farthest limits …

The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”

But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  17  IN FOCUS)

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Where do you want to reach? How far  do you want to go?  Choices, true courage and real humility, understanding, daily actions and decisions are awesome factors, and the presence of God is a great key 15 4!  What you have is important, but what you need to do is the most essential thing!

The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.”

 The command was simple from creation, but complex to understand and to live by, and as a result, many people live not to the farthest limits.   ” 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  When  The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.” But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.” Not the oppositions, but you and Who is with you 15 31 !

Not until we realize the true power in us 4 , and our true inherent potential powers, we shall always wander in thought and in actions though we could be conquerors in all things! Hosea says, “6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”. David, realizing how God Almighty created him said, 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” The people of Joseph had something, but they never realized that power within them that could make them conquerors! They were looking at what they were having, what they deserved, but they did not realize the farthest limits they could reach!

Sometimes, a simple statement of inspiration can be of great help! Sometimes, that small ‘push’ can ‘catapult’ others to the farthest limits! They did not realize what they could do, “But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

Sometimes, it is not as if some people don’t want to get to the farthest limits, but how others withhold their inheritance and inspiration!  3 Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They went to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with the brothers of their father, according to the Lord’s command.” Do not withhold what does not belong to you! 11 Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means…”

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Mankind easily change! Mankind easily forget! The same Israelites who cried to God in Egypt for redemption were now subjecting others to oppression and ‘indentured servitude’ ! … “when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.” Time changes  12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Always remember Luke 6:31. When your story line changes, remember God was the source of the breathe you had to live to see another day and phase of life; be like Joshua, and give what belongs to others to them; let them have their inheritance, and be their inspiration for them to get to the farthest limits. Dare to touch lives for the sake of the Kingdom of God!

We must always remember that it is a must to get to the farthest limits, but there shall surely be a limit in the end, and there shall surely be accountability of every footprint in the end 36 !

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

“ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

(Matthew 25)

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HYMN

Lord, Thy word abideth

Author: H. W. Baker (1861)

1 Lord, thy word abideth,
and our footsteps guideth;
who its truth believeth
light and joy receiveth.

2 When our foes are near us,
then thy word doth cheer us,
word of consolation,
message of salvation.

3 When the storms are o’er us,
and dark clouds before us,
then its light directeth,
and our way protecteth.

4 Who can tell the pleasure,
who recount the treasure
by thy word imparted
to the simple-hearted?

5 Word of mercy, giving
succour to the living;
word of life, supplying
comfort to the dying.

6 O that we discerning
its most holy learning,
Lord, may love and fear thee,
evermore be near thee!

Manasseh and Ephraim

So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.

This was the territory of Ephraim, according to its clans:

The boundary of their inheritance went from Ataroth Addar in the east to Upper Beth Horon and continued to the Mediterranean Sea. From Mikmethath on the north it curved eastward to Taanath Shiloh, passing by it to Janoah on the east. Then it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho and came out at the Jordan. From Tappuah the border went west to the Kanah Ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Ephraimites, according to its clans. It also included all the towns and their villages that were set aside for the Ephraimites within the inheritance of the Manassites.

They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  16  IN FOCUS)

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Certain inheritance can keep you in bondage; be ware! Certain inheritance can push you into ‘forced labor’ ; be careful! Certain act of benevolence can be a trap; be vigilant! There are so  many people who don’t have their true freedom and are in somewhat forced labor because of certain offers and compromises 8. Abraham could have accepted the ‘deal’ but that would have lead into an indirect ‘labor and bondage’

The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.” (Genesis 14)

 His acceptance to be ‘earthly king’  would have pushed Him into a certain ‘forced labor’ at the expense of His true Kingship in Heaven 14After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” What caused the fall of mankind? The quest to get a certain inheritance and that simple compromise 10

So many people don’t have their true freedom  because of certain agreements 19!  “They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.” 5 Where have you reach so far from your true freedom and salvation in Christ Jesus? Run away from ‘forced labor’

Nothing can thwart the inheritance God has for His children through Jesus Christ  from reaching them! Many do all things possible to get great inheritance and larger territories, but God is not blind! 26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,  but it is from the Lord that  one gets justice.”

