Faith and Unity

Judges 1:1-2
'After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” 2 The Lord said, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.” '

Israel got it right!

They're great, esteemed leader, Joshua,  had died. The one who'd led them into battle to claim the promise land had died. He had clearly led them well because they maintained their faith after his death. Moses and Joshua had worked hard to invest faith into the people, many times the people had gone off and done their own thing because following God is hard, but here, they carried on in faith.

It's at a point where Israel were unsure what to do, so they enquired of God.
Now, that's no mean feat as a whole nation! They got together to ask God, 'what next?'. Then they listened to and obeyed the answer. Not just one or two or ten people, but the whole nation! Can you imagine even 10 people getting together and agreeing something? It'd take a lot of time to get to a decision and there'd probably be someone who wasn't in agreement with it. Israel manage to do this with the whole nation - that can only mean that God was with them, how else could that happen?

Judah was chosen to go up first, and Judah asked Simeon to join them in battle. Brothers working together, supporting in the fight. Not grudgingly, but lovingly did they comply. They fought alongside each other. Worked together in unity. They fought against their common enemy together as a united force following God's plan. They had the same heart, motive and desire - to see the enemy destroyed. What a great example to the rest of the nation! Working together in love defeats the enemy and gains victory!
They worked together purposefully, in obedience to God and won. These two tribes, just a fraction of Israel, brought their enemies down! They gained the land, so then Imagine what the WHOLE tribe of Israel can do if they go out in faith!

Now, imagine what the church can do if they work together! Imagine what YOU can do if you work in faith together with others to make a difference in this world. Joshua and Caleb are renowned in the Old Testament as men of faith. They spied out the land and knew that with God in their side they could be victorious when no-one else did. They had confidence in their God, they knew his righteousness, power and love was with them, just as these two tribes have demonstrated, and they also were victorious. If you have faith in God, and He calls you to do something, trust him. It may seem hard, impossible or strange, but as, 'the Lord was with Judah', he shall also be with you.

Influence of the church

It's amazing how people who are not even part of the church can be influenced by it.

In our locality alone there are many that have; visited, been helped, been part of an event, friends who are a part of it. The church is known amongst the people, hopefully for more positive reasons than negative ones.
This is good and right, how it should be. The church should be an integrated part of society. It should be known so that Jesus can be known through it. The church should be known for the positive impact it has on society.
This is what happened throughout the book of Acts. The church had, 'favour with all the people'. It was known for following Jesus teaching, praising God, meeting together, eating together, sharing and caring for each other, providing for those in need, praying, miracles and being glad and generous.
Now, that list doesn't have a lot of religious duties tied up in it. Interesting huh?
The church is known and has favour because of how the people within it relate to one another. The church is not a place or a building, but it's a bunch of people. These people are out and about living and working in a town near you! They are a group of people who aim to put God first in what they do.

This is how the church influences. By genuine relationship with God demonstrated through relationships within the church and overflowing to those in society.
People's experience of what the church stands for is by looking at those who are a part of it.

So:
> if you are part of a church - what are you demonstrating of your faith, and of the church to the community?
> if you're not part of a church - what does the church in your vicinity demonstrate to you?

Glory, strength and power

Ephesians 3:17
'according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being'

God is rich. Rich in; money, power, wisdom, and so it says here, in glory.

So, what is glory? The dictionary defines it as; a source of honour, admiration, the bliss of heaven, of resplendent beauty and magnificence. This means God is rich in splendour, magnificence and honour!

This verse then goes onto say that because of this glory, because God is magnificent, impressive and excellent we will be strengthened in power. God's own excellence, his own honour is our strength!
We have great power at our fingertips, we have the excellence of God within us by his Holy Spirit. That is pretty incredible don't you think?

God's power is actually IN us, but how many of us actually use it? Do we have it lying dormant within us? like an untapped resource?
It IS within us by the Holy Spirit, but do we access God's magnificence within us or leave it lying there?

God's power and strength, it is there, we have access to it. Are you prepared to take it? We have been given permission to access God's strength and power because of His glory.

We have this immense power and strength, but how many of us are scared or unaware of the great power inside of us that we just leave it there?

We HAVE great power through Jesus, we already have it we don't have to earn it. Then, we have a responsibility to use it to let heaven be seen on Earth through our lives.
Ask God to show you what his power in you is for. We can be world changers because God is in us, no, more than that, we ARE world changers.

We have been delegated the responsibility on Earth to live with the riches of heaven within us. So what are you going to do about it?

Sharing the house

All of us, all around the world, from every background, religion and language can become members of God's house. We can be part of his family because of Jesus. Jesus broke down the segregation that had previously existed between God's people, the Jews, and the rest of the world, the Gentiles. We can belong to God's kingdom.

Ephesians 2:19
'you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God'

Before Jesus came, those of us who weren't Jews were, 'strangers and aliens' to God. We were not a part of Israel, so we couldn't join in their festivities, couldn't go to their temple and didn't know about their God.
We were outsiders, strangers and aliens'. The Jews were God's chosen people, they were selected to stand out, set apart from the rest of the world.

It must of been kind of weird when all that changed.
The Jews had to suddenly accept everyone else, and the rest of the world could join with them to worship their God. That's really different and really weird, and to top it off the rest of the world that had been invited in didn't have to comply with all the religious rituals the Jews had been keeping all those years. That must of been quite difficult to accept.

Why was there this sudden change? Because of Jesus!

Jesus connected all people with God. He came to the, 'strangers and aliens'. He called them to become part of God's people, and invited them to be, 'fellow citizens'.

