The Cooling Stream

Some of us think violence is the only solution to our problems.

Nevertheless, our problems are not solved with violence.

Each day is still one long struggle to live.

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Some of us turn to God for help when things become too much for us.

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God answers our prayer.

He changes our lives.

He is there by our side.

He is ready to help us when we cry to Him.

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Those who love God are truly blessed in the enjoyment of God.

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But we are told not to judge and condemn other people.

Instead, we must have compassion for them and help them.

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Let us pray for those caught in Satan’s lie that violence is the solution to their problems.

Sometimes we get a second chance.

When we do, it is important to seize the opportunity.

That was what Judah did.

When his brothers wanted to kill Joseph, Judah didn’t rescue Joseph. Instead he suggested that they sell him as a slave (Genesis 37:26–27).

His second chance came when Benjamin’s life appeared to be in danger.

This time Judah put his own life on the line to protect his half brother, Rachel’s other son.

Perhaps this commitment was taken into account in the blessings that God inspired Jacob to give his sons; eventually the Messiah came through Judah’s descendants (Genesis 49:10).

God often gives us second chances in life.

When he does, we need to take advantage of the opportunity and set things right.

Satan subtly promotes materialism. Materialism is the attitude that says money, property, possessions, physical comforts, as well as worldly fame and honor, are the most important things in life.

God does not condone our allowing things and money to usurp His first place in our lives.

Our prosperity is a blessing from God until it takes the place of God. Materialism is to say, “I don’t have any need for God!”

Many Christian believers pass the test of external persecution, but many fail the test of prosperity.

Satan is ecstatic when he succeeds in luring us into this trap. This is the dark side to money and possessions that many Christians are either unaware of, or unwilling to face. As a result, the spiritual vitality of many has been sapped and the church as a whole has been weakened spiritually.

If the church is to survive this challenge, there is an urgent need to be aware of the true nature of materialism. Unfortunately, it has become such a vital part of our culture that Christians are often unaware of its control.

Let us be alert to Satan’s attack on the materialism front.

Oh God, Thank You Lord for all Your material blessings. Help me to use them for Your glory and Your kingdom.

Satan has led many religious groups to unite around a mixture of religious teachings and then brand honest Christian believers as bigots for clinging to salvation in Christ alone.

Many people today no longer believe in absolute truth. The widely held view is that there is good in every religion and all roads lead to heaven. Individuals then choose the elements they wish to believe from whatever faith and mix them all together. This is syncretism.

Satan is delighted when people believe and expound on his lies.

He does not want anyone to know the truth and come to a personal relationship with Jesus.

Let us guard carefully against the deceptions of Satan leading to syncretism.

Oh Lord, help me to fix my eyes on You and Your Word today so that I will not stumble.