Northminster Streams

More than we can ask for

2010-05-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

I can relate to asking for too little. I always enjoyed being by water. And by water, I considered the lakes of central WI to be the definition of "Big Water". Then I met the pacific ocean and as important the cool boats that navigate on it. God, I think has surprises for us that our bigger than we can imagine.

responding w/ stillness

2010-05-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

I very much enjoyed today's devotional. I have been thinking about how I want to be more mature in my reaction to God and my environment, especially in times of diress. I have concluded that I need to be more responsive and less reactionary. At the Promise Keepers breakfast , we marveled at how Jesus was interacting on the boat while the storm came up. He was "still" and not freaking out. Cool as a cucumber.

I see this quality of composure under-fire and want very much to become more apt at practicing when it counts.

Rock Flowers

2010-05-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful illustration of finding strength through adversity. Just saw a neat biography on Dale Earnhardt. Great racer who grew up lean and mean. Some how the dirt track was just as important as the asphalt for Mr. Earnhardt. He almost gave up racing at first, I discovered. he had lost his dad to a heart attack. Success came later. he himself died in a crash in 91 I think it was. And now his son carries on the tradition. I know it is strange t compare Flowers with NASCAR. I guess it was the idea that unlikely terrain can give rise to heroes and beauty.

Pat

2010-05-19T09:31:00.001-07:00

Well, it is nice to be back from a vacation. And did I enjoy the good Chicago food, which, if I am honest, is a temptation. I love bread at the expense of my temple. Sounds trite, but poor health and over eating can be a real trap. I know it is an offense to God when I have an Italian beef and a hot dog. Dear Lord, I hope and pray to be better with your help.

Pray, Then Pray

2010-05-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Prayer is our connection with the Lord. It is our lifeline and source of power.

When you are filled with joy, pray.

When you are afraid, pray.

When you have a need, pray.

When you take a breath, pray.

When We Can't Understand, Trust.

2010-04-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

We often believe inside that we know better than God what we need and when. We don't voice that belief, we just hold it quietly.

Yet in our heart of hearts we know that God is all-knowing and all-loving; that He wants the very best for us, and He knows how to provide it.

We don't always understand the way God answers our prayers, and when we don't, it is time to trust in His goodness and power.

What We Fear

2010-04-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Fear of the unknown is one of the greatest fears. When Katie was five, she lost part of a foot in a terrible accident. When we asked a social worker in the hospital what to tell her, she answered, "The complete truth." The unknown was the real enemy bringing fear.

When it comes to this life and the next, God reveals to us the whole truth. Our lives here on the earth are brief and without promise of tomorrow, but our lives in Christ are eternal and centered in God's house where Jesus has prepared a place for us. We go from a rented tenement to a palace that is ours.

Read John 14: 1-7

a caution to the impulsive

2010-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

rev. Bill does a pre marital inventory that gages where individuals are on a scale from impulsive to self disciplined. I think I fall to the impulsive side. But that trait, when not tempered with God's leading can make me go in a hundred non productive directions. Sometimes, if your like me, you have to mellow out and wait for a little"external evidance" of the leading of the Lord.

delayed graitification

2010-04-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

I have been tyring to put my finger on a problem I see in myself but more so with my children.

I think it is the problem that has been enhanced by video games and other modern stimuli that reward actions in seconds. Consider the scope of the delay mentioned in the devotional and it begs the question: Does this genaration have the tolerance for delayed gratification as measured by Biblical standards? Do I?

Wait a Minute.

2010-04-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Those are three words that people afflicted with a lack of patience hate to hear. It is hard for us to delay gratification. Israel waited 400 years in the sojourn in Egypt. They wandered for 40 years in the Sinai on their way to the promised land. God had a purpose for those 440 years. He was preparing Israel.

Still, it is tough to wait for many of us. We want instant results. Sometimes God's answer to our prayer is, "Wait."

Doubt and Discouragement

2010-04-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Satan is a liar. It's in his name and in his nature. He will, at every opportunity, try to cause you to doubt God's grace and provision. He will try to turn your heart to discouragement. DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!

Read Philippians 4: 4-9.

Springtime Comes

2010-04-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful that Easter is in the spring. All of nature reminds us of resurrection and new life. Trees have fresh leaves. Deer have new fawns. Birds have new peeps. Trees and flowers bud and bloom.

Without winter, spring wouldn't have such great an impact. Without trials and seasons of challenge, our victory in Christ wouldn't be as intense.