The  thoughts of Joseph with two opened eyes was not  the same as that of his father who had blind eyes `Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.

When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”

But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day and said,

“In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing:

‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ ”

Because of how the hand of God seem to be turning, many people seek inheritance from the world that lead into bondage and ‘forced labor’! There are several ways of obtaining inheritance, but certain paths lead to bondage and forced labor! If only we would understand  the true will of God, live by them in all our endeavors, we would surely get His blessings! It may not matter how life situations and the world would seek to redirect the hand of God; the hand of God is strong and mighty to locate and give blessings which does not come with bondage and forced labor! Stay in the track of God  and run the race of life according to His will, dos and don’ts to the very end ; serve Him and  keep His charge with diligence, and surely, He shall bless you with the blessings that can make you be free here on earth and still obtain your heavenly inheritance at the  end of ages!

Ephraim and Manasseh waited patiently from the day of their grand fathers blessings to the day they received their inheritance!   EVERYDAY,  TRUST AND OBEY! WE HAVE A CHARGE TO KEEP! WE HAVE A GOD TO GLORIFY! WE HAVE A GOD TO SERVE!

Who can bless more than God?

‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ 

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HYMN

A charge to keep I have

Author: Charles Wesley (1762)

1 A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.

2 To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow’rs engage
to do my Master’s will!

3 Arm me with watchful care
as in Thy sight to live,
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
a strict account to give!

4 Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.

Allotments … special favor… don’t be silent

The allotment for the tribe of Judah, according to its clans, extended down to the territory of Edom, to the Desert of Zin in the extreme south.

2 Their southern boundary started from the bay at the southern end of the Dead Sea, 3 crossed south of Scorpion Pass, continued on to Zin and went over to the south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it ran past Hezron up to Addar and curved around to Karka. It then passed along to Azmon and joined the Wadi of Egypt, ending at the Mediterranean Sea. This is their  southern boundary.  …

 

… 19 She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  15  IN FOCUS)

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God sees everything we do! God hears all that we say 36! He gives rains based on our defined boundaries, and so it can rain here and never there! Jesus Christ said,  18“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be  bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be  loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Whatever is done on earth is seen in Heaven! Allotments were being made, but somebody was not getting something! You have something, but you always want and need something!

In accordance with the Lord’s command to him, Joshua gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion in Judah—Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher). And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him  to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

It is written,  7“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Caleb’s daughter, Aksah, asked for  a special favor to get something! There are many people who ask for special favor to get something, but for wrong purpose and mission! Think of Daniel and the administrators 8 . Think of Mordecai, Esther and Haman 8 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents  of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.”

Why do you seek what you seek? Why do you do what you do everyday? There is always a conscious or an unconscious motive we ought to mind! We ought to ask something from God, but it must always be for the right purpose! We must seek to get what belongs to us, but it must always be for the right purpose!

It takes the right action to obtain that special favor; nothing comes without action; nothing comes without seeking! Mary found favor, for she ‘kept’ herself well to be worthy of a saviors birth 28! Abraham found favor and could intercede for Sodom 32 , for he welcomed angels! David found favor, for he was wholeheartedly, and with all his strength and might, protecting his fathers flock! Special favor; do something! Special favor; stand for something! Special favor; seek something! Special favor is a wonderful key for obtaining wonderful things!

He needed to seek not just a land, but his salvation, and so he took action;  4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19). 

Bartimaeus received his sight by not keeping silent,  Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”  Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” (Mark 10).

The four men with leprosy took steps to bring comfort to the masses 4. The four men seeking healing for their brother took a step! “A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Without that special favor, we shall never be able to get that special possession! Without taking that step, we shall always remain where we are! Remember, 7“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. …

Though we did not ask, God saw the need to grant mankind that special favor of presenting Jesus Christ as a special possession and a gift for us! Those who believe in Him and fully trust and obey Him, shall surely have His special favor when the trumpet sounds! Consciously and unconsciously, everybody seeks something everyday! In all our seeking, we must not forget that special favor, that cannot be obtained with silver or gold, for a life after here!

