L.B. Cowman's book, Streams in the Desert, has been our constant companion since the 1990s. Year in, year out, the lovingly written and selected articles in this book have continued to inspire and push us to reach for the highest heights possible provided by the Lord. Despite having gone through the readings intended for each day beyond decades now, it is amazing how the daily readings seem to have been written especially for the reader, plucked out from the stars directly by God, to serve as guide for one's journey for that particular day!
Preparing for this article today, for instance, I had decided yesterday to write about wishes and dreams for 2008 which included, among others, visualizing a world, 1) where food is sufficient and regular for each and everyone in this planet, where sustainable and healthy food production is prioritized and where food producers (the farmers, the fisherfolks, the workers especially) given their fair and just share for their labor and their service in conserving and protecting God's creations for all , across generations, 2) where peace and love reign in the hearts of all throughout the world, 3) where genuine service and honesty shine through, especially among those who govern, 4) with a prayerful people who continue to believe and thank the Lord for His promise that "surely goodness and kindness will follow us all the days of our lives" and, 5) where children can run free to live out their lives and dreams as humanely, as sustainably, as possible.
After deciding on my column topic for today, I moved on to my morning prayers and found the articles of January 2, 3, and 4 of the Streams in the Desert confirming and affirming the selected topic on dreams and wishes for this new year! First, from the January 2 reading, the following message for all regarding your wishes and dreams:
Aim High. "Too low they build who build beneath the stars. Not many of us are living at our best. We linger in the lowlands because we are afraid to climb the mountains. The steepness and ruggedness discourage us, so we stay in the mist of the valleys and never learn the mystery of the hills. We do not know what is lost by our self-indulgence, what glory awaits us if we only have the courage to climb, or what blessings we will find if we will only ascend the mountains of God! J.R. M"
Aspire to a higher, a nobler, and a fuller life. Upward to heaven. Nearer to God! "Many saints are content to live like people in coal mines, who never see the sun. Tears sadden their faces when they could be anointed with heavenly oil. 'Many believers suffer in a dungeon when they could walk on a palace roof.'"
Wake up, believers, from your lowly condition!.. .Make Christ the Source, the Center, and the One who encompasses every delight of your soul. Refuse to be satisfied any longer with your meager accomplishments."
This message for you from today's January 3 reading in the Streams in the Desert:
Like Jacob in Genesis 33:14: " Move along slowly at the pace of the droves before you and that of the children.." We do not know where 2008 will lead us as 'we have never been this way before, but the Lord Jesus has.' 2008 is 'all untraveled and unknown ground to us, but Jesus has gone through it all before us.'"
Go for your dreams and your wishes. Do not let the stars limit you. The Lord is there. 'Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe.' ( Mark 11:24). Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but simply taking God at His word. ( Christmas Evans in January 4 reading).
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Email: cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com