What a difference! From being separate, isolated and misunderstood we can belong.
That's the truth of what Jesus has done. He has made what is not fit for God's kingdom cleaned up and purposeful. He has allowed the outsiders to become, 'fellow citizens'. Those that; belong, have purpose, and have an investment in the kingdom of God.

Then, we are not JUST citizens but we are, 'members of the household of God'. That's pretty special!
We are in the same house as God! We get to share all that he has in his house. Wow!
We have the privilege to hang out with God, to eat with him, relax with Him, and we have access to all that is His!

What can possibly stop us now?!

I think we sometimes forget who we are, we can get lost in all that the world says we are or are not.  In the hustle and bustle of life we can get swept along.
Instead, today, look at what you really are. You are NOT a, 'stranger and alien', you are not hidden in the crowds, a mismatch in the world. You, in fact are, 'fellow citizens' and, 'members of the household of God'!

Go do it!

Ephesians 2:10
'we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.'

This is quite a well known verse, I love it. There's quite a lot contained in it, so let's break it down a bit:

- we are his workmanship
We are God's handiwork, his invention, handcrafted and developed by him. Now, as God, is, well, God, he knows what he is doing! You are no mistake, you are not a blot on humanity, you have been designed, and intricately woven together. Every curve, every line has been fashioned and lovingly put together by the Almighty! We all have doubts, I. Shelf have had to grow to understand this. The fact is, the Bible is truth it is God's word, so it is true. It doesn't matter how we feel. We can feel worthless and unwanted, but the truth states that you, 'are his workmanship'. There's no mistake in that. God handcrafted you, you are a part of his creation and he is pleased with all he has made. That's the truth.

- created in Christ Jesus for good works,
We are also made in Christ Jesus. Through Christ's death, we gain life. We have been reborn if we decide to accept all Jesus has done and allow that to change our lives.
We have been created to do good things, we have been created to work. Not everyone has a job, but everyone can do good works. It could be helping out a neighbour, buying a homeless person a sandwich or writing a note to cheer someone up. There's no end to the good works we can do. What good works can you do? God has created you, given you talents and opportunities, are you using them for good works?

- which God prepared beforehand
God has a plan! Even when we don't!
God knows what you are created for, he has designed you for a significant purpose, to make a difference in this world. He has prepared your tasks, and prepared you for them. To find out what they are, you'll have to ask him. Spend time listening to the one who made you, then you'll find out what you're made for.
The great thing is God put all this thought and purpose into not only designing you, but designing you for a purpose. The world needs you in it to complete the works you've been made for. God knows what you're meant to do, so you can trust him when he's leading you into sometimes scary paths.

- that we should walk in them
So, God designed us, designed us for purpose, all in advance, now what?

 Now..... DO IT!

There's no point in knowing and understanding this stuff if we're just going to sit there and not do anything about it. You have been designed to do good things, so go and do them!

We are the church!

What is the church?
Is it a building, a set system of beliefs? A bunch of people? A place filled with religiosity?
These are common assumptions.
In the Bible church actually is; the house of God, the bride of Christ, the whole body of Christian believers, an army.

The church is the house of God.
It's the place where God lives and works. Where he is present, moving and changing lives. It is a place of power, strength, and impossible things because God is there. It is where God is, permanently. So it will always have power and strength and the miraculous taking place because that's where God is

Now, that's not enough because if the church is just a place of power then it could be strong, but it would be pretty cold and scary. So, the church is also the bride of Christ. It is beloved, cherished, taken care of and secure. The church is what Jesus died for. If he hadn't died, it wouldn't exist. Jesus died because he loved the church SO much, he put the church first, he built it and he saved it. So the church is a place of fierce love, where love always wins.

Physically, the church is the whole body of believers. It is not a building in a village or city, it is not a small group of people that worship in a living room. It's not defined by the confines of a room or space. The church is a multinational, multilingual, diverse range of people across the world. It has millions of members who are all connected through the love of Jesus! It is not one person on their own. The church walks your streets, it works in shops, schools, hospitals, banks and in the tax office. The church is growing and moving as the people in it do their daily business. The church is alive!

What does the church do?
It invades!
The church is an army. We have one commander, and we move together to make his name of known. His name is Jesus. Now, an army fights. We will fight for what we believe in, we will stand on the truth of God's word. We will be fought against, we will come against opposition, and we are ready for it. God has equipped us. We received God's love, we have access to His power, we know His truth, we are advancing!

The church has the power and love within it to change the world - are you a part of it?

confident commitment

Joshua 24:15
'But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” '

I love this verse. It displays a confident commitment. It seems defiant. Almost like Joshua is saying, 'whatever you lot do, I'm going to do this anyway!'

Joshua is clear where he stands.

He encourages the rest of Israel to follow his lead by reminding them of all of what God has done. How God has revealed himself to them and rescued them. Ultimately though, Joshua realises he can only be responsible for himself and his family. It's up to each family, each person what they choose to do.
This is not Joshua washing his hands of responsibility, he is still the leader of Israel, n
But even as leaders you cannot force people to do what you want, what you know is best. Each person has their own mind. Our responsibility, like Joshua, is to remind people who God is, remind them of the facts and warn them of a life without him.
Then what?
Then, like Joshua, we lead by example.

Joshua doesn't mind standing out from the crowd. Despite what the rest of the nation may decide to do, he knows where he stands. He has made a confident commitment to the one true God and it doesn't matter what anyone else may; do, say or think.

Sometimes, faith in God will call us to make a stand. Sometimes, we will need to stand out from the crowd and do things differently. Don't be ashamed to let others know why. We shouldn't apologise for our faith, we should stand for it. Joshua gives his reasons and then makes his stand.