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When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more

Author: James M. Black (1893)

1 When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound,
and time shall be no more,
and the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
when the saved of earth shall gather
over on the other shore,
and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder,
when the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

2 On that bright and cloudless morning
when the dead in Christ shall rise,
and the glory of his resurrection share;
when his chosen ones shall gather
to their home beyond the skies,
and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. [Refrain]

3 Let us labor for the Master
from the dawn till setting sun,
let us talk of all his wondrous love and care;
then when all of life is over,
and our work on earth is done,
and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. [Refrain]

Different reports; different pictures …

Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  14  IN FOCUS)

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How you see it is how you report it;  22“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Whilst Caleb was showing a picture of hope and encouragement, his fellows were showing pictures of bad fear, but there was surely a need to get to the ‘promised land’ for the promised inheritance, 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”. There shall always be different pictures! There shall surely be different reports! There shall always be different reports based on different convictions!

Different reports portray different pictures, but if all pictures we see are truly the people, then, wherever you see their pictures and paintings, they might be there in body and in the same way as the artist draws or the picture portrays! Caleb said, “And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly”

They portrayed a different picture of Jesus and gave a different report about Him, “Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” Caleb followed God whole heartedly, but his fellows portrayed different pictures: fear! From his whole heart, David danced to God, but Michal, saw a different picture!

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”

David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”

23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

Different pictures and different reports sometimes hurts, especially when such reports and pictures are not portraying realities, truth and facts! Caleb was bringing reports for forward movement, but his fellows were showing fears for stagnation!  Jesus Christ said, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

Bad reports can give different pictures which can prevent people from obtaining their true inheritance 53, but in all things the blood of Jesus Christ which speaks better than the blood of Abel has the final say! Bad reports can tarnish the reputation of good efforts, but the end is always a mystery to those who spread bad reports! Think of apostle Paul’s ‘lamentations’ in 2 Corinthians 11 and 12

Follow God wholeheartedly, and He shall surely give you your inheritance! Follow God wholeheartedly, and he shall surely bless you! “Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly” Follow God wholeheartedly and remember things He hates!

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes,

a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Know who you are in Christ Jesus, and don’t let any other picture of people give you a different view of yourself! Know who you are in God and serve Him wholeheartedly, and He shall always bless, multiply and increase you in all things, and you shall surely secure your salvation in the Kingdom of God! Hate what God hates, and love what God loves! Trust and obey!

Caleb had his convictions, and Apostle Paul said, 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8)

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HYMN

When we walk with the Lord

Author: John H. Sammis (1887

1 When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2 Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]

3 But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

4 Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

True inheritance …

But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  13  IN FOCUS)

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 When the last trumpet sounds, we shall realize our true inheritance!  When the soul departs from the body, we shall realize our true inheritance! When the end comes, we shall realize our true inheritance! In all thy getting, get God as your ultimate inheritance! Jesus Christ said,  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6)

When God becomes your inheritance, you inherit so much more from the ever Living God! Make God your inheritance! What do you have?  What don’t you have? Make God the most precious asset of your life and cherish Him with all your heart, body, soul and mind! As you would cherish your most precious inheritance, so cherish the Living God; for when you leave all inheritance on earth, you shall meet Him as your inheritance or the otherwise! In their song, the Easter brothers said,

As the world looks upon me, as I struggle along
They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong
In my heart I’m rejoicing, how I wish they could see
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

Chorus

There’s a roof up above me
I’ve a good place to sleep
There’s food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

Verse II

Now I know I’m not wealthy, and these clothes , they’re not new
I don’t have much money, but Lord I have you
And to me that’s all that matters, though the world cannot see
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

Repeat Chorus, then:

Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

 33But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them. Moses had no inheritance, but God was his inheritance! After his death, Moses saw his true inheritance!  3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”  Oh mortal man, seek the right inheritance! Oh mortal man, seek the right inheritance, for from here, you shall leave all inheritance to meet the inheritance you sought for here or not! Seek the right inheritance! What is your true inheritance? As you pursue your inheritance here, think of your true Inheritance on whom  you depend on each day for breathe and life to pursue the earthly inheritance! Seek God and make God your inheritance! Seek God, and seek earnestly, your salvation in Christ Jesus! Oh mortal man, don’t forget; seek the right inheritance! Get inheritance, but don’t forget your true inheritance: Lord God Almighty!

