How Deep Is Your Love?

"If you need the altar because the land you possess is defiled, then join us in the LORD's land, where the Tabernacle of the LORD is situated, and share our land with us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar other than the one true altar of the LORD our God." Joshua 22:19

How deeply do we care about another believer's walk with the Lord? If we see a brother or sister in Christ making compromises or straying from paths of obedience, do we love them enough to tenderly confront their choices because of our concern for their spiritual well-being?

In Joshua 22 we have a beautiful example of having courage to speak out when the holiness of God is in question. The tribes who had been allotted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River built a "large and imposing altar". When the rest of the people of Israel heard about what the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had done, they feared this altar was built to worship foreign gods and they immediately prepared to go to war against their own people, if necessary. If this was indeed an act of disobedience to the Lord, the other remaining tribes wanted to warn their relatives of the consequences of such a sin.

Before initiating a battle, they wisely addressed the situation, acting with divine wisdom as they sought clarification. Although what they had "heard" had disturbed and angered them, they didn't presume or jump to irrational conclusions. They did the right thing. They sent a representative to inquire an explanation. What a lesson that is in itself. How often do we make rash judgements based on something we have "heard" instead of what we truly "know"? We catch part of a conversation and our minds run with our own interpretation without understanding all the facts. How often a kind and gentle conversation would illuminate the truth.

As this delegation of leaders came to speak with the seemingly wayward tribes, not only did they question and warn, but not wanting to see these dear brothers drift away from the Lord, in an expression of incredible love, they extended an invitation for them to share some of their own territory and live with them. The desire for the hearts of these other Israelites, prompted the remaining western tribes to willingly offer, at great personal sacrifice, a share in their own land in order to see their relatives free of sin. This confrontation was more than words. They were offering to do whatever it took for the keeping of their souls from walking paths of disobedience.

So, again I ask, how deeply do we care about another believer's walk with the Lord? My heart has been so challenged by the price these brothers and sisters in the Lord were willing to pay for the protection of the hearts of others. 

In the end, once hearing the reasoning and understanding and seeing the situation from the correct perspective, resolution was found. However, I wonder the impact the western tribe's sacrifice and love had on the eastern tribes. As they reflected on the love that initiated the interaction, I can't help but think it had lasting influence. For dear ones to care so deeply for your obedience to the Lord is so tenderly beautiful.

Are there those in our circle of friends and family who we maybe need to grab a coffee with and share a conversation? Don't lightly dismiss any appearance of a wayward walk. Have courage. Be graciously direct. Reconcile relationships. Share and sacrifice your "land". Believe the best. Point each heart to Jesus.

Changed By His Presence

"The Red Sea saw them (the Israelites) coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs! What's wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away! Why mountains, did you skip like rams? Why, hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." Psalm 114:3-7

I smiled as I read the verses in Psalm 114. What was it that caused a sea to hurry, a river to resend and mountains and hills to skip and hop? As formidable as the Israelites could have appeared as they approached, it wasn't really their appearance that caused this response. All of nature was recognizing the presence of God and responded in the only way they knew how...in obedience. The sea and mountains were unable to stand against the presence of the Lord, and they had no choice but to act in joyful submission. If God's presence has such an influence on His creation, how does His presence in and around our lives impact us? Are we any different because of His presence with us?

The water and land identified God's presence, but do we? Do we see His hand at work around us? Do we hear His voice? Do we take time to notice Him? Does acknowledging Him help guide our words? Does knowing He's with us have any affect on our actions?

Years ago, I read the classic "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. It's a call to being conscious of the Lord continually. "To meet God in everyday life, to be aware of being in the presence of God all the time, is not subjective experientialism, it is reality." (Peter Adam) We never have to doubt if God is with us. He is!

When we pause to pray, we acknowledge Him, but what happens after "Amen"? This benediction is not like closing a book or turning off the television. Just because we can't see a physical being doesn't mean that He has left the room. His presence remains. His presence should be influencing us at all times. We can't outrun it or deny it, but we can ignore it and dismiss it.

We encounter His presence through time in His Word and in prayer. We can know His presence through His people. We can awaken to His presence as we sing praise to His name. Being in His presence should fill our hearts with joy and peace. With His presence around us and within us, He is closer than our very breath.

Grandma Gordon, who lived to be over 100 years old, would pull out a chair for the Lord every morning as she sat down across from Him to read His word and pray. She intentionally welcomed His presence in a tangible way to heighten her own awareness of His with-ness. Throughout the rest of her day that chair was a reminder of God's constant companionship in her home.

I remember going to medical appointments during the Covid pandemic when no one could accompany me, but I still didn't go alone. On the morning of my surgery, I distinctly recall reaching out my hand just as I entered through the hospital's revolving doors, a physical demonstration of reaching for God's hand, certain of His presence by my side. 