We all have a reason for our faith. Sometimes this will mean we do or don't do things the same as everyone else. It will make us stand out and can make us feel uncomfortable, but don't let comfort dictate what you and your family stand for. Don't compromise your beliefs to go along with the crowd. No-one notices you in a crowd, and sometimes that's a nice idea, but how does that demonstrate who you are and what you believe?
There are increasingly more and more stories in the news about how Christians have taken a stand. Sometimes they are held up and ridiculed, but they are standing for what they believe. They realise their lives are about more than money or jobs or whatever else it is they are facing. These people, like Joshua, have made a confident commitment and by their actions they state, 'But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”.

Will you join them? Are you prepared to stand up for what you believe, no compromise? Stand out from the crowd and declare, 'But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”!

How do we receive God's promises?

Joshua 23: 5-6
"5 The Lord your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord your God promised you. 6 Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, "

God will:
Push back our enemies
Drive them out
Fulfil his promises

We shall:
Possess the land

We must:
Be strong
Keep the law

God has said he will push back our enemies.
God works hard for us, did you know that?
Pushing back enemies takes; time, power, strength, logic and control. God will do all of that for us so that we can have the good stuff.
He will drive out the enemy. Drive them out implies that they are completely out of our lives. They are not welcome, and God can and will take care of that. God will do all this work. He will and does battle for us. He will fight for us, he will defeat our enemies. God keeps all his promises - that means he does everything he ever said he would - do you know anyone else that does that? I sure don't! Everything God says he will do, he will do. Everything he says will happen, will happen.
God has said he WILL remove our enemies, he WILL fight our battles. So, he will!

Then, who or what are our enemies? Enemies can be people. They can also be a whole host of other things including bad habits, or wrong mindsets.
Whatever it is, God has the; time, power, strength, logic and control to overcome them and drive them out.
God is ready. He's prepared, willing and able to fulfil his promises. He will push our enemies back and drive them out. However, it's up to us to keep our part of the bargain.
So what does our part entail?

We MUST, 'be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law'. Being strong. It doesn't mean we all have to have mighty muscles or be a black belt in martial arts, but we need to be strong.

How are you strong?
Maybe you persevere even when the going gets tough. Maybe you have unshakeable faith. Maybe you have peace in the midst of chaos, in the darkest hours you have hope. These are all ways we can be strong. Whatever is thrown at you in life, keep hold of who you are and who God is, then you will be strong.

Being strong isn't enough though. We've also got to follow the rules. If we are serious about being God's people, we've got to keep the family rules. Rules are there not to limit or harm us, but to protect us and others. They are not easy to keep, but we have responsibility to demonstrate who we are through what we do or do not do.

God promises great things to the obedient and faithful. Are you ready to do what it takes to receive them?

Your allotted land

Reading through Joshua, I've come to the part that allots the land to different tribes. There are specific areas where each tribe should settle, where they have to drive out the current inhabitants, set up and make their homes and livelihoods. The size, site and shape are all predetermined and clearly set out. The Israelites were made up of different tribes, each tribe was allotted an area of land, told to occupy it and were to honour God in it.
Their new mission after the wilderness years was to overcome some battles, exert their influence and establish themselves as God's people in the promised land. Then they would be fruitful.

This caused me to think about how God gives us allotments too:
He gives us areas in which to exert our influence.
He gives us battles which we must overcome.
He gives us the opportunity to establish His kingdom where we are.

God has set the size, site and shape of or ministry. He has set the boundaries.
We are to work within these areas doing our everyday thing God's way. By honouring God in what we do, we don't know the influence we have. We don't need to see the impact, but we will make one.
Our areas of ministry also have boundaries. We have areas where we have influence, and here are areas where we won't. We should not be surprised or upset if others have success where we don't. We have a different site to establish. Other people will have different areas where they are successful, and you don't seem to take any ground. Well, that doesn't matter. That's the site allotted to them, not to you.

It may take you time to figure out where and what your allotted area is. You need to discover what 'tribe' we are a part of and get to work. To help you, look around. Whether you like where you live and work or not, God has given that place for you to  exert your influence as His people. He may be calling you elsewhere, if he is, then obey His voice. If not, then stick it out. You are God's representative in that place, even if you feel alone. Even if there are great battles that need to be faced, God is with you and will strengthen and uphold you. Don't be afraid. Take the land God has given you.
He has given you authority and the ability to influence in that place. You may not feel like that is true for you, but let me tell you with this; The Israelites had many experiences which caused even outsiders to recognise that God was with them. This caused some people to get together and fight, others melted in fear. This will be the same for you and I. We will meet with opposition, and we will be met with melted hearts. It is our responsibility to demonstrate who God is wherever we are and with whoever we meet.

Faithfulness

Today, I want to let you know about a man called Caleb. This guy is pretty amazing. When we first read about him in scripture, in Numbers 13, he is one of the chosen 12 to spy out the land. The land is the area that God wants Israel to occupy.
Of those that checked out the land only 2 returned who thought it possible for the nation of Israel to conquer it - Caleb and Joshua.
They had seen the same things the other spies had - the people that were big, strong, even giant-like, their cities that were strong and well protected. So, why was Caleb's response different? He wasn't scared off like the others were, he was confident.
He trusted not in his own strength, but in God's. He had faith in God's word and God's power. If we are confident of that in our lives, I wonder what we could do? Caleb's faith was fervent and strong. He didn't doubt God's ability at all. He's spent 40days saying out the land - the land was good, overflowing with good things. The people there, yes, they were strong and looked like they could put up a good fight, but Caleb saw a more powerful, stronger God who could do amazing things with normal weaklings like us. What faith!
Caleb didn't trust in his own strength, or the strength of others, but in God.

