Category: Joshua

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Did I Say That?

A new day – a clean slate! What we write on it will impact the people we love and even those that we have a casual association with.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

As a mother and as a kid, I heard and said “Watch what you say!” An admonishment I didn’t always follow and so my mother made sure that there were consequences for those improprieties. We learn to discern what are the right and wrong things to say and when to say them. But as important as the words we speak are the meditations of the heart.

What do we dwell on? The word meditate paints a picture of a cow chewing her cud; in the same way we meditate by going over and over things in our minds. So if we want to say the right things we need to be thinking on right things. That’s what Jesus told his followers.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Our thoughts and our meditations will direct our lives and can bring us to a successful place or a place of turmoil. Think on what is good today.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

When we keep our thoughts focused on the Lord we won’t have any trouble with our words.

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Overwhelmed

Have you ever taken the time to sit quietly and think on God’s goodness? When I do this I am overwhelmed!

We need to contemplate, as the song says, “the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God”!

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 NLT

I heard the testimony of a young evangelist 40 years ago. He had been invited to speak at a gathering during the Jesus movement of the 1970’s. Speaker after speaker stood and gave testimony to God’s saving grace. They told of drugs, homelessness, imprisonment, alcoholism, severely depression. Then it was his turn. The moderator said to him, “Tell us how you got here.” He said I quietly answered, “On the bus.” Everyone laughed.

He then went on to tell the crowd how being raised in a Christian home he had never strayed, but God had kept him, giving him strength to overcome the temptations that so many others had experienced. He said the miracle of being kept from a life of sin was just as great as being delivered out of that lifestyle.

I hear people talk of how God protected and delivered them in dangerous and life-threatening situations. I am so thankful for the miraculous deliverance of my friends and family, but I am just as grateful that Dave and I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles without a “close call” or an accident. That too is miraculous!

The children of Israel saw the miraculous power of God deliver them from Egypt, part the Red Sea, provide food from heaven, and then bring them to the Promised Land that was flowing with milk and honey.

“‘I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them. 14 ‘So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly.'” Joshua 24:13-14a NLT

Never downplay what seems ordinary when compared to the miraculous. The person who has had a miraculous healing from a life-threatening disease prays for a life of ordinary good health.

The Bible uses the illustration of sheep and the Good Shepherd on several occasions. One story is of a shepherd who went out to find one lost sheep. That sheep needed rescuing; it needed a miracle. However, there were 99 sheep who weren’t lost but had been living under the shepherd’s overwhelming, never-ending, precious loving care.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMPC

“ The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack…Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.” Psalm 23:1, 6 AMPC

We all need to take time to be overwhelmed by the ordinary, everyday, protection and provision of God’s love. It’s miraculous!

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In the Fields

Do you possess a mental calendar? When you travel certain places do you have familiar memories that you can share with your family and friends? Is there a richness for times spent and lessons learned?

I do!

And so do some of the Bible’s leading characters. I’ll share just one.

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel. 5 He told them, ‘Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. 6 We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.’” Joshua 4:4-7 NLT

The Lord’s promise had been fulfilled. The Israelites were now in the Promised Land. This was a land that had been promised to Abraham hundreds of years earlier. God was faithful to His word and Joshua wanted them to have an everlasting memorial of God’s faithfulness, a visible memorial that would last forever.

I have only stacked stones once but my memory serves as a constant reminder of the promises of God.

For instance, I remember the first time the verses of Deuteronomy 28 became a reality in my life. Dave and I were farming alfalfa for an absentee farmer in the Arizona desert. We had been listening to some teaching tapes on Victorious Christian Living, a new concept to us. It was there that these words came to life:

“If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours:3 ‘He will bless you in the city and in the field. 4 He will bless you and give you many children.
He will bless your land and give you good crops.'” Deuteronomy 28:2-4 ERV

Blessed in the city and in the fields…we spent a lot of time in those 900 acres of alfalfa. The Lord protected us, the crop and our children. We saw the land give amazing yields per acre. We were protected from storms and rattle snakes. We had good health and strong bodies.

When we drive through miles of open prairie now, I remember – “we are blessed in the fields”. When we drive the freeways I remember – “we are blessed in the city”. When I planted gardens in the backyard I remembered – “He blessed my land and gave me good crops”.