When there are times of winter remember, springtime comes.

flying w/o sight

2010-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed Bill's commentary yesterday. I liked the passage today. Reminded me of the confidence experienced pilots have that can fly w/ instruments even in fog/clouds and darkness. The ambiguity of life can be unsettling. I liked the parts about patience and trust. have a great day.

Sting Back?

2010-04-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

When we are attacked or insulted, our first inclination is to hit back. It is the natural response of our flesh. That also means that the inclination is probably wrong.

When He was assailed, Jesus did not respond in kind. When He was hung on the cross, he asked His Father to forgive us who were guilty of His death.

It is easy to respond in kind. It is Jesus-like to forgive.

The lesson from Job

2010-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that the promises of God are really for true believers that hold to this idea that adversity will pay dividends no matter what they go through. Job, to me is like the navy seal of suffering. But all of us can relate in measure. I may not have the answers to suffering at hand. But I can continue and work patiently to see the other end of them. That is, with God's help. Have a great day all.

Pat

Like a morning zephyr

2010-04-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have really been inspired this Easter by the reality of Holy Saturday.

The Lord was at work on Saturday even though the day does not have the pizazz of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Those "checks" and gentle "pressures" are underestimated in their importance from my vantage point.

But what is a "morning zephyr?

Pat

an interesting take

2010-03-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

I have been lazy the last week or so. I made the mistake of skipping my devotional reading in favor of tackling e mails. So it was good to get back in the swing of things. I can't say that the S.O.S. has been used very often ti illustrate the point of "bitter-sweet". A different way of approaching the subject that got me to thinking and praying this morning.

Oops

2010-03-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

What a day to wait until afternoon to open my Streams in the Desert.

Chairos and Chronos

2010-03-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

I have always been impatient. I want what I want when I want it. If I have a plan, the time for it to be implemented is now! O Lord, why is there often a discrepancy between my timing and Yours? Can't You see that I want to do something now? Why do I have to wait for You?

Oh yeah, You are Lord. Help me accept Your chairos over my chronos.

Thrice Burned

2010-03-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

Why, Lord? Why does it take three trials or more for me to turn from my own way to your way? Why can't I figure things out the first time?

Funny, I was wondering the same thing. -God

coming to the end of "visual faith".

2010-03-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

I sure wish their was an easier path than coming to the end of one's own ability.

Can a middle aged person come to this conclusion with out the rigorous learning curve that comes from experience?

Grace Harbor

2010-03-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

There is a great church in Sitka called, "Grace Harbor". Wonderful metaphor for church-a place to get supplies and find rest from the rollers. On the other hand, too many boats are ties to the dock and never get out. These tend to also suffer from disrepair. To me, there are fewer things Seder than a good working boat tied permanently to a dock. Love the rest and security-but there is nothing like being out there where the action is.

Tommy' advice

2010-03-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who is fond of saying, "Don't put your inside into someone's outside". You know, it's true. The load I carry is customized for me.

"By my Spirit" says the Lord

2010-02-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

When I look over my life, I have to admit that some of the projects that I have dedicated a great deal of time and effort to were in fact, self serving and bared little fruit. On the other hand, some other experiences had the marks of being empowered by the Spirit. My hindsight is better than my foresight, however, when it comes to these things.

Sun or Shade

2010-02-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

I must admit that I am more of a sunflower than a violet. I crave the warmth and light of the sun. I don't treasure the gloom of clouds or shade.

Still I must admit that times of gloom, when the sun seemed so far away as to be only a memory, have been times of immense growth and closeness to the Lord. Do I like the shade? No, but I value it.

By Faith, Not By Sight

2010-02-23T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people who likes to know where he is going. I like to have a plan and a map. Before I travel. I download a trip-tic from the Auto Club, even if I am driving to a location I've visited before.

Then Jesus said, "Follow me."

Where Lord? What is the route? What is the plan?

"Follow me," is all He said.

Yes, Lord.

2010-02-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

My teacher called this preoccupation wit the grand and miraculous "triumphalism". I am grateful for devotions like this that celebrate the big stuff with a counterbalance of reality. The plank in the ocean is every bit as functional as walking on land between parted oceans.

typical sanctification

2010-02-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

I guess even something like divine wrestling can be typical. I think the key is the idea of transformation. Not everyone wrestles with God, but for those that do, there is the promise of comfort and change. I like the part about God wrestling Jacob more than the other way around.

Have a great day. Welcome to the blog site, Diana.

