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Selected Devotion from Streams in the Desert By L.B.Cowman; Jim Reimann Dear friends,do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering....But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ. (1 Peter 4:12–13) Many hours of waiting were necessary to enrich David’s harp with song. And hours of waiting in the wilderness will provide us with psalms of “thanksgiving and the sound of singing” (Isa.51:3). The hearts of the discouraged here below will be lifted, and joy will be brought to our Father’s heavenly home. What was the preparation for Jesse’s son, David, to compose songs unlike any others ever heard before on earth? It was the sinful persecution he endured at the hands of the wicked that brought forth his cries for God’s help. Then David’s faint hope in God’s goodness blossomed into full songs of rejoicing, declaring the Lord’s mighty deliverances and multiplied mercies. Every sorrow was yet another note from his harp, and every deliverance another theme of praise. One stinging sorrow spared would have been one blessing missed and unclaimed. One difficulty or danger escaped—how great would have been our loss! The thrilling psalms where God’s people today find expression for their grief or praise might never have been known. Waiting on God and abiding in His will is to know Him in “the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings”(Phil.3:10) and “to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). Therefore if God’s desire is to enlarge your capacity for spiritual understanding, do not be frightened by the greater realm of suffering that awaits you. The Lord’s capacity for sympathy is greater still, for the breath of the Holy Spirit into His new creation never makes a heart hard and insensitive, but affectionate, tender, and true. Anna Shipton I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Selected Devotion from Our Daily Bread By Julie Ackerman Link A Lesson In Praise Praise the Lord! — Psalm 150:1 Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 150 Psalm 150 is not only a beautiful expression of praise, it’s also a lesson in praising the Lord. It tells us where to praise, why we’re to praise, how we’re to praise, and who should offer praise. Where do we praise? In God’s “sanctuary” and “mighty firmament” (v.1). Wherever we are in the world is a proper place to praise the One who created all things. Why do we praise? First, because of what God does. He performs “mighty acts.” Second, because of who God is. The psalmist praised Him for “His excellent greatness” (v.2). The all-powerful Creator is the Sustainer of the universe. How should we praise? Loudly. Softly. Soothingly. Enthusiastically. Rhythmically. Boldly. Unexpectedly. Fearlessly. In other words, we can praise God in many ways and on many occasions (vv.3-5). Who should praise? “Everything that has breath” (v.6). Young and old. Rich and poor. Weak and strong. Every living creature. God’s will is for everyone to whom He gave the breath of life to use that breath to acknowledge His power and greatness. Praise is our enthusiastic expression of gratitude to God for reigning in glory forever. By:  Julie Ackerman Link Reflect & Pray Let every creature rise and bring Peculiar honors to our King; Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud amen! —Watts Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart.

Selected from Got Questions. Your Questions. Biblical Answers. Where/how do you draw the line between helping someone and allowing someone to take advantage of you? Luke 6:30, 35-36 tells us to "give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back." "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” These verses and many others in the Bible teach us that Christians are to be loving, merciful, and self-sacrificing. As we see the needs of people all around us, our hearts should be full of compassion just as our Heavenly Father has compassion towards all people. "The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made" (Psalm 145:9). It is right to have a heart that would continually give to others, and it pleases God to see this wonderful characteristic in our lives. However, in this area of giving and helping, the Bible also teaches that we must have wise discernment (Matthew 10:16). God gives us certain standards that we must take into account when it comes to giving our time and money to others. When the Bible tells us we are to help others, the purpose is never for us to do this to the point where it becomes detrimental. It’s good to do what we’re able to do, but 2 Thessalonians 3:10 also reminds us, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." There are people who want to live an irresponsible lifestyle with absolutely no accountability. So there must be limits; we will help someone with a need, but if we see that it’s become a chronic life pattern, it’s wrong for us to continue to encourage that. It’s very harmful to others to contribute to their indolence, laziness, and lack of effort. The old saying "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime" is very true. As long as we see that someone is sincerely making an effort, we should be there to support him in whatever way God leads. Often, a much more effective way to help others is to come alongside them to give biblical counsel, principles, and encouragement. If they are willing to listen and try, they should be able, through the power of the Holy Spirit within them, to reverse this pattern of dependency on others. This begins, of course, with a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, without whose empowerment, lifestyle changes of this magnitude are not possible. We are also to take into consideration what the Bible tells us about being good stewards. As we put our trust in God and walk with Him, He promises to supply our needs (Philippians 4:19). What the Lord provides for us, we must use wisely. We are to give back to the Lord a portion of what He gives us; we are to provide for the needs of our families; and we are to pay our bills. How we spend our time is also involved in stewardship; a balance of worship, work, and family is important. These are all principal aspects of stewardship and cannot be neglected, so they must be considered in the decision of how and what we can do in helping others. If, by helping someone else financially, we are unable to take care of our own debts and responsibilities, then we are not doing right in our efforts to help. There are many ways people can take advantage of others. It’s important that we make this a matter of prayer, asking the Lord to show us what He wants us to do. He will give us wisdom to recognize genuine need and discern between an opportunity and a distraction (James 1:5). Sometimes, people are so beaten down by life’s trials and failures that they need someone who is willing to be a long-term friend to them. This can be a trying relationship, but it can also be a very rewarding one. Local churches can be a tremendous help to those with a burden for those in need. However, trying to help someone who is just not willing to take any steps towards a solution in the matter may be a hopeless cause. Again, praying for God’s wisdom and exercising the discernment He gives are crucial in these situations.

