Streams in the Desert.....

 Streams in the Desert

Lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him (Gen. 15:12).

The sun at last went down, and the swift, eastern night cast its heavy veil over the scene. Worn out with the mental conflict, the watchings, and the exertions of the day, Abraham fell into a deep sleep, and in that sleep is soul was oppressed with a dense and dreadful darkness, such as almost stifled him, and lay like a nightmare upon his heart.

Do you understand something of the horror of that darkness? When some terrible sorrow which seems so hard to reconcile with perfect love, crushes down upon the soul, wringing from it all its peaceful rest in the pitifulness of God, and launching it on a sea unlit by a ray of hope; when unkindness, and cruelty maltreat the trusting heart, till it begins to doubt whether there be a God overhead who can see and still permit--these know something of the "horror of great darkness."

It is thus that human life is made up; rightness and gloom; shadow and sun; long tracks of cloud, succeeded by brilliant glints of light, and amid all Divine justice is working out its own schemes, affecting others equally with the individual soul which seems the subject of special discipline.

O ye who are filled with the horror of great darkness because of God's dealings with mankind, learn to trust that infallible wisdom, which is co-assessor with immutable justice; and know that He who passed through the horror of the darkness of Calvary, with the cry of forsakenness, is ready to bear you company through the valley of the shadow of death till you see the sun shining upon its further side.

Let us, by our Forerunner, send forward our anchor, Hope, within the veil that parts us from the unseen; where it will grapple in ground and will not yield, but hold until the day dawns, and we follow it into the haven guaranteed to us by God's immutable counsel.
--F. B. Meyer

The disciples thought that that angry sea separated them from Jesus. Nay, some of them thought worse than that; they thought that the trouble that had come upon them was a sign that Jesus had forgotten all about them, and did not care for them.

Oh, dear friend, that is when troubles have a sting, when the devil whispers, "God has forgotten you; God has forsaken you"; when your unbelieving heart cries as Gideon cried, "If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?" The evil has come upon you to bring the Lord nearer to you. The evil has not come upon you to separate you from Jesus, but to make you cling to Him more faithfully, more tenaciously, more simply.
--F. S. Webster, M.A.

Never should we so abandon ourselves to God as when He seems to have abandoned us. Let us enjoy light and consolation when it is His pleasure to give it to us, but let us not attach ourselves to His gifts, but to Himself; and when He plunges us into the night of pure faith, let us still press on through the agonizing darkness.

Oh, for faith that brings the triumph
When defeat seems strangely near!
Oh, for faith that brings the triumph
Into victory's ringing cheer--
Faith triumphant; knowing not defeat or fear.
--Herbert Booth

Learning Obedience through Suffering..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Learning Obedience through Suffering

Dr. Charles Stanley

Hebrews 5:7-8

Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to suffer so much when He came to earth as a man? One might expect that the Son of the living God would live a comfortable life and die a peaceful death. After all, wouldn't His blood have paid for our sins whether it was shed painlessly or torturously?

But Jesus took on human flesh and came to earth not just to die for our transgressions but also—with the exception of sin—to identify with us in every area of our lives. And that includes suffering (Heb. 2:17-18). How would a Savior who had no experience with pain help us when we hurt? Also, when it's difficult for us to obey the Lord, we need the help of One who learned obedience from the things He suffered.

Unlike us, Jesus didn't move from being rebellious to becoming obedient. Rather, He learned by personal experience the pathway we have to walk when God calls us to do something difficult or painful.

In His humanity, Christ struggled with the assignment that lay before Him: death on the cross. Even though the Father heard His cries, the plan was not changed, and Jesus walked through all of it in complete submission, just as He had done with every divine "assignment" throughout His earthly life.

The only reason you and I have salvation is because Jesus always did what pleased His Father—had He rebelled in that one area, all hope for lost humanity would be cancelled. If His obedience in suffering resulted in such a great benefit, just imagine what is in store for us when we do what God wants.

About My Anger...... LYSA TERKEURST

 About My Anger

LYSA TERKEURST

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) 

I used to misunderstand today’s key verses and use them in the completely wrong way. It was so convenient to pull them out when someone wanted to go to bed and I still wanted to talk about whatever was causing a conflict.