As a result of Caleb's trust and bravery - he received a promise from God, "my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it." Caleb will own the land he's just entered. Not just him, but his family after him because he has followed God fully, he held nothing back. Now, Caleb was 40 when he received this promise.

Then what happened? The whole nation of Israel, including Caleb wondered the wilderness for 40years!
What? Caleb had this amazing experience, he knew God's plan, and trusted in God's strength but because no-one else did he had to wait for that generation to die out before he had any chance of claiming that promise. Caleb had to wait for 45years to claim the promise God had given him.
45years- now that's patience! Caleb had to wait for longer than he'd actually been alive at that point to receive the prize for his faithfulness, for fully following God. Caleb had another 45 years of continuing to follow God faithfully, of waiting, hoping.

I wonder if he ever questioned if he'd see this promise fulfilled?
We often receive God's promises and hold onto them, delight in them, and then want them right away. Caleb had to wait 45years!!!
Yet, he still held onto the promise, he still fully followed God. We see that in Joshua 14. I bet the two friends probably reminisced about the event, recalling what happened and how God has rewarded them and kept them strong since. Two old men, still fighting for the Lord. Caleb was now 85 yet he is just as strong as he was at 40! He has retained his strength and his confidence in God. He is ready to possess the land and drive out the inhabitants. He knows God is still with him and has sustained him, and he's ready to keep fighting for God.

Reading about Caleb inspires me. Caleb had unswayable, unconventional, undeniable faith in God. God sees his heart, and rewards him for fully following him by giving Caleb an unbelievable promise. Caleb has to remain patient, fervent and faithful though. He must of kept the promise logged in his mind, and got on with life.
Caleb retained the memory of that promise, I'm sure he recalled it from time to time and wondered when it would happen. It doesn't seem that he ever doubted it though. What an incredible, faithful servant.
Then, when the opportunity comes for the promise to be fulfilled, Caleb has to fight for it! The people are still living in the land, so Caleb has to fight to overcome them, at the age of 85! How incredible!

I want to encourage you to remember God's promises and remember that God is with you for the long haul. Our duty is to remain fervent and faithful to Him, to be fully following him, and we will be able to grab the opportunity when God's promises come to fruition. It doesn't mean that when God promises something it will just drop into your lap. Sometimes it will, but you'll probably have to work for it.

God is faithful. Will you be faithful and fully follow him like Caleb did?

Everyday God

Whilst reading through the book of Joshua, I have noticed something. Now it's not a massive lightbulb moment, but it's a reminder.

The first moment Joshua records is the miraculous entry into the promised land - crossing the Jordan on dry ground. The next is the wonderful victory of Jericho. The third moment is Israel's defeat at Ai.

Now, what I notice is that in the first circumstance, the crossing of Jordan - the Israelites were in a tricky situation. How on earth was the whole nation meant to get from one side of this flowing river to the other? It wasn't exactly a river they could paddle across. The Israelites had to trust in God to do something, otherwise they were stuck. What other option did they have?

The second time they were probably still buzzing from the high of getting across the river. They heard that the residents of the land were afraid of them, and God told them how to demolish Jericho. Simples. They had God's instructions, followed them and won.

The third scenario, that of Ai - Joshua sent some spies, they checked out the land, saw that there weren't many people so they reckoned it'd be an easy battle. The spies reported back just to send a few of the army. The result? Some Israelites were killed, and the rest ran for their lives.

Do you notice the difference between these situations?

The first situation, the Israelites were beyond themselves.
They could do nothing to remedy their situation, they HAD to rely on God. Nothing in all their strength, knowledge or power could enable them to get across that river. God spoke clearly and they had confidence to follow his instructions.
The Israelites knew there was nothing they could do, so they trusted in God who can do all things.

In the second situation, Israel faced their first battle. They listened to what God said about how to do it. They trusted his advice as they'd just walked across a river bed and entered what God had promised plus they'd never done this before. They were experiencing God moving and knew he wouldn't let them down. So, they followed God and were triumphant.

These first two situations God is obviously present. The third - where was he?
To the Israelites, this third task seemed easy. It looked simple, something that the Israelites could get on with themselves. They had enough strength and power within them, so they could get on with this bit. It seems that God was not consulted or invited into the situation. Why? The Israelites had seen what had been achieved already, they knew the size and strength of their resources and trusted in that. As you read about this scenario in Joshua, there is no mention of God whatsoever. The Israelites had not consulted him about it, they just went ahead and got on with it.

Now, before we judge Israel - we do the same.

When things are impossible for us - we cry out to God - "help me", and we are so grateful and amazed when God does, whether he changes the situation, helps us handle it or does something totally out of the box miraculous - we are amazed and grateful for God's work in our lives.

Once we've seen God's almighty power at work in our lives, we realise we can trust and depend on him. We invite him into our situations, into our battles and successes and celebrate with him.

Then, once we've come through a few things and have had a few experiences we become more confident in our own abilities and think we can handle things ourselves. We can begin to think that we are capable or being independent as we have the strength, skills and knowledge that we need to get on. We rely on ourselves. Where's God?

I know I am guilty of this. I get on with each day pretty confident that I'm going to get to the end of it ok. However maybe I am missing out on some victories because I haven't asked God to come in. Maybe I'm struggling more because I'm doing everything in my own strength. Maybe that's why I'm so tired! Maybe I'm missing out on seeing his blessings in my everyday life.
Could that be the same for you?

Today I invite God into my everyday. Do you?

let your enemies hearts melt

Joshua 5:1
'As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel.'

