53. GET READY TO MOVE. Joshua 1-21v45.

God said to Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, get ready to cross the Jordan River in to the land I am about to give (you) … I will give you every place you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon. And from the great river, the Euphrates… to the great sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them” (Joshua 2-6) Today ( 2023) are you standing at the crossroads of change, contemplating a new season or assignment, and feeling anxious about it? If so >Observe two things about this story. (1) When his time came to lead, Joshua was ready. Until then, he faithfully served Moses and found his fulfilment being in the 2IC Position, he didn’t push and he didn’t play politics; he just prepared himself. And when he was ready, God promoted him. (2) He went further than his mentor Moses did. Moses’ leadership In fact, ended where the Promised land began. Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel would move into it and become a great nation. Everyday he spent in the wilderness equipped him for this moment. So don’t get bored with the present, God is preparing you for something He needs you to do for Him. God never wastes experience. Everything you’ve been through and are presently going through including the things you don't understand, are a preparation for what God has in store for you. Can you imagine how Joshua must have felt stepping in to Moses’s shoes? He needed assurance, so God told him (1) “I will give you every place where you set your foot” in other words God is telling him “Trust me and step out in faith it’s yours if your willing to walk towards it and take possession of it. Was it going to be easy? No! Would they get there overnight? No! But his confidence came from the words, “As I promised” The song goes “Standing on the promises that CANNOT fail; When the howling winds of doubt and fear assail. Standing on the living word I shall prevail; Standing on the promises of God” (2) “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life.”(Joshua 1:5) Will you face criticism? Yes. Will you come under attack? Yes. There were 31 kings, 7 Nations, and giants 8 to 10 foot tall waiting for them in the Promised Land. But, every battle you fight is just another opportunity for God to show Himself strong on your behalf. (3) “As I was with Moses so I will be with you.” (Joshua 1;5) If you are anxious about the future, recall God’s faithfulness to you in the past. Did you ever think “I don’t know how I’ll ever get over this” Yet you did, How? and why? At the end of his life Joshua wrote; “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises The Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled..”.(Joshua. 23;14). And the God who came through for Joshua will come through for you too. “The Lord who is the stronghold of my life – Of whom shall I be afraid” ( Psalm 27:1) If you’ve ever packed up and moved to another house, you may remember saying, “This is the last time I’m moving!” That will give you some idea how Joshua must have felt moving almost two million people into a new homeland. And they did it on foot. So God told Joshua two things (1) “Be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1:7) why? Because his enemies were going to attack him, and his own people were going to make endless demands on him. So where do you find courage? Only in these words; “The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” That word “Stronghold” implies you are held in the safety of God’s strong arms. That means nothing can get to you, without first coming through Him. Victor Hugo wrote, “Have courage for the great storms of life, and patience for the small ones and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily tasks go to sleep in peace; God is awake. (2) “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua1:5) Who but God could make and keep such a promise? Did He keep His word to them? Yes! So The Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers. And they took possession of it and settled there Then the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers Not one of their enemies withstood them; in fact the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of the Lords good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21;43-45) And their God – is your God too. It’s not always easy to recognise God’s hand in our lives, especially when so many of us have been brought up with the idea of “Believe only in what you can see, hear, touch, taste and smell.” Those are very handy physical gifts or attributes, but for the (Faith-filled) or (Born again) Christian there is a further sense or Gift) of Faith given by the Holy Spirit, which like all His Gifts needs cultivating and that is done by continual prayer-full use and practise. Personally speaking there are very few things now which I pray for that I don’t receive, or get an understanding why I don’t. This is not because I am Holier or closer to God than anyone else, but that God might bring us to a higher level of Faith and trust in Him. The more we get to know God, the deeper our intimacy and relationship with Him grows and as that happens we gain further wisdom and understanding when we pray. So get close to God and He will get close to you. Thank you for reading “Get Ready To Move” And make every experience a learning curb from God. So you will be ready when He calls. God Bless us all. Phaline. -----------------------------------------

