Streams in the Desert.....

Streams in the Desert

Jesus saith unto him, "Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way" (John 4:50).

When ye pray, believe (Mark 11:24).

When there is a matter that requires definite prayer, pray till you believe God, until with unfeigned lips you can thank Him for the answer. If the answer still tarries outwardly, do not pray for it in such a way that it is evident that you are not definitely believing for it. Such a prayer in place of being a help will be a hindrance; and when you are finished praying, you will find that your faith has weakened or has entirely gone. The urgency that you felt to offer this kind of prayer is clearly from self and Satan. It may not be wrong to mention the matter in question to the Lord again, if He is keeping you waiting, but be sure you do so in such a way that it implies faith.

Do not pray yourself out of faith. You may tell Him that you are waiting and that you are still believing Him and therefore praise Him for the answer. There is nothing that so fully clinches faith as to be so sure of the answer that you can thank God for it. Prayers that pray us out of faith deny both God's promise in His Word and also His whisper "Yes," that He gave us in our hearts. Such prayers are but the expression of the unrest of one's heart, and unrest implies unbelief in reference to the answer to prayer. "For we which have believed do enter into rest" (Heb. 4:3).

This prayer that prays ourselves out of faith frequently arises from centering our thoughts on the difficulty rather than on God's promise. Abraham "considered not his own body," "he staggered not at the promise of God" (Rom. 4:19, 20). May we watch and pray that we enter not into temptation of praying ourselves out of faith.
--C. H. P.

Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but taking God at His Word.
--Christmas Evans

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.
--George Mueller

You will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings. God gives us the promises in a quiet hour; God seals our covenants with great and gracious words, then He steps back and waits to see how much we believe; then He lets the tempter come, and the test seems to contradict all that He has spoken. It is then that faith wins its crown. That is the time to look up through the storm, and among the trembling, frightened seamen cry, "I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me."

Believe and trust; through stars and suns,
Through life and death, through soul and sense,
His wise, paternal purpose runs;
The darkness of His Providence
Is starlit with Divine intents.

The Path of Life..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Path of Life

Dr. Charles Stanley

Jeremiah 10:23-24

Life is like an untraveled trail with complex twists and turns. Appealing activities can be detours that lead to the quicksand of sin. And engaging philosophies may form side paths that end up in a mire of muddled thinking. Even the best route isn’t all sun-dappled meadows and quiet riverside lanes. We may at times have to journey over hard terrain or shadowed valleys. The only way to be sure we’re walking right is to follow one who knows the way perfectly.

God is the perfect, full-service Guide. No one can go wrong by keeping to the pathways He selects. Consider that He lovingly and intentionally created you for this time and this place. The Lord watches over your steps because He desires to see your purpose fulfilled and His plan come to fruition through you (Prov. 3:5-6). Therefore, He promises to counsel those who follow Him (Ps. 25:12). When God warns His children away from a tempting sidetrack, it is because He foresees the dangers that lurk on that road.

There’s a correlation between ignoring God’s guidance and ending up in trouble: the one who stumbles off course has trusted his own “sense of direction”—his emotions, desires, or personal version of morality. He’s been pursuing what feels good or looks right instead of seeking the Lord’s will.

God has mapped out the path before you. He is aware of every obstacle and miry pit, and He knows exactly which sidetracks will tempt you. What’s more, He has committed to walk beside you as a Guide and Comforter so that you never face the twists and turns of this life alone.

The Ministry of Proximity..... KAREN EHMAN

The Ministry of Proximity
KAREN EHMAN

“… I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” Philippians 1:25 (CSB)

Our three children shared a bedroom when they were young, sleeping in a triple bunk bed. Ballet tights and Batman pajamas happily resided side-by-side in their dresser. Then, when they were 9, 6 and 3 years old, we moved to a new house, giving our daughter her own bedroom.