We should be a fearsome people!
People that the rest of the world doesn't want to mess with because the God of Israel is on our side.

Due to the works of his mighty hand in our lives, the world around us should shake with fear. Our enemies should be quaking in their boots because they do not oppose us, but the one and only fearsome God!

So, why don't they?

Partly I think it's because we don't show who's side we are on, we don't tell and display the works of God in our lives.

'their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel.'
Those who oppose you, who oppose God should be quaking in their boots, their hearts should be melting, and their courage should be failing because you are a child of God.
The God who parts waters, who destroys nations and resurrects the dead is YOUR God. If we walked each day secure in the knowledge that this God is with us, then the world would be trembling as it did before the Israelites.

Their journey was a pretty miraculous one, but then, isn't yours too?
Have you changed since God entered your life? Have you achieved things, seen things and experienced things that don't make sense unless God acted? Have you seen God change situations and answer prayers? If your answer is yes to any of these questions then you know that your God is powerful!
We should be walking in this knowledge everyday, unafraid of what the world can bring because God can bring something greater!

The enemy convinces us that we are puny little weaklings with nothing to offer. This would be true if it wasn't for God. God has put his spirit in us, HIS spirit. His spirit was involved in creation, his spirit breathes life, his spirit gives courage, brings healing and provides unbelievable strength.

This is the truth.

Don't let the enemy convince you any longer. The devil is a liar and thief. He will steal your hope, your peace, your joy and even your life if you listen to him.
The enemy is defeated, he no longer reigns.

Look at this passage, the enemies of Israel knew they were in for it, they knew before they even entered into battle that they could not win. Why? Because they saw the almighty power of God working for Israel and 'their hearts melted'! Let your enemies hearts melt, show them your strength in God. Stand for what you believe in and don't back down. Ask God to show his works through you that his name will be glorified and the world shaken by his power.

Remember who's side you are on - We are a fearsome people!

Set up some stones

This is an extract from Joshua which describes when Israel crossed the Jordan river:

Joshua 4 : 19-24

'The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. 20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever'.

I am particularly struck by these things:

Preparation

Provision

Purpose

Perpetual memorial

Preparation:

God prepared his people. 
He told Joshua what was going to happen, and prepared him for leadership. This wasn't over a matter of days, but over his lifetime. Joshua had served Moses, the great, esteemed leader of Israel. He had faithfully stood by Moses, and followed God through the trials of the 40 years in the wilderness. Joshua had seen; success, failure, disappointment, victory, provision and lack. He had seen God's love and faithfulness for his people and Joshua had trusted God even when others were afraid. 
Joshua was being prepared. His character moulded into the next leader that Israel would need. 

Now, here, at the God spoke to Joshua. He let him know that the nation was going to cross this mighty river, the river Jordan. So Joshua then prepared the people to get moving. They had to gather their things and get ready for the next part of the adventure. 

The nation of Israel expressed such faith and trust in Joshua and God, that they followed what they were told to do. I find that pretty incredible, they were told that they were about to experience an amazing miracle - seeing the waters being stopped from flowing so they could get across. Their experience of what God had done before must of prepared them for the expectation of what God was about to do. 

God had made his plan clear, and the Israelites were to follow. What a brave bunch! The stepped into the unknown, and walked into their promised land.

Once God makes it clear to us His plan, we have to ensure that we are prepared. Are there skills you need to learn? parts of your character that need refining? or patterns of life that require adapting to show you are trusting in God's plan for your life? 

Provision

The waters were piled high and the nation went across on dry ground. DRY GROUND! not soggy, damp or wet, but dry! How great is God's provision!!

God provided safe passage as soon as Joshua and the people were obedient to follow his plan. 

God dried up the waters until all were safely across. No man left behind.

Purpose

Why?

Why would God go to such elaborate measures for a group of people? 

God wants, 'that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty'. God's desire is that everyone will know who he is. God wants to be known by you and I. Not because he's power-hungry or in great want of fame and fortune, but actually because it'll do YOU good to know who he is! God knows about your life, and he knows that it will be richer and exciting if you invite him to be a part of it. 

Our lives and our testimony of God's work in our lives can be a base for others to experience and build their own faith in God. Other people can come to know God because of God's work in us. 

Perpetual Memorial

Now, I don't know about you, but I know my memory is bad! 

I forget things frequently and have to set reminders to remember some of the most simple of tasks. 

God knows our memories can fail us. That's why he told the Israelites to set up a pile of stones. Then, each time they saw them, they would be able to recall to memory how one man from each tribe carried them from the middle of the river, and placed them as a tribute to what God had miraculously done. They could then tell their sons and daughters, even their grandchildren, of the great deeds they had seen God perform. 

One memorial can have a perpetual effect as it prompts us to recall other great events. Memorials like this should instil in us, and the generations to come an awe of God. As a result an appreciation of his might and love should produce gratitude and passion in our hearts. 

When you see and experience God perform amazing things for you, what do you do? Do you right them down, do you have items that call to remembrance what God has done for you? 

It's important to memorialise those great victories, to recall God's might and great love working in your life. Why? Because the going gets tough, we get busy and forget. We can let the magnitude of God's might and love dull in our lives. We can feel miserable and alone, weak and forgotten when we forget. 

I often write down what God has said to me, and I occasionally go back and read it. Do you know what? When I read and remember, excitement and love grows. 

That God that I have seen grow legs, heal backs, speak to hearts and answer prayers is still the same God! He still does those exact same things, and he still wants to do those things in our lives! Sometimes our appreciation of these experiences wanes, our memories fade. I challenge you, this week, go back and recall what God has done in your life. Write it down if you haven't already. If you have - read it. I wonder if you read those things over the coming week, if next week would look a little bit different? 

