Streams in the Desert.....

 Streams in the Desert

"Arise... for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good; and are ye still? Be not slothful to go, and enter to possess the land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of anything that is in the earth" (Judges 18:9-10).

Arise! Then there is something definite for us to do. Nothing is ours unless we take it. "The children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance" (Joshua 16:4).

"The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions" (Obadiah 17).

"The upright shall have good things in possession."

We need to have appropriating faith in regard to God's promises. We must make God's Word our own personal possession. A child was asked once what appropriating faith was, and the answer was, "It is taking a pencil and underscoring all the me's and mine's and my's in the Bible."

Take any word you please that He has spoken and say, "That word is my word." Put your finger on this promise and say, "It is mine." How much of the Word has been endorsed and receipted and said "It is done." How many promises can you subscribe and say, "Fulfilled to me."

"Son, thou art ever with Me, and all that I have is thine." Don't let your inheritance go by default.

"When faith goes to market it always takes a basket."

Why Do People Follow Jesus?..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Why Do People Follow Jesus?

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 6:22-71

When Jesus walked this earth, a vast multitude followed Him. They came for all sorts of reasons—some noble, some selfish. The same is true today. It’s important that we understand what motivates people to come to Christ, because not all who seek Him are really His followers. In fact, we each need to analyze our own walk with the Lord: What do we want from Him? How committed are we to being His disciples?

Many of the people who followed Jesus did so because they had urgent needs that He alone could meet. Everywhere He went, the sick and demon-possessed were brought to Him—this is one of the ways that God draws us to Himself. Those who can solve all their own problems never need a Savior.

Other folks came for sensationalism. They wanted to see the signs and miracles and feel a thrill of excitement. Today some people come to church or conferences to get pumped up, but mountaintop experiences are always followed by valleys. When hardships or challenges come, such people are quick to abandon the Lord.

But Jesus’ disciples followed Him because they genuinely believed He was the Messiah, the very Son of God (Matt. 16:16). Their commitment went beyond emotions or needs. They wanted to know Christ and walk closely with Him.

Are you more interested in what Jesus can do for you than in just being with Him? Do you find it hard to stay committed without an emotional experience to sustain you? Our physical and emotional needs can draw us to the Lord, but they should never be the foundation for our walk with Him.

Does God Even Care About Me? ..... LYSA TERKEURST

 Does God Even Care About Me? 

LYSA TERKEURST

“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

In 2015, The New York Times ran an article called “Googling for God.”

In this article, author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz starts by saying, “It has been a bad decade for God, at least so far.” He goes on to ask, “What questions do people have when they are questioning God?”

The number one question was, “Who created God?”

The number two question was, “Why does God allow suffering?”

But it was the third question that slammed into my heart and made me realize the depth at which many of us struggle when we walk through devastating situations: “Why does God hate me?”

I’m not alone in wondering about God’s feelings when circumstances beg me to feel betrayed. While I would have never used the word “hate,” seeing it typed out as one of the most commonly asked questions about God shows me just how dark our perspective can get. The most devastating spiritual crisis isn’t when we wonder why God isn’t doing something. It’s when we become utterly convinced He no longer cares. And that’s what I hear hiding behind that Google search.

And I shudder to say this, but I think that’s what has been hiding behind my own places of disillusionment as I’ve walked through painful circumstance after devastatingly painful circumstance in recent years. What makes faith fall apart isn’t doubt. It’s becoming too certain of the wrong things. Things like: He doesn’t care about me. How can a good God be OK with this? What I see is absolute proof that God isn’t working.

That’s where I can find myself getting more and more skeptical of God’s love, God’s provision, God’s protection, God’s instructions and God’s faithfulness. And most of all, where I start fearing He really has no plan at all, and I’m just truly going to be a victim of circumstances beyond anyone’s control.

The problem with that thinking is while it may line up with what my life looks like from my place of pain and confusion, it doesn’t line up with Truth. And before everything went haywire in my life, I had already put a stake in the ground, proclaiming that God’s Word is where I would turn and return to no matter what.

I could resist trusting God and turning to His truth. I could run from it. I could, with bitter resignation, put my Bible on a shelf to collect dust for years. But I wouldn’t be able to escape what was already buried deep into my heart.

I knew in this deep-down knowing place that what I was seeing wasn’t all that was happening. Past experiences where I have seen God’s faithfulness remind me that I don’t always see God working in the midst of my hard times.

