Streams in the Desert.....

 Streams in the Desert

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves (Romans 12:19).

There are seasons when to be still demands immeasurably higher strength than to act. Composure is often the highest result of power. To the vilest and most deadly charges Jesus responded with deep, unbroken silence, such as excited the wonder of the judge and the spectators. To the grossest insults, the most violent ill-treatment and mockery that might well bring indignation into the feeblest heart, He responded with voiceless complacent calmness. Those who are unjustly accused, and causelessly ill-treated know what tremendous strength is necessary to keep silence to God.

Men may misjudge thy aim,
Think they have cause to blame,
Say, thou art wrong;
Keep on thy quiet way,
Christ is the Judge, not they,
Fear not, be strong.

St. Paul said, "None of these things move me." He did not say, none of these things hurt me. It is one thing to be hurt, and quite another to be moved. St. Paul had a very tender heart. We do not read of any apostle who cried as St. Paul did. It takes a strong man to cry. Jesus wept, and He was the manliest Man that ever lived.

So it does not say, none of these things hurt me. But the apostle had determined not to move from what he believed was right. He did not count as we are apt to count; he did not care for ease; he did not care for this mortal life. He cared for only one thing, and that was to be loyal to Christ, to have His smile. To St. Paul, more than to any other man, His work was wages, His smile was Heaven.
--Margaret Bottome

Our Inseparable Relationship..... Dr. Charles Stanley

Our Inseparable Relationship

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 8:31-39

Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain. Disunity is found in marriages, churches, and international alliances. Yet there's one relationship that is sure and permanent.

The Lord designed people for intimate fellowship with Him. His love toward each of us is evident throughout the Bible. In fact, there is nothing tangible, intangible, past, present, or future that can separate believers from the Father's love. John 10:14 draws a comparison between Jesus and a good shepherd—a man whose ultimate task is providing for and protecting the flock. Christ's character is one of passionate care for His people. First John 4:16 clearly states, "God is love." If we believe the Bible, then we cannot deny this fact about His nature.

We also see evidence of divine love through the Lord's gifts and actions. For example, He created us in His image (Gen. 1:26). He sent His only Son to die in our place, and He forgives us of our sin debt (1 Cor. 15:3). John 15:15 tells us that Christ calls us His friends—and what's more, when we trust in Jesus, God adopts us and considers us His children (Rom. 8:15). He even blesses us with an Intercessor and Helper—the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Word is clear: God loves us passionately.

The affection we experience in our families is only a glimpse of the great compassion and care that God has for you. Think about the people you treasure most. Imagine what you would be willing to do if they experienced a need. How much more will our heavenly Father be devoted to you!

Do You Know Who’s in Control?..... EMILY LEX

 Do You Know Who’s in Control?

EMILY LEX

“ … ‘Be still, and know that I am God; … ’” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) 

If asked if I’m picky, I’ll answer no. I like to be flexible and open-minded, and I hope most people find that I’m easy and pleasant to be around. But ask me if I’m particular, and that’s a different story.

I’m particular about how the dishwasher is loaded because for me, the bowls fit best on the lower right rack. I’m particular about the sleeves of the T-shirts facing the same direction when folded because they stack better that way. I’m particular about eating my food while it’s piping hot, and I get a little grouchy when I have to wait for my less temperature-concerned family members to arrive at the dinner table. I’m particular about practically every aspect of my work that might reflect back onto me: graphics, emails, packaging and branding. I’m particular about how the kids look when we go out, especially when we take family photos.

Being particular is normal. We all have our preferences. It’s when those personal particularities become cemented in our minds as the only way to do things that they cross over to the arena of control. Ouch, right?

Control is especially ugly when I prioritize my own preferences over my care for others. It’s what happens when I rearrange the dishwasher, huffing under my breath about my son’s inability to do it correctly. It’s the urge to take over when my daughter is not folding her clothes properly. And it’s the self-righteousness that surfaces when I take a bite before we all gather to pray because I just spent all this time making food and I want to eat it while it’s hot.