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 15As has just been said:

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

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HYMN

Seek ye first

Karen Lafferty  (1971)

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

harvest full; laborers few …

When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.

² “This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and Geshurites, ³ from the Shihor River on the east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north, all of it counted as Canaanite though held by the five Philistine rulers in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron; the territory of the Avvites ⁴ on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians as far as Aphek and the border of the Amorites; ⁵ the area of Byblos; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal Gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo Hamath.

 

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  13 IN FOCUS)

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The simple mathematics logic says, the larger the field, the more the hands needed to finish the work faster 22; the fewer the hands, the more time and days it shall take for the work to be completed; harvest full, but laborers few! 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10). When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. Indeed, there are still very ‘large areas of land’  to hear the gospel. Jesus Christ said, “14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24). 

Almost all things grow to a certain end, and such is the world in which we live! Good servants are good because they do the will of their Master from a very good heart! Joshua knew he owed God a responsibility, and with all his might and strength, he accomplished his duty towards the Master in obedience to the very old age, but there was more work ahead! Those who are on the Lord’s side do the work of the Lord! Those who are on the Lord’s side seek the welfare of the Lord’s business! In his hymn,  Frances Ridley Havergal, wrote,

Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who for Him will go?

By Thy grand redemption,
By Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side;
Savior, we are Thine.

Not for weight of glory,
Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,
Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth
Lives for whom He died;
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on His side

Jesus, Thou hast bought us,
Not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own life-blood,
For Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling
Each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing,
Thou hast made us free.

Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army
None can overthrow.
Round His standard ranging
Victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging
Makes the triumph sure.

Chosen to be soldiers
In an alien land:
Chosen, called, and faithful,
For our Captain’s band;
In the service royal
Let us not grow cold;
Let us be right loyal,
Noble, true, and bold

Many seek only their  welfare! Many only seek to enjoy the Masters redemption alone 41! Like Peter on the mountain, many people seek not the salvation of lives beneath the mountains. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.). What bit can you do for God? harvest full; laborers few! Soldiers at war walk prepared and alert with the mindset of accomplishing their assigned duty! 20 21 Let the Master ‘arm’ you with His word and power! “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Remain not idle, when the Masters work needs your hands! Do not remain at the  ‘top of the mountain’ when others keep waiting beneath! There is still a charge to keep; there is still a role you can play! Daniel March says,  “Hark, the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today? Fields are white and harvests waiting”

Like aged Joshua, some are done with their work, but the work is not yet done! Jeremiah had an excuse, 6“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” Moses was needed,  13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”  Joshua is old, but there is still a charge to keep! When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.” There is a charge to keep; what bit can you do?

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A charge to keep I have

Author: Charles Wesley (1762)

1 A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.

2 To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow’rs engage
to do my Master’s will!

3 Arm me with watchful care
as in Thy sight to live,
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
a strict account to give!

4 Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.

Records … be on the good list

Here is a list of the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir. Joshua gave their lands as an inheritance to the tribes of Israel according to their tribal divisions. The lands included the hill country, the western foothills, the Arabah, the mountain slopes, the wilderness and the Negev. These were the lands of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. These were the kings:

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  12  IN FOCUS)

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What things have you been able to defeat so far? It is written  Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” They conquered kings, but there is much more to conquer in our days: souls to win 7, an alluring world  to mind 12 and lives to keep alive for the Kingdom of God 45. We ought to mind our lives, and we ought to conquer the body.  “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” In the end, there shall not be records of kings who were conquered, but those who did run the race to win the crown, and those who just did run the race! Those who will have good conquering records can be in one accord with Paul in saying,

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

You are either on the good list or on the other list! Remember what happened, so you may not be an example of what happened! Their hearts were hardened to fight against the Israelites, but to their own defeat! And in the same way, like Pharaoh, many hearts have been hardened not to realize the true things they need to conquer for an awesome ending in the Kingdom of God! 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Conquer the ‘flesh’, and think of the true things to overcome for the Masters reward!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Zachariah could have remembered what God did for Abraham, even at the very old age, but faithlessness placed him on a different list, 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.” (Luke 1). Conquer your doubt, build your faith!

