Streams in the Desert

 Streams in the Desert

Blessed is he that waiteth (Dan. 12:12).

It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still.

There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption?

No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid.

Wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in Him. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come, and shall not tarry.

Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I will wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. I will wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for Thee in full conviction that Thou wilt yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower."
--Morning by Morning

Wait patiently wait,
God never is late;
Thy budding plans are in Thy Father's holding,
And only wait His grand divine unfolding.
Then wait, wait,
Patiently wait.
Trust, hopefully trust,
That God will adjust
Thy tangled life; and from its dark concealings,
Will bring His will, in all its bright revealings.
Then trust, trust,
Hopefully trust.
Rest, peacefully rest
On thy Saviour's breast;
Breathe in His ear thy sacred high ambition,
And He will bring it forth in blest fruition.
Then rest, rest,
Peacefully rest!
--Mercy A. Gladwin

Resisting Fleshly Appetites..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Resisting Fleshly Appetites

Dr. Charles Stanley

Ephesians 2:1-7

The Holy Spirit guides believers to make wise and righteous decisions. But when Christians fail to listen, they can make choices that appeal to the flesh instead.

After the serpent spoke to Eve, she no doubt took a long look at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17; 3:3). Whatever she might have thought about the tree before, she now saw it with new eyes—flesh-focused eyes. Genesis 3 tells us that the forbidden tree appealed to Eve in three ways: 1) it was good for food, 2) it was a delight to the eyes, and 3) it was desirable to make one wise.

In other words, the tree could fulfill three legitimate human appetites: the desire for tasty meals, beauty, and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with these God-given yearnings. The Lord created a variety of food and an earth packed with breathtaking sights so that people could enjoy them. He also offers the Holy Spirit as a source of His true wisdom and knowledge. In fact, it is the Spirit who teaches believers to keep fleshly appetites under control and in balance.

Meanwhile, Satan works very hard at corrupting healthy desires. He abhors seeing people's appetites satisfied. What he wants is to watch a person lusting after a good thing until he or she is controlled by the impulse to have it.

The Devil is pleased when people make themselves slaves to a desire that—in the proper context—the Lord intended to be enjoyed freely. A believer walking in the Holy Spirit rejects gluttony, preferring desires that are within God's boundaries instead. That's how we get His very best.

Sheltered in the Midst of the Storm..... TRACIE BRAYLOCK

 Sheltered in the Midst of the Storm

TRACIE BRAYLOCK

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

We were standing in the children’s section of the bookstore when the sirens went off.

I paused, looking around for answers from the other unsuspecting customers.

None of us seemed to know what was going on.

There was no sign of a storm when I entered the store with my little one several minutes earlier. But the beautiful, cloudless summer day didn’t tell the full story about what was to come.

A startling voice came over the loudspeaker, announcing that a tornado warning had been issued, and we were to take shelter immediately.

Taking my little one out of the stroller, I held him in my arms as we sat leaning against the towering shelves of books, waiting for the storm to pass.

But before it did, all of the customers were told to leave the building.

A bit stunned by the swift evacuation, we all found ourselves outside with an even greater awareness of the rapidly changing weather. Some simply stood there, staring at the approaching storm, while others scattered in all directions to escape it.

We made it home safely in the midst of the sirens and increasingly darkening sky, and all I could do was thank God for His presence and protection.

So much happened so quickly — from the loud, unexpected sounds of the alarms, to the realization we were in the path of the impending storm, to the sudden loss of perceived shelter.

In that moment, my dependence upon God, my need for His presence and the value of hiding His Word in my heart were ever so clear.

In that moment, I prayed, asking God to continue to keep us safe and thanking Him for doing that already.

In that moment, I chose not to rehearse that shaky voice who spoke to us over the loudspeaker and, instead, listen closely to the One who promised never to leave or forsake us.

Oftentimes, when life is coming at us quickly, we can become overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

When we only use our natural senses to experience what’s taking place while we’re in the midst of troubling situations, we miss the opportunity to rely solely on God and trust all He has promised us.

We’re reminded in Colossians 3:2 to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

So, friend, be aware of — but not distracted by — the storms you’re experiencing.

They don’t change God’s presence, power, protection or provision.

