Because God is in charge, He accomplishes His plans. The deceit of the Gibeonites didn't stop the Israelites from taking over their land and the gullibility of Joshua and his leaders didn't mean defeat. It meant making slaves of the Gibeonites instead of killing them. Joshua could have told the Gibeonites he wasn't bound to his promise because they deceived him. But he chose the "high road" and lived out the nature of God before them by keeping his word. One can only wonder how many of those slaves came to trust the Lord as their God because Joshua kept his word.
David asked the Lord for guidance in his struggle to stay one step ahead of his enemies. He approached his situation the right way, by asking advice from God. This stands in contrast to Joshua and his leaders because, as Joshua 9:14 says, " . . . but they did not ask counsel of the Lord." We can learn from this to always seek counsel from the Lord, both when we're facing trouble and when things seem peaceful, because we always need wisdom, even when life seems easy.
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside . . ." Colossians 4:5. Seeking God's counsel provides us wisdom in our dealings with people. By treating others as we ought, we never know when we might have an opportunity to "speak the mystery of Christ" to them. (verse 3)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Joshua 8, Psalm 142, Colossians 3
Joshua 8 opens with these words from the Lord, "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed." Joshua's army had just suffered a major setback but God encourages them. Verse 3 says, "Joshua arose . . ." He got up and made plans which were then carried out. These were not just any old plans that he dreamed up. They were God-given instructions. And this time everyone obeyed. When the battle was over, Joshua set up a memorial and read the scripture--all of it.
The stone memorial stood for generations reminding the people of the reward of obedience and the faithfulness of God to keep His promises. When we suffer a set-back, remember to not be afraid or dismayed. Set it right and then claim the power of God to move forward, following His guidance.
David was afraid and dismayed when he hid in the cave from Saul. But in the end, he recognized that the Lord would provide victory.
If you're wondering what the plan is, how to move forward, what to do, it's found in Colossians 3. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (verse 2) There's our focus. Start acting like who you are: a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ, an ambassador for Him.
From verse 12 through the rest of the chapter we find instructions for moving forward. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Col. 3:23-24
The stone memorial stood for generations reminding the people of the reward of obedience and the faithfulness of God to keep His promises. When we suffer a set-back, remember to not be afraid or dismayed. Set it right and then claim the power of God to move forward, following His guidance.
David was afraid and dismayed when he hid in the cave from Saul. But in the end, he recognized that the Lord would provide victory.
If you're wondering what the plan is, how to move forward, what to do, it's found in Colossians 3. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (verse 2) There's our focus. Start acting like who you are: a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ, an ambassador for Him.
From verse 12 through the rest of the chapter we find instructions for moving forward. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Col. 3:23-24
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