You are either on the conquering list or on the defeated list! You are either opposing God 5 or you are promoting his mission! You may never be able to have fruitful stories for the Master until you become a conqueror! Conquer the flesh! “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like… Conquer the flesh and bear true fruits pleasant to the Master! “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Defeat something! Defeat something! Defeat something! Defeat something like the records of Kings in Joshua 12  who were defeated! What are you doing now that needs to be defeated so you may not be on the wrong record? Defeat something! They had kings to defeat; we have something to defeat! Defeat something to be a conqueror! He is coming soon; defeat something NOW!

John and the Angel

The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”

Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”

 

Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelations 22)

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HYMN

Lord, Thy word abideth

Author: H. W. Baker (1861

1 Lord, thy word abideth,
and our footsteps guideth;
who its truth believeth
light and joy receiveth.

2 When our foes are near us,
then thy word doth cheer us,
word of consolation,
message of salvation.

3 When the storms are o’er us,
and dark clouds before us,
then its light directeth,
and our way protecteth.

4 Who can tell the pleasure,
who recount the treasure
by thy word imparted
to the simple-hearted?

5 Word of mercy, giving
succour to the living;
word of life, supplying
comfort to the dying.

6 O that we discerning
its most holy learning,
Lord, may love and fear thee,
evermore be near thee!

Heritage …

As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  11  IN FOCUS)

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Imagine what it takes to wake billions of people up each day, give them free air each second of time, yet  from generation to generation, the air never gets finish: the wonder of God! There are so many issues of life and there are so many things to do in life, but what we  carry on each day and what we do each new day is what becomes not just our lives, but the meaning of our lives: Heritage! ” 4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” saith the preacher! And it is! One generation is nurtured by another,  and generation after generation a certain heritage keeps living or is discarded! The existing generation has something to live and leave for the next generation! The existing generation has a good or bad footprint to show the next generation! What heritage are we leaving behind?

22A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. (Proverbs 13)

They left examples for us, and we have examples to leave for the next generation! What footprint of yours do you command others to follow? What are you doing now? How does it match the Fathers commands and authority?  As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses. Apostle Paul said,  17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” (Philippians 3)

They were wondering why He was doing all that He was doing, but “Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

A people who fail to live the right heritage, always live the wrong heritage and wonder the footprints they are leaving! What heritage are you passing on to your children’s children? Leaders who do not pass the right commands always see wrong actions! Followers who do not go by the right commands always ponder over their had I known! “As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.”

We have so many examples of the good and bad footprints of saints of old in our days as lessons for our time to live the best or worse heritage for the next generation! 23So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.” God has a heritage for His children: a complete peace, and a life free from any blame, accusations and attacks. He says, 17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” Though weapons may be forged, they shall not prevail!

God seeks the absolute peace of His people, and He is ready to do all things possible to ensure the peace of His people, for that is His heritage for them! Follow the right footprints and pass on the right heritage! Charge yourself to be that example, and leave that good footprints for the next generation! Your decision today, will help or harm the next generation: be ware! Your decisions today will determine that end: be ware! Be that heritage; live that heritage! Pause and ponder, and remember, they did it just as the Father commanded them! Pause and ponder, and remember, they did it just as the Father was doing it!

We ought to abide by the will of God! We ought to live by His commands! We ought walk with Him! A branch that is cut from the trunk never gets nutrients and its supply from the trunk; abide in the Lord! Jesus Christ commands us  saying,

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other.

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HYMN

Aaron Robarts Wolfe

Complete in Thee! no work of mine
May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And I am now complete in Thee.

Yea, justified! O blessed thought!
And sanctified! Salvation wrought!
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
  And glorified, I too, shall be!

Complete in Thee—no more shall sin,
Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;
Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,
And I shall stand complete in Thee.

Complete in Thee—each want supplied,
And no good thing to me denied;
Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,
I ask no more, complete in Thee.

