HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND HAVE INFLUENCE WITH PEOPLE

And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. (1 Samuel 3:19 ESV)

I've been reading and re-reading John Maxwell's book - "The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership."  I had read it many years ago but have recently began to read and study its principles at a deeper level as I am trying to raise the bar of my leadership abilities.  The first chapter is called "The Law Of The Lid" which challenges the reader to raise his/her level of leadership skills - meaning that none of us have arrived and we all still have room for growth.  The second law is "The Law Of Influence" - which asks the question of our level of influence to those that are around us.  Basically, it's premise is this - if you are a leader - turn around and see if anyone is following.

One of the persons of great influence in the Bible was a man named Samuel.  He lived during a time and season of great rebellion and sin in Israel from the leaders on down. In the midst of this ungodliness - God put a call on Samuel to lead people through some very difficult times.  He had such a great influence and The Lord was with him so much that "none of his words (fell) to the ground."  THINK ABOUT THAT - people took what he said seriously - whether good or bad.  His words carried great weight that none of them fell to the ground!

It's interesting, in 1 Samuel 7, we see the actual influence of his leadership which was growing by the day.  The people trusted him as a prophet and they were eventually delivered from the Philistines.  The Ark of God had been returned to them and they enjoyed peace in the land.  He became by far the most influential leader of that day.

But how did he gain such influence?  What made everyone listen to him?  There are three indispensable qualities that gained him the influence of the people:

1. Competence - God blessed Samuel with many gifts.  He heard from The Lord, he could see the future unfold, and he wisely knew what to do in crisis.  His abilities provided one reason why everyone listened to him.

2. Character - Unlike Eli, Samuel exuded integrity and honesty in every area of his life.  People trusted him and knew that he had Israel's best interest in mind.  They considered Samuel to be trustworthy and depended upon him to intercede for them with God.

3. Connection - Samuel knew how to connect with people; he spoke their language.  he expressed compassion for their predicaments and brought courage to their pursuits.  I've seen many leaders who were talented but didn't "connect" with people which is so important.

Fortunately for us, the formula for Samuel's success and influence still works today: Competence + Character + Connection = INFLUENCE.

THE RESULTS OF KING-LESS-NESS IN YOUR LIFE

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25 ESV)

This is a sad but poignant passage of scripture that describes a time in history where the people followed after their own heart because there was no king in Israel.  It is the fourth time this passage is used in this way - Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1 and 21:25.

One could look at this passage in terms of HISTORY but a person should really look at this passage in terms of OUR HEART.

In regards to HISTORY - things were pretty bad for the people of Israel during this season of history.  They were often attacked and oppressed by foreign armies.  Certain people (Judges) would rise up and get Israel back on track but then they would go back to their old ways of living a life of sin.  Progressively, they got worse and worse.  Sin became more and more perverse.  And, hat used to bother them before was no longer an issue to them.

But there is another way that we need to look at this passage - it is in terms of OUR HEART.  As Israel was king-less-ness in regards in terms of history - they were also king-less-ness in regards to their hearts (which really describes many of our lives) right now.

Have you noticed how so many people are doing their own thing in life and living their lives with no moral compass.  I'm sure you've heard something like that before: "Hey, whatever works for you." "Well, if you feel it's okay..." "That may be wrong for you, but I feel it's right for me." “You’ve got to do what’s right for you.” "Who are you to judge me, who are you to tell me what I should do?"

You see, while we still have laws that govern our civic life, more and more, when it comes to the broader category of moral absolutes, "there [is] no king" on the throne. And when there is no king, when the idea of absolute right and wrong is dethroned, when their is no authority over us, our default belief is that everything should be under us.

Do you know what God's word says about our "own eyes", about doing what is right in our "own eyes"? Instead of building a temple around my opinion, and enshrining my personal judgment, the Bible speaks about the quicksand, the visual impairment of my "own eyes". The book of Proverbs expresses God's assessment very clearly in many places:

Proverbs tells us that:

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. (16:2)

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. (21:2)

So if our default is to justify all of our actions and attitudes, what does the Lord tell us, the one who weighs the heart. He tells us that:

There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth. (30:12)

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. (26:16)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (12:15)

The morally impure, the sluggard, the fool, all of them believe they are 'a-okay', when in fact God calls "a spade a spade" and reveals what they really are. Our "own eyes" are incapable of seeing what is spiritually true. That's why Proverbs asks:

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (26:12)

It's for this reason that God says through Solomon in Proverbs 3:

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (3:7)

Wisdom according to our "own eyes" always seems to be connected to evil. Do you see that? The Bible is very clear, God is very clear about our true condition "when there is no king". We are blind. We are deluded. Spiritually we are impaired and incapable and incapacitated.

In those days there was no king in Israel. And what happened when there was no king? What happened when human beings were living according to our 'default belief'? Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

King-less-ness in terms of the heart always means me setting myself up as the ultimate judge. But without God, my judgment is always corrupted, my perspective is always off.

So what am I supposed to do? What are we supposed to do?

It is interesting that Israel was crying out for a king to rule over them.  The problem was that they were desiring the wrong king.  They wanted a ruler, a monarch but in essence what they needed was a king over their hearts.

Think about different aspects of your heart - Are you willing to forgive?  Are you willing to be obedient?  Are you willing to submit to God's leading?  Are you willing to walk away from the sin, that lust, that pride?  Are you willing to bring your finances under the lordship of Jesus?  Or... are you doing what is right in your own eyes?