Selected from Got Questions. Your Questions. Biblical Answers. Why did God make man out of the dust of the earth? Genesis 2:7 teaches, “The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” With the rest of creation, God had simply spoken things into existence (e.g., Genesis 1:3, 14, 20, 24), but God does things differently with man. Three important observations can be made. First, the fact that man was created from dust makes him unique among all of God’s creation. To create the sun, mountains, animal life, etc., God simply spoke. We read, “Then God said” over and over in Genesis 1. Human life, however, included the “dust of the earth” and the very breath of God. Man is a unique combination of earthly, natural material and life-giving power from God Himself. Such a mode of creation highlights the importance and value of human life. Second, the use of dust suggests a certain lowliness. God did not use gold or granite or gemstones to make man. He used dust, a humble substance. What gives man his glory? The dust, or the breath of God within the dust? Genesis 3:19 notes man’s dependence upon God and the fragile nature of human life: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Third, the literary structure of the passage puts man’s creation from the dust of the earth in a place of significance. The structure of Genesis 2:5–9 can be broken down like this: A No plant life (verse 5a)   B No intervention by God (verse 5b)    C No man to work the ground (verse 5c)     D Mist from God (verse 6)      E God creates man (verse 7a)       X God gives life (verse 7a)      E Man become a living creature (verse 7b)     D Garden from God (verse 8a)    C Man works the ground (verse 8b; cf. verse 15)   B God intervenes (verse 9) A Plant life exists (verse 9) God could have chosen to create humans in any way He desired. However, Scripture records the particular way He did create—using both natural material (dust) and supernatural power to give humans a unique place in the cosmos. The recipe of dust of the earth + God’s breath emphasizes the supernatural power of God and the fragile nature of humanity. Human life is completely dependent upon God, and, as a result, humans are called to worship the Lord and to serve Him only.

Selected Devotion from Knowing Jesus Verse of the Day "Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises." James 5:13(NASB) Prayer and praise are two vital elements in the Christian life, and yet they are perhaps the two essential components of a believer's spiritual walk that are most frequently lacking. Too often, prayer and praise have been infiltrated with new age philosophies, tainted with occultic thinking, or simply infused with a worldly mindset. And yet, godly living through ceaseless prayer and thankful praise, is the Father's will for all His children - for it demonstrates a trust in the Lord which pleases His heart and glorifies His holy name. There is much need for prayer and intercession in this suffering world, and there is much cause for praise and rejoicing... for God's gracious sufficiency. The psalmist reminds us that men should pray to Him continually and praise him all day long... while Paul calls us to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks - for this is God's will for each one of us.   Suffering is the segment of life that should cause us to engage in much prayer and earnest entreaties, while Christ's gracious provision should elicit much rejoicing and cheerfulness of heart. No surprise, therefore, that James asks, "Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray! Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises!" Suffering is the segment of life that should cause us to engage in much prayer and earnest entreaties, while Christ's gracious provision should elicit much rejoicing and cheerfulness of heart. No surprise, therefore, that James asks, "Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray! Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises!" Throughout the Word of God, we are encouraged to call on the name of the Lord in time of trouble. Indeed, Paul exhorts, "in everything by prayer and supplication, with praise and thanksgiving, make your requests known to Him." In every circumstance of life it should be a duty and delight to fly to the Lord in prayer - especially in times of trouble, for He is a God Whose ears are open to the cries of His children, and Who is our ever present help in times of need. Indeed, no matter what changing moods and interchanging moments we face in life, we are wise when we lift up cheerful hearts of joyful thanksgiving to the Lord... through continuous prayer and trusting praise. James, in the closing chapter of his epistle, repeatedly emphasises the need for prayer and the importance of praise. Approaching God's throne of grace, for mercy for help in time of need, should not be a last hope when all else has failed - but should be our first delight and dear desire. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His arm is ever-ready to provide the help we need, and His ear is always open to our cry, but He wants us to approach Him through earnest prayer and cheerful praise so that our faith in Him and our trust in His Word may germinate, grow, blossom, and bud - and bring forth much fruit to His praise and glory, as we journey through life to our promised heavenly home. