Recently one of the pastor's at my home church spoke on storms. There are many storms that come into our lives such as physical, emotional, relational, financial. But when she spoke on storms I realized there is another storm. The storm of WAITING. It seems so fitting that I am reading about Joseph right now as I finish up the book of Genesis. Because most of Joseph's life was spent waiting.
I was thinking about Joseph a lot this morning. Especially when his brothers cast him into that deep, dark hole. Can you imagine the hurt? Having your family reject you that way. Not caring if you live or die? I also wonder if the thought came into his mind that his father knew. I could see so easily how the enemy would project thoughts into his mind that his father sent him out there knowing what his brothers would do. Maybe he dismissed it but I know I would have struggled with that thought. Aside from losing a loved one there can be no greater hurt then to be rejected by your own family. Then Joseph was sold. Another deep hurt. To be sold as if you are a "thing". As if you are not human almost. Just a piece of property with a price tag. Then he went to work for Potiphar. He worked for him without pay. And I was thinking it must have been very difficult at first because he spoke the Hebrew language and now he was in Egypt. He had to learn a whole new language and that couldn't have been easy. And talk about culture shock! Yet, Joseph never forgot who he was, his heritage, or His God. Nothing is said in the Bible about all those in between years. But it couldn't have been easy. And all that time Joseph just had to WAIT. He was waiting for the dream, waiting for it to get better. Wondering if it ever would.
In my own life right now I can so relate. I am waiting. Waiting for the right job, the right ministry, waiting for a husband, for the vision God gave me 16 years ago to be fulfilled. And this waiting can be such a storm. The doubts that come in, trying to hang on to faith, the many obstacles and temptations that get in the way.
Then I think of Joseph again. He was tempted by Potiphar's wife and I am sure there were many other temptations not recorded throughout his stay there. But Joseph endured and He stood on faith and what he knew was right. And what was his reward for all that?
Years in prision! Thrown into another deep, dark hole. He did nothing wrong. I hang onto that because when bad things happen it's so easy to think we did something wrong or that God is punishing us. But, that is not the case. God placed Joseph at Potiphar's house to train him to rule over little things so he could be a ruler over many things, and he placed him in jail so he could meet up with the source that would bring him before Pharoah.
Now, I don't think God wanted Joseph's brothers to reject him and sell him. That was their choice and I'm sure it broke God's heart. He most likely had a different plan in mind to bring Joseph's dreams to pass. But God was able to take that tragedy and turn it into good. Nothing is impossible for God!
20 years later Joseph meets back up with his brothers and sees the dream fulfilled. And then we see one of the greatest lessons of forgiveness. So much hurt, so many deep wounds but Joseph forgave them and saw what God was able to do through the whole ordeal and give God the glory.
So, as I am in this season of waiting I will keep Joseph in mind. For if his story teaches me anything it is that if God puts a dream or vision in your heart He will fulfill it. It will come to pass. And during the storm of waiting I can find peace in standing on His Word and thank Him for all He is preparing me for.
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Who is This King of Glory?
Always left out, ignored, and neglected. The lonliness shatters my soul.
The gifts I can give are always rejected. Like Joseph, cast in a deep hole.
But yet there is one who sees worth in me. He loves me and calls me by name.
He was beaten and scorged then He hung on a tree. He suffered to take my shame.
Who is this man that would do this for me? Why would He endure so much pain?
For even the world sees nothing in me. What did He have to gain?
This man who died was God's own son. The one who created all things!
But why for me? Why was this done? For He is the king of all kings!
I am nothing but sin formed from dirt. But He gave me the breath of life
He covers my sin, takes away all my hurt. He carries my pain and my strife.
He calls me beloved, calls me His bride. I am the apple of His eye.
He calls me His jewel. Wants me by His side. But I keep asking - why?
Who is this king of Glory?
I think it is so incredible that we serve a God who sees in us what we can never see. The world only cares about people who are popular, wealthy, attractive, or who have power. But the Lord, the creator of EVERYTHING is not that way. The world saw Gideon as a coward but God saw Him as a mighty man of valor. Moses was a murderer and ran away but God saw in him someone who would be a great leader and help free all of Israel from slavery. Joseph's family misunderstood him and rejected him but God raised him up to be 2nd greatest to Pharaoh and helped save all lands from famine. Jesus used 12 uneducated men to turn the world upside down.
