Streams in the Desert.....

Streams in the Desert

And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest (Jeremiah 45:5).

A promise given for hard places, and a promise of safety and life in the midst of tremendous pressure, a life "for a prey." It may well adjust itself to our own times, which are growing harder as we near the end of the age, and the Tribulation times.

What is the meaning of "a life for a prey"? It means a life snatched out of the jaws of the destroyer, as David snatched the lamb from the lion. It means not removal from the noise of the battle and the presence of our foes; but it means a table in the midst of our enemies, a shelter from the storm, a fortress amid the foe, a life preserved in the face of continual pressure: Paul's healing when pressed out of measure so that he despaired of life; Paul's Divine help when the thorn remained, but the power of Christ rested upon him and the grace of Christ was sufficient.

Lord, give me my life for a prey, and in the hardest places help me today to be victorious.
--Days of Heaven upon Earth

We often pray to be delivered from calamities; we even trust that we shall be; but we do not pray to be made what we should be, in the very presence of the calamities; to live amid them, as long as they last, in the consciousness that we are, held and sheltered by the Lord, and can therefore remain in the midst of them, so long as they continue, without any hurt.

For forty days and nights, the Saviour was kept in the presence of Satan in the wilderness, and that, under circumstances of special trial, His human nature being weakened by want of food and rest. The furnace was heated seven times more than it was wont to be heated, but the three Hebrew children were kept a season amid its flames as calm and composed in the presence of the tyrant's last appliances of torture, as they were in the presence of himself before their time of deliverance came. And the livelong night did Daniel sit among the lions, and when he was taken up out of the den, "no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God."

They dwelt in the presence of the enemy, because they dwelt in the presence of God.

Discovering Our True Identity..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Discovering Our True Identity

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Many Christians are experiencing an identity crisis. They know they’re saved, but they don’t really know what to think about themselves. Let’s take a little test. Do you consider yourself a sinner saved by grace or a saint who occasionally sins? Both statements are true, but the first one dwells on your past identity, whereas the second focuses on the Lord’s perception of you.

If you are a believer, God’s Word says that you are a saint (v. 2). But too many of us still see ourselves as the same old sinner, who’s been forgiven and patched up and yet is basically unchanged inside. But the Lord says anyone in Christ “is a new creature; the old things passed away” (2 Cor. 5:17). That’s what being born again is all about. We can never go back to the way we were.

The solution to this identity crisis is to change the way we think about ourselves. If we don’t, we’ll rely on how we feel, and Satan will bombard us with reminders of our failures and sins. He wants to keep us focused on being a sinner, because he knows that the recognition of our sainthood will lead us to live like saints. We’ll be motivated and empowered to obey God, and the Devil will lose his foothold in our lives.

Jesus didn’t come just to save you from hell; He wants to live His life through you. In Christ, you have a new identity which has replaced your old one. If you will focus on who you are now, your actions will follow, and you’ll experience the enjoyment of a victorious Christian life.

The Power of Worship Through God’s Word..... JASMINE WILLIAMS

 The Power of Worship Through God’s Word

JASMINE WILLIAMS

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 (CSB)

With hands lifted and eyes watering, I kneel in awe of God as the music from my speakers turns my prayer closet into a place of praise.

Voices like instruments change the atmosphere around me. I’m delighted to worship, eager even, and I imagine God is pleased by the joyful noise.

Fast forward 10 minutes.

Kids are awake. Two are fighting. One believes he’s starving. And the scent spewing from the little one makes the rotten leftovers in the fridge not smell so bad after all.

Oh boy.

Have you ever had the perfect quiet time with God, and then five minutes later felt just as frustrated and discouraged as before?

That was me. I figured I must not have been as good of a Christian as I thought. Otherwise, how could I go from worshipping Jesus to being frustrated with a toddler in mere minutes? Yikes!

That wasn’t true, though. It turns out I didn’t fully understand worship.

While God loves our fervent expressions of gratitude, He also wants us to worship Him in another way. John 4:24 tells us, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”

I understood the first part. The Holy Spirit allows us to connect with God personally. We can pray to Him quietly or praise Him while driving as if He belongs to us alone.

But what about the other part of the verse — “in Spirit and in truth”? What did Jesus mean when He spoke those words to the woman at the well? What truth?

When we look at John 14:6, we see Jesus was actually talking about Himself. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (CSB, emphasis added).

To know Jesus is to know truth. He was telling her real worship is only possible when we know Him.

To make this more practical, let’s insert His name into the key verse: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in [Jesus].”

Interesting, but it doesn’t really make sense until we look at how John 1:14a describes Jesus, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (CSB).

Not only is Jesus truth, but He is also Word! He represents the Word of God. Putting this together, we get, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in [Word].” 

This opened my eyes to see worship must involve both the Spirit of God and the Truth of God’s Word. I couldn’t just spend a few moments in passionate prayer and expect that to carry me through my day. Surely prayer has value, but when we worship through God’s Word, we’re empowered to face challenges using Scripture.