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement and truth that is contained in this short but important little verse. May I seek You in all life's needs and necessities through prayer and intercession, and may I rejoice in Your never-failing faithfulness and unchanging goodness and grace. Keep me low at the Cross and rejoicing in my heart for all that You are to me... and to all who have trusted in You for their salvation. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Selected Devotion from The Bible League International Today's Verse "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." Luke 10:40 NIV Devotion Jesus and His disciples were spending some time in the house of Martha and her sister Mary. Martha took it upon herself to take care of all the preparations that had to be made, but Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Martha complained to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus answered her by saying, “Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:40-42). Are you like Martha, always ready to serve? Are you always ready to take care of any preparations that have to be made? There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s good to be a servant. In fact, all of us are called to be servants (Luke 22:24-30). Our lives should be lives of self-sacrificial service. The Apostle Paul tells us, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). The problem with Martha, then, was not her service. The problem with Martha was that she allowed her service to distract her from what was really important. Martha got so caught up in the preparations that she was unable to appreciate the better thing that was in her house. She was missing out on the Lord Jesus’ presence and His teaching. It didn’t have to be that way. She could have done both. She could have listened to the Lord as she got things ready. She could have refused to allow fretting and worrying about the preparations to distract her from appreciating the better thing. Let us examine ourselves and follow Jesus’ admonition. Refuse to allow fret and worry to have a place as you serve the people you’re called to serve. The Lord may not be sitting in your living room right now, but you can commune with Him just the same. You can commune with Him while you do your work. Indeed, it is your communion with the Lord, the Lord your help (Psalm 121:1-2), that will make everything you’re doing that much easier.

Selected Devotion from The Gospel Coalition By Brett McCraken If you’ve ever spent time near a river in a desert climate, refreshing yourself by its cool waters and verdant banks, the words of Psalm 126:4 make beautiful sense: “Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!” Where there is flowing water, even the deadest of land comes alive. One of my favorite places on earth is Zion National Park in Utah, for this reason. The Virgin River flows through an otherwise dry, desert canyon, filling it with greenery and wildlife. The same goes for hundreds of other rivers and streams in the United States, and all over the world. Rivers nourish life wherever they meander. They refresh us physically and spiritually. That’s why this summer and every summer, people flock to rivers. Whether for recreation (swimming, tubing, fishing, rafting, camping) or contemplation (simply sitting beside a mountain-fed stream is among life’s greatest delights), rivers are beloved by humanity all over the world. It’s no wonder, then, that river imagery figures prominently in Scripture. The psalmist famously envisions a river in one of the Bible’s most comforting passages, Psalm 46 (“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God”). John envisions “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” in the new creation (Rev. 22:1). When biblical writers use “river” imagery to convey God’s life-giving presence, they do so because it makes sense to almost everyone on this planet. Three Lessons from Rivers A river is a classic example of how God’s creation helps us understand truth about him, if our senses are unblocked enough to perceive it (e.g. Ps. 19, Rom. 1). The biblical writers use nature imagery often to reveal God’s character, and our relationship to him, because nature is God’s handiwork and naturally bears his signature. If we look close enough at nature we should understand God more, in the same way that spending hours of focused time in a museum’s Picasso retrospective should help us understand the famous abstract artist more. Incidentally, this is why time outside, in nature, away from screens and digital distraction, is good not only for our physical health, but also our spiritual health.  The more time I spend around the rivers of God’s creation, the more theological lessons I glean. Here are just three. 