How incredible is this God we serve? He sees worth where no one else does. All those peole that get left out, are overlooked, are made fun of, are rejected - God sees great worth!!!
God sees great worth in you today - even if others don't. And does that matter? If the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator, God Almighty Himself see worth in YOU then who cares what others think?
Be of good courage. You are not alone, you have worth, and you are loved.
The gifts I can give are always rejected. Like Joseph, cast in a deep hole.
But yet there is one who sees worth in me. He loves me and calls me by name.
He was beaten and scorged then He hung on a tree. He suffered to take my shame.
Who is this man that would do this for me? Why would He endure so much pain?
For even the world sees nothing in me. What did He have to gain?
This man who died was God's own son. The one who created all things!
But why for me? Why was this done? For He is the king of all kings!
I am nothing but sin formed from dirt. But He gave me the breath of life
He covers my sin, takes away all my hurt. He carries my pain and my strife.
He calls me beloved, calls me His bride. I am the apple of His eye.
He calls me His jewel. Wants me by His side. But I keep asking - why?
Who is this king of Glory?
I think it is so incredible that we serve a God who sees in us what we can never see. The world only cares about people who are popular, wealthy, attractive, or who have power. But the Lord, the creator of EVERYTHING is not that way. The world saw Gideon as a coward but God saw Him as a mighty man of valor. Moses was a murderer and ran away but God saw in him someone who would be a great leader and help free all of Israel from slavery. Joseph's family misunderstood him and rejected him but God raised him up to be 2nd greatest to Pharaoh and helped save all lands from famine. Jesus used 12 uneducated men to turn the world upside down.
How incredible is this God we serve? He sees worth where no one else does. All those peole that get left out, are overlooked, are made fun of, are rejected - God sees great worth!!!
God sees great worth in you today - even if others don't. And does that matter? If the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator, God Almighty Himself see worth in YOU then who cares what others think?
Be of good courage. You are not alone, you have worth, and you are loved.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Time of Waiting
I started on the Joseph story today. It seems fitting because it's really a story of waiting, of endurance, of fighting temptation. And that is the season I am in now.
Joseph had some amazing dreams. God given dreams! But all Joesph could see was his dreams led him into a dark pit, rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery in Egypt, thrown into prison. Years of waiting! Years! All of his youth..
And he was tempted. Potiphar's wife tempted him over and over to sleep with her. But he overcame that temptation and told her it was sinful. And because he did what was right what was his reward? He was falsey accused and thrown in jail! Joseph overcame temptation, he endured, he waited...
I can understand some of what Jospeh went through. Having been falsey accused myself, losing my job, and now just waiting, and waiting. Not knowing what God's plan is in all this. But just having to wait. Having to trust. And wait..and having to overcome the temptations of sliding back into habitual sin. Learning to endure.
God has given me a vision. A dream.
Just like Jospeh, I too must go through a preparation time. When Joseph was serving Potiphar and when he was in jail he was put in charge. He oversaw Potiphar's house. He oversaw the jail. God was preparing him to one day oversee all of Egypt.
Does it seem like your dreams are gone? Does it seem like God has forgotten you?
Well, be of good cheer because your dream is not dead and God is with you. If your dream or vision is from the Lord then He will finish what He started. We can't always understand the plan but know that God is in the midst of it all and He is preparing you.
I know He is preparing me. So, I must endure. I must be patient. I must overcome.
I must wait.
Joseph had some amazing dreams. God given dreams! But all Joesph could see was his dreams led him into a dark pit, rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery in Egypt, thrown into prison. Years of waiting! Years! All of his youth..
And he was tempted. Potiphar's wife tempted him over and over to sleep with her. But he overcame that temptation and told her it was sinful. And because he did what was right what was his reward? He was falsey accused and thrown in jail! Joseph overcame temptation, he endured, he waited...
I can understand some of what Jospeh went through. Having been falsey accused myself, losing my job, and now just waiting, and waiting. Not knowing what God's plan is in all this. But just having to wait. Having to trust. And wait..and having to overcome the temptations of sliding back into habitual sin. Learning to endure.
God has given me a vision. A dream.
Just like Jospeh, I too must go through a preparation time. When Joseph was serving Potiphar and when he was in jail he was put in charge. He oversaw Potiphar's house. He oversaw the jail. God was preparing him to one day oversee all of Egypt.