We need to cultivate ways that help us become more aware of God. The culture is doing everything it can to drape a cloak of doubt and denial over anything that even slightly resembles the Lord. With Christ alive in us we need to be ambassadors, making His nearness visible by the way we reflect His glory in our obedience and radiate His love to others. We should be changed by His presence and if that involves a little hurrying, turning away, trembling and skipping then others will see that we are filled with the Lord.

When we pause to pray, we acknowledge Him, but what happens after "Amen"? This benediction is not like closing a book or turning off the television. Just because we can't see a physical being doesn't mean He's left the room. His presence remains. His presence should be influencing us at all times. We can't outrun it or deny it, but we can ignore it and dismiss it. 

Claiming the Remaining

"Then Joshua asked them, 'How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?" Joshua 18:3

I've always remembered a quote from a Beth Moore Bible study I did at least fifteen years ago: "Satan is standing on your God-given-ground daring you to take possession of it."

Wondering what "land" of ours Satan is standing on, taunting us, while God is still asking us to take possession of it because He has already given it to us. We know it's ours, but we've done nothing to move towards conquering it in His Name. Procrastination has us hesitating. We need a Joshua to come and question us to put a little dynamite under our feet to get us moving. There is territory God wants us to own for ourselves but we've neglected taking control.

Promised land must be possessed. There is a tension that exists between the receiving and the responsibility. God's gifts shouldn't make us apathetic, but cause us to arise and do whatever it takes to claim what is ours in Christ. Often there is initiative that must be taken on our part to finalize the agreement. God will faithfully keep His promise, but the fulfillment involves our faith and obedience.

Where are you dragging your heels? Have you known the leading of God into new territory but you're lacking spiritual zeal to move forward? Maybe you started with great passion, but drive diminished and there is still land remaining that isn't fully occupied. You know exactly what I'm talking about. It's all those projects the Holy Spirit prompted you to do, but busyness, lack of interest, effort needed and disobedience had you walk away. Passivity isn't pleasing to the Lord and it carries great risk. It's like standing in "no-man's land". It's really not un-owned, it's just uninhabited. It's land that needs to be claimed in the name of Christ.

How long are you going to wait? You see, the entire point of a divine inheritance of any property is the actual possession of it. What good is a possession of anything if we don't actually possess it? We must exercise both will and action to deliberately take hold of what God has already graciously given. We are called to participate in the possession. Yes, God does "give", but He is developing a spiritual muscle in us as we do the "getting" so that we will also be able to do the "keeping". Some possessing won't be easy, as obstacles could stand in the way, but the muscle that is strengthened will then help us maintain the land we now possess.

I heard someone say once that our personal land of promise is where we serve at ultimate effectiveness. It's no wonder that the enemy places a river of fear at its entrance. Let's wait no longer. Rise up and live in whatever God has given! You've surveyed the land and studied the map and now it's time to step in and conquer!

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the "land" that You have called us to. We confess the uncertainty that has kept us pausing instead of possessing. We desire to cooperate with You, arising and embracing fully our allotted portion. Give us strength to occupy fully what You have already given. Change and strengthen us in the acquisition process. Possessing land takes time, sacrifice, energy and commitment. Lord, we want to occupy all that You've given us to steward. You have promised and provided, now through Your power, help us possess. May our possession not be possessive, but standing on this new ground may we give praise to You and be used for Your glory. Amen.

Fearless or Fear Less?

"Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying His commands...They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless..." Psalm 112:1, 7-8a

After hearing the speaker's introductory phrase, I was lost in thought: "Imagine a day without fear."

I know that previous devotions have touched on this nemesis, but if scripture can admonish us approximately 365 times not to fear, surely I can tackle the topic again today. You see, for me to envision a day without fear, it would have to be "imagined". At some moment of every day fear catches me off guard. As my constant companion it finds me, wrapping its tentacles around me in a vice grip. The thought of living even a day without it holds me spellbound. Is it even possible?

Today's verses clearly express two types of fear. Good fear and bad fear. One is to reverence and be in awe of the Lord. The other is the panic that pulses through our emotions and initiates fight or flight. Although this initial response is involuntary it's not how Christ-followers are called to live. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told that "God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline."

I hear the Lord coming to me again and asking, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26). In love He inquires, "What is it this time?" The sad thing is, not only is there a "this time", there will probably be a "next time". I desire so much for my faith in God to banish all fear. I want to live with such confidence in the care of the Lord that I don't fear bad news. See, that's the point. It's not that bad news doesn't come, but when it does, fear isn't standing by its side, Jesus is.

As debilitating as fear can be, I will say this. I'm so thankful that when push comes to shove the Lord gives me strength not to let fear make any final decisions. Staring fear in the face the Lord has enabled me to overcome situations and be victorious, not because I was strong but because of powerful presence in me.