My favorite time is being in the fields. It’s there I remember I am blessed and not alone. My Father has given me a promise, one that I will never forget.

Take a little time today to stack some mental stones – stones which have spiritual meaning. Remember the promises of God!

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Mending Fences

All through the Bible we have verses that tell us to remember – remember the good things the Lord has done.

We are told to teach our children God’s ways; make sure they know of the times the Lord has delivered us, protected and provided.

“You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well.” Deuteronomy 4:9 CEV

“Someday your children will ask, “Why are these rocks here?” Then you can tell them how the water stopped flowing when the chest was being carried across the river. These rocks will always remind our people of what happened here today.” Joshua 4:6-7 CEV

So, this morning the Lord reminded me of a special time we experienced years ago, and I wanted to share it with you. Some of you have read it before but ask the Lord what He is wanting you to learn as you read it again.

I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly one. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we entered the mortuary, I saw his favorite saddle was positioned at the end of his casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. I wondered how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle.

As I preached his funeral the next day, I made comment that Derald wouldn’t need those pliers anymore because there are no fences to mend in heaven. However, down here on earth we still need them.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured, once again, to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19

To me, hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. It pulls things up tight and keeps us for running off beyond the fence of safety that God has established for us.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, pull your fence tight, and He will keep you safe and sure.

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Walk of Victory

A new day! A fresh start – opportunities, potential, promise all lay ahead of you today. How will you spend the time that God has given you today?

If there are obstacles in your way do what Moses did:

“And the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” Exodus 8:20 NKJV

Speak to Pharaoh and tell him the Great I AM – has freed you from his power and set you in a place of victory.

Joshua told us we would have good success if we meditated on God’s word day and night.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 NKJV

And King David told us to rise early and seek God.

“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:8-10 NKJV

This morning in my prayer time the Lord reminded me of the times I have gotten up and told Him, “Father, I just feel like I want to fall into a heap”. But then He also reminded me of why I got up and kept going.

“Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world.” I John 4:4 CEV

Don’t despise getting up early. It’s God’s time of preparation, getting you ready for the day and a walk of victory!

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Repeated With Purpose

As children we heard our parents repeat instructions on a daily basis. Sit up straight, brush your teeth, practice the piano, don’t talk with your mouth full, do your homework, say “yes ma’am, no sir”, and the list goes on.

Why?

These things were repeated with purpose. Our parents were raising us to be responsible, respectful and hard working. They were helping us build character.

Sometimes when I sit to write in the mornings I find myself saying to the Lord “but I’ve already told them that last year, last month, yesterday. Do I really need to go over it again?”

Things are repeated for a purpose.

There are four seasons, repeated every year. Not too many years pass before we learn what to plant when, to get out the jackets and long sleeve shirts. We can predict the weather and know when summer vacation is. Yes, we learn by repetition of natural events, we also learn godly principles the same way.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

Study God’s word every day. That means repetition! Go over it again and again. Stay with the things that bring success.

I had a woman ask me once how I study the Bible. I told her I found things that I needed in my life and looked up the verses that dealt with those issues – worry, fear, health, joy, marriage, children, peace – and the list goes on. (Don’t be selfish, share your cheez-its)

I found verses that help with those areas and wrote them on an index card. I kept those cards with me all the time. They were in the truck, in my purse and on the tractor. They sat on my desk and in my kitchen. When I would feel overwhelmed in a situation, I would grab the cards and read God’s word to myself, reminding me that God has a plan and He is working on my behalf. I still have those cards from 35+ years ago.

Repetition with a purpose.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them.” Proverbs 4:20-22 ERV

Find a modern version of the Bible if the King James language is too hard to understand and read what the Lord has to say about your situation. You don’t need to read chapter after chapter if you don’t understand it. Read a couple of verses and let them stick with you all day.

These truly are the words of life and we need to apply them over and over again!

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Why Doesn’t It Stick?

Most of you can tell from reading my blog that I love being in the kitchen and preparing meals for family and friends. However, there is one step in the process that causes me great frustration.

Plastic Wrap!