Does it seem like your dreams are gone? Does it seem like God has forgotten you?
Well, be of good cheer because your dream is not dead and God is with you. If your dream or vision is from the Lord then He will finish what He started. We can't always understand the plan but know that God is in the midst of it all and He is preparing you.
I know He is preparing me. So, I must endure. I must be patient. I must overcome.
I must wait.
The Horn of My Salvation
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2
When I was reading Psalm 18 in verse 2 it talks about how God is the horn of my salvation. So, I asked myself...what does that mean? Why did the Psalmist use a reference to a horn?
I do know that horns were used in battle back in the day. Even thinking about scenes from "Lord of the Rings" where when people were in trouble they would sound the horn and everyone would come to their aid. I am sure at the time the old testament was written horns were a symbol of salvation especially when used in a battle.
I was doing some research on it and find one article that really caught my attention. I loved it so much I just have to share!
The Horn of My Salvation
By James Macpherson
If you’ve studied entomology you’d be aware that different groups of creatures have different names. For instance, a group of fish is called a school. Ants are called colonies and bees are called a swarm. Cattle are herds, birds are flocks, and a tribe of lions is a pride. For what it’s worth, a group of buzzards is called a committee!
Did you know a group of rhinos is called a crash?
The amazing thing about Rhinos is how fast they can run. Believe it or not, a rhino can run about thirty miles per hour which is pretty amazing considering how much weight they are carrying! They are actually faster than squirrels which can run about twenty-six miles per hour.
Here’s the bizarre thing. Rhinos have terrible eyesight. They can only see about thirty feet in front of themselves. So they are running thirty miles an hour with no idea what’s at thirty-one feet!
You would think they’d be timid creatures because they can’t see very far in front of themselves. But God, in his amazingly creative foresight, gave rhinos a big horn on the front of their head. The Rhino may not know what's ahead, but he does know the horn will be his salvation.
Sometimes I wonder if we need a 'Crash' of Christians! Yes, the future is uncertain. But we need to charge ahead with new and daring initiatives anyway.
Too many leaders are too afraid to have a go because of all the unknowns. But there is a future to be created and a city to be reached. Instead of worrying about all the things we don't know, it's time to crash through to new levels because of what we do know!
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He has visited His people and raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." - Luke 1v69
The Bible calls Jesus "the horn of salvation", raised up for us! It's time to crash through into the unknown!
When I was reading Psalm 18 in verse 2 it talks about how God is the horn of my salvation. So, I asked myself...what does that mean? Why did the Psalmist use a reference to a horn?
I do know that horns were used in battle back in the day. Even thinking about scenes from "Lord of the Rings" where when people were in trouble they would sound the horn and everyone would come to their aid. I am sure at the time the old testament was written horns were a symbol of salvation especially when used in a battle.
I was doing some research on it and find one article that really caught my attention. I loved it so much I just have to share!
The Horn of My Salvation
By James Macpherson
If you’ve studied entomology you’d be aware that different groups of creatures have different names. For instance, a group of fish is called a school. Ants are called colonies and bees are called a swarm. Cattle are herds, birds are flocks, and a tribe of lions is a pride. For what it’s worth, a group of buzzards is called a committee!
Did you know a group of rhinos is called a crash?
The amazing thing about Rhinos is how fast they can run. Believe it or not, a rhino can run about thirty miles per hour which is pretty amazing considering how much weight they are carrying! They are actually faster than squirrels which can run about twenty-six miles per hour.
Here’s the bizarre thing. Rhinos have terrible eyesight. They can only see about thirty feet in front of themselves. So they are running thirty miles an hour with no idea what’s at thirty-one feet!
You would think they’d be timid creatures because they can’t see very far in front of themselves. But God, in his amazingly creative foresight, gave rhinos a big horn on the front of their head. The Rhino may not know what's ahead, but he does know the horn will be his salvation.
Sometimes I wonder if we need a 'Crash' of Christians! Yes, the future is uncertain. But we need to charge ahead with new and daring initiatives anyway.
Too many leaders are too afraid to have a go because of all the unknowns. But there is a future to be created and a city to be reached. Instead of worrying about all the things we don't know, it's time to crash through to new levels because of what we do know!
