Streams in the Desert.....

 Streams in the Desert

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early (Psalms 46:5)

"Shall not be moved"--what an inspiring declaration! Can it be possible that we, who are so easily moved by the things of earth, can arrive at a place where nothing can upset us or disturb our calm? Yes, it is possible; and the Apostle Paul knew it. When he was on his way to Jerusalem where he foresaw that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him, he could say triumphantly, "But none of these things move me."

Everything in Paul's life and experience that could be shaken had been shaken, and he no longer counted his life, or any of life's possessions, dear to him. And we, if we will but let God have His way with us, may come to the same place, so that neither the fret and tear of little things of life, nor the great and heavy trials, can have power to move us from the peace that passeth understanding, which is declared to be the portion of those who have learned to rest only on God.

"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out." To be as immovable as a pillar in the house of our God, is an end for which one would gladly endure all the shakings that may be necessary to bring us there!
--Hannah Whitall Smith

When God is in the midst of a kingdom or city He makes it as firm as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed. When He is in the midst of a soul, though calamities throng about it on all hands, and roar like the billows of the sea, yet there is a constant calm within, such a peace as the world can neither give nor take away. What is it but want of lodging God in the soul, and that in His stead the world is in men's hearts, that makes them shake like leaves at every blast of danger?
--Archbishop Leighton

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." There is a quaint old Scottish version that puts iron into our blood:

Who sticketh to God in stable trust
As Zion's mount he stands full just,
Which moveth no whit, nor yet doth reel,
But standeth forever as stiff as steel!

The Throne of Glory..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Throne of Glory

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 John 1:1-4

When you pray, how do you approach God? Numerous Christians visualize a holy, righteous being and approach Him with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and reluctance. On the other hand, many believers picture the Lord as a pal and talk to Him with little reverence.

Neither approach is healthy. Our finite minds cannot fully grasp that God is both loving and holy. Let’s first explore the holy, fear-provoking side of the Lord. As you read today’s passage, visualize the incredible power around heaven’s throne. It fills my heart with awe and wonder.

Before Jesus walked on earth, the temple contained an area called the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. Only the priest could enter—and just on specified days, after ritual cleansing and preparation. If he did not get himself ready exactly according to scriptural rules, he would be struck dead. To be in God’s presence requires obedience. In fact, because of the Almighty’s absolute holiness and perfection, He is unable to commune with sinfulness, which is the condition of all mankind (Rom. 3:9). Therefore, every one of us is guilty and deserving of condemnation. Thankfully, though, God did not leave us helpless, but out of His grace and love, sent His Son to be our Redeemer.

Every page of Scripture can deepen our understanding of God’s greatness. Are you amazed at His presence and deeds? To understand more about His character, discipline yourself to read and meditate on the Word. Then take time to praise Him, for He alone is worthy of our adoration.

Rebuilding Year..... KELLY BARBREY

Rebuilding Year
KELLY BARBREY

“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

It was raining and chilly on Sunday morning. The windows were open, and I rolled over and pulled the covers back up to my chin. We could have opted for in-person church worship, as the website indicated there were spots available. But we had gotten into the practice of watching online — coffee in hand — in our pajamas. And sadly, watching online had become a gateway to not watching at all.

As I went to make the coffee, I noticed the unmailed, new year pledge card for our church contribution sitting on the counter. I was late sending it in and honestly wasn’t feeling much like a cheerful giver anyway.

The year 2020 had worn me out. And during a time when I should have been hitting my knees and opening my Bible more consistently, I began closing up, pulling away and shutting down. It wasn’t sudden, but gradual. It wasn’t deliberate but more of an unintentional shift. I wasn’t angry with God; I was just lackluster about the rituals surrounding the practical applications of faith. 

In Matthew 17:20, as Jesus is explaining to the disciples the reason they are unable to heal the epileptic boy, “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” 

But in 2020, everything felt impossible. It was like I had allowed my faith to wallow in the year 2020 along with the rest of me.

Well, what better time to pull myself out of a rut than the start of a brand-new year? I decided if the mustard seed was still in there somewhere, I could begin to bloom in my faith again. It would be like a “rebuilding year” for a sports team that had lost most of its best players and was starting over with fledgling talents rather than superstars. It might not happen overnight, but I would begin laying the solid foundation for improvement.

I began to make a to-do list for the upcoming year:

1. Read and Pray Dutifully. This year, I want to really dig into the Word. Perhaps I’ll find a new Bible study to do. Or a new plan for reading through certain books of the Bible. Or find a new time of day that works better for my dedicated prayer time.
2. Worship Intentionally. 2021 seems like the perfect time to make a plan to get back on track with regular worship. Even if it’s worshipping online, setting the alarm clock and holding myself and my family accountable to be in the “pew” — otherwise known as the couch — will help establish a routine and schedule.
3. Love Unconditionally. I could use some extra grace right now, and I’m sure that goes for everyone else too. Being more understanding and gracious sounds like a good place to start, beginning with my immediate family members and extending out to strangers.
4. Give Joyfully. When time and money are stretched, this one feels especially challenging, but if I learned anything from the end of last year, it’s that not giving felt especially yucky. We are blessed so we can be a blessing to others.