“Oh no, you can’t call timeout right now. We have to keep talking about this because the Bible says, ‘do not let the sun go down on your anger.’ Clearly, the sun is going down, so we have to resolve this.”

But I noticed recently that the three words in today’s key verse say, “in your anger.” It doesn't say, “in THEIR anger they better not sin.” So this passage isn’t about resolving all relational issues before 9 p.m. It’s talking about my anger, not our frustration.

As I looked more into this passage, I wrote in my journal, “Lysa … you’ve got to deal with this anger. Don’t lay in your bed and let it consume your mind. If it does, it will come out of your mouth and reveal who or what is mastering you.” I circled the word “anger” and decided to look up more verses to help me know what to do with my strong emotions.

Whenever I study Scripture, I challenge myself to go back to the very first time a word or topic is mentioned. I did this with the word “anger” and found myself in Genesis 4:2-8 where we encounter the first relational conflict in Scripture — the story of Cain and Abel.

I’ve known the story of these two brothers for years, but I missed a really important detail. In between Cain getting angry about God not accepting his offering and killing his brother, the Lord came and talked with him. The Lord Himself said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:6b-7, NIV).

And suddenly it’s not so much a story about Cain and Abel; God is speaking to me.

I’m blown away by this pattern God revealed to me in Scripture: What we let consume our minds makes its way out through our mouths, revealing the real source of what’s driving our decisions.

I see it here in the story of Cain and Abel:

1. Mind: Cain refused to humble himself and allowed this anger to fester inside him.
2. Mouth: Cain was not willing to let forgiveness spill from his lips.
3. What ruled him: The sin that was crouching at his door deeply ruled over him, so much that he killed his brother. He gave his feelings the right to dictate his actions, even after God came and talked with him.

And when I read similar warnings in places like 1 Peter 5:6-9 and James 4:7-11, I realize that I must get intentional when I go to bed every night.

I must not let anger and frustration run rampant through my thoughts.

It’s hard when the hurt is so fresh or the frustration is so ongoing. Those are the times I don’t know what to do with myself — when I’m lying in my bed and I have unresolved feelings that just won’t go away on their own.

But isn’t God so gracious that He gives us today’s key verse and ties this valuable lesson to something we all get to see every night? As the sun is going down, I pray that we remember it's time to pause and let God tend to any strong or potentially damaging reactions to hurts that could consume us.

We can pray, “Father, I need Your forgiveness to flow to me and through me right now so Your Spirit can work in me and sweep my heart clean.” This doesn’t make light of or deny our hurt; it puts it in the hands of God so He can help us better process it.

Yes, forgiveness is a complicated grace that uncomplicates my anger and helps me see beautiful again.

Don’t read past that statement too quickly. Remember, our ability to forgive others rises and falls on whether we lean into what Jesus has already done. I must receive His grace for me and then allow that same grace to freely flow through me to others.

This is the Spirit of God working in us. And where the Spirit is, good can be worked. Peace can be found. Healing words can be spoken. Balled-up fists can be released. Gentler answers can be given. Progress can be made. The enemy can be defeated. God can be glorified. And the watching world can see more and more of the reality of Jesus in us.

Jesus, remind me when the sun sets each day that it is time to sweep my heart clean of any lingering anger and unforgiveness so I can show more of You to the world. Thank You for the forgiveness You have extended to me. Use me as an instrument of forgiveness today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, …” (NIV)

5 Ways God’s Christmas Gift Keeps on Giving ..... by Lynette Kittle

 5 Ways God’s Christmas Gift Keeps on Giving (John 3:16)

by Lynette Kittle        

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”– John 3:16

Growing up the first Scripture verse I remember memorizing is John 3:16. I loved hearing it and repeating it to myself and all who would listen to me recite it.

It not only tells of the very first Christmas present ever given, the gift of Jesus, but also assures me of God’s love, where Jesus came from, and God’s purpose in sending Him.

