Streams in the Desert Journal

One of the best devotionals

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 II was released in 1966 from the files and unpublished writings of Mrs.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.

I was given this book while undergoing extensive chemotherapy for stage four cancer and found it to be a wonderful resource for anyone going through difficult times. It is full of comfort and hope, while never minimizing the difficulties of sustaining faith in the face of human calamities. I now buy it four or five copies at a time to give to other Christians who are facing hard times of any sort. Highly recommended.

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!

I have been reading Streams in the Desert since 1967. I started Journaling in it long before journaling was popular. It sure did help me have a beautiful picture of God's working in my life by being able to read through the past years and see how He would turn everything out for my good, even the most horrible experiences, turned out to be for my good and a closer walk with him. So glad the Streams in the Desert journal is in print. It is a great concept. I give it away to all those near and dear to me.

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.