Be strong and courageous

When I think of Joshua, I think of this phrase, 'be strong and courageous'. God instructs him many times to be strong and courageous. Sometimes we need to hear something more than once. In the end, Joshua gets it, and he instructs the people the same, 'be strong and courageous'.

God doesn't tell Joshua that he IS strong or courageous, but, 'BE strong and courageous'. It recalls to my mind the phrase, 'fake it til you make it'.

Sometimes you've got to walk in something, put on an act of having certain characteristics, til, after enough practice, you become like that. Joshua had plenty of opportunities to act brave and courageous. He had to lead an entire nation after their leader had died. Not only did he have to lead them, but he had to take them somewhere they'd never been, and had to lead them in battles with people they'd never met. No wonder God instructed him to be strong and courageous! Joshua had no idea what he was walking into, but God did! 

Each time God tells Moses to, 'be strong and courageous', (Joshua chapter 1) the phrases are part of a sentence. They are not stand alone. Firstly God promises, 'as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.'

God's instruction to Joshua comes attached with a promise. A promise that as Joshua acts strong and courageous, God will be with him. There is a depth of companionship and loyalty that only God can and will give. Whatever you are called to, 'be strong and courageous' in, God will be with you, always.

Secondly, God advises, 'being careful to do according to all the law'. Success can be conditional to obedience. If you obey in strength and courage, and follow God's advice, it will go well. It will still be a battle, but you will move forward., you will be taking ground. 

The reason to be strong and courageous, and obedient is emphasised in the third occurrence, 'Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.'

God is with you. Not in a scary, 'big brother is watching you' kind of way, but because He cares for you, and wants to support you in what you're doing and where your going. He knows this life is tough and full of battles, so He will be with you in them. 

The command, 'be strong and courageous' is not a suggestion, it's an instruction. Sometimes in life you've gotta ride the storm, do what is out of your comfort zone and head into battle. That's when we need to be strong and courageous. 

Being strong makes me think that it's being clear and firm with what your values are. What is it you're representing and what's the purpose of the conflict/battle/situation you're in? Make sure you're certain and do cannot waver. God is with you, make sure what you stand for is in obedience to Him. 

Courageous is acting it out. Even when opposition comes, when you're tired, bruised and broken, courageously continue to fight for those values that you hold dear. Don't let yourself be weakened because it's hard, or it looks like you're failing. Be strong and courageous. 

If you know God is leading you, you will enter the promised land. It won't then all be easy, because once you're there, there will still be things to overcome, but you know you're going in the right direction. 

Shining behind a cloud

I saw this cloud today, and I thought how beautiful. 

I can see the rays of bright sunshine streaming around the edges, so much so that some of the edges even seem to be glowing with brightness. 

Then I noticed that this isn't just one cloud, but it appears to be made up of layers. Each layer a different shade.

As I thought - this is beautiful, I realised that the cloud shows me the rays of glorious sunshine that I wouldn't be able to see otherwise. It helps me appreciate the individual rays of the sun. They are all the sun's light, but different aspects to it. I don't think we can appreciate the full brightness and beauty of the sun unless it is hidden from us sometimes. It's only then that we can focus on the individual aspects that we see. 

The cloud is not there forever, it will move on, but the sun will continue to shine no matter what. 

This then correlated in my mind to us and God. 

There are times in our lives when we will be hidden behind a cloud. As christians, we are told that God's light is within us, we have, 'the light of life' (John 8:12). This is what is seen by those around us in times of darkness and trouble.

There may be a cloud of; debt, illness, work problems, relational issues, or a whole host of other 'layers' that prevent us fully shining out. But people can still see the rays of light. The beams of hope that emanate from your life. It may be your perseverance, your peace, contentment or other characteristics that shine out to others around you. 

Even though you see that you are behind a cloud, you can see these layers of darkness swarming around you, you are still projecting light. In fact some of your light seems brighter BECAUSE of the surrounding darkness. There are aspects of your character that are appreciated more fully by those around you because of the circumstances you are in. 

The darkness can seem overwhelming, like your trying to trudge through treacle. But it cannot overcome. The light is still visible, and in fact it is more identifiable because to see the complete light of the sun - who can look directly at it? It's blinding, it's too bright. 

Sometimes we need to go through periods of darkness so that others can see the beauty of the light within us. 

There are rays of hope emanating from these difficult circumstances that we cannot see when we are in them, but others around us can see. The darkness will pass, the light will continue to shine. The darkness can be deep, threatening and scary, but it will not win! 

John 1:5

'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it'!

A Psalm for every season

No matter how you are feeling, you should read this Psalm. If you're happy, sad, confused, worthy or worthless, or anything else, take the time to read this.

Psalm 103:

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD works righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

The LORD is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.

For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children,

to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

Bless the LORD, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his word,

obeying the voice of his word!

Bless the LORD, all his hosts,

his ministers, who do his will!

Bless the LORD, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

God:

Forgives

Heals

Redeems = compensates for the faults, and gains possession of through payment

Crowns us

Is steadfast

Shows mercy

Satisfies

Renews

Is righteous

Just

Can be known

Acts

Is gracious 

Is SLOW to anger - people think God is angry, but actually he's VERY patient! 

Loving

Doesn't always looking to punish

Doesn't do payback - he doesn't treat us as we deserve because of what we've done wrong

Removes our sins

Loves with a love which cannot be measured

Is a Father

Is compassionate 

Knows us

Understands our fragility

Remembers

Is everlasting

Is righteous

Is established

Is king - and he rules right now

Wow! And that's just from one Psalm! 