52. A SPIRITUAL CHECK-UP.

In (1 Chronicles 28;9.) We read “The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive..”, Now, that can be a scary thought, OR it can take you and me to the feet of the Saviour, so that we can pray with the psalmist in psalm (139:23-24) Search me my God and know my heart, try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Most wise people visit their doctor regularly for a physical check-up, and if you are spiritually wise you will go to God regularly too, for a Spiritual check-up. If you are not accustomed to doing this, you may like to get alone with God and make an appraisal of your spiritual health in the following areas:-- (1). Your Salvation... In) 2.Corinthians; 5.17) “If anyone is in Christ, he is a New Creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” Was there ever a time in your life when you repented from your sin and placed your trust in Jesus to save you? Have you surrendered to Him and made Him Lord of your life? (2) .Your Devotional life... (psalm 119;97) I love Your Law, it is my meditation all day long. And in the same psalm ( v;140) we read “ Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it.” Do you read and meditate on God’s Word each day? Are your personal devotions consistent and meaningful? Do you try to apply the principles of Scripture to each circumstance you are in? (3) . Your Humility... God says in Isaiah (15;57)… “I dwell in the High and Holy place, With him who has a Humble and Contrite spirit, to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Are you quick to recognise and agree with God when you have sinned? Are you quick to admit to others when you are wrong? Can you rejoice at the success of others, even when your efforts go unnoticed? Do you esteem others better than yourself? (Romans 12:10) Do you live with a sense of dependence on God. Please don’t think I’m judging anyone. On the contrary, I’m trying to explain to those who don’t understand, the way we need to judge or examine ourselves before a Loving, Forgiving and Merciful God. Because let’s face it, we can all find reasons (excuses) for ourselves. And although God is in all of the above, He is also a Just God, and perhaps that’s the reason He said to Jeremiah in Chapter (17;10) “I The Lord search the heart.” so let’s continue. How do you measure up when it comes to … (1) Obedience… (Hebrews 13;17) “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account, let them do so with joy, not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Do you submit to the guidance of those God has placed over you? Do you pray for them and thank God for the deposits they make in to your life? (2) A pure Heart.. (1John: 8-9) “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness. Do you confess your sins specifically and by name? Do you purpose to forsake your sin the moment God reveals it to you? What about your un-surrendered areas? Are you willing to give up all sin for God. (3) A clear conscience...(Acts 24:16) “ I… Strive to have a clear conscience without offence before God and man.” Do you seek forgiveness from those you have offended? Is your conscience clear before God and man. (4) Confidence before God:..(1John 3:21-22) ”If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” Have you moved beyond merely ‘right and wrong’ and asked yourself, ‘How will this affect my confidence in and my relationship with God.? In (Romans 8:27) We read “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the spirit.” Doing a Spiritual check-up means examining things like:-- 1. Priorities; “Seek first the Kingdom of God... and all these things will be added unto you”(Matthew 6-33) Do you submit your schedule to God for His approval? Do your financial decisions put God first. 2. Values “Colossians 3-12” You died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God… since God chose you to be the Holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Do you love what God loves and hate what God hates? Do you value highly the things that please Him? Are your desires and goals governed by God’s word? 3. Sacrifice..; Philippians 3:8-10) I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ...I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him.” Are you fully surrendered to God? Is there anything in your life that you value more than Him? If there is pray, Father forgive me for taking back control of my life, I come before you surrendering, repenting and asking You to cleanse me, renew me with Your Spirit. I renounce my selfish ways and make You Lord of my life. You said You would rather we were hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Light a fire in me today that will burn so brightly others will be drawn to you. For a Spiritual check-up to be effective, we need to examine the following three areas: 1. Forgiveness:- (Col 3:13-15) Make allowance foe each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember The Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body we are called to live in peace...Are you quick to forgive those who have hurt you?..Do you try to resolve conflicts as soon as possible?.. Are you harbouring resentment? 2. Soul winning.. (Matthew 28:19-20) Go therefore and make Disciples of all nations teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you..” Do you have a concern for lost souls? Do you seize every opportunity to share your faith? Does your life show what your lips say? 3. Prayer;....1Chr:16:11) “Seek The Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore>” Do you have a consistent prayer life? Do you pray faithfully for the needs of others? Have you learned to pray standing on God’s Word and believing Him for great things? Do you see the results of your prayer life? Has your prayer life led you to a deeper intimacy with The Lord? If your serious about in-depth change,and growth in your Spiritual walk, and developing a Christ-like character, spend time with The Lord today and say, “Search me my God and know my heart; try me and know my (thoughts) lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm139:23-24). There are many ways to handle ,,, ‘A Spiritual Check-up, I have attempted to give you a few guidelines which are in no way obligatory, because God looks at our hearts and our willingness to love and please Him, He responds graciously with love mercy and compassion. So for the sake of our Spiritual Health and to maintain and even improve our relationship with God, may I suggest we take a good honest look at our commitment to Jesus Christ on a regular bases and if necessary seek help from someone we trust. Thank you for reading my thoughts on this subject I hope they help. God Bless Phaline. Reference;-Bibles N.I.V. & N.J.K.V. Inspiration:- Archival copies of “The Word For Today” by Bob & Debby Gass. & Calvary Bridge New Jersey U.S.A.

51. HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

What does “The Good Life” mean to you? Driving the fastest car? Owning the biggest house? Wearing the latest clothes and having the most prestigious job? God’s concept is very different. Jesus said “Guard against...greed. Life is not measured by how much you own” G. K. Chesterton said “There are two ways to get enough. One is to accumulate more and more, the other is to desire less and less.” After months of solitude in a Soviet prison in Siberia, Alexander Solzhenitsyn discovered the above truth when his freedom, his friends, his home and his books were all taken away from him. Admiral Richard Blyth wrote,”I am learning something.... A man can live profoundly well without masses of things.” What a great place to arrive at! Harold Sala writes.. “People today are possessed by possessions, as no other generation in history.” The more complex life becomes, the more we convince ourselves that we need more (stuff) to be happy. Having obtained what we think we need, we soon become unhappy again because now there’s a new model on the market with more bells and whistles. It takes far less than we think, to discover happiness if (it) comes from within and we brake the stronghold things have on us and our lives. So how Much is Enough? Jesus answered this question when speaking to the “Rich young Ruler” who wrestled with that same question “Sell your possessions… give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come follow Me.” (Matthew 19: 21.) Not the answer the man expected! Does that mean God is opposed to you having money? No absolutely not, the operative words in Jesus’ answer are “Come follow Me” If we truly follow Jesus we can’t help but be like Him who never allowed anything to take the place of God in His life. When Considering the life of Jesus’ ie. His earthly life,, I find He possessed the world, yet He owned nothing. In fact, out of His nothingness He gave Sight to the Blind, Hearing to the Deaf, Food to the Hungry, Healing to the Sick and Life to the dead. Yes, He was God, but He was also Man and He showed us how man ought to live a submitted life to the Father, just as He did. Wasn’t it Jesus Himself who said “Even greater things than this will you do” Personally I don’t believe all those miracles which Jesus did, were done in His capacity as God, but, as a result of being a submissive Son to the will of His Father. In (Luke 12:31) we read:-- “Seek first His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” So at what point does need become greed? One Author writes; Rarely does a person wake up one morning and say “I’ve been living for an ego trip...I’m going to get rid of the big car and fancy yacht and go and live in the slums working with the poor.” No, God deals with each of us individually. And in different ways. What may be okay for some may not necessarily be okay for others. When Pastor Renny Scott started wrestling with this problem, he said “I just couldn’t resolve the issue of living in a peaceful bedroom community while Hell on earth was all around me in the form of Hunger and Poverty.” He went to Africa with “World Vision”, which was the beginning of his involvement with the needs of others. Next he moved into the inner city, which was his second step. Then he took a church of fifty people which met in a school cafeteria. When a Deacon suggested they give the entire Sunday morning offering to the local mission,- Scott swallowed hard because his salary (which wasn’t much) came out of that collection. Eventually he and his wife came to grips with their lifestyle and did something he’s since challenged many to do… and say “this much and no more”, and everything above that was given away… The little church grew in to a body of 1,800 people who matched dollar for dollar in buildings for missions. Today they have taken on the challenge of finding affordable housing for the homeless in their community. Scott says “I have to pause and ask myself “What I’d want to be doing if Christ returned today. And found myself answering from (Matthew 24 and 25) To take my talents and invest them wherever they were most needed. There are many needy people in our community these days, who require feeding, dressing, help with medical bills and wood for the winter fires ahead. “But for the Grace of God any of us could be in the same position as them .” So don’t judge them unless you have walked a mile in their shoes. Our job is to give and God will do the rest. Thank you for reading “How Much Is Enough”, I believe there is food for thought for all of us in these few words…. God bless. Phaline.