Considering God’s priceless present to the world, the holiday season is an opportune time to share with family, friends, and those around us, 5 ways God’s Christmas gift keeps on giving:

1. The Gift of Love

Love does not exist outside of God. He is the only source of love because God is love (1 John 4:16). 1 John 4:19 states how God first loved each one of us. Before any of us were able to choose to love Him, He loved us.

John 3:16 assures us that in the history of the world, not one person ever, has been unloved by God.

2. The Gift of Purity

Titus 3:4-5 describes how, “the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared” for the washing away of sin. As 1 John 4:10 states, “He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

No matter what sin has been committed, God is willing to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Through God’s Christmas gift, sin is washed away.

3. The Gift of Salvation

Matthew 1:21 tells the story of an angel coming to Joseph stating, “She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Salvation is good and pleases God “who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). As Romans 10:13 asserts, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 

4. The Gift of Living in Love

God’s gift enables us to love one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 states through God’s example of loving us, we are taught how to love each other. God urges us in His word to,“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

We can know and rely on the love God has for us, and when we live in love, we are living in God and God in us (1 John 4:16).

5. The Gift of Life

God’s gift brings new life, causing old things to pass away (2 Corinthians 5:17). Colossians 1:27 tells us of “the glorious riches of this mystery,” which is Christ living within us.

God’s gift of life comes with eternal benefits as promised in 1 John 2:25, “And this is what He promised us—eternal life.”

His glorious Christmas gift to the world has eternal benefits to all who receive Jesus as written in 1 John 5:11, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

Sometimes It Takes Two Christmas Trees..... by Laura MacCorkle

 Sometimes It Takes Two Christmas Trees

by Laura MacCorkle

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Phil. 1:6, NIV

If you wanted to put up your Christmas tree one more time again this year, raise your hand.

I didn’t think so. And I didn’t want to put up my trusty, artificial Christmas tree again this year either, but I had to. You see, when I put up my first tree right after Thanksgiving, I knew that the rigging I had done to make sure the top half of the tree stayed in place was on its last leg and that I would need to break down and purchase a new tree next year.

But then something funny happened on the way to December 25. A couple of days later, the top half just fell off. As in, completely toppled over and onto my living room floor. For a second, I thought about just abandoning having a Christmas tree at all this year. I was frustrated and had already put in so much effort. Why go through this whole rigmarole again in the very same week?

But something in me wouldn’t give up. I WILL have a Christmas tree, I thought. And I’ll find a way and the time to get a replacement tree bought and decorated this week!

So I regrouped, purchased another tree and started all over again. Now, what I don’t enjoy about putting up my tree is the unfurling of all of the branches that have been smashed up in the tree’s box. And then even more unenjoyable than that is when I have to wrap the lights around the tree. The fake needles and branches scratch up my hands as I’m pushing lights into all of the nooks and crannies. It stings my skin, but I do it so that there’s a beautiful glowy backdrop for all of my ornaments.

Once I get past all of that, then I actually do enjoy putting up my Christmas tree. First, I put the tree skirt in its place. Next, I lace around the sparkly garland. And then, since I have multiples of many ornaments (glass icicles, dangling bells, painted balls, etc.), I strategically place them first so that not all of one type of ornament is having its own holiday gathering on one branch of the tree. After I’ve done all of that, then I can place the one-of-a-kind ornaments here and there, pop the tree topper on the treetop and Christmas is good to go.

So then, there was great rejoicing when the Christmas tree was completed (and no, that’s not a Bible verse). I just love looking at this beautiful creation. And to see it sparkle and glow... well, it makes for something glorious in my home.

Perhaps that’s how the Father feels when he looks at us, his divine creations. How many times has he had to pick us back up when we’ve toppled over our lives? Or unwind the tangled mess we’ve made because of our disobedience to him? Somehow, in his great love, he never gives up on us. Because Jesus made a way for us to come to the Father, God is faithful and continually works to make us radiant and pleasing to him.

I’m thankful God doesn’t tire of putting me back together each and every day of the year. In fact, if I know him, and I do, I think even if it took putting up a gazillion Christmas trees that he will never tire of working in our lives so that we might glorify him.

Intersecting Faith & Life: How has the Father shown you his kindness, his patience and the ways that he is long-suffering toward you this year? Thank him for the gift of his Son this Christmas and that because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed (Lam. 3:22).

