Streams in the Desert

God can break the cycles, tear down systems to bring change in circumstances, shifting the atmosphere. He is able. Trouble, adverse situations are often used as an opportunity, vehicle or tool for Him to be glorified. At times running around with so many things to do, we reach a point of exhaustion, feel like giving up, on an emotional roller coaster: frustrated, weak, hungry, thirsty and in need of immediate provisions, streams of healing and refreshing. However, sometimes substitutes are used that does not satisfy the thirsty soul. Jer.2:13. Matt.5:6. God already knows what needs to happen to change the situation. Miracles can be in the hands of people who don't count as being significant. God is concerned about us, He sees, He cares; He already knows just what to do. Expect that every need is already provided. Don't get discouraged in the process, the solution is already completed. When the task seems overwhelming, way over our head, that's when God steps in and asks "What's that you have in your hand?" Surrender every thing to Him and watch multiplication take place. Make use of what we already have instead of focusing on what we do not have. In everything give thanks, during times of being broken, restoration, refreshing of the soul occurs as God leads us in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. The insecurities of challenging times help to define who we really are at the core. Worship warriors will arise to the occasion and fight the good fight of faith for His kingdom's cause.  We are challenged in chaos and not in comfort to continue standing strong on the word of God. Stay focused, stay on course, stay connected to the true power source in Christ. During times of Transition- (gap between seasons); the way we exit determines how we will enter the next season. Praise/ Press through the difficulties of tight/narrow places with a joyful heart and hopeful expectation, having an attitude of"not my will Lord, but Yours be done." God is able to keep us standing. The more excellent way to manage multiplied challenges is through loving God, loving His people. The greatest commandment is to love God and one another. Mk. 12:30,31; Lk. 10:27; Matt. 22:37-39. In so doing, Holy Spirit helps us to become faithful and obedient servants who trust God in every situation. Through worship, praise, prayer we continually stand firm on the promises of God.( 1Cor. 15:58,59, 16:13)
Don't lose heart during desert or wilderness seasons. Hear the word of The Lord saying:
"Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isa. 43:18,19.

Season of Refreshing

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the water; and you who have no money, come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Isa.55:1)

Life's challenges, changes experienced during transitional and dry seasons very often can render the soul weary and thirsty.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God where the thirsty can be refreshed and restored.  For the weary traveler on the journey, there is an open invitation for the thirsty to drink from healing streams flowing from the river of God. These streams breakthrough every obstacle or any other hindrances in its path. The timing of the Lord is perfect; He already knows the outcome of every situation but will allow conditions that are necessary for growth and promotion.  Pain is a passageway to fulfillment of purpose, although enduring under seasons of tremendous pressure or difficult circumstances, for a moment can leave you feeling thirsty, tired and uncomfortable. At the right time, in the right place, He makes all things work together for His purpose. The Lord is our Shepherd; He restores the soul and leads to quiet streams of refreshing.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jer.31:25)

The Gift of Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).  One of the most poignant expressions of the real meaning of love is presented by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. He concludes this letter by saying: "Now abides faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest is love.  The love being referenced here is an overflowing love that is faithful, committed and loyal amid adversities of life.  True love can flourish, persevere and endure, even among the most difficult or challenging circumstances. There is only one person who exemplified perfect love on earth-Jesus Christ.  Because of love, He was presented as a gift to bring hope, peace, joy and love to the whole world.  This is how God showed His love among us, He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1John 4:9,10)  In a world filled with hatred, rebellion, disobedience, unrest, etc., many are running to and fro trying to find love in all of the wrong places.  The love of God is greater than any other force and will last throughout time and eternity; it is a gift that keeps on giving. Christianity is a lifestyle of love and obedience to God's will, based upon a personal relationship with Christ, not just an intellectual exercise.  Love is where joy gestates, hate is where anger incubates, it is a choice. There are many spiritual gifts, but the greatest is love, so we endeavor to love God, love one another as He loves us.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.
Amid all the challenges of the season, the faithful can intentionally focus on the good news and sing joyful songs of praise. Although there is a steady stream of bad news coming from various sources, we can share the good news that Christ came into the world to give hope, peace, joy and love. Rejoice in the Lord always and again rejoice for our God is awesome, He reigns above every circumstance and is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can imagine. All things all possible if we can believe by faith that He is always there in every situation to help us ride safely through stormy and difficult seasons.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blasts of the ram's horn-shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Psalm 98:4-6