After that, our youngest son had a difficult time adjusting to sleeping without his big sister in the room. To alleviate his distress, my daughter would take a pillow and blanket to the boys’ room, pray with him that God would help him settle down and then lay on his floor until he fell asleep. For him, just knowing she was nearby was enough to alleviate his fears, allowing his anxious mind to calm and his fidgety body to finally drift off to sleep.

In the letter of Philippians, the Apostle Paul discusses longing to be in heaven with Christ but also desiring to remain here on earth near his friends to strengthen and encourage them. (Philippians 1:20-26) Then, in today’s key verse, he states, “… I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.”  

There is a wordplay in the original language of this verse that isn’t easily reproduced in English. When the apostle says he will both remain and continue, the Greek words menein and paramenein were initially used. The word menein means “to remain with” or “to continually be in close proximity,” referring to a person’s physical location. However, the word paramenein hitches the prefix para to add a new dimension. This term means not only to be close by, but “to linger physically beside a person, ever ready to help.”

It’s as if Paul is relaying two crucial truths to his friends in this verse: “I’m here” and “I’m here for you.” Not only is he letting the church know he will be close at hand, but also that he is prepared to help them in any way he can. How this letter must have encouraged their hearts, allowing their anxious minds to rest by knowing their father in the faith was in close proximity, ready to assist them if needed.

Later in Philippians 4:5, Paul writes: “Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” (CSB) The Greek term near here meant both near in time and near in proximity. The apostle may have been referring to the Lord’s future earthly return. However, the word also carries the thought of God being close in proximity, ready to come to their aid.

Paul didn’t just tell his friends he was near. He encouraged them that the Lord was too. And today, when those in our lives can’t see God physically, our presence reminds them He cares for them. Our behavior can tell others, “I am here,” while also assuring them, “I am here for you.”

It might mean sitting near your friend as she awaits the outcome of her loved one’s surgery, praying she feels the Lord’s presence by your proximity.

It could be taking a meal to your coworker who is reeling from a recent heart-crushing breakup, asking God to comfort her with your cooked meal and company.

It may look like being with a neighbor, cleaning her house and doing her laundry as she helps her children adjust to a new normal. Your care will display to them that God cares too.

The ministry of proximity not only displays to others your readiness to help; it also assures them that God is near. How might the Lord be calling you to the ministry of proximity today?

Father, may I be on the lookout for those who need Your comfort and love. Help me to show them compassion and care as I remind them You are ever near. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” (CSB)

The Power of Jesus' Last Words By Debbie McDaniel

 The Power of Jesus' Last Words

By Debbie McDaniel

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30

Last words have power. And often, deep meaning and significance.

And if, like me, any of you have ever been at the side of a precious friend or family member who was whispering final words in their last moments here on earth, you know the incredible heart connection they hold for you, personally. We often find ourselves clinging to those words as we think about a loved one who has passed away. We treasure what they said and we remember…

There’s no doubt that Jesus knew what His last words needed to be here in this life. He knew the power those final words would have for generations still to come. And He had great purpose in them, which still breathe such life and meaning for our lives today.

Jesus became the final and ultimate sacrifice for our sin. The word in this verse, “finished,” is actually from the Greek word, “tetelestai,” which is the same word that means “paid in full.” Often, it was used in an accounting term, which indicates a debt was paid. The uniqueness about the way it was written is that the tense of the word indicates both a point in time it was complete and that it would also continue to be complete or finished. And this is the essence of what Christ came to do. He came to “finish” God’s work of salvation in us. He came to “pay it in full,” the entire penalty, or debt, for our sins. He’s at work in our world still today in powerful ways.

People sin every day. They did, then and we do, now. And that sin costs us greatly. It separates us from God, it sets up a barrier, it leads to further drifting away from what we know to be right, and often leads us to great despair. But the hope that we have now because of Christ’s death on the cross and His ultimate sacrifice on our behalf is this: He completed the work. He paid the sacrifice in full on our behalf. No other payment is needed. He just asks that we accept His gift of forgiveness and life.