There isn't a formula to free ourselves from fear. There isn't a 10-step program or a technique that guarantees success in this area. Rather than trying to deny it, maybe like the Apostle Paul we need to declare it's reality in our hearts before we can fully depend on God to supply all we need in spite of our fear. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" (1 Corinthians 2:3). Maybe part of fear's hold is its shame. We feel that as Christ-followers fear is evidence of weak faith. Fear is evidence that we need faith. 

I personally feel that if we are breathing, faith and fear will continually rub shoulders, but only one can ultimately govern our thoughts and actions. It comes down to who wins? Victory will go to whoever is fed the best. I don't know that we can eradicate fear completely but God can alleviate its impact as we take hold of the promises in His Word so that it doesn't dominate our lives.

Not certain if this side of eternity we will be fearless, but we can fear less as we joyfully delight in obeying the Lord and grow in our reverent awe of His holiness. Doing so, our confident trust in God will increase. Fearing not will go from imagination to actualization as we walk hand-in-hand with our Saviour.  

God Always Over If Only's

"I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the LORD, sent me from Kadesh-Barnea to explore the land of Canaan...Now, as you can see, the LORD has kept me alive and well as He promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise - even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old." - Joshua 14:7a, 10

The words spoken above were voiced by Caleb, one of the men sent along with Joshua when Moses instructed them to go and spy out the land of Canaan. Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly and returned with an honest report regarding the Promised Land. Then, due to no fault of his own, he spent forty-five years trudging through the desert due to someone else's poor decision. 

Imagine. Forty-five years. That's a long time! Seemingly unnecessary years due to fear and disobedience of others. This wasn't his choice, but he became a helpless pawn in the play. He did everything right. He served sincerely and spoke truthfully, but a four-decade delay follows. How did he  respond? How would you respond? To what extent does frustration, aggravation, irritation and bitterness fill your heart over a wasted wait?

Recently my husband and I were met with another delay in his health care. For over eight months now he has been waiting for needed heart surgery following his cardiac arrest. In and out of hospitals, some set-backs because of his reaction to medication and others a result of his own personal well-being. Those are understandable and easier to accept. Then there are the phone calls of rescheduling that we have no control over at all. The surgeon has other emergencies deemed greater than our need. It's not our choice, but how do we respond?

The last time the Doctor's receptionist called to inform us not to come the following day for the anticipated operation, I could hear the hesitancy in her voice. I'm sure she does hate making these calls. She's just doing her job, be it sometimes unpleasant and stressful for her too, I'm sure. As I listened to her explaining the situation with the critical cases that now presented our postponement, multiple, mixed-feelings filled my heart, but I had a choice over how I would answer.

Throughout life we have to decide if feelings will dictate decisions or if we will trust that the Lord is sovereign and in control. Would expressing my disappointment and anger be beneficial? It wasn't this gal's fault we were facing another delay. We were just part of the fall-out of the changing schedule. Internal turbulence can still be real, but we can trust the Lord when situations shift without our being the cause. Instead of looking at the losses we can focus on the future. Instead of giving voice to the inner turmoil swirling, I told her how thankful I'd be if we were one of those emergencies and the recipients of the time the surgeon was making for us. She apologized again and gave us another hopeful date.

Not dwelling on a problem can be a difficult perspective. How easy it is to rewind injustices and live in what should have been. If only this had happened. If only things had gone this way. I wouldn't be in this crisis now if only someone else hadn't interfered. And, it may be completely true. You could be faultless in where your life is now found, but being held hostage to hostility only holds you as prisoner to your own captivity. 

Caleb was rewarded and eventually given the land he requested. Joshua blessed Caleb and God gave him strength to conquer the land of Hebron and drive out the Anakites. I'll tell you; this is not "easy street" living. It's hard. It's not being weak or walked-over, but being won-over and yielded to the purposes and plans of Christ and growing in trust through every opportunity in every moment of our lives. Today if it feels like you're lumbering through land due to other's lingering, no languishing. Allow God to enliven your heart with the truth of His Word and the promise of His sovereignty as you move forward in obedience to Him.

Unexplainable!

"...the LORD destroyed them with a terrible hail storm from heaven...The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword...the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place...The sun stayed in the middle of the sky and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!" - Joshua 10:11, 13-14

I do not know a lot about astronomy. I really don't have much of a scientific mind. I don't understand weather patterns, although I do check the forecast most days. Recently we were the observers of a solar eclipse. The moon passed between the earth and the sun, obscuring the view of the sun from parts of our planet for a few minutes at a time. Although we couldn't see much occurring because of the clouds present, the sky grew dark and we knew something incredible was happening.

Listening to the different media broadcasts during the event was quite disheartening. The response on social media was equally disappointing. In an online neighbourhood group that I belong to, one dear lady mentioned the darkness that fell over the earth at Christ's crucifixion. Although this was vastly shorter in duration, she wondered if it had been similar. The comments she received all credited "mother nature". One person wrote: "Please people, it is purely planet and universal scheduling." And... who do you think does that scheduling?