Dear Savior! when before Thy bar
All tribes and tongues assembled are,
Among Thy chosen will I be,
At Thy right hand—complete in Thee.

 

 

The extra ordinary things …

On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  10 IN FOCUS)

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Extra ordinary things go beyond the mind of ordinary minds, and it is hard for the ordinary mind to understand the super works of God; that makes God who He is ( I AM THAT I AM) and that makes man who he is (mortal beings) !  It is written, 5 “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (Habakkuk 1). Imagine such an amazing and spectacular thing; that one day, you command the sun to halt and it happens! 20 . To do the extra ordinary things, one needs not just to conform to the ordinary things. Set yourself apart to do the extra ordinary things; if you conform to every ordinary thing, you shall never be able to do anything extra ordinary. 3

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.

It shall always be unthinkable in our days, if we keep thinking it is unthinkable and impossible for God to set us apart  us for His extra ordinary works! Apostle Paul says, 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. We ought to remember, 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops”. Without truly getting closer to God in truth and in Spirit, certain things will remain impossible!

It was time again for yet another battle for the Israelites, but this time, not just with one but joint forces! It does not matter however how many are against you, what is most important is the presence of God with you! Because of the one who loves you, someone will surely hate you, and wage ‘war’ against you, but always trust in God and do what is right! Jesus Christ said, 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15)

“Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon. 4 “Come up and help me attack Gibeon,” he said, “because it has made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”

The  adage says, if the cockroach wants to rule over the chicken, it must hire fox as a bodyguard! Gibeon knew its strength could not supersede that of the joint forces it was about to face. Gibeon therefore called on Joshua, but it was not just Joshua and His men who were fighting, but God Almighty! It is written, “Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!”. Remember the flawless promise of God: call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” 16 But to the wicked person, God says “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?” (Psalm 50) And He added in Isaiah,

15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 17no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,”

God knows how to give answers to those who attack you; keep calm; be still and watch what He is going to do! Don’t ever be intimated; be strong and courageous; let God do the fight, as you humbly 6 pray fervently to Him 11 ! Though the battles of their days might not be like the battles of our days, the all wise and omnipotent God Almighty of their days is still alive in our days for us! The battles they fought to Canaan, might not be the battles we are fighting to Heaven, but there shall surely be victory! Be still and just do what is right! Have a clean heart, and a serene mind for God!

It does not matter where those who fight or conspire against you hide, God sees and knows all things! Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. 25 Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” As it is written,

1The Lord says to my lord:  “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

Wake up, oh mortal man, and draw closer and closer to the ever Living Immortal God for awesome and extra ordinary works! God needs vessels like us for His glory, oh mortal man! Do not run away like Adam or Jonah; He needs you! Leave everything and responds; hear am I, send me! He shall surely deliver victory! He shall surely bring answers! He shall surely save you! He shall surely fight for you in all life circumstances! Wake up and cloth yourself with full faith and power! Wake up and call on the name of the Lord; in His name take steps, and in His name there shall be victory! Only be vigilant! Remember Joshua took them by surprise 9 !

Be noted for an extra ordinary thing; let glory come unto God! Remember,  Joshua stopped the sun; Elijah stopped the rain; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego withstood fire; Jesus Christ walked on the sea. God tamed lions because of Daniel! The apostles left the well locked prison gates extra ordinarily! Have full faith and pray for the  power and presence of God! God needs you for yet another extra ordinary great works; we only need to say, here am I send me! Obedience! 12

One day, God will surprise the world with a sudden new beginning, after the sudden end! 1

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HYMN 

Hark! the voice of Jesus crying,

“Who will go and work today?”

Author: Daniel March (1868)

1 Hark, the voice of Jesus crying,
“Who will go and work today?
Fields are white and harvests waiting;
Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the Master calls us,
rich reward He offers free;
who will answer, gladly saying,
“Here am I, send me, send me”?

2 If you cannot cross the ocean,
and the distant lands explore,
you can find the lost around you,
you can help them at your door.
If you cannot give your thousands,
you can give the widow’s mite;
what you truly give for Jesus,
will be precious in His sight.