What Do You Want From God?

Jesus came to save. He came to rescue us, a people without true hope, to give us a lasting life and freedom that we can only find through Him.

Laying Bricks..... by Ryan Duncan

 Laying Bricks

by Ryan Duncan

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:43-45

Sometimes, I get restless. I went to college at Taylor University, a small Christian school in the middle of Cornfield, Indiana. Though Taylor wasn’t very big, it strove to serve Christ, and encouraged its students to impact the world for God. During the January term, when you could sleep all day and goof-off all night, Taylor offered something called Lighthouse Missions. Instead of wasting their brief vacation, students became a part of service-learning projects that allowed them to share Christ with a world in need.

When Spring Break came around, and the beaches of Florida were calling, it sent students everywhere from Russia to the neighboring town of Grant County, where they engaged in housing projects, orphan care, and outreach. It was tough giving up those precious vacation days, but it felt good to know you were serving Christ. Unfortunately, after graduation opportunities like these are harder to come by. With a forty to fifty-hour work week, not to mention budgeted money and vacation time, jetting off to some foreign location isn’t something you can just do.

I can remember sitting in church, boiling with frustration because I couldn't just go do something like I had in college. God clearly has a sense of irony, because at that moment the pastor stood up and asked for volunteers to help pack up after the service. My problem? I had become the “wealthy giver.” Not sure what I mean? Read this story in Mark 12:

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." - Mark 12:41-44

It’s amazing how serving Christ can easily become something selfish. I was only interested in serving if it was on my terms, and because of that, I let a lot of opportunities pass me by. The truth is that volunteering for a church nursery could be just as important in God’s eyes as building houses in another country.

An old professor once told my class that the kingdom of God is built on willing hearts. When we choose to follow God, we are laying the bricks of his kingdom, and creating a sturdy foundation for others to stand on. So get involved, and if you feel God leading you toward a big opportunity, take it. But don’t be too proud to serve in the small places. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference.

Intersecting Faith and Life: What opportunities does your church offer for serving? Take a moment to look them over and see if one is good for you. Churches are always looking for volunteers to help with children and young adults.

Further Reading

Philippians 2:1-4

A Prayer for Holding on to God in Hard Times..... By Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for Holding on to God in Hard Times

By Kristine Brown

“Rather, cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now.” - (Joshua 23:8 NLT)

Will these hard times we’re going through ever end?

If you’ve asked yourself this question lately, you’re not alone. For many of us, life hasn’t been easy in recent weeks, months, or even years. We know God’s Word makes it clear that “in this world we will have trouble” (John 16:33). But when difficult circumstances happen one after another, we can get overwhelmed by the extended season of hard times. So what do we do when hard times hit one after the other with no end in sight?

In his final words to the leaders of Israel, Joshua gave this command to God’s chosen people. His words still speak truth to us as believers today.

“Rather, cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now.” (Joshua 23:8 NLT)

The Israelites were enjoying a time of rest in the land God had given them. Joshua’s life on earth was nearing its end, so he encouraged God’s people to cling to Him in hard times.

Joshua warned the people not to be distracted by other gods. He knew the temptation they would face, whether in this season of rest or in the heat of battle. They needed to be aware of the dangers of turning away, while also reassured of God’s desire to fight for them. “Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:10-11)

When we’re in the midst of hard times and doubt how things could possibly work out, today’s verse offers the answer we need. We can hold on to God just as we’ve done in the past, and trust that He will be with us through it all. He is faithful. Let’s cling tightly to God right now with this prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

It seems like everyone around me is experiencing hard times. We see discouraging news in our world and feel the effects in our homes, families, and personal lives. We know we can hold on to You when circumstances overwhelm us, but we still struggle to find peace.

Lord, help us feel Your presence right now. We know You are faithful and ask You for comfort through hard times. The kind of comfort only Your Holy Spirit can give. Let Your words through Joshua seal permanently on our hearts today. We know there is hope and healing when we choose to cling tightly to You.