God is these things and more, many more. If we have a God like this on our side, what can really get to us? 

We need to be looking in the right place for satisfaction in life. If we know God is all of the above, then we should be living different to others who don't understand it. 

This Psalm actually inspired Matt Redman to write a song, '10,000 reasons'. The reason he wrote it? "If you wake up one morning and you cannot think of a reason to bring God some kind of offering of thanks or praise, then you can be sure there's something wrong at your end of the pipeline, and not his. We live beneath an unceasing flow of goodness, kindness, greatness, and holiness, and every day we're given reason after reason why Jesus is so completely and utterly worthy of our highest and best devotion."

So, today, live like you knew this stuff to be true. 

Give God your best - He's given and is giving you His!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

The true vine, and the true branches

John 15: 1-6

I Am the True Vine

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 

Whatever you do in Christian life, you're going to have bits chopped lopped off!

If you don't produce 'fruit' then you are removed from the 'true vine', that is Jesus. Your relationship with him is severed. It sounds pretty harsh, but for anyone who does gardening- you do the same. If something isn't producing fruit as it should, it gets removed. Why? To encourage the healthy growth of the rest of it. 

If you do produce fruit, you are pruned. You're cut back, which will hurt. It'll take time to repair, but long-term you will be stronger and more productive.

So it's worth considering; are you going to be pruned or lopped off? 

There's a lot of mention here about fruit and abiding so, what is the fruit we are meant to be producing? And what are we abiding in? 

'Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit'. 

Here it tells us we are to abide - live, dwell, take up permanent residence - in Jesus. How then are we meant to live in a person? It's more than living with someone. If you live someone, you are still a separate person, but to live IN someone, you are within one person. If you are a Christian, that is what you have chosen.  Your life is not your own. Yours and Jesus lives are intimately linked. You have chosen a permanent residence in Christ. 

That's a huge challenge. 

Everyday, it's not me/you that's walking around doing what we do, it's Jesus. How then, are we representing him? 

If he is me and I am him, then who others see is a reflection of Jesus within me - I'd better watch out how I live! 

The result in choosing to live for Jesus, in dwelling with him, is fruit. This fruit is a product of that intimate relationship, the dwelling within one another. So, what is it that living with Christ produces? What is the fruit? 

Well, one thing it must be, if we are going with this vine imagery is a deeper dependence on God. A branch becomes stronger when it's well fed/connected with the vine, without restriction. The fruit will then bear the characteristics of what it is fed by. So, what may be a better question is what fruit did Jesus bear? If we are connected with him, growing through him and living in him, then we will be bearing the same type of fruit as he did. 

Jesus depicted God's love throughout his time on Earth, so this MUST be demonstrated by those who follow him. 

This love though is not a warm cosy feeling, 'ooohh I love that person, they are so nice' it's not that. Jesus teaches of love that is demonstrated. It is not a feeling, and it is not easy. It is about putting others first. Even if it hurts. Do we choose to put others first? Do we show people we care when it's inconvenient? When we are; tired? Hungry? Lonely? Lacking finance? Sad? Busy?

A few challenges this week:

>are you being pruned or lopped off?

>how are you representing Jesus?

>do you love people even when it hurts?

V8 - By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Be like Peter

John 13: 36-38

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. 

I like Peter.

Peter is not afraid to ask. He's not afraid to say what he thinks. Even to God. 

I think that maybe that's why he was one of the disciples. Maybe he was chosen as one of the twelve because he's outspoken, bold and he'd have a go. He was keen and he was devoted to Jesus. 

Peter is quite direct. We see that in scripture time and again. Although we often see it when Peter has not quite got it right, but then we know how the story goes. We have the benefit of hindsight. I think, if we were in the same situation as Peter, we would of probably had the same thoughts as he did (although we may not of expressed them), and we'd of probably made the same mistakes. 

Peter made mistakes like we do. He often 'put his foot in it', or got the wrong end of the stick, but he kept going. He was determined to follow Jesus. 

Peter is the one who sinks when Jesus is walking on the water, Jesus even says to him once, "get behind me satan". Yet, is Peter put off? No! He keeps following Jesus! Eventhough he is well aware that he's messed up. He doesn't hide in shame, run away or give up. 

Peter keeps following Jesus. 

He is committed, and he knows that his mistakes do not prevent him from having a relationship with Jesus. 

This is the same for you and I, our mistakes do not prevent us from having a relationship with Jesus. We can keep going, keep following like Peter did. Without being constantly surrounded by fear or shame. We can think, 'oops, got that wrong, ok let's keep going'. 

Jesus chose Peter to be his disciple, and he knew what he was like. 

Jesus never asked him to leave when Peter made mistakes. Jesus pointed out Peter's errors but didn't banish or punish him. 

Jesus is the same with us. 

The best place for us to learn is at Jesus side. He will point out when we've got it wrong, but that shouldn't estrange us from him, in fact it should deepen our relationship. We are permitted to be as bold and daring as Peter, we are allowed to get out of the boat at times, and we are allowed to be direct in telling our thoughts to God. He doesn't mind, he will hear us. Maybe he'll correct us, but isn't that what we do in close relationships?

Peter was one of Jesus' closest friends, and he was allowed to speak his mind and mess up - so there's hope for all of us! 

So, let's get out there; be bold, have a go, speak your mind to God!

Psalm 3:

Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

O LORD, how many are my foes!

Many are rising against me;

many are saying of my soul,

there is no salvation for him in God. 

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cried aloud to the LORD,

and he answered me from his holy hill. 

I lay down and slept;

I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people

who have set themselves against me all around.

Many will of heard of King David, God's chosen King. He won battles, ruled the kingdom, and was referred to by God as, 'a man after my own heart' . 