Psalm 33:6 says, "The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born." In Isaiah 45:12 God declares, "I am the One who made the earth and created human beings to live there. By My power I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon and the stars." 

In Joshua 10 we are reminded of the sovereign rule of God over nature. In a display of His great power and for the protection of His people, He does two absolutely incredible acts. First, He sends a terrible hail storm from heaven that kills more of the enemy than those actually fighting with the sword. This wasn't random. It can't be explained as a phenomenon of nature. God routed the enemy and then rained down hail with precise timing and aim so that His mighty hand was evident. Second, God responds to a remarkable prayer of boldness and faith, as Joshua requested the Lord to stop the sun and the moon in their tracks. Who would even think to ask that? Obviously the prayer itself was placed on Joshua's heart by the Lord, so that the Israelites would see God's power on display once again.

What an encouraging reminder this portion of scripture is to us. It reminds us of the unique miracles God designs to manifest His presence as He reigns over all the earth. It also expands our belief. Our finite minds come up with finite solutions and so often we pray finite prayers. We need to grasp a bigger picture of our limitless God. We often want to have explainable solutions. We worry far too much about the "how" when we should be broadening our view of "Who". He is never restricted or bound by our human comprehension. Just because we can't explain it, doesn't mean God can't do it!

What situation are you facing right now that needs a "hail storm" or a "stationary sun and moon"? Do you really know that God can intervene at any time and in any way? And even more mind-blowing is the truth that He sees you and knows you by name and absolutely nothing you're experiencing is hidden from Him. Our God is big! His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways. He loves us, sees us, and by the power of His hand He holds us! Praise be to God!

Who You Gonna Call?

"...but they did not consult the LORD." Joshua 9:14b

Who do you consult about the big and little things in life? If a decision needs to be made, how do you go about discovering the best way to proceed? Many seek out facts, becoming more knowledgeable, so they can make a wise and informed decision. Maybe you ask advice from family or call a couple of friends. Some just quickly choose a response that will make them happiest and be the easiest.

In the spring of 2021 I was informed that I had osteoporosis. At the time of diagnosis my oncologist gave me two months to make an informed decision regarding three treatment options. During those two months I prayed for the Lord to somehow speak to me so I would know how to respond when the decision needed to be made.

About a week before the scheduled phone appointment with my Doctor, I still didn't know which direction to take. For two months I had sought the Lord's will daily, and I felt so confident that He was going to somehow specifically guide. On this morning I opened God's Word as I do every morning, believing and trusting, knowing God still had seven days to provide guidance and knowing all He needed was a moment. I prayed I wouldn't miss anything He wanted to say.

My reading that morning included Psalm 34. It's such a beautiful Psalm. It holds the precious verses, "Taste and see that the Lord is good"; "All who look to Him are radiant." I was reading along just enjoying the sweet truths in His word when suddenly I came to verse 20: "For the LORD protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!"

I remember stopping at that time as those words jumped off the page and I immediately asked, "Lord, are You saying that You will keep my bones?" Knowing the difficulty I might face by refusing any suggested medical treatment, I prayed that if this was God's answer to me, He would confirm it again before the physician's phone call. I prayed that I wouldn't be taking scripture out of context and that if God wanted me to trust Him and do nothing in the way of intervention at this time, somehow, He would verify this direction to me.

A few days later a friend shared a verse on social media. It was Isaiah 58:11, "The Lord will guide you continually." I loved the assurance of that promise. I immediately thanked the Lord, and committed again to keep trusting that He would bring clarification and validation. I grabbed my Bible to underline the verse from Isaiah, and as I did, I realized what my friend had shared was not the entire text. As I began to highlight the words, this is what I read: "The Lord will guide you continually; He will satisfy your desire in scorched places and will make your bones strong..." WHAT? I had not intentionally gone looking for "bone" verses, but here it was again.

I began praying that my oncologist would receive my response without argument, and the incredible thing was, he did! The following two years I went for bone density tests, and both revealed an increase in bone density. In fact, so pleased was he with the last test, he said we could wait two years to do a repeat scan! The Lord may still call me to medical intervention at some point, I don't know, but for now I'm responding in obedience to His direction for me until He guides otherwise.

In Joshua 9 we see the Israelite leaders being deceived by their enemies and ratifying an agreement with a binding oath based on their own perception of how things appeared. They did not seek counsel of the Lord, but, based on appearances, forged ahead on their own. 

Consulting God is the remedy for regrettable responses. Our understanding is limited, but God's is divine. He knows the choices we should make and the best paths to follow. Every decision has a consequence for good or bad. We can't afford to act presumptuously relying on our wisdom. Seek the Lord in all things, and have faith He will provide.