Faithful Perseverence

One of the most important qualities along the Christian journey is Faithful Perseverance. Jesus said to those who believed in Him, "If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples". John 8:31. He who endures until the end shall be saved. MT.24:13. Persevering amid a multiplicity of challenges demands courageous and righteous standing on promises set forth in the word of God. Having done all to stand, keep on standing and trusting that God is faithful to fulfill every promise. He gives more grace as difficult situations increase and always causes us to triumph over every circumstance.   Patient endurance is not easy, however it is very necessary for learning the art of waiting, training, character building while pressing through narrow, tight and difficult places. The deep, dark valley places along life's journey help to define who we really are at the core and our need for God's help.  During these times it is so very important to listen carefully to His voice for clear instructions so that we can avoid moving ahead too quickly. In every trial, it is critical to make sure that every lesson for the season is learned while humbly, obediently and silently waiting in His presence.
Spiritual maturity is developed when we stay in an assigned place long enough, even amid a great deal of adverse situations.  Resistance is a faith builder that provides an opportunity for spiritual growth and development. Sometimes we are tempted to take the easy way out, but there are no shortcuts in God, therefore we must remain resolute, committed to stay the course, outlast oppositional forces and move forward into our designed "There"place. We are crossing over into greater dimensions of blessings and favor. God is exalted; the devil is defeated; Jesus is Lord.  Let God arise; Let His enemies be scattered.
Strategies for Courageously Standing Amid Oppostion:

• Praise, Prayer, Pursue Love
• Meditate on the word; trust, believe God
• Wait for manifestation with faithful perseverance, hopeful expectation
• Stay focused, connected, undaunted, accept what God allows
• Grateful for the opportunity to rise to the occasion; never quit; never give up
• Confident that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can imagine according to the power that is working within
• Watchful Prayer; Stay Alert; Be Aware of diabolical schemes designed to block your success   

The Lord be with you. +MEA

Now is the Time

...knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11,12)

Now is the time for faithful followers of the Way of Christ, to awaken from sleep, arise and move forward for the kingdom cause. Now, (at this present moment) is the time for true worshippers to worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth.  This is a time of war, therefore it is necessary to be engaged in preparations for waging a good warfare against the powers of darkness.Timing is everything; it is critical to moving forward at the right time, in right position to remain alert, with clear vision/ hearing and sensitivity to the flow of the Holy Spirit.  For the most part, learning to flow with the moving of the Spirit requires being still, while spending quiet time in the presence of the King of glory. In quietness and confidence there is strength. Isa.30:15.
How can we find quietness amid all the noise and distractions?
1. Accept what God allows; in everything give Him thanks; Learn to say,"It is well with my soul, no matter what." Keep the main thing the main thing, Christ in us the hope of glory.
2.  Remember we are not our own, for we were bought with a price to bring honor and glory to Christ. (1Cor. 6:20). We are called to become partakers of the divine nature and to endure suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
3.  God is Sovereign, Lord of the Universe; although at times we are led into stormy seasons, He will never abandon His people.  By His grace and power, we can ride safely through the storms of life. During  difficult and stormy seasons, lessons are learned about ourselves and about the Great I Am who loves us and provides everything that we need.

...now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1John 3:2)

Awake, Arise, Go Forward in Victory!

There is a lot of talk these days about moving forward, game changers, new vision, new season, etc. Although there are elements of truth in all of this, however it's an individual choice to take the necessary steps that can cause significant change. In other words, a person must be willing to leave a familiar place of comfort and move forward into an unfamiliar territory. If there is a desire for something that you've never had, there must be a willingness to risk doing something you have never done. This position calls for a paradigm shift or a change in perspective. Reframing vision is a very important concept for understanding positions or seasons of life. Framing can limit or filter perceived information that is helpful for correctly assessing boundaries or available opportunities for moving forward into a new season. Through prayer, reflection on lessons learned and meditation, you can begin to see things more clearly and heed the Divine call: Awake, Arise, Go Forward in Victory.
Arise! Shine for your light has come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold the darkness shall cover the earth; and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1,2)