Ephesians 6:17 says it this way: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God” (CSB). Here, there’s no separation between the Spirit and the Word of God.

This means in addition to prayer and praise, I must also dive into the Bible, write down verses when they really speak to me and memorize them when I can.

Now, when I find myself in yesterday’s coffee-stained pajamas, wiping up squished blueberries and chicken nugget crumbs, I can remember, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, …” (Psalm 127:3, NIV) and to “count it all joy …” (James 1:2, ESV).

Though this isn’t an instant cure-all for bad moods, it equips me to combat tough times with God’s Word. And, most importantly, it pleases Him.

There’s a place of worship that looks like singing songs and praising God. But there’s also a place of worship that looks like Bible study and seeking God.

When we only spend time in one of those places, worship can feel tiring and ineffective. But when we combine them, as God intended, we get to experience the fullness of worship and feel our hearts more submitted to His will.

Dear God, thanks for giving me opportunities to praise You. Help me to remember Your Word is a vital part of my worship. Show me how to worship You in Spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.” (CSB)

Why Not Rather Be Wronged?..... by Lynette Kittle

 Why Not Rather Be Wronged?

by Lynette Kittle

Have you ever been mistreated? Dealt with unfairly or experienced loss and hardships at the hands of another? Has someone cheated you out of a position, promotion, or items that should have rightfully been yours?

If so, you’re not alone. Ever-increasing lawsuits are evidence of a world of unfairness.

Yet as a Christian, what is your response? Have you adapted the ways and methods of the culture or do you trust God in these types of matters, turning to Him to direct your reactions and make things right?

1 Corinthians 6:6 describes God’s attitude towards Christians taking each other to court like non-Christians do, stating, “But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!” 1 Corinthians 6:6

In this day of quick lawsuits, how do you handle being lied about, wronged or cheated out of things?

1 Corinthians 6:7 states, “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

Because God assures that He will bring justice, rushing to take each other to court reveals a lack of faith in God to handle it, along with an unwillingness to submit to God’s Word. Scripture urges to, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22).

With today’s quick demands for justice, God’s directions for those who have been wronged seems completely opposite to society’s methods, such as:

• “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them” (Luke 6:29).
• “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
• “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

God’s ways may not seem fair to you but Scripture states, “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1 Peter 2:19).

1 Peter 2:20 continues with, “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

Jesus suffered unjustly, being wrongly accused, ridiculed, beaten, and killed. He is the example of turning the other cheek and trusting God with the wrongs done to you.

As 1 Peter 2:21 points out, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

God’s Reminder to Us This Christmas Season: Do Not Fear..... By Debbie McDaniel

 God’s Reminder to Us This Christmas Season: Do Not Fear

By Debbie McDaniel

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Four times in the Christmas story, angels appeared at appointed times to give a message to key individuals who were a part of Jesus' life and birth. And every time, those to whom they appeared were greatly "troubled," "afraid," or even "gripped with fear." And every time the angels said these powerful words, "Do not be afraid..."

To the shepherds: "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

To Mary: "But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus." Luke 1:30-31

To Joseph: "...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him he name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:20-21

To Zechariah: "But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid Zechariah, your prayer has been heard, Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you are to give him the name John." Luke 1:13

Just like these in the Christmas story so many years ago, we’re often people who can easily become fearful, troubled, even gripped with fear. It's a natural human emotion, but God never intends for us to stay stuck there. And His powerful words and message to us is still the same, for He never changes. He says, “Do not fear,” over and over in His Word, reminding us that He is with us. And He made sure it was part of the message given to each of those to whom an angel appeared to announce His Son's birth.

"Do not be afraid."

For perfect love casts out all fear.

Jesus came bringing peace that the world could never give.

Jesus came bringing light that the darkness could never overcome.

Jesus came bringing freedom from the barrier of sin and brought victory over death, once and for all.

The opposite of fear is not really simply "courage," but it is peace, faith, love, the assurance that we are held by a God who is Mighty and Sovereign and Strong.

Many of you have faced deep loss this year, the hurt of losing a loved one too soon, illness, cancer, financial troubles, or job loss. Others are struggling through the pain of broken relationships. Many are fighting depression and despair, facing addictions and giants that seem too big.

Whatever you might be battling this season, I pray that you will find deep peace in Him. The One who loves you so much and says, "Do not fear..."

He is greater. Always. He came to overcome it all. And He is with us.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Give God your worries and fears today, again, and afresh. Choose to leave it all in the hands that have the power to bring us deep peace and assurance, that the world can never give or take away. Be assured His Presence is with you and His love never fails.