Forgive us for being distracted by the things of this world. We can get pulled away from Your loving arms without even realizing it. When we’re in danger of turning away, help us turn to Your Word instead. It will be our constant and steadfast lamp to guide our path through hard times. We cling to You, Lord, today and every day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Than a New Year’s Resolution..... Wendy Speake

 More Than a New Year’s Resolution

 Wendy Speake

Today’s Truth

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

Friend to Friend

My Christmas guests have left. My husband and our sons are celebrating the New Year with a camping trip in the desert. I am home, undressing the tree and packaging our nativity set away for the next 11 months. These are my first quiet moments in weeks, with only the familiar sound of tissue paper crinkling as the soundtrack to my thoughts. During the hustle and bustle of guests and going, little space remained for this sort of pondering. But today, here in the quiet, I have a new year on my mind.

Resolution.

I was thinking of sitting down and writing down a few resolutions today. However, I’m afraid that resolution is too small a word for all that’s on my heart. It lacks power, because resolutions are rooted in my resolve to do better. And I often fail at better. No matter how hard I try to read the Bible more consistently and drink more water and say no to sweets and limit the amount of time I spend on Facebook and increase the amount of time I spend on the treadmill… I rarely make it past January 10th transformed. Though I am desperate to be transformed. No, I don't need another New Year's resolution that will leave me unchanged. What I need is a revolution. That’s the word.

Revolution.

It came to me clearly as the Christmas bell I was carefully wrapping and laying in a box. I don't need another resolution... and I don’t need more resolve. What I need is more of Jesus. Not a resolution that I make, but a revolution that He makes… in me. Christ in me, revolting against me in this world. His power revolutionizing my weakness. His transforming purpose prevailing over all my plans in the new year. What I need in 2019 is a total Jesus-revolution, way down deep in my fibers. Down in my habits too; my eating and my drinking and my shopping and the time I spend on social media. I need Jesus’ strength revolting against all of the areas of my life where I’ve been too weak for far too long!

What Do You Want From God?

My weakness stops me from turning resolutions into a reformed life. But the revolution power of Christ reforms and transforms me day-by-day-by-day, for 365 days as I learn to seek Him first.

I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me”. That’s what I’m doing at the start of 2019, and I’m inviting you to do the same. Boast in the One who has the power to completely revolutionize your life this year.

Do you struggle with sugar addiction and food fixation? Resolving again to eat more veggies and less cookies won’t do it! We need a Jesus-revolution in our lives to transform our eating (and drinking too). We need more whole foods, yes. But what we really need is to ingest more of Him and His Word. We need to turn to Him more than we turn into the Starbucks drive-through. We need to run to Jesus, more than we run into our pantries. We need Jesus to crowd out all of the habits and all of our addictions that we’ve resolved to stop for years and years.

Here at the start of 2019, let’s revolt against all of the things we’ve been running to for comfort, when we could have been (should have been) running to the Comforter. Let’s revolt against our tendency to self-medicate with online shopping and run instead to the Great Physician. Do you see what I’m saying? We can make resolutions to stop spending and stop eating and start working out, but we’re simply too weak and lack the resolve to make it work. We don’t need another resolution, we need a revolution of Christ’s power in us as we begin a new year, eagerly anticipating radical transformation!

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, More of You is what I need… more of You and less of me muscling through this life of faith another year. I am weak, but You are strong. That’s why I don’t need more resolve this new year, I simply need more of You.

In Jesus’s revolutionizing Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 

What do you struggle with most? Do you struggle with sugar addiction? Year after year, do you make the same old resolutions to get to the gym and eat healthier? Or maybe you’re addicted to your phone, always scrolling through social media. Or maybe it’s shopping, retail therapy. Are you tired of the conviction and ready for transformation? A Jesus-revolution is just what you need this year!