Sanctified for the Set-Up

      Growing up, if I wanted something special from my parents, I would make sure that I did all that I knew they had required of me. As children, you know, we sometimes will not do everything that we are supposed to do like chores or even getting along with siblings. This all changed when they gave me a promise or I wanted something.

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you. Josh 3:5 (KJV)

     God gave the nation of Israel a promise of rest and peace in the land of Canaan. They, however, would not be able to possess it in their own strength. As they progressed in the land, Joshua commands the people to sanctify themselves in preparation of what God would do for them (the set-up). They had to get rid of known and visible things (like idols and immoral acts) to see the wonders of God.

    The same is true for the Christian. I am not speaking of legalism. We know that God is good, kind, and merciful. He gives us more than we deserve continually and it is never based upon our goodness.

    Yet, Christians should continually examine themselves to make sure they are living a life pleasing to God (especially while standing in prayer and expectation of His blessings). We sometimes need to be sanctified for the set-up.

Prayer of the Week:

“I know that you are loving and gracious, yet you desire for me to be holy. I thank you for strength to please you in my lifestyle. Amen.”

Fear Producing Favor

Let’s get right to it! You ever wonder why sometimes people can treat you horribly when you have only tried to do what is right. Some of you reading this are having problems at work and in your religious service because of those surrounding you. You strive to do what is expected of you, trying to please God (and sometimes others). However, none of your efforts are rewarded with kindness, only suspicion and false accusations. This is because you have "fear producing favor." Let me explain.

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. Josh 2:9 (KJV)

After Israel entered Canaan, they sent spies into Jericho. Rahab tells them that everyone was afraid of nation of Israel because of what the Lord had been doing through them. They were afraid of being defeated by Israel and losing their land. Sounds familiar?

When God shows favor upon an individual by allowing them to be successful, others can become unsettled. Sometimes, people become fearful that you are trying to outdo them or take their position (in and outside of the Church). Therefore, we see God’s favor producing fear. Nevertheless, do not worry. Continue to be faithful and allow His favor to rest upon you. Like Israel, in the end, you will have rest.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust you God, but help me to overcome any opposition that arises in my life. Amen.”

Follow the Leader

        Any successful organization has some form of established leadership. Those in leadership are not always the smartest, the strongest, the wisest, or the noblest, but they do possess qualities that contribute to the overall success of the organization. When leadership is complemented by a supportive support system, success is almost assuredly guaranteed.

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. Josh 1:16 (KJV)

In Joshua’s day, the leaders confirmed their support of Joshua’s leadership as they entered into Canaan. This was because they understood that God placed him in charge. If they wanted to please God, they would follow the leader that He gave. It would be for their benefit. The same applies in the Church.

In the Church, God gives us leaders and individuals with leadership skills for the overall well-being and advancement of the community of believers. If we learn to support leadership, it will contribute to our personal success in Christ and the success of the Church’s endeavors. When there is a division between the leadership and the support system, no one advances. If there had been division in Joshua’s day, the tribes would not have been able to possess what God had promised them. This holds true today.

Though situations and disagreements occur in religious service, never lose sight of the One for whom you are doing these things. In doing so, conflicts can be resolved more speedily with no breakdown in the structure of the Church.

Jesus demonstrated servanthood while He live on the earth and was successful. If we follow the leader (and those whom God has placed in leadership), we will be successful, living a life pleasing unto God.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me to respect those in leadership. I know they are in place for my success in you. Amen.”

Remember to Help Others

A foundational element of the Christian walk is service. Christ commanded His followers to love and serve one another. This is in direct opposition to the course of the world. Society tells you to look out for yourself. You worked hard to achieve and acquire what you have and others just need to do the same. However, God is merciful and compassionate demonstrating undeserved kindness and favor to all.

But ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it…Josh 1:14-15 (KJV)

As Israel prepared to enter into Canaan, two and half of the tribes had already received their inheritance in the land. However, Joshua urged them to leave their promise and help the other tribes possess theirs as well. What? They were told to help others accomplish what they had already achieved. This was so that all of the tribes could enjoy God’s blessings.

As Christians, we should not withhold help from others in the church. If God has blessed you and allowed you to accomplish some things, allow God to use you as a source of blessing and encouragement to others. Allow others to experience the same blessings as you. This is the love of God in action.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for your blessings. On this day, I remember your works in my life. Help me to demonstrate the same to others. Amen”