Further Reading:
Luke 1:11-33
Luke 2:8-14
Matthew 1:20-21

A Prayer for “Guarding What’s Been Entrusted to You”..... By: Chelsey DeMatteis

 A Prayer for “Guarding What’s Been Entrusted to You”

By: Chelsey DeMatteis

“Guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” - 1 Timothy 6:20

Last summer, I spent a lot of time in the letters Paul wrote to the men he had trained up. Something really special about these letters continued to pierce my heart. The Lord continued to highlight to me the command over our lives to guard the deposits entrusted to us. To guard, yet actively be brave in Christ for the things He has given us.

Each time Paul mentions guarding what’s been given to Timothy, it’s attached to the call of living out his faith, standing firm in the truth that he knows, and serving where God has him. In Hebrew, the word entrust means: deposit, appoint, to remember. So, for us as Christ-followers, we must first seek to know what God has entrusted to us.

This means prayerfully asking God to open our eyes to see our world through a Kingdom perspective. For me personally, He revealed something I knew, yet hadn’t fully let sink in.

After giving our lives to Christ, we now have our testimony. This is the second most important story entrusted to us, other than the Gospel. God calls us to share the story He’s written for us. God has entrusted you and me to share the parts of our stories that He permits. Scripture confirms this many times, but my favorite example is in Revelation 12:11, “We conquer him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies.” How amazing is this? The enemy is conquered because of Jesus’ sacrifice and our testimonies (God’s work within us).

Another example of testimonies that the Lord has used to encourage my heart is from Luke 2:15-16. This is where the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. It says the shepherds looked at one another and said, “let us go.” They had no hesitation to move on behalf of the truth God had just entrusted to them.

Likewise, we are called to confidently trust the Lord. God was faithful then and He is still faithful now. Leading, directing, and nudging us to move on behalf of the truth He shares with us.

Living with the perspective that everything given to us is something “entrusted to us” by God will change the way we live. It will remove pride and entitlement from our hearts. It will remind us that we serve a God who wants us to know us more and make Him known. This is a beautiful thing.

As you and I live with hearts guarding God’s truth, boldly pursuing our faith, and bravely sharing His truth let us remember this - that just like shepherds, Paul, and Timothy, we can trust where the Lord has us and we must lean into Him as He reveals the good things He has entrusted to us.

Pray with me…

Lord, today as I seek to live according to your word, open my eyes to see the people in my life as you see them. Remind me that these people are ones you’ve entrusted to me - even if only for a moment. I pray for a heart that lives boldly for you. Help me see my testimony as a gift to share with others who need your hope. Help me guard what has been entrusted to me – the good news of Christ Jesus, and how he has personally rescued and renewed me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

An Unhurried Holiday..... by Karen Ehman

 An Unhurried Holiday

by Karen Ehman

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger." Luke 2:16 (NIV)

"Hurry up! We're going to be late to the choir concert!"

"Come on kids. Help me unload these groceries right now. I've got to get these cookies baked before bedtime."

"Is it 6 a.m. already? I gotta get to that door buster sale as soon as it opens so I don't miss out on the deals!"

With the holiday season upon us, the music at the mall announces that folks are dreaming of a white Christmas. That may be true. But in reality, many women are dreaming of something else white: a little more white space on our December calendars!

Pageants. Parties. Shopping trips. Baking days. Wrapping nights. At every turn there are people to see, things to do, stuff to buy. The hustle and bustle of this supposed-to-be-happy season can knock the holly-jolly right out of our holidays and replace it with hurried-up headaches instead.

As a result, our calendars become overloaded, crowding out the spiritual significance of the season.

I wonder if the participants in the original Christmas story ever dreamed that the celebration of Christ's birth would become so hassled and hurried. The shepherds? The angels? The wise men? Mary and Joseph too?

Was hurriedness present the night Jesus was born? We might think that it was not. But actually, there was hurry present that night. However, it wasn't to the mall or grocery store that people were rushing.

The shepherds were working in the fields when suddenly an ensemble of angels told them the Christ Child had been born. Luke 2:16 says they hurried off to find Him lying in a manger.

If I had been one of those shepherds, I would have been quiet and amazed once I got there. Being around a newborn baby makes me speak in a hushed tone and feel such awe as I see new life. In the presence of Jesus I wonder if those men too were settled and silent.

Maybe we could do the same today. In the midst of our holiday hustle and tasks, we could stop; leave our work. We could slow down long enough to hurry in another direction. We could put our activities on hold so we might quietly meet with our Lord. We could be settled and silent in the presence of Jesus.

As a result we just might discover an unhurried holiday: a season that will strengthen us spiritually instead of sapping our energy and joy.

How about it? Will we pause and purpose to hurry into His presence instead of rushing from task to task? Dare we linger long enough to be refreshed by the company of the One whom the holiday is really about? The tasks will wait while we do.

Here's to more "white space" this Christmas; space that creates more room in our days for meeting with Jesus!

Dear Lord, remind me daily that it's You I should rush to during the holiday hustle. Not things. Not activities. I want to seek and find only You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.