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He has visited His people and raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." - Luke 1v69
The Bible calls Jesus "the horn of salvation", raised up for us! It's time to crash through into the unknown!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ehud & Eglon
Sort of excited about this one! I started the book of Judges yesterday and I read an account today I have NEVER heard of or read before. So, that's exciting. I guess for whatever reason this judge that God rose up by the name of Ehud never seems to make it into sermons. Well, at least not in any I have ever heard in the past 15 years. And well, I myself never read the whole book of Judges before so I was quite surprised to find it.
But as I am in a season of trial I find it exciting!!!
So, if you don't know (like I didn't)
Judges 3:12-14,17
Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years... Now Eglon was a very fat man.
So here we have the people of Israel, because they did evil in the Lord's sight, given over to the enemy. Interesting to note that the Moabites were descendants of Lot. If you recall Lot's daughter got him drunk and laid with him and became pregnant after the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:30-38)
Moab was physically related to God’s people, yet had no connection spiritually, and was in fact an enemy of God’s people. So it is that people can attend church and outwardly look ‘Christian’, yet never come to know Jesus as their own Lord and Saviour.
You see, even as a true Christian it is easy to simply ‘go through the motions’ so we all have to be on our guard. It speaks to us of those times when, having departed from our first love, we carry on through the motion of being a ‘good Christian’, yet we have no relationship with the Lord. Eglon, the king of Moab is a warning for all of us to guard against this. In this regard it is also interesting to note that Eglon’s name is derived from the root word meaning ‘circle’, and in the meaning of his name we are given this same thought once again of someone going round and round, through the motions, without ever getting anywhere! There is however deliverance from this enemy and here comes our hero now!
Enter Ehud the Left-Handed Benjamite!
Judges 3:15
Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite.
(Okay...start playng the Rocky theme!)
Our hero, Ehud, means ‘I will give praise’, or ‘I will give thanks’. Now, we are going to have a quick look at the power of praise because it is taught consistently throughout the word of God,
But there is a power in praise and gratitude, and its importance in our lives is taught consistently throughout the Bible. All of us will be tested on this! There will always be times when trials and darkness surround you and praise is slow in coming. It is then, at that very moment, that you need to make a conscious decision to lift up your shield of faith and praise God despite how your circumstances seem.
Judges 3:16-21
Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a foot and a half long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man… Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his summer palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly.
Well, the king died. Ehud escaped and led the Israelites out of bondage from Mohab. Woo Hoo!
There is a type here of the warfare that New Testament believers encounter and engage in. Our double-edged sword is not man-made but has been given to us from above.
Heb 4:12 ‘For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit.’.
Eph 6:17 ‘Take the… sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’
And finally, we see from this passage in Judges that the enemy is defeated as the double-edged sword is thrust into the enemy’s side. For us, (and especially when trials arise) this means using the word of God as Jesus did to defeat the enemy when He was being tried in the desert. It means declaring the truth of the word, declaring the promises of God. It means using the truth of God’s word as your basis of praise and thankfulness to Him. It means renewing your mind with its truth when the arrows of doubt from the enemy flood in.
Submit yourself to God, resist the enemy (with the use of your sword!) and he will flee from you!
In this manner the cycle of sin is defeated and the enemy of empty profession is destroyed.
How cool is that? I like Ehud and this victory over Mohab. It shows me that the Word of God truly is sharper then any two-edge sword and I can defeat the enemy with praise, thanksgiving, and the Word (my sword!)
haha...wow, I LOVE the Word of God!
1-18-11
I haven't posted in a while but I have been reading and doing a lot of seeking. I finished Joshua and am now finishing up reading about the life of Jacob in Genesis. So, I guess today I'll talk about Jacob.
Jacob was a schemer. He schemed his way into getting Esau's birthright, his blessing. He schemed for Rachel. he schemed with Rachel's father. He even tried scheming with God. Through all of this we see that Jacob struggled his way to faith. God had promised Rachel before Jacob was born that the older would serve the younger. The birthright and blessing were already Jacob's. Essentially he schemed for what God was already going to give him. If Jacob had just trusted God he would have had less conflict in his life. He wouldn't have had turmoil with his family, with his in-laws. It shows me that we must always trust God and not get ahead of His plans. Now, even when we mess up and forge ahead in our own plans God still extends mercy and blessing. But what we can save ourselves from is a lot of unnecessary heartache. I don't want God's permissive will. I want His perfect will!
