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