1. We Thrive in Proximity to the River Psalm 1 compares a man whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” to “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (1:3). This is in contrast to the wicked, who “are like chaff that the wind drives away” (v. 4). The imagery makes sense to those who have approached a river in a desert and seen the sudden change from barren, leafless trees to sturdy, leafy oaks and willow forests by a river. Riverside trees thrive because they are constantly fed with a waterway that never runs dry. This is why so many of the world’s great cities—London, Paris, Cairo, Rome—developed around rivers. Rivers create fertile farmland, vibrant ecosystems, and access to trade. They are sources of life. So it is for our spiritual lives. Our survival depends on our proximity to God, the River of Life, the source of the only “living water” (John 4:7–15) that can truly transform and sustain us. 2. The River’s Power Shapes Us We shouldn’t think that since rivers are often places of serenity, they are safe. The pastoral peace of Zion’s Virgin River can become deadly in a heartbeat if a thunderstorm sets off a flash food. A river is a powerful thing; even a babbling brook can have a current too strong to swim against. One look at the Grand Canyon (or any canyon) and a river’s jaw-dropping power to shape and form is clear. It should inspire in us awestruck terror as much as soothing calm. This is how we should view God. As C. S. Lewis suggests in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, God is not safe, but he’s good. Too often Christians domesticate God, seeing him as a picturesque river straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting—a peaceful water feature to adorn our personal paradise but not shape or disrupt it in any dangerous way. But God is a mighty and forceful river, and his followers should throw themselves into his current rather than standing safely along the banks. We are called not just to drink from this refreshing water when and how we want it, but to let its wild power move and mold us to be the “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5) God wants us to be. 3. We Can Channel the River Some of the world’s most fertile land is found in river deltas—the places where a main river branches off into numerous channels and distributaries, each bringing water and sediment to enrich the surrounding soil. To be a channel is to be a vessel through which the mighty river’s many blessings are distributed. This is what God’s people are to be in the world: vessels of the Holy Spirit, an ever-spreading alluvial fan of thriving life in a hostile land. Isaiah uses the “streams on the dry ground” imagery to show God’s intention to bless the world through Jacob’s many descendants, who “shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams” (Isa. 44:3–4). In John 7, Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water,’” referring to the Spirit they would receive (7:38–39). This is what God’s people are to be in the world: vessels of the Holy Spirit, an ever-spreading alluvial fan of thriving life in a hostile land. Does the world around us experience us this way? In our communities, workplaces and on social media, do our neighbors see “rivers of living water” flowing from our hearts, or do they see trickles of toxic sewage? Does the presence of Christianity bring refreshment, life, and deposits of biblical sediment, or is our presence bringing polluted and poisonous water?  Our fallen world is parched—dry, barren, hopeless as a dessert with no water in sight. It is desperately thirsty for Living Water. As Christians, we are not substitutes for the Living Water that only Jesus provides; but this water should so mark our lives that we, too, become refreshing streams wherever we are. Every Christian life and community should be a patch of green in its brown surroundings. Like a river delta, we should be a flourishing ecosystem that attracts the weary to its life-giving banks. Our lives should be invitations for others to come to the waters. We should remember the song many of us sang as children, often in summer camps that took place near rivers: “I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me . . . Spring up, O well (splish splash) / Within my soul / Spring up, O well (splish splash) / And make me whole. / Spring up, O well (splish splash) / And give to me / That life abundantly!”

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," -1 Peter 3:15 Selected Devotion from Insight for Living Sensitive Leaders April 29, 2024 by Pastor Chuck Swindoll Scriptures: Acts 17:1–9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1–6 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. (1 Thessalonians 2:5–6) Good leaders are sensitive to the needs of others. Paul compared his ministry to a mother who tenderly cares for the needs of her children. I love that word picture. I watched my wife nursing our children when they were tiny, without giving one thought to her own needs. It has been my joy as well to witness my grown daughters caring for our grandchildren too. It's a precious sight to behold. Watching my wife and daughters gently cradle their little ones close to their breasts, and lovingly providing for their needs, helps me understand what Paul meant by "gentleness." His ministry was marked by a gentle nurturing of the flock. Paul says, "I was like a mother nursing a child, in my manner among you." If God has placed you in a leadership responsibility, I urge you to cultivate a spirit of gentleness. It is after all a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Your tenderness will work wonders in the lives under your care. Spiritual leaders need to be real, gentle, understanding, and empathetic. You and I appreciate spiritual leaders who consistently reveal their human sides. Contrary to popular opinion, Paul, the strong-hearted, passionate, gritty leader was also known for his gentleness and grace. Are you known for yours?