It's the overworked and overstressed result of not asking for help or trusting another person to do what I mistakenly think only I can do. It’s not caring if my child’s sweater is itchy or the pair of pants is uncomfortable because it is what I want you to wear, and you will wear it.

My preferences are typically harmless, but as they quietly accumulate, they can escalate. Soon enough, I find myself being particular about more than just the everyday things like punctuality and how the couch pillows are arranged. Instinctively, my eyes search and my hands grasp for greater opportunities to express my way. Control makes me feel powerful, and I like that feeling. It puts me and my great ideas in charge, and I think me and my ideas are pretty great! It allows me to be responsible for me, and that feels better than trusting.

But control can also cause me to hurt and disregard others and make poor choices.

Control assumes I know best, but what God whispers (or sometimes hollers) is a knowing of a different kind.

Be still and know, He says.
Know what?
Know that I am God.
Oh yeah.

So, I humble myself, open my Bible and find my rightful place once again.

Relinquishing control reminds us we're not truly in charge. Letting go of the need for our way allows space for God to have His way in us. Releasing control is just one of many small ways we make room for new growth. Life with God is the very best partnership, and it's one big, amazing lesson in collaborating, considering and giving up control. This is what leads to real rest.

Lord, I come to You aware of my foolishness in thinking I know best. I confess this tendency to control, and I open my hands in surrender to You. Your way is always better. Remind me that You are here for me and I am not on my own. Remind me to be still before You and know that You are God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Chronicles 29:11, “Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” (NIV)

Blessed Are the Peacemakers..... by Lynette Kittle

 Blessed Are the Peacemakers

by Lynette Kittle

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”  - Matthew 5:9

When it comes to conflicts on Social Media or in the office, home, or family events, how are you at bringing peace to situations?

Do you jump in and take sides or do you look for ways to promote harmony?

As a kid, I remember sitting in the backseat of my parents’ car on a dark rainy night, lost in a questionable area in Chicago with my Mom and Dad upset at the situation, and at each other. After Dad called a man standing hidden in the dark street over to ask directions, my backseat praying for God’s turned me to action.

With little to no map reading experience of my own, I grabbed it and started giving my Dad directions to the church we were trying to find. Although I’m not really sure how much it helped, it did seem to turn the tide of the angry car atmosphere and de-escalate the situation.

In my family’s traveling nightmare, it diffused the anger and helped my parents to get on the right path to our destination. Like James 3:18 explains, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Looking back I realize my Dad who lived in a small Ohio farming community and had an aversion to big cities, was probably fearful of being lost and vulnerable on the back streets of Chicago. He was most likely afraid for the safety of his family.

In fearful situations, God’s remedy for it His peace. As 2 Thessalonians 3:16 reveals, there is only one true source of it found in the Lord Himself, who is able to give you peace at all times in every way. And there is no situation that can keep His peace from you.

When you choose to step in as a mediator, you are following Christ’s example as the peacemaker between God and mankind. As 1Timothy 2:5 explains, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

Taking opportunities to be a peacemaker brings you benefits, too. 2 Corinthians 13:11 explains how “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourages one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Setting your goal to become a peacemaker, like Jesus, will bring God’s love and peace to your life. As Isaiah 26:3 explains, God will keep you in perfect peace when your mind keeps steadfast in trusting Him. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Learning to be Content..... by Anna Kuta

Learning to be Content
by Anna Kuta

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

I am not a patient person. I admit it. Whether I’m stuck behind a slow driver on a one-lane road, counting down the hours to a particular event, or realizing that something I’ve been looking forward to has been postponed, waiting has never been something easy for me.

Wishing for the future is also something I’ve often struggled with. Whether counting down to high school graduation, the start of college, college graduation or my first job, it seemed at the time like each of those things could not come fast enough. It isn’t until looking back that I realize in each of those seasons of life God was teaching me things and using me for a particular purpose right where I was. That’s not to say I don’t still struggle with the “grass is greener” syndrome, though. I’ve been out of college for nine months now and gotten settled into my job, but these days, especially as Valentine’s Day rolls around, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get discouraged by being a single girl sometimes.