He is indeed with you, showing you which way to go and offering you shelter in the midst of the storm.

Dear Lord, when there is chaos all around me, I know I can depend on You to remain right there with me. Thank You for Your loving presence and for sheltering me in every storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 61:3-4, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah.” (ESV)

Psalm 32:7, “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.” (ESV)

Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every Day..... By Debbie McDaniel

 Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every Day

By Debbie McDaniel

"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

We may forget at times but one thing is true - this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing more than to bring defeat, for his main aim is to steal, kill, and destroy.

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us too. We just have to decide which voice we’re going to listen to, and who we're going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we don't make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap.

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. He's real and fierce, and he will stop at nothing to try to bring you down.

Don't let him win.

If you find yourself there today, know that 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 your behalf, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening, even when you're unaware. He's given us His words that are true and powerful, so that we'll have the wisdom to stand against the enemy.

Focusing here today, putting on His armor, staying alert, and praying, that God will equip believers everywhere to "stand strong." Remember, our battle today may be more about what is unseen than what we see before us. And when we resist the enemy, God’s word says he has to flee. Stand strong friends. God has the final victory over our lives. And He is surely with us.

"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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Intersecting Faith & Life:  If the enemy seems to be hot on your trail, or you find yourself facing huge obstacles this week, God whispers these words down deep into your soul. "I'm fighting for you, I'm with you, stand firm, be still." Peace.

Further Reading: Ephesians 6, Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 3:22, Isaiah 41:10

Feed My Sheep..... By: Amanda Idleman

 Feed My Sheep (John 21:17)

By: Amanda Idleman

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” - John 21:17

Can you hear the urgency in Jesus' question for Peter? The tenderness in the way he pushes Peter past his failure of denying him, and into living a life that continues to honor Jesus as Lord? After reading this exchange, we can all start to see God’s heart of love for humanity. He desires Christ-followers to be people who live in service of others!

In John 21, Peter and a few of the disciples decide to go fishing. But after fishing all night, they had no success. In the morning, a man calls to them from the shore asking if they had caught any fish. He then tells them to cast their net on the right side of their boats. When they do, they suddenly catch an abundance of fish! As they are pulling up the net, one that is now packed full of fish, John recognizes the man on the shore as Jesus and shares this revelation with Peter. Peter immediately jumps out of the boat and eagerly swims to shore to meet Jesus!

When Peter gets to Jesus, he sees that Christ is waiting for them with fish and bread, ready to eat. Jesus invites Peter to have breakfast with him and then in verse 17 begins to ask Peter if he loves him. Jesus asks Peter “if he loves him” three times, mirroring how Peter had denied Christ three times before Jesus was killed on the cross.

Jesus’ conversation with Peter is restoring his relationship with Peter, charging Peter to continue the mission of sharing the good news of Jesus with the world, and preparing Peter for what it was going to take to be his follower in the coming months and years. Jesus foretells Peter’s death and instructs him not to worry with the fate of the other disciples but to focus his mind on him following Jesus well (John 21:18-22).

As Peter and the disciples huddled around the fire, eating breakfast, this intimate exchange is had. Just as Jesus was feeding them, so his exhortation to them looked like “feeding his sheep.” These men went out from these precious encounters giving their lives to grow the early church.

The repetition of Jesus' question “do you love me” grieved Peter for a few reasons. First, Peter feared that Jesus doubted his sincerity and repentant heart. Next, it brought to mind Peter’s denial of Jesus before Jesus’ crucifixion. Lastly, it made Peter feel that Jesus may be alluding to a future failure of Peter, as he had when Jesus predicts Peter’s three denials of knowing him. By the end of the exchange is it clear that Jesus is repeating himself to demonstrate to Peter that he has been fully restored to his role as an apostle. As an apostle Peter was commissioned to “feed his sheep.”

To “feed my sheep” can be translated “to give food” but the word used implies more than just physical feeding other others. The text is pointing to Peter to take on the role of a shepherd, who would guide, watch, and defend the sheep as well as feed them. “My Sheep” commonly refers to the church throughout the Bible.

As Peter and the disciples huddled around the fire, eating breakfast, this intimate exchange is had. Just as Jesus was feeding them, so his exhortation to them looked like “feeding his sheep.” These men went out from these precious encounters giving their lives to grow the early church.