In all my years I have not found a wrap that will consistently do its job as advertised and cling. It may stick to one surface but not to another. Most of it only sticks to itself and that’s when I am trying to get it off the roll. Then there’s the struggle to get it unstuck, only to find that it won’t stick to the plate, bowl or product I am wanting to wrap it around…

I gave up and have replaced that roll of non-sticking plastic wrap with a cupboard of containers with snap lids and a drawer of zip lock bags, in all sizes, and my old standby, foil.

Can you imagine my surprise this morning when I found an admonition to “cling” in my Bible reading?

“But cling to Adonai your God, as you have done to this day. 9 For Adonai has driven out from before you great and mighty nations. As for you, no one remained standing before you to this day. 10 One of you can put a thousand to flight, for Adonai your God, He Himself is fighting for you, just as He said to you. 11 For your own sake, therefore, be most mindful to love Adonai your God.” Joshua 23:8-11 TLV (Adonai means the Lord)

The word “cling” in this verse is also translated cleave, hold to, continue to follow and be faithful to in other translations. I like the image that “cling to” creates; it’s a sticking too, that won’t let go.

It’s the same word that is used in the Bible’s teaching on marriage.

“This is why a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife; and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 TLV

And also, in its teaching on godly living.

“Let love be without hypocrisy—detesting what is evil, holding fast to the good.” Romans 12:9 TLV

I find it interesting that the same word which describes our devotion and commitment to our spouse is used to describe our relationship with the Father and following His way of life. God knows that for a marriage to be successful there has to be a determination to stick with it, a clinging.

We learn that clinging from Him. He is constantly at our side.

“Be courageous! Do not be afraid or tremble before them. For Adonai your God—He is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 TLV

This word cling requires introspection.

What are the things I cling to? Do I spend more time stuck to those pursuits than I do to the Lord? Those questions are meant to condemn but they are meant to help in evaluating our priorities.

Next time you open that box of plastic wrap, and it gets all tangled together just stop and say, “Lord, I just want to be all tangled up in You!”

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One More Time!

Yesterday I shared some insights from the book of Joshua. It seemed appropriate to draw on that book again today.

Years ago, I was given a copy of the book, Victorious Christian Living by Alan Redpath. It was written in 1955, long before much was being said about victory in the lives of Christians. Redpath uses Joshua’s experiences to show us how God has designed for us to win. (I would encourage you to find a copy [ebay’s a good place] and read it.)

This morning I was reading about all the kings that came out to fight Joshua and the Israelites when the entered their Promised Land. Moses had led them in successful military campaigns before they crossed the Jordan River but Joshua was given the responsibility to lead the warriors as they defeated the many kings occupying the land.

“…The total number of kings was 31.” Joshua 12:24 ERV

Joshua went from battle to battle. Sometimes he was the aggressor but at other times four or five kings would form an alliance and come out to attack him and the Israelite army. Each time Joshua headed into battle the Lord would give him the same message.

“All these kings met together at the small river of Merom. They joined their armies together into one camp and made plans for the battle against Israel. 6 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of that army, because I will allow you to defeat them. By this time tomorrow, you will have killed them all.” Joshua 11:5-6 ERV

Don’t be afraid – one more time go out to battle; one more time I will give you the victory.

Joshua wasn’t the only one who faced repeated battles. Young David first fought Goliath and then he battled many enemy armies, including one his oldest son led against him. Jesus also faced many personal attacks. Satan came to him with three different temptations when Jesus was physically and emotionally weak. He had just completed a 40 day fast when Satan tempted him with food, with proving his deity and with world-wide acclaim.

“Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’ 11 So the devil left him. Then some angels came to Jesus and helped him.” Matthew 4:10-11 ERV

Joshua and David won great victories because they trusted God’s word. Jesus was victorious over the temptations of the devil because He placed His trust in God’s word.

The Christian life isn’t void of trials or attacks but like Joshua and even more, like Jesus we can go from victory to victory when we put our trust and confidence in the promises of God.

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 ERV

I just had the feeling that some of you woke up this morning with a battle ahead of you. The Lord wanted me to remind you, you’re not in this alone. “Be not afraid, send the devil running. Our victory comes from the Lord”. You’ve got this – He’s got this!

Trust Him – one more time!