But look at what Paul says in Philippians 4:11. He says he has learned to be content in any situation – “everywhere and in all things.” The Greek word for “content” here literally means “independent of others, having sufficiency in one’s self” – but Paul is referring to one’s new self in Christ, because only God can teach the ability to be content. Paul says he has learned to be content in the good and the bad, in the times of abundance and the times of want, because he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. I think the keyword here is that Paul learned, and it’s possible for us to learn as well. Being content does not necessarily mean being resigned to the fact that you might not get what you want; it means being willing to let God teach you and work through you wherever you are at the moment.

When I start to get impatient or start wishing some area of my life would just hurry up, I remind myself what the Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11, that he has a plan and purpose for those who follow Him. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” God’s timetables are not necessarily ours, but there are lessons He wants to teach us in each season of life. For me, it means growing closer to the Lord during the single years of my 20s and using this time to serve Him to the fullest wherever He needs me. With His help, I’m learning to be content, and you can learn too. Don’t be so busy wishing for a different situation that you miss what Jesus has in store for you right here and now – lean on the strength of God and let Him teach you what it means to be content in all things.

Intersecting Faith & Life

Have there been times in your life when you didn’t realize what God was teaching you until you looked back? How can God use you in your current situation? Wherever you are now, remember that God has a purpose and a plan for this season. Through Christ who gives us strength, we can do all things, and that includes learning to be content.

Further Reading

Philippians 4:19
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 37:3-5
Isaiah 40:31

A Prayer for When You’re Feeling Weak..... By: Christina Fox

 A Prayer for When You’re Feeling Weak

By: Christina Fox

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I hate weakness.

I don't like to feel inadequate or incapable. I don't like being dependent on others. I don't like not knowing what's going to happen. I don't like feeling helpless in the face of a trial. I don't like feeling spent and overwhelmed. I don't like it when I am physically weak, emotionally weak, mentally weak, or spiritually weak.

Did I mention that I don't like being weak?

But ironically, God's word looks at my weakness differently. It's part of the prerequisite for coming to Christ. Jesus said in Luke 5:31-32, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Our weakness is no match for Christ. It's not an obstacle he has to overcome. He doesn't look at us and bemoan the fact he's not been given the cream of the crop. Rather, he laughs at weakness and says "Look what I can do with it."

If the reality of your own weakness is mocking you today, go to God in prayer. Plead with the Lord about it and rest in his power made perfect in weakness.

This prayer is for you and me:

Dear Father,

I come to you today feeling so weak and helpless. There are many thing on my plate, so many worries, so many uncertainties, so many things that I just can't do. Every time I think about what lies ahead for me, I feel overwhelmed. When I consider carrying this burden for days on end, I feel like I just might drown. Everything seems impossible.

You said to come to you with my burdens. The Bible says you are our "Rock" and our "Fortress." You are all knowing and all powerful. You know the burdens that I bear. You are not surprised by them. In fact, you've allowed them into my life. I may not know the purpose for them, but I do know that I can trust your goodness. You are always faithful to do what is best for me. You care most about my holiness, even above my immediate happiness. I ask that you remove this burden from me, take away my weakness, but ultimately, I desire most of all that your will be done.

I confess that I hate this weakness in me. I don't like not knowing what to do. I don't like being incapable and insufficient. Forgive me for wanting to be sufficient in myself. Forgive me for wanting to be in control. Forgive me for complaining and grumbling. Forgive me for doubting your love for me. And forgive me for not being willing to trust and rely on you and your grace.

When I look into the future and see my weakness, help me to trust you. May I, like Paul, embrace my weakness so that you can be my strength. May you work through my weakness to change me. May I glorify you in my weakness, looking away from myself and to the wonders of your amazing love through Christ.

Grant me gospel joy, even in the midst of this struggle. It's because of Jesus and through Jesus that I can pray, Amen.