The repetition of Jesus' question “do you love me” grieved Peter for a few reasons. First, Peter feared that Jesus doubted his sincerity and repentant heart. Next, it brought to mind Peter’s denial of Jesus before Jesus’ crucifixion. Lastly, it made Peter feel that Jesus may be alluding to a future failure of Peter, as he had when Jesus predicts Peter’s three denials of knowing him. By the end of the exchange is it clear that Jesus is repeating himself to demonstrate to Peter that he has been fully restored to his role as an apostle. As an apostle Peter was commissioned to “feed his sheep.”

To “feed my sheep” can be translated “to give food” but the word used implies more than just physical feeding other others. The text is pointing to Peter to take on the role of a shepherd, who would guide, watch, and defend the sheep as well as feed them. “My Sheep” commonly refers to the church throughout the Bible.

A Prayer of Lament from Habakkuk..... By Christina Fox

 A Prayer of Lament from Habakkuk

By Christina Fox

There are some seasons in our Christian life where we wonder where God is. We call out to God and wonder if he even hears us. We plead and cry for his help but nothing changes in our circumstances.

There's a place in Scripture where the writer wonders where God is: the book of Habakkuk.

HABAKKUK'S LAMENT

Unlike the laments in the Psalms, this one shows us God's response. In his lament, Habakkuk cries out to God. He asks for God's help, intervention, and justice. Like most other laments, Habakkuk responds with trust in God.

The book begins with the prophet looking at the sin and idolatry around him and asking, "O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise" (1:2-3).

God responded to Habakkuk's question but not in the way he expected. God told Habakkuk that he would deal with the sin and idolatry. He would deal with it by sending Babylon to exact his justice. God would judge not only Judah, but their enemies as well. "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own" (1:5-7).

This was hard for Habakkuk to hear. Babylon was an evil nation. Yet Habakkuk responded and affirmed God's sovereignty, holiness, and power, "Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof." (1:12).

But he still wanted to know, why? (vs.13).

It may seem that evil is winning the day, but one day, God's glory will cover the earth, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" 2:14). For those of us who watch the evil around us in the world or in our own lives and wonder when God will move, this is a good reminder. As our Savior said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Habakkuk placed his trust and hope in the God who was faithful to his people in the past and trusted in his promises for the future. Jesus came as the answer to those promises. He is the answer to the suffering, injustice, and evil in the world. He is the One to whom all the stories of redemption and deliverance in the Old Testament point to. On this side of the cross, we can trust in God's perfect plan. We too can "quietly wait." We can rejoice even in the midst of our anxieties (vs. 16). Christ has come and is with us in the darkest days. And he will come again and make all things new.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, my joy is found in you. You are my salvation and my strength. Whatever my circumstances, whatever fears or anxieties I have, whatever darkness lurks on the horizon, whatever is happening in the world around me, you are my salvation and my joy. When the world around me seems confusing and hopeless, I pray that you would fill me with incredible hope in your goodness, grace and sovereignty over all things. Help me fix my gaze on you all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free..... By Debbie McDaniel

 Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free

By Debbie McDaniel

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalms 28:7

We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a heart of thanks. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, just to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.

Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. We may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like He let us down. We think God seems distant, like he’s far away, or doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiraling.

But here’s what can make a lasting difference. We have a choice, every day, to give him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. His power, through hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.

No matter what our current situation, or the struggles we may be facing, here’s what choosing to be thankful does:

• It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.
• It reminds us we’re not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him.
• It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all the little things, which often we may forget to thank Him for. It takes our attention off our problems and helps us instead to reflect on the goodness of His many blessings.
• It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
• A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
• It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can’t stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
• It opens the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Maybe you’re in a hard place right now. Maybe you feel like God has left you on your own, to fend for yourself, or the battle seems too hard. Maybe there’s never enough money left at the end of the month and you can’t figure out how to make things work. No matter what, in it all, be assured that God is with you and He cares. Choose a heart of gratefulness today. Make a list of all that God has blessed and filled your life with, that it’s been easy to take for granted at times. Trust He knows what concerns you and is at work even now, to bring you through this uncertain season. Thank Him for providing all you need.

Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalms 136, Psalms 103:1-5