So his life should be sweet right?

Well, it was, sometimes. 

David still made some mistakes, and he still came up against challenges. 

This psalm is written whilst David is running away from his kingdom, and his son. 

Why? Because his son wants the throne. David doesn't want to battle his son, but he still wants to be king. So, he flees. King David runs away. 

Then he starts to hear these mutterings, 'many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.'

Who said these things? 

My guess is that it's the people that are around him. How else would he hear these things? He's run away from his kingdom and his enemies. So presumably the ones who ran away with him, his companions, warriors, those who know David, are probably the ones saying these things. That's pretty hard, he's already in fear of his own life, then he starts hearing people saying, not only is his life, but his soul is in danger! 

Sometimes, it's the people that are closest to us that seem to hurt is the most. 

I know that when those closest to me say negative things about; me,

my actions, or character, it hurts the most. It's not nice when anyone says horrible things, but the pain is intensified when it's those we love and value. It's easy for those accusations and words to echo around our heads and remind us of the pain and our worthlessness. Sending us into a spiral of self-pity, regret and worthlessness. 

People's words can have a profound effect on us.

I am amazed by David's response. 

When hurtful words are said I replay them in my mind, relive the offence and feel bad either about myself, the other person or both! 

What does David do? 

David states who God is! 

Amazing! In the midst of the emotional and physical upheaval he is going through, David does not focus on the words spoken about him, but focuses on who God is. 

He reminds himself that God is, 'a shield about me', 'my glory' 'and the lifter of my head'. Wow! 

God is:

# a shield about me - a shield is a defensive and an offensive weapon, it protects us from what's coming at us, and can shove things out of the way. It is a weapon of war. God fiercely protects and fights for us. He doesn't stand still when we are being berated, he's there, he's ready, and he's battling for us. 

# my glory - my; splendour, magnificence, greatness, beauty, grandeur. 

God is what is good about us! There may be some truth about what others say about us, but if God is in you, then He is your 'glory' He is what is great, beautiful and even magnificent in you! Wow!

# the lifter of my head - if people are putting us down, there is no need for us to keep our heads down. Trouble is, with your head down you can't see where we are going.

We are not defined by the words or thoughts of others. We are children of the most high God. No matter what anyone else; thinks, says or does, this is who we are. You want proof? Start reading the Bible to discover who God is, and who He says you are. 

So, the next time you either:

A) have the opportunity to put someone down or say something that may hurt someone else - think twice - is it true? Is it necessary? would you say it in front of God?

B) hear someone speaking ill of yourself, remind yourself; who God is, who you are and lift up your head! 

Jesus - divine or human?

We know that Jesus is known as the son of God, we are probably used to this way of defining who Jesus is. He clearly demonstrates that he is God's son when we read the Bible; we see Jesus doing the right things, saying the right things and caring about people above and beyond what we do. 

Do we see Jesus as human too? 

We know he came in human form; he looked, talked and walked like us, but internally is he the same? As well as being known as the Son of God, Jesus is also referred to as 'the son of man'. It's important that we recognise Jesus as both, because if he is entirely God then he's somewhat out of reach- no wonder he's a goody-two-shoes! We are not as perfect, so, as people we could just dismiss the idea of who Jesus is because he can't help being perfect, he's God, therefore unreachable, and incomprehensible. If he is human, entirely, then we can relate to and understand something of who Jesus is.

So, how can we see Jesus' humanity when his divinity is so clearly displayed?

Well, in the Bible there are a few great passages that show the emotion of Jesus, he had thoughts, temptations and fears like the rest of us. He even had to do things he didn't want to do - did you know that?

I've been looking just at the following few verses which I think depict the humanity of Jesus. There are more, but today I'm focussing on these:

"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” 

John 12:27-28

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

Mark 14:34

Both of the verses relate to Jesus speaking about his coming death. The first verses in John, were just after Jesus triumphant arrival at Jerusalem, complete with palm leaves and a donkey. The second, form Mark, was the night Jesus called his close disciples to pray with him in the garden of Gethsemane, just before he was arrested.

"Now is my soul troubled."

Jesus felt; anxiety, agitation and terror at what was to come. He realised the pain would be mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. There was great degradation dying in this way, the torture was going to be horrendous. His disciples who he'd lived for the last few years would disown and abandon him- in the moment he would need them most. Jesus knew what was coming, but he didn't know what it'd actually be like -he'd not experienced it before. The coming time was the most terrifying and painful time of his life, and it would end his life. No wonder he was troubled! 

Doesn't this show the humanity of Jesus? When we know we are facing something new, difficult, horrendous or painful don't we also feel 'troubled'? 

Jesus does understand what that is like. He is human too. 

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

Have you ever felt, "crushed with grief"? The overwhelming heartache and pain that makes you feel like you can't go on? Jesus has felt that same pain. Being crushed makes me think of being forcefully squashed. Unable to function as yourself, being forced into a situation that you can't get out of, but having to bear it. Not destroyed, but feeling close to it. 

Jesus grieved, did you know that? I think most people have experienced what that is like for themselves, the aching, screaming pain of loss. "to the point of death" feeling so distraught, so much pain, that it might as well all be over. Did Jesus feel that depth of sorrow, of grief and distress that he'd rather die than go through it? 

The recognition that Jesus also suffered as intense emotional distress as you and me should help us to understand that he too is human. He too pleaded with God for certain things to happen (or not). He felt misery, loneliness, and intense physical pain. Just like we all do. Jesus is human inside and out.

Jesus' divinity doesn't subdue his humanity.

Jesus' humanity exhibits his divinity.