Further Reading:

John 1:3-4, NIV
Rom. 2:4, MSG
Heb. 13:21, NIV

A Prayer to Prepare.... By Meg Bucher

 A Prayer to Prepare

By Meg Bucher

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10

Jesus came to earth to live, die, and be resurrected to defeat death and cancel the debt of sin. He comes to us daily, as we embrace our salvation in Him and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But we also look forward to His second coming. Christ Jesus will return again! Only the Father knows the time, but the promise of His coming is as trustworthy as God’s promise to send a Messiah.

Luke recorded Jesus’ words to Zacchaeus, a tax collector Jesus chose to visit. Tax collectors had a horrible reputation, and rightly so, for skimming money off the top of their overcharged tax collections. Zacchaeus was a rich man, and one typically unworthy of a visit from the Messiah, Christ. But Zacchaeus was exactly the type of soul Jesus came to speak life into. Jesus told him, “the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”

Each Advent, we prepare and refocus our hearts on what matters most. God delights in our efforts to commune with Him, but Jesus didn’t leave the comforts of home in heaven to come and seek the “spiritually motivated.” He came to seek the lost.

As this year comes to a close and we resolve to improve upon our lives in the next, remember the daily privilege we have as children of God. Follow Him swiftly, listen for Him intently, and seek Him enthusiastically every day we wake to breathe. Our entire lives, our every day, is purposed. We were lost when Jesus found us, and He covered us with His love. May our lives reflect an outpouring of His Light, Living Water, and Love flowing through our hearts.

Father in Heaven,

Abba, Yahweh, who delights in His children. Jesus, Messiah, who calls us friends. Holy Spirit, gift from above and constant companion. Glory be to the One True, Triune, God! You know when we are lost, Lord. You found us, heaped in our own motivations and confused by worldly principles. You rescued us, defeating death on the cross and rising to sit at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Your reach into our everyday lives, our messy circumstances, forever changes us.

Thank You for coming for the lost. Thank You for salvation, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and hope! Thank You for Your compassionate love for us, and particular and purposeful care for our daily lives. We are completely loved and totally filled with peace in Your presence, God. We humbly stand before You today, ready to serve You- not just when we’re reminded by the beautiful story of Christmas or the heart-wrenching sacrifice You made on the cross, Jesus, but every day throughout the year.

Not one day of our lives is more or less important. No one person more or less loved. In Your perfect way, You hold the world in balance and our souls in tune. You hear every voice, every prayer, every cry, and every shout of praise, simultaneously and always! Your ways are not our ways, but oh, God… please lead us in Your purpose for our lives.

Let Your glory, Light, and Living Water flow from our lives. May all who know us feel the love You have for all …and the care in which You save the lost.

Jesus, in Your Powerful Name we pray,

Amen.

The Essential Message of Christmas..... Greg Laurie

 The Essential Message of Christmas

Greg Laurie

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’ ” —Matthew 1:23

At this time of the year, we say, “Merry Christmas.” I prefer that to “Happy Holidays,” but I don’t get confrontational about it. Instead, I want to be gracious. After all, Christmas isn’t always a happy time for everyone. For someone who has lost their job, this is not the most wonderful time of the year, because so much emphasis is placed on a merry Christmas being a materialistic one.

There are also those who have lost loved ones. I am one of those people, and things that once made me happy at this time of year now make me sad. Those things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness, because they evoke memories of times we spent together. Therefore, Christmas becomes a difficult time for some.

There are many who are in need of encouragement at this time of year. They don’t need a Christmas present; they need His Christmas presence. They need to be reminded of what this season is all about. It is not about things. It is not about presents.

These things have their place, but we need to remember the essential message of Christmas, which is Immanuel—God is with us. And for the hurting person, the lonely person, the sorrowing person, this is the time of year to bring the gift of encouragement to them and say, “The message of Christmas is: God will be with you. God will help you. God will strengthen you.”

So look for opportunities to share the love of God during this season, because it is a time when we seem to be more open to engaging in conversation with others. Now is a great opportunity for you to bring encouragement to someone who is struggling. Who needs your encouragement today?