Like I would with any list of goals or resolutions, I need to have realistic expectations. None of this will happen overnight. But with a littlefaith and big prayers, in 2021 I can inch toward becoming the person God created me to be.

Dear heavenly Father, let the dawning of the new year refresh and enliven my spirit. Remind me that though my faith may be depleted, it’s not dead. Help me make this year the “rebuilding year” for my faith. Use me, my time, talents and gifts to help Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Luke 13:19, “It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” (NIV)

2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” (NIV)

How to Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord..... By Courtnaye Richard

 How to Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord

By Courtnaye Richard

“Cast your cares upon the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22

I want God to speak to you with the verse above, and I want you to apply it to your life today. In other words, as hard as it may be or seem right now, cast your cares upon the Lord and stand your ground. Keep the faith no matter what and believe in His keeping and strengthening power.

I know when life gets heavy or negative or fearful thoughts invade your mind, it’s normal to run away with your emotions for a bit. But I beckon you, try to rise above it. Now, don’t get me wrong. If you’re dealing with something really heavy such as loss, it is completely normal to cry, grieve, curl up in a ball for a moment, because when things like that happen, God knows exactly where you are in that moment. But I also want to encourage you to rest in the comfort of others as well as in His BIG supernatural arms. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Now, since I mentioned God’s Word, let’s talk more about those loaded Scriptures relating to casting your cares upon the Lord regarding…

Fear - If you have negative or fearful thoughts weighing you down, speak these verses:

Psalm 56:3, “But when I am afraid. I will put my trust in you.”

Psalm 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Worry - Here are a few great verses to remember and obey to experience peace of mind…

Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.”

Matthew 6:31-33, “Don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”

Discouragement - Feeling downcast, defeated, low, sad, or discouraged, grab these nuggets…

Psalm 43:5, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God!”

Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Adversity –As you’re doing what God has called you to do, expect opposition and adversity…

Nehemiah 4:14, “…Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!”

Proverbs 24:10, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” Stay strong under pressure!

If you are in any of these places or beyond, this is how you cast your cares upon the Lord, literally. It really all boils down to trust and obeying, sis. That’s where the power, peace, and deliverance are obtained. So fight to trust Him…in spite of what you’re feeling, thinking, or encountering. Isaiah 26:4 says, “Trust in the Lord always for the Lord is the eternal Rock.” He’s pretty strong and solid! But not only that, He can be trusted. ;-)

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

A Prayer to Break Free from the Bondage of Insecurity..... By Christina Patterson

 A Prayer to Break Free from the Bondage of Insecurity

By Christina Patterson

"The truth will set you free." - John 8:32

She's as close as a friend, but don't be fooled because she's destructive as an enemy. She’s here to destroy your faith, confidence, and especially your relationships. She makes you doubt yourself, your dreams, and even the purpose God has placed on your life. She disguises herself as one who wants to help when really her sole purpose is to put you in bondage; controlling your every thought, word, and action.

Her name, you ask?

Insecurity.

She's the closest and most dangerous friend we've allowed into our lives and it is time to say goodbye.

"The truth will set you free." - John 8:32 ESV

Truth is the key to unlock the shackles that insecurity has placed on us; shackles that have stopped us from speaking up, walking with our heads held high, pursuing our dreams, and living with an open and trusting heart.

So today I want to provide 4 truths to remember when you're feeling insecure:

1.) God Accepts You

Where insecurity leaves us feeling rejected, we know that God has accepted us, not just as friends but even as family. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" - 1 John 3:1 NIV

If God accepts us there is no need to worry about who doesn't.

2.) God Will Not Leave You or Let You Go

Where insecurity makes us want to push others away, God holds us tight within His hands. God is not going to let you slip through His fingers. Where others may walk away, God is here to stay. “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:39 NLT

We are always secure in God's grasp.

3.) God is Your Defender

Where insecurity makes us defensive and combative, God defends us. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” - Exodus 14:14 NIV

We don't have to fight to prove ourselves to others when God has proven who He is in our lives. Let God fight for you.

4.) It is God Who Opens Doors For You

Where insecurity makes us fearful of missing out, God opens doors for us that no man can shut. When we realize God is in control of our every step we don't have to worry about missing out. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” - Psalm 37:23

God’s truth is, and will always be, greater than our insecurity. What once seemed a powerful and insurmountable foe is exposed for a weak imposter in light of God's truth. May His truth constantly set you free from the bondage of insecurity as you live for Him.

Lord,

Help me break free from the bondage of insecurity. I confess that I’ve listened to the voice of the enemy more than I’ve listened to your truth. Lord, help me listen and know that I am loved, that I am perfectly made, that I am accepted as I am in You. Give me your Spirit to help me see when I am listening to lies instead of truth. Help me fix my eyes on you and all you are and have done for me and for this world. Thank you Lord!

In your name I pray,

Amen.