God is showing me more and more how important it is to wait on Him. To trust Him. In my human nature I want to try to fix things. I want to forge ahead with "my" plans or what I think is right. But God is teaching me "Be still and Know". BE STILL. WAIT. SIT AT MY FEET.
He has a perfect plan for my life but it must be His timing and not mine.
Jacob wrestled with God and walked with a limp for the rest of his life. I think sometimes I wrestle more with myself. I definitely do not want to wrestle with God. Submit! Now that's a better word.
May God give me the strength to submit every day.
Jacob was a schemer. He schemed his way into getting Esau's birthright, his blessing. He schemed for Rachel. he schemed with Rachel's father. He even tried scheming with God. Through all of this we see that Jacob struggled his way to faith. God had promised Rachel before Jacob was born that the older would serve the younger. The birthright and blessing were already Jacob's. Essentially he schemed for what God was already going to give him. If Jacob had just trusted God he would have had less conflict in his life. He wouldn't have had turmoil with his family, with his in-laws. It shows me that we must always trust God and not get ahead of His plans. Now, even when we mess up and forge ahead in our own plans God still extends mercy and blessing. But what we can save ourselves from is a lot of unnecessary heartache. I don't want God's permissive will. I want His perfect will!
God is showing me more and more how important it is to wait on Him. To trust Him. In my human nature I want to try to fix things. I want to forge ahead with "my" plans or what I think is right. But God is teaching me "Be still and Know". BE STILL. WAIT. SIT AT MY FEET.
He has a perfect plan for my life but it must be His timing and not mine.
Jacob wrestled with God and walked with a limp for the rest of his life. I think sometimes I wrestle more with myself. I definitely do not want to wrestle with God. Submit! Now that's a better word.
May God give me the strength to submit every day.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The significance of the first miracle Jesus did
The first miracle we see is Jesus turning water into wine. The first miracle we see Moses do is turn water into blood. Blood signifies judgement where wine signifies celebration and joy. We see with Moses came the law and judgement but with Jesus comes celebration and joy for He brought grace and mercy!
I love this story of the first miracle. Weddings were a big deal in this time. They would last sometimes 3 days to a week. After the initial wedding everyone would gather into the bride's house for blessings on her and toasts, etc. Then they would go to the groom's home where the party really began. Running out of wine at these parties was not just embarrasing but a big offense. It simply did not happen. So, when Mary sees this she takes her concern to Jesus and submits to Him by telling the servants whatever He tells you, do it. These servants were the ones who were blessed to be part of this first miracle. Everytime they dipped there serving instrument into the pot full of water they saw it turn into wine. Over and over again. They received that blessing because they were obedient to do what they were told.
I LOVE how Jesus chose the servants to witness and be a part of this first miracle. And the symbolism of the celebration and joy to come.
This was a miracle of creation. Jesus shows us He is Lord over nature and He is Lord over time. It reminds us that God is the creator.
This was also a miracle of transformation. Jesus changed things.
Jesus wants to change things in your heart. ♥
I heard a quote today that really summed it up
If Jesus could turn water into fine wine surely He can make fine wine out of the tap water of my life. Even if the wine skin is getting old.
I love this story of the first miracle. Weddings were a big deal in this time. They would last sometimes 3 days to a week. After the initial wedding everyone would gather into the bride's house for blessings on her and toasts, etc. Then they would go to the groom's home where the party really began. Running out of wine at these parties was not just embarrasing but a big offense. It simply did not happen. So, when Mary sees this she takes her concern to Jesus and submits to Him by telling the servants whatever He tells you, do it. These servants were the ones who were blessed to be part of this first miracle. Everytime they dipped there serving instrument into the pot full of water they saw it turn into wine. Over and over again. They received that blessing because they were obedient to do what they were told.
I LOVE how Jesus chose the servants to witness and be a part of this first miracle. And the symbolism of the celebration and joy to come.
This was a miracle of creation. Jesus shows us He is Lord over nature and He is Lord over time. It reminds us that God is the creator.
This was also a miracle of transformation. Jesus changed things.
Jesus wants to change things in your heart. ♥
I heard a quote today that really summed it up
If Jesus could turn water into fine wine surely He can make fine wine out of the tap water of my life. Even if the wine skin is getting old.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Are you walking in the victory of Jericho or the defeat of Ai?
Well, here are the children of Israel basking in their victory over Jericho and they come to a little place called Ai.