Selected Devotion from Streams in the Desert By L.B.Cowman; Jim Reimann He answered nothing. (Mark 15:3 KJV) There is no scene in all the Bible more majestic than our Savior remaining silent before the men who were reviling Him. With one quick burst of divine power, or one fiery word of rebuke, He could have caused His accusers to be laid prostrate at His feet. Yet He answered not one word,allowing them to say and do their very worst. He stood in THE POWER OF STILLNESS—God’s holy silent Lamb. There is a place of stillness that allows God the opportunity to work for us and gives us peace. It is a stillness that ceases our scheming, self-vindication, and the search for a temporary means to an end through our own wisdom and judgment. Instead, it lets God provide an answer, through His unfailing and faithful love, to the cruel blow we have suffered. Oh, how often we thwart God’s intervention on our behalf by taking up our own cause or by striking a blow in our owndefense! May God grant each of us this silent power and submissive spirit. Then once our earthly battles and strife are over, others will remember us as we now remember the morning dew, the soft light of sunrise, a peaceful evening breeze, the Lamb of Calvary, and the gentle and holy heavenly Dove. A. B. Simpson

Selected Devotion from Bible League International By Pastor David Massie Today's Verse “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” Isaiah 42:3 NKJV Devotion As a servant of the Lord, do you ever feel burnt out, discouraged, depressed, despairing, hopeless, and even broken? I do and I know you probably do as well from time to time. This is just the reality of serving Jesus in a world that goes against His truth. The battle has been going on for a long time. Moses was so discouraged and despairing he asked God to kill him (Numbers 11:14-15). David and his men wept and wept over a defeat (1 Samuel 30:4). The Apostle Paul listed his ministry woes as described in 2 Corinthians 11. The prophet Elijah came to a place of exhaustion, unworthiness, and a lost sense of purpose in his dealings with Jezebel. As Christ suffered, we shall too as His servants (Romans 8:17-18). We’ve all been there. Perhaps you are there right now. Fear not my friend and let the peace of God that surpasses all understanding comfort you in this season. Paul, reflecting on his ministry journey, tells us he suffered the loss of all things and concluded that their value was only that of “dung” compared to what he gained in Christ (Philippians 3:8). Matthew records that Jesus healed “all who were ill” from a crowd that was following Him. Then he quotes from our passage in Isaiah to show how Jesus fulfilled the prophecy about the Messiah (Matthew 12:18-21). I find it interesting that Matthew is the one who captures this. I believe Matthew was a bruised reed feeling burnt out, perhaps despairing over the ministry challenges on top of his own personal challenges. He had been a dreaded tax collector; and being from the tribe of Levi, he had walked away from his religious heritage to follow Jesus. He became an outsider now in ministry to the outsiders. But Jesus sees it all. He sees and knows when His servants are weak and despairing. Discouraged and depressed. Burnt out and broken. Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of the coming Messiah. As Jesus was “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5), He understands the “bruised reed” in us. In all His miracle healings, Jesus was ministering to a bruised reed. He ministered to the bruised reeds gathered in the upper room after His death. He restored Peter in his condition as a bruised reed after denying the Lord. God will never despise a broken spirit or contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). He will not despise the prayers of the destitute (Psalm 102:17). “A bruised reed He shall not break. A smoking flax He shall not quench.” “A bruised reed He shall not break” is a picture of one bent and weak in the service of the Lord. A servant may be overwhelmed but also gloriously peaceful in knowing that it is Jesus who promises to mend and restore the bruised reed. “A smoking flax He shall not quench” is a picture of barely hanging in there in one’s service to the Lord. You may feel like your fire is gone, your zeal and passion are empty, you are just an ember barely smoking. And yet we can be at peace knowing that Jesus will never let the smoking flax flame out completely. As long as there is smoke, there can be fire. Fire for the Lord! It is Jesus who promises to rekindle your fire so that your light can shine brightly again, unhidden, to be seen by all for His glory. The Prophet Elijah in his despairing could do nothing but cry out to God. It is in that moment the Lord met him and reassured him in a still, small voice that He was there for Elijah. It is the same Lord and same promise to you beloved servant of Christ. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus will always be our comforter, our restorer, our peace (Ephesians 2:14). May our Lord’s peace be upon you and with you, beloved servant of the most high. May your bruises be healed and restored, and may your flax burn brightly as you continue to serve and share His truth for His judgment. By Pastor David Massie, Bible League International