The Cooling Stream

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:2

Salvation is only through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He had chosen us before the foundation of the world, and He will keep us saved to the end.

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. He died to save us. Jesus died on the cross to satisfy God's justice and reconcile us with God. Jesus died on the cross to prepare for His people the Way.

Jesus died a humiliating and torturous death. Jesus died for the victory of winning souls. Jesus had victory over death and the grave through His resurrection.

We are to look unto the Lord Jesus Christ, all the days of our lives, in peace and in war, in troubles and in trials.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

The nation of Israel was in big trouble.

But the Lord promised the nation’s new leader: “I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

Joshua was taking over leadership of the Israelites after Moses’ death, just before they were to enter the Promised Land.

Trouble was on the horizon with numerous military campaigns against their enemies.

Without God’s presence, they couldn’t begin to acquire the land.

God graciously gave Joshua the reminder, so that he could be courageous because of His presence.

God promises the same to His children today (Heb. 13:5-6).

The Lord is always with us, even when we’re in much trouble.

When troubles come, we often have to resort to ourselves or seek helps from others.

When troubles come, they come in bunches, in a way that can destroy us.

Most troubles start as a result of circumstantial situations.

But sometimes there are people among us who love to create troubles.

They start by generating some misunderstanding and misconceptions among people, then they concentrate on giving and listening to comments and judgments that tickle their ears and delight their senses.

They start the spark of fire that ignites into flames of strife and quarrel, and they enjoy watching people suffer and inflicting more pains.

And I will never enjoy friends of a quarrelsome and contentious spirit.

These people do more harm than good to the people around.

Sometimes I wonder whether it is because of their upbringing or their experiences in life that make them so violent, so rude and so full of hateful rage and racism.

But I must admit that I enjoy my moments of daily troubles.

They spur me on to wonderful discoveries...

They make me analyze my decisions and choices.

They cause me think more cautiously and take precautions.

And they help me see who my true friends are and who do not deserve my time.

When trouble is at hand, it brings much sorrow and pain.

When trouble is over, it brings much happiness and benefits us too.

Maybe what we need to let go is the unwanted and unnecessary ego troubles.

Ego troubles are well known and have caused much harm and pain.

Each day has enough of its troubles.

Yet many of us still cannot let go of past troubles...

... and still many who anticipate more troubles in the days to come.

Let's just deal with the troubles at hand instead of fighting the shadows of troubles and distress.