Deut 32

2010-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

I read this one and thought that it referenced death and passing on to life eternal. Duet 32 is in fact at the time when Moses was near death. At that time he recited a song that gave tribute to God for being the sole agent of having brought Israel out of Egypt. No "foreign God" gave assistance-it was God "alone".

Now I can see that in times of deliverance, whether they be from one land to another-or from this life to the next-there are special times when God alone can serve as guide and companion.

Have a wonderful day, friends.

Simple Faith, Simple Prayer

2010-02-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

You do not need to have a theological education to have faith in God, nor fanciful words to impress Him in prayer. Simple faith, based in God's grace, not our brilliance is the foundation for our relationship with Him. Simple prayers that communicate our love, praise, confession, and our needs ascend to God's throne immediately.

the down side of hedges

2010-02-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

I can relate to this one. When I lost my job there was a real sense of being dispensable. Part of it was vanity. But part of it was feeling very limited in terms of scope of work. Much easier to walk than to wait. I agree.

The Wounded Healer

2010-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Swiss pastor-theologian, Henri Nouwen, said that Christ is the model of the wounded healer. He took on our flesh with its inherent pain and suffering to bring God's healing and forgiveness to us.

When we are wounded by the trials of life, we become more able to understand and empathize with others who are going through struggles of their own. I'm not such a spiritual giant that I can pray for the Lord to send me trials and wounding so that I can be better at sharing His healing, but I do pray that the Lord will use the scars in my life to bring healing to others.

Clouds

2010-02-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Clouds can look dark and foreboding... from below. If you have ever flown over clouds in a plane, you know that they are brilliant platinum white from above. It is all about point of view. God sees the clouds in our life, and the cleansing, nourishing rain they bring.

Hit home

2010-02-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

Now this is weird. Since I work on my little boat on Fridays, I spent last night wondering how to brace the gas tank for when she (the boat that is) takes her pounding. The torque and repetition of waves and wind have to be accounted for, just like the devotional writer pointed out. My boat is on stocks as we speak and sometimes I think too much of the paint and aesthetics and forget she was created to part water and catch copious amounts of fish. Needless to say, this one was a real gem for yours truly. Have a great day, everyone.

Wait

2010-02-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our timing and God's timing are not always the same. When I want something, or think I desperately need something, I don't want to hear, "Wait."

May we learn to accept God's timing, even accepting the word, "Wait."

comfort in the valley of sorrow

2010-02-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

This one had a beatitude feel to it. It sure is good to know that sadness and duress have there place as precursors to faith and refreshment. I am so glad that hard times have a start and finish to them and that God uses them for some good.

Spirit Filled

2010-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

The great hymn,

Have Thine Own Way Lord

includes the verse,

Filled with the Spirit 'til all can see Christ only always living in me.

That is a great ambition for a Christian; that the Holy Spirit fills us to the point that others see Jesus when they look at us. Fill me Lord.

submit thyself

2010-02-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

I notice that often, once the ideal of persisting through trial is affirmed, the devotional writers are good enough to remind us that we need help to get the benefit of the said trial. I am so glad for that. Stand up on my own, I admit weakness-but I can submit and wait upon the lord. Have a great day, everyone.

Nike

2010-02-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Nike's motto is, "Just Do It!" My sainted Irish step-grandma's favorite saying was, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

We have the inclination to do good, to help others, to give the cup of cold water. Just do it! After all, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Opportunities from Obstacles

2010-02-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am going to take something from this devotonial: Every time something along the line of a storm cloud approaches-I will purposely look for signs of God's love. Wish however, that I could ski the "strained" on every side part!

Storm watchers

2010-02-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

Good morning and happy February to all.

I liked the devotion today. It brought back memories of mid west storms that come across the land just as the author described. I have always liked storms. How something can be so violent and redemptive is very powerful. I think.

2010-01-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

The cedars of Lebanon are stately, towering, and alive. Psalm 1 speaks of a tree planted by streams of living waters. That tree represents a person about whom it can be said, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates both day and night." We can all become cedars of Lebanon.

Instrument Rating

2010-01-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Reminds me of those with enough hours to fly by instruments w/o the benefit of sight.

These devotions are sure challenging. I am glad for this mature view and suspect that God is calling me to adopt as my spiritual way of like. Still....I admit to enjoying a little evidance from time to time.

Giving it a try

2010-01-27T09:21:00.001-08:00

So I have been on board for awhile about the logic of this devotion. But have never (or rarely) said "thank you" in practice as the devotion suggests. And so I tried. It was a little awkward and counter-intuitive, but I gave it a try. Think I will need to practice but I can imagine it would be liberating to both believe it and mean it. I hope the application goes well for all who participate.