There are a few times in my life where I’ve seen dramatic moves by God happen quickly enough for me to say, “Wow, look what God is doing!” But most of the time, it’s thousands of little shifts so slight that the dailiness of His work doesn’t register in real time.

It’s hard when we are living in that space where our heads know God can do anything, but our hearts are heavy because He’s not doing what we are hoping for, what we’ve prayed for, what we’ve believed for, for a long while. I get it — and I’ve cried many tears because of it.

So, what helps? It helps to know these things:

God often works in the unseen. Just because we can’t see it or feel it doesn’t mean He isn’t working.

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).

What may feel like a lack of intervention is not a sign of His lack of affection.

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23, NIV).

God loves us too much to answer our prayers at any other time than the right time, and in any other way than the right way.

“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Today, look for beautiful ways God is showing you assurances of His love. His deep affection is all around you, friend. Even in the waiting places.

God, I know You are always working. Help me acknowledge You working in the unseen. I confess my skepticism when things are not working out the way I had planned. I choose today to believe I am not a victim to uncontrollable circumstances. Even when I don’t see it, even when I don’t feel it, I will stand on the Truth that You are working all things together for good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)

2 Ways to View Our Diets With a Biblical Perspective (Genesis 1:29)..... By: Jennifer Waddle

 2 Ways to View Our Diets With a Biblical Perspective (Genesis 1:29)

By: Jennifer Waddle

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” Genesis 1:29

Thousands upon thousands of searches for the word “diet,” are Googled each month. And every new year, resolutions are made to go on a diet and lose excess weight. It may be surprising to some, but the Bible actually has a diet plan as well. God instituted it in Genesis chapter one and then expanded it in Genesis chapter nine.

“…every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” Genesis 1:29

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” Genesis 9:3

Some would argue that the original plan of a plant-based diet is best, while others would insist that eating meat is essential for good health. But no matter what our personal preferences are, God never intended for us to take food to the extremes that we have.

Food is simply nourishment for our bodies, so that we can carry out the work of the Lord. It was designed to be enjoyed and savored by the tastebuds God created. We, however, have become so focused on the particulars of our diets, we’ve lost perspective. Here are 2 ways we can view our diets from a Biblical perspective.

1. Choose wisely and move on.

Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider, supplies the sustenance our bodies need. Jesus told His followers not to worry about what they would eat or drink. In that day, it was more about having enough food to eat. Today, even though most of us have food in abundance, we still worry far too much about food. We can still make wise choices about our diets without the hyper-focus and worry.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26

We are valuable to God. He provides for us because He loves us. Our worries about food are fruitless. We can and should make wise choices—choices that will fuel our bodies for the work God has purposed in us, but then, we should move on to the more important things in life.

2. Trust God and enjoy the food that He made.

Unfortunately, the diet industry has hindered our enjoyment of food. The nagging guilt that follows every piece of birthday cake, and the time-consuming reading of every package, has knocked the joy right out of eating.

However, if we simplify our diets and eat the foods that God made, all the guess-work is eliminated. It’s OK to search for the best quality of foods, but in the end, it all comes down to trust. Do we trust God or the promises on the food label?

With thankfulness, we can receive our portion, the portion God so lovingly provides. We can trust Him to strengthen us and bring enjoyment of His provision. And, we can have a Biblical perspective of our diets that will free us to do exactly what He created us to do.

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot..... by Laura MacCorkle

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot
by Laura MacCorkle

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2

During the holidays, I have used my oven quite a bit.

Because it is electric, it automatically has a mind of its own.  It heats up very quickly and will char whatever is baking much faster than the time required for completion.  That means I have to adjust the times for any recipe that I'm attempting to follow. 

So, as you can imagine, for the home cook this is extremely frustrating.  It means I must constantly be monitoring whatever is inside the oven.  Putting on the potholder gloves.  Opening up the door.  Pulling out the rack.  Checking the top of whatever's baking to make sure it's not burnt to a crisp.  Closing up the oven.  Waiting a few minutes.  Putting back on the gloves.  Opening up the door again.  Covering with foil to protect as needed.  Waiting some more.  And then testing with a toothpick near the center to check for doneness, while hoping that the bottom isn't blackened and ultra crispy.

Ugh.  What … a … pain!

One of the recipes I made was for some bar cookies called "brandied cranberry-apricot bars."  Dried fruit, brown sugar, vanilla, butter, pecans … what's not to like?  The instructions called to bake the crust first (flour, sugar, butter).  And of course, my oven-baked it much faster than the 20 minutes ("or until golden") that was required.  It was actually more like "or until darkest brown" by that point.