3 If you cannot be the watchman
standing high on Zion’s wall,
pointing out the path to heaven,
off’ring life and peace to all,
with your pray’rs and with your bounties
you can do what heav’n demands;
you can be like faithful Aaron
holding up the prophet’s hands.

4 Let none hear you idly saying,
“There is nothing I can do,”
while the lost of earth are dying,
and the Master calls for you:
take the task He gives you gladly;
let His work your pleasure be;
answer quickly when He calls you,
“Here am I, send me, send me.”

 

 

wrong understanding …

However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.”

The Israelites said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?” 8“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?”

(JOURNEYING FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION: JOSHUA  9 IN FOCUS)

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Because of wrong understanding, many have taking good steps in wrong direction! Because of wrong understanding, many have bargained for what they would never have bargained for if they should have had all needed wisdom! Because of wrong understanding, many have accepted and enslaved themselves in a direct and or indirect way regrettably! Because of wrong understanding many have found themselves in a wrong arena of life! If we should have full good knowledge, real understanding and true wisdom, life will become such a smooth journey for everybody, and we shall end our journey well to win applauds in Heaven, but we always lack a certain understanding!

Oh how awesome it would be for us if we should get all the wisdom of Solomon to understand his mistakes, fulfillment and lessons for life! Solomon says,

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get  wisdom. Though it cost all you have,  get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many. (Proverbs 4)

 

Think of the wisdom of Abigail that saved situations! “Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs  of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19Then she told her servants, “Go on ahead; I’ll follow you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal”  3 . Where there is a certain lack of understanding, we journey to look back and see the true footprints of our journey! Wisdom has been the foundation of all that we see and understanding has build great nations and people! The lack of understanding creates gap filled with ‘the thorns of misunderstanding’! We need wisdom to see ahead of time! We need wisdom to understand what is coming our way! We need wisdom for insight and foresight to perceive and discern wrong friendships, treaties, bonds and covenants! Look beyond what you look, and see!

Life is too broad for us to understand all things in life with a deeper understanding for a good and a successful journey of life; we must therefore rely strongly on the One who installs wisdom in the minds of men and whose wisdom is far bigger than that of men; we must depend on God! The admonishing is clear;  ^“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. ” (James 1:5-6)

The Israelite thought they could do it with their own understanding, but it is written,  “He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. 13He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night.”  David said,  How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. 8But you, Lord, are forever exalted.

Many seek goodness and wellness with their own understanding, but the same goodness and wellness leads them to deeper regrets and had I known! Many seek comfort and company with their understanding, but for a moment and after a while, they see discomfort and disintegration! Many seek wealth untold but to an insatiable end of wants! Some pursue  good health only by eating good meals, but to an end of pain and diseases, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” ! (1 Tmothy 4:8 KJV). The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. ² “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” ³ What profit has a man from all his labor In which he toils under the sun?  One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever. ( Ecclesiastes 1 NKJV)

How far our wrong understanding has moved us to never really matter if we realize we need Jesus Christ in it, 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”! How far our wrong understanding has moved us to doesn’t really matter if we should realize we can pray to God for restoration and restitution! Don’t let regrets kill you; God is always a good panacea and a remedy. They took a wrong path, but God  gave them a good landing!

Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. (Acts 27)

Finally,

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight. 

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and shun evil.

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HYMN

Courage, brother! Do not stumble

Author: Norman MacLeod (1857)

1 Courage, brother! do not stumble,
though your path be dark as night;
there’s a star to guide the humble:
trust in God, and do the right.
Let the road be rough and dreary,
and its end far out of sight;
foot it bravely; strong or weary,
trust in God, trust in God, trust in God,
and do the right.

2 Perish policy and cunning,
perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
trust in God, and do the right.
Some will hate you, some will love you,
some will flatter, some will slight;
heed them not, and look above you:
trust in God, trust in God, trust in God,
and do the right.

3 Simple rule and safest guiding,
inward peace, and inward might,
star upon our path abiding,
trust in God, and do the right.
Courage, sister! do not stumble,
though your path be dark as night;
there’s a star to guide the humble:
trust in God, trust in God, trust in God,
and do the right.