Shadow and Light

2010-01-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Ansel Adams produced his amazing photographs of Yosemite and the Sierras in black and white. He referred to the photos as, "shadow and light."

Light isn't as bright without shadows setting it off in contrast. Moments of darkness help us to see the bright, fresh beauty of the sunshine. Shadow and light, we need both.

God Waits

2010-01-26T11:29:00.001-08:00

I read a similar train of thought from Philip Yancey about why God "waits". It is hard to have the long view and sometimes hard for me to have an optimistic one. Lord, help me measure progress in years rather than second!

A great stage theory

2010-01-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

You, know, these devotions are so powerful. I asked myself, what stage am I in. I don't think I am at Paul stage, but I may be past stage 1 and that is good news. Anyone else want to reveal where they are today?

Rare Scholers

2010-01-23T02:55:00.000-08:00

Today's entry is another wonderful one. I had a teacher tell me that the thesis of the Gospel of Mark's Gospel is in the 8th chapter, when Jesus reminds the disciples that they will suffer should they follow him. When life feels unfair, it's easy, at least for me, to implicate God as having failed. Boy, do I have things backwards more times than not. Have a great day everyone.

The Silence of God

2010-01-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

There are times when we are going through trials, and it seems like God doesn't care. We cannot hear His voice, and He doesn't seem to be acting on our behalf. Don't take silence for complacence. God sees, hears, and cares about our situation. He doesn't need to make a lot of noise to carry out His will and care for His children. His quiet hand steers the wind. His still small voice calms our hearts when we listen for it.

Rainy Day Faith

2010-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

We've all had "fair-weather friends." You know the type. As long as things are going well, they are close by, but when there are trials and struggles, they are nowhere to be found.

Are we fair-weather friends to Jesus? Is our faith strong enough for a rainy day? God walks with us on good days and bad. During trials, He is right there beside us.

Don't Listen to the Liar.

2010-01-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

We all know someone who is truth-challenged. I worked with a fellow in the steel mill who would spin a lie when there was absolutely no reason to do it. You could, as it is said, tell when he was lying. His lips were moving. It didn't take long to know that you dared not listen to anything he said.

Satan is like that. Even his name means, "The Deceiver." When a voice tries to tell you that your commitment to Christ isn't real, that your consecration to the Lord is a failure, where does that voice come from? Don't listen to the liar. God honors your commitment. Christ holds onto His own and protects His sheep. Rest beside the Shepherd's quiet waters.

Storms and Faith

2010-01-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

There are people I think of as giants in the faith; people like Billy Graham and Mother Theresa. We might all aspire to their greatness of faith, but would we be willing to pass through the storms that they have passed through to reach their place of holy living? Storms grow strong trees.

An example of waiting

2010-01-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

Back in AK., the streams ran almost constantly, with 100 inches of rain annually. Then, once, it didn't rain for 30 days and it was deemed a "critical" situation. I think about that. In some places around Bakersfield, it is more the norm to have dry river beds then flowing. The persistence of hardship gives us that old school toughness that knows how to stick it out over the long haul like the great prophets. Man, can she write or what?

Patience and Faith

2010-01-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes our walk of faith calls for patience, but that isn't a strong suit for me. I have faith that God will speak and act, but it is hard to wait for that voice or action. Elijah waited upon the Lord. That was part of his faith.

Praying with Patience

2010-01-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

This theme has been hitting home of late. My friend Beth gave me a book for Christmas and the author, whose name I forget at the moment, dedicated a good portion to the idea that the promises of God are for those who believe. That is to say, that despite the circumstance, believers persist and keep praying even if things go from bad to worse. The circumstances simply are secondary to a conviction that God will take care of things in due time. While the concept is easy enough to grab, I admit to being one that really enjoys fast, tangible answers. So much to learn and so little time-oops, there I go again.

God standing by

2010-01-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

The thing I have been working n of late is believing no matter what. By that I mean the whole "faith is the evidecne of things unseen" deal. I really enjoyed today's devotion. But I admit to not having the perspective when I am in the middle of trial.

The Furnace of Affliction

2010-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

That God has chosen us in the midst of affliction means we are important to Him. We are His hands and feet in a broken world.

The devastation in Haiti breaks our hearts, but we are chosen by God to be a caring, healing force in the furnace of affliction.