Joshua again sends two men into the city to spy it out. These two men came back and said,
“Oh, Joshua, you don’t need to send many folks against these people. Just send in a couple or three thousand men and they’ll make short work of them and we’ll just go in and take over Ai and
that’ll be it!”
But, what happened?
Joshua 7:4-13…
God had told the children of Israel to utterly destroy Jericho…(Joshua 6:18-19) They were NOT to take anything under the ban for themselves and God said to Joshua, “Israel has sinned, Joshua, they have stolen and deceived and unless you deal with this, I won’t be with you anymore!”
I believe it’s interesting to note that Joshua prayed AFTER their defeat. Don’t you believe if Joshua had prayed BEFORE they went into Ai, that God would have said, “Joshua, don’t go against Ai right now…there’s sin in the camp and you must deal with that first!!”
How often has this happened to us? We experience an amazing victory with the Lord and then forge ahead in our own plan without consulting Him first? Joshua was an amazing leader and when it came to Jericho he did everything right. He followed God's plan and didn't take a step without His direction. But when they came to Ai, he forged ahead without going to the Lord first. Well, Joshua was only human like we are. And we can learn from his mistake.
Many men's lives were lost in Ai that day. The men of Ai overpowered them and defeated them. Later, when it was God's plan and timing they defeated Ai.
What Ai is in your life? Is there something you forged ahead with without consulting God? The enemy waits to overpower you and defeat you. But when we go to God about every step of our lives we can avoid those traps and be victorious over our enemy.
Take everything to prayer. Let God have control over what doors are to be open or shut. Even when it seems like something good, like a ministry or helping someone out. Only God can see the bigger picture and what lies ahead. That is why we must trust Him with all our heart, even when what He tells us doesn't make sense at the time.
Be blessed today. ☻☺☻☺
Joshua again sends two men into the city to spy it out. These two men came back and said,
“Oh, Joshua, you don’t need to send many folks against these people. Just send in a couple or three thousand men and they’ll make short work of them and we’ll just go in and take over Ai and
that’ll be it!”
But, what happened?
Joshua 7:4-13…
God had told the children of Israel to utterly destroy Jericho…(Joshua 6:18-19) They were NOT to take anything under the ban for themselves and God said to Joshua, “Israel has sinned, Joshua, they have stolen and deceived and unless you deal with this, I won’t be with you anymore!”
I believe it’s interesting to note that Joshua prayed AFTER their defeat. Don’t you believe if Joshua had prayed BEFORE they went into Ai, that God would have said, “Joshua, don’t go against Ai right now…there’s sin in the camp and you must deal with that first!!”
How often has this happened to us? We experience an amazing victory with the Lord and then forge ahead in our own plan without consulting Him first? Joshua was an amazing leader and when it came to Jericho he did everything right. He followed God's plan and didn't take a step without His direction. But when they came to Ai, he forged ahead without going to the Lord first. Well, Joshua was only human like we are. And we can learn from his mistake.
Many men's lives were lost in Ai that day. The men of Ai overpowered them and defeated them. Later, when it was God's plan and timing they defeated Ai.
What Ai is in your life? Is there something you forged ahead with without consulting God? The enemy waits to overpower you and defeat you. But when we go to God about every step of our lives we can avoid those traps and be victorious over our enemy.
Take everything to prayer. Let God have control over what doors are to be open or shut. Even when it seems like something good, like a ministry or helping someone out. Only God can see the bigger picture and what lies ahead. That is why we must trust Him with all our heart, even when what He tells us doesn't make sense at the time.
Be blessed today. ☻☺☻☺
Saturday, January 8, 2011
1-8-11
I have been so enjoying the book of Joshua. It is a lot like reading "Lord of the Rings". Great battles taking place and such..
Now since I am reading about Abraham right now in Genesis I am seeing how God's promise came to pass in Joshua. God said to Abraham
"Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” (Genesis 15:12-15)
Now of course the 400 years is in reference to Egypt. We'll be getting to that once I am in the story of Joseph and in Exodus. But what really stood out to me was how God said the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached it's full measure. I use to wonder how God could allow one nation to come in and wipe out all these other nations. For Joshua and his men killed not only the men but the women and all the children, too. But here we see that God allowed 440+ years (just as with Jericho) for these people to repent. But they never did, even after hearing of the miracles God was performing freeing the Israelites from Egypt, parting the red sea, and all the miracles he performed in their 40 years in the desert. God had to wipe them out because the evil and sin was spreading at a rapid rate. These people were sacrificing and killing children and it was spreading from country to country. It would be like if we had allowed the Natzi's to overtake the world, God knew they wouldn't repent or change but He still allowed 440+ years for them to have that opportunity.
