Streams in the Desert [Hardcover]

L. B. Cowman (Author), James Reimann (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 9, 1997

In a barren wilderness, L. B. Cowman long ago discovered a fountain that sustained her, and she shared it with the world, Streams in the Desert -- her collection of prayerful meditations, Christian writings, and God's written promises--has become one of the most dearly loved, best-selling devotionals of all time since its first publication in 1925. Filled with insight into the richness of God's provision and the purpose of His plan, this enduring classic has encouraged and inspired generations of Christians. I heard the flow of hidden springs; before me palms rose green and fair; The birds were singing; all the air was filled and stirred with angels' wings. Now James Reimann, editor of the highly acclaimed updated edition of My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, again brings us the wisdom of the past in the language of today, by introducing this updated edition of Streams in the Desert. With fresh, contemporary wording and precise NIV text, the timeless message of the original flows unhindered through these pages, lending guidance and hope to a new generation of believers. We never know where God has hidden His streams. We see a large stone and have no idea that it covers the source of a spring. We see a rocky areas and never imagine that it is hiding a fountain. God leads me into hard and difficult places, and it is there I realize I am where eternal streams abide. Day by day, Streams in the Desert will lead you from life's dry desolate places to the waters of the River of Life -- and beyond, to their very Source.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Fresh water from a time-tested fountainhead of faith' -- Gary Smalley <br><br> --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Lettie Cowman's popular and inspiring devotional is now updated for the '90s reader and includes New International Version Scripture with each reading. Jim Reimann, the editor who updated Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest, has modernized this second-most-popular devotional of all time and made the encouragement and inspiration of its pages more accessible to today's readers.

First published in 1925, Mrs. Cowman's Streams in the Desert is a masterful compilation of inspirational writings from a variety of sources. She collected these works during the dark time in her life when her beloved husband, Charles, was terminally ill. Her devotional has brought comfort and encouragement to millions of people around the world who also face difficult times. Now a new generation of readers can discover the rich, timeless encouragement and inspiration - in language they can easily understand.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Revised edition (February 9, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310210062
• ISBN-13: 978-0310210061
• Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 4.8 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (199 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute goldmine of devotional readings! February 1, 2001

By Soozie4Him VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

I own many devotional books, but this one is my favorite! This classic book, released the same year as Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest", has been edited by James Reimann. It maintains the original beauty of the language and ideas while making it more reader-friendly for the readers of today.

Mrs. Cowman used many sources to come up with her the readings in this wonderful book. There is a list in the back of all the people whose works she had read in compiling this devotional.

In my opinion, one of the most useful features of Streams is that it has a Scripture Index. If you are studying a certain book of the Bible or specific passage, you can find out which days' devotions contain discussion of that particular Scripture. I lead a small group Bible Study in my home and I use Streams almost every week to gather information on the chapter we are studying. Streams in the Desert also has an Index by Contributor and a Subject Index.

I have given this book as a gift several times to people going through difficult times. People tell me that God really used this book to speak to them during their time of need. This devotional isn't just for people going through difficult trials -it is an excellent daily devotional on it's own.

Whether you use this book in your daily devotions, or for researching specific passages or topics, this is a must-have for any Christian's library! The CD project by the same name is an excellent album also.

I have wanted to write a review of this book for a long time, but have hesitated because I knew that I could not do it justice. Please order this book ... ... now and be blessed!

You might want to check out my other reviews of Christian books and music. God bless you!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic work for those suffering physically and spiritually December 16, 2005

By Raymond Banner

Format:Paperback

There have been so many editons of this classic devotional work published since 1925 that I cannot find the proper listing under which to review the two hard cover volumes which I have read and own. So I do the best I can and list it under this particular listing.

Of the several daily Christian devotional guides I have read through the years Streams in the Desert, compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, remains my favorite.

The devotions are of particular significance to those going through either physical or spiritual suffering and trials. The writing grows out of the trials, disappointments and

detours experienced by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cowman as they strived to serve their Lord. The content reveals the experience of the compiler as well as being, through both excerpts of poetry and prose, the distillation of the writings and experiences of others, rooted in the Scriptures and personal experience.

I became acquainted with the original work as published by Cowman Publications, Inc. as a student in the late 1950s. I presented Vol. I to my mother for Christmas in 1959 (the fortieth printing). After Vol. II was released in 1966 from the files and unpublished writings of Mrs. Cowman, I presented the second volume to my mother for Christmas in 1967. My mother loved and found much comfort and instruction from these two volumes. After my mother's death in December 2002 I reread Vol. I in 2003. My mother and I both thought Vol. I was superior to

Vol. II.

Any readable volume, new or secondhand, that can be obtained of Streams in the Desert, I would recommend; especially to those pondering the trials and deep mysteries of Christian faith and suffering.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration and Comfort for a Lifetime December 18, 1999

By Betsy Dillard Stroud

Format:Hardcover

My grandmother was an ardent reader of the Bible. For the last thirty years of her life,(She lived to be almost ninety-six,) she was often found reading her favorite devotional books, as she sat on her huge Victorian bed, her smelling salts and her handkerchiefs by her side. She left me this book. It is for me,a symbol of her infinite wisdom and goodness, always provoking the memory of her unconditional love. In the last year, I pulled the worn book out of a box, where it had lain for over ten years. Its outside was shabby, worn, and the binding was practically broken. The minute I opened it, I sensed its magic and power. It is never far from me now. In this last year, when I have had many trials and tribulations, it has comforted me, encouraged me, and kept me strong. I highly recommend this book, especially the Anniversary Edition in Mrs. Cowan's own words. A book of exceptional power, written with passion and poetry, Streams in the Desert deserves a permanent place on the devotional bookshelf.