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What Matters Most

I’m going to ask you to think about doing something. Something different, something special.

I want you to make a list, an actual physical list not just one in your head, of 10 things you want your children, your grandchildren, your closest friends and people in general to remember about you when you’re gone.

Several years ago, I brought up the same thought in one of my writings. Since then, my Mom has passed and a number of dear friends. In fact, just a couple weeks ago I was asked to speak at one friend’s memorial – the thing I could recall most vividly was her kindness and her love for the Lord.

I was reading in Joshua again this morning and was reminded what the 2 1/2 tribes of Israel that stayed on the East side of the Jordan wanted people to remember about them.

As they were returning to the land they had been promised, they stopped and built an altar, an altar that their fellow tribesmen thought was sacrilege. However, look at the reply of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh.

“…No, we built the altar to remind us and you and the generations to come that we will worship the Lord. And so we will keep bringing our sacrifices to the Lord’s altar, there in front of his sacred tent. Now your descendants will never be able to say to our descendants, ‘You can’t worship the Lord.’ But if they do say this, our descendants can answer back, ‘Look at this altar our ancestors built! It’s like the Lord’s altar, but it isn’t for offering sacrifices. It’s here to remind us and you that we belong to the Lord, just as much as you do’…The people of Reuben and Gad named the altar ‘A Reminder to Us All That the Lord Is Our God.’” Joshua 22:29-30 & 34 CEV

A reminder to us all that the Lord is our God! I want my life to have reminders that the Lord is my God.

I think people will probably remember that I was a good cook and I love to entertain. It makes me happy to have people in my home and I enjoy honoring my friends and neighbors. Maybe, people will remember this blog that came every morning, but more than anything I want people to remember my love for the Lord and His word.

Let me ask again, what things do you want to be remembered for? What matters most?

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Stay Fit

When I was a young mother I chased around after the kids and had energy and strength. Dave and I farmed 900 acres of alfalfa with the assistance of an irrigator and a lady who drove the equipment that picked the bales up out of the fields.

But mostly, it was just the two of us doing all the cutting, baling and equipment repair. The owner we worked for had developed the land out in the desert, close to the Gila River, south of Phoenix.

We often joked and said it was our desert wilderness but it was the place we learned about the promises and the power of God. I will digress briefly. Here we started listening to teachings on cassette tapes about “who we are in Christ”. We began studying, not just reading, but studying God’s word and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit we began applying the Scriptures to our lives.

We worked long, hard hours and we were definitely in shape physically but more importantly we were developing spiritual muscle.

“ …But teach yourself to be devoted to God. 8 Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. ” I Timothy 4:7b-8 ERV

Yesterday, we were preparing for our annual garage sale and a young woman stopped by with her family. She was strong, energetic and friendly. She had no problem helping her husband load their truck with the items they had purchased.

She reminded me of the me from those days of farming. Watching her also reminded me that I need to work on regaining some physical strength. I certainly want to continue to live a long and healthy life.

As I was thinking about yesterday’s meeting I remembered Caleb from the Old Testament. He was a younger man when the Israelites left Egypt and started their 40 year trek in the desert. He was one of the twelve spies that came back and told Moses the land “was flowing with milk and honey” and “there are giants in the land but we can take the giants”. The people were stopped by fear and would not go forward as God commanded. Joshua and Caleb, however, remained faithful to the Lord and so, years later, they went in to conquer the land and enjoy its richness.

“Joshua gave Caleb some land among the people of Judah, as God had told him to do. Caleb’s share was Hebron, which at that time was known as Arba’s Town, because Arba was the famous ancestor of the Anakim. 14 Caleb attacked Hebron and forced the three Anakim clans of[ Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai to leave.” Joshua 15:13-14 CEV

As an older man, probably my age or older, Caleb fought the inhabitants of the land, who were giants, and won! He was able-bodied and able to accomplish all that God had for him to do. I want to be like Caleb.

Am I Older? Yes. Wiser? Definitely. Growing in faith? Certainly. Physically stronger? Working on that!

“Lord, show me how to continue to grow physically and spiritually stronger so I am able to accomplish all you have planned for me. I want to be a giant slayer!”.

Whatever our lot in life we all have something God wants us to do. Remember we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us the strength!

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