So now in the next several chapters of Joshua we see God fulfilling His promise to Abraham as Joshua & the people of Israel start wiping out these nations. Sin is a big deal to God and we must NEVER think lightly of it. We see even in the case of Achan. He stole and kept for himself some of the forbidden loot from Jericho. He and his entire household were killed and burned. Because of his hidden sin many men in Joshua's army fell to the sword in battle because of this sin.
That is why I am so grateful for the blood of Jesus!!! Without His blood and Him making intercession for us we would be lost. For who can live a sinless life? All throughout the old testament we see man trying to live by the law and failing. That is why God sent us a savior. God is patient with us. He waits for us to turn our hearts to Him and repent. He waits patiently but soon Jesus will be coming back. We know not the time or hour. There may not be a tomorrow so if you do not know Jesus...now is the time!
Do not put if off even another hour. This is life and death.
Today's proverb is 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
Now since I am reading about Abraham right now in Genesis I am seeing how God's promise came to pass in Joshua. God said to Abraham
"Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” (Genesis 15:12-15)
Now of course the 400 years is in reference to Egypt. We'll be getting to that once I am in the story of Joseph and in Exodus. But what really stood out to me was how God said the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached it's full measure. I use to wonder how God could allow one nation to come in and wipe out all these other nations. For Joshua and his men killed not only the men but the women and all the children, too. But here we see that God allowed 440+ years (just as with Jericho) for these people to repent. But they never did, even after hearing of the miracles God was performing freeing the Israelites from Egypt, parting the red sea, and all the miracles he performed in their 40 years in the desert. God had to wipe them out because the evil and sin was spreading at a rapid rate. These people were sacrificing and killing children and it was spreading from country to country. It would be like if we had allowed the Natzi's to overtake the world, God knew they wouldn't repent or change but He still allowed 440+ years for them to have that opportunity.
So now in the next several chapters of Joshua we see God fulfilling His promise to Abraham as Joshua & the people of Israel start wiping out these nations. Sin is a big deal to God and we must NEVER think lightly of it. We see even in the case of Achan. He stole and kept for himself some of the forbidden loot from Jericho. He and his entire household were killed and burned. Because of his hidden sin many men in Joshua's army fell to the sword in battle because of this sin.
That is why I am so grateful for the blood of Jesus!!! Without His blood and Him making intercession for us we would be lost. For who can live a sinless life? All throughout the old testament we see man trying to live by the law and failing. That is why God sent us a savior. God is patient with us. He waits for us to turn our hearts to Him and repent. He waits patiently but soon Jesus will be coming back. We know not the time or hour. There may not be a tomorrow so if you do not know Jesus...now is the time!
Do not put if off even another hour. This is life and death.
Today's proverb is 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Comparison of Prophecies in the book of Joel and book of Revelation
Book of Joel | Event | Book of Revelation |
1:1-4 | Locust, Plagues in four stages; The four seals | 6:1-8 |
1:5-6 | Great Tribulation; Fifth seal | 6:9-11 |
1:8-20 | Warning of the Day of the Lord; Hold seventh seal until "I seal the servants" | 7:1-14 |
2:1-11 | Signs of the Day of the Lord; Seven trumpets | 8:1-10:11 |
2:12-17 | Call to repentance; Preaching of the two witnesses | 6:16-17; 11:3-8 |
2:18-27 | God speaks to Israel, protection to repentant; Sealing of the 144,000 | 7:3-14 |
2:28-29 | Outpouring of God's Holy Spirit; God’s people to return to Christ | 2:1-3:22 |
2:30-31 | Heavenly signs; Sixth seal | 6:12-15 |
2:32 | Protection from God, especially from God's judgment at Armageddon | 6:17-7:3 |
3:1-8 | 16:16; 14:14-20; 19:1-21 | |
3:9-16 | Call to final war; Christ judges and makes war | 19:11-20 |
3:17-21 | Redemption of children of Israel; Millennium | 20:2-6 |
3:21 | God dwells in Zion; New Heaven and New Earth | 21:1-7; 21:22-27 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)