Still undeterred, I pulled it out and then poured in the filling (fruit, eggs, pecans, vanilla and more flour and sugar).  Next, I baked it for another 35 or so minutes. All the while, though, I was worried that the already partially-baked crust would be blackened by the time the cookies were done.  I couldn't see it (since it was on the bottom), but I kept thinking maybe I should take out the pan before the time was up (Was my oven baking at warp speed or not?  How annoying!  And what to do?).

Eventually, I decided to let the cookies stay the course.  And thankfully, they weren't scorched beyond recognition.  But they were done.

Despite the small culinary victory, situations like this always frustrate me.  Why?  Because the heat is on!  And I need it in order to complete what I'm baking.  But, it also forces me to make adjustments while it's doing its thing.  And that isn't something I'm clamoring to do.

Maybe it's how a lot of us feel in our walks from day to day.  We probably don't go out in search of fiery trials to bring into our lives.  But rest assured, they will find us anyway.  And when the heat is cranked up in any given situation or relationship, this means we can either get a little crispy or get the heat that we need (and is actually for our good!) in order to continue on our way toward spiritual maturity.

When life seems to be feeling "hot, hot, hot," we can either refuse to make adjustments in our attitudes or choose to find the joy in knowing that the Lord is at work.  As his children, we know that he is always checking on our conditions.

It's what it means to be loved by God.  He cares too much to leave us alone, to be burned up.  And he wants to move us—even through allowing fiery trials—toward completion as part of his eternal plan.

Intersecting Faith & Life:  You've heard the saying, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen," right?  As Christians, though, our God is with us—no matter the intensity of the heat of our circumstances.  He is asking us to "stay in the kitchen," to persevere and to look to him.  Whatever is baking you to a crisp today, know that nothing is impossible for God.  If you ask, he will help you find joy as you are maturing in your faith.

Further Reading:

1 Peter 1:6

Hebrews 10:35

A Prayer of Hope for When Christmas Is Over..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer of Hope for When Christmas Is Over

By Debbie McDaniel

“…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Often this day after Christmas can seem maybe, not so sparkly. You might be feeling like the holiday spirit came and went by too fast. Maybe you never did get everything done, but now that the big day is gone, you're already vowing to make next year even more special. Messy house calling your name, organization of it all begging for attention, returns waiting to be done, toys already broken, lights going out...

Deep breath.

His reminder to our hearts this morning: Christmas may be over, but He never changes.

Though some days seem to have lost their shine, He's still the same.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

On all the big, celebration days and on all the days in between.

The manger is empty and so is the tomb. Jesus didn't stay there, He's alive today, our Emmanuel, "God with us."

Whatever you might be facing, don't ever doubt His great love for you. He sees you and He cares. He made a way for us to be free.And that truth puts all the joy and "Merry" in Christmas and the New Year too.

We still have such reason to celebrate, we still have great reason for joy, today, and every day.

For He is with us.

Resting there today. Hope you are too.

May His peace and joy fill your heart and home today, more than ever before. On this day after Christmas and through the whole New Year.

Dear God,

Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. You never leave us. Thank you for your daily Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that your surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you, in all these days after Christmas. Thank you for giving us this hope we can carry all year through. 

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Get the Power to Go after Your Goals..... By Rick Warren

 Get the Power to Go after Your Goals

By Rick Warren

“We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it” (Proverbs 16:9 The Message)

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it” (The Message).

You get to plan the way you want to live, but only God gives you the power and energy to actually experience transformation. Why? Because God provides the three things you must have to reach your goal and change your life.

1. You need God’s Spirit to empower you.

You need God’s help to make changes you can’t make on your own. It’s not based on willpower. It’s based on God’s power. It’s not based on trying. It’s based on trusting.

Zechariah 4:6 says, “‘You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord All-Powerful” (NCV).

2. You need God’s Word to guide you.

The Bible is the owner’s manual for life. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled you’re going to be in life.

When Joshua was given the great dream of taking over the Promised Land—a goal that would take him the rest of his life—God spoke these words to him: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8 NASB).

3. You need God’s people to support you.

You will not be able to reach your goals on your own. It takes a team to fulfill a dream!

A crowd can’t support you, but a small group can. The people in your small group know when you’re sick, when you’re having a tough time, when you need a break. You can share your goals and successes and failures, and they will rejoice with you and encourage you to keep going. You’re going to need that when you make the right kind of goals and pursue them wholeheartedly.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped” (The Message).