starts feeling better! Life isn’t so bad after all! His problems grow smaller as his perspective of God grows larger, and he begins to see God’s glory shining through the situation.

Why is that? In the writing of one little Psalm, David shifted from depression to rejoicing. He didn’t wait until God changed his situation, solved his problem, or made him feel better before he began thanking Him.

Oh friend, when we stop complaining and grumbling and begin speaking God’s love language of gratitude, our perspective will change as well. We will begin seeing moments of sudden glory through the lens of praise and thanksgiving—glory moments that were there all along, but hidden from the grumbling eye.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I praise Your Name. I exalt Your Name forever. Even though I may not understand what is going on in my life, I trust that You are good and Your plans are good.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen. 

Now It’s Your Turn

Today, read Psalms 145,146, and 147. Take note of what the psalmist praised God for.

Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for and share them.