Listen to how an old Puritan prayer embraces and expresses this need: O God of the highest heaven,occupy the throne of my heart,take full possession and reign supreme,lay low every rebel lust,let no vile passion resist thy holy war;manifest thy mighty power,and make me thine forever.Thou art worthy to bepraised with my every breath,loved with my every faculty of soul,served with my every act of life.

Is that your prayer? Is that what you desire each day? Well, there is an incredible difference between those who were crying for a king in the time of the judges and those who cry for a king today. God has provided for our greatest need in the person of Jesus Christ.  He wants to be KING AND LORD OF YOUR HEART.  You need a king - and yes, His name is Jesus.

(Original thoughts from a sermon by Bryce Morgan)

HOW IS SPIRITUAL POWER LOST?

When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up again, for he has told me all his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands. She made him sleep on her knees. And she called a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. (Judges 16:18-20 ESV)

One of the greatest inventions of all time is that of the light bulb. However... the light bulb is useless unless it is connected to a power source. It is the same with you and I - we are no good unless we are connected to the Holy Spirit's power.  Light illuminates the darkness!  Our purpose is to let our life shine.  We need the power of God to illuminate through us to a very dark world.

Over the years I have replaced many lights in my home because they burn out or simply they just weren't connected to the power source.  How does that happen in our spiritual lives?  How does a person start out with the power and fire of God only to burn out or to become disconnected to the source.

To understand this - we are going to look at the life of Sampson - Judges 13-16.  Sampson was the original Superman.  God gave him superhuman strength to lead the nation of Israel and defeat their enemies the Philistines. Sampson seemed to be unstoppable; he was invincible and indestructible.
Once Sampson killed a lion that attacked him with his bare hands. However, Sampson's strength was not superhuman; it was supernatural. Sampson was empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately Sampson's story does not have a happy ending. Delilah found out the secret of his strength and cut Sampson's hair as he napped in her lap. When the Philistines came upon Sampson the fourth time he rose up to defeat them as he had before, but the Bible says, "he did not know that the Spirit of the Lord had left him!" (Judges 16:20 NIV).

This statement really bothers me - Sampson "didn't know that the Spirit of The Lord had left him!"  From then on - Sampson would have to fight his battle's on his own. Where God was once with him - he was now on his own to fight life's battles. Somehow, Sampson got unplugged from the power source - the Holy Spirit.

HOW IS SPIRITUAL POWER LOST IN OUR LIFE?

A. Spiritual Power Is Lost When We Forget The Source

Sampson forgot that God was the source of his strength; it is easy for us to forget that the Holy Spirit is the source of strength and power in God. Delilah had pestered Sampson to tell her the secret of his great strength, and she finally wore him down. Sampson told her everything...

And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” (Judges 16:17 ESV)

In actuality - it wasn't his hair but the fact that he had been set forth as a Nazarite in holiness to God.  He confused the SYMBOL with the SOURCE. Sampson's hair was not the source of his strength - God was.

B. Spiritual Power Is Lost When We Have Unwholesome Relationships

Someone has said, "Show me your friends, and I will show you your future."  The people you choose as your close friends will make an impact upon the direction of your life.

Sampson was not careful of who he chose to be close to.  He hung out with the Philistines and he hung out with a prostitute.  Unwholesome friends led to his downfall.

C. Spiritual Power Is Lost Through Compromise

Sampson compromised and did not obey God in everything that God required of Him.  As a Nazarite, Sampson was not permitted to come in contact with a dead body at any time.  Yet, Sampson was responsible for the death of thousands of Philistines at his hand.

There were many other things that Sampson ignored which caused the diminishing power of the Holy Spirit in his life.

D. Spiritual Power Is Lost Through Foolishness Or A Loss Of Wisdom

Sampson acted foolishly; he let himself be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He lacked the discernment to even see the trap that was being set to take him captive. Sampson should have known better than to be with Delilah in the first place.

SIN MAKES YOU STUPID. Sin makes you do dumb things.  Don't be deceived by it's lures and promises.

We must learn from Sampson's example if we want to maintain our spiritual power -

1- Stay close to the power source - God's Holy Spirit
2- Develop godly Christian friendships
3- Stay in God's Word
4- Pray for the spirit of discernment
5- Walk in the disciplines of The Lord

I think the following prayer should be read and lived out for every person reading this blog -

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (Proverbs 1:8-10 ESV)

GOD KNOWS YOU BETTER THAN YOU KNOW YOURSELF

Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:11, 12 ESV)

I am always fascinated of the story of how God called Gideon to be a warrior and deliverer for the people of Israel.  The people of Israel were so afraid of the Midianites that they "hid" from them just to survive.

Gideon was called to be a judge during a time of intense trouble in Israel. The nation was suffering under the grip of Midianite oppression. They watched helplessly as their land was stripped, their homes and villages were destroyed, and their lives endangered. Their condition is summed up in verse 6 where the Bible says they were “impoverished”. This word literally means that they were at the “end of their rope”. The people of Israel felt as though their nation was destroyed and their lives were over.

Israel’s main problem was that they counted God out. They cried out to Him, but they probably did not believe that He was listening, or that He was able to do anything to help them. But, God always has a message. In vv. 7-10, God sent them a prophet to remind them of the Lord’s grace in their lives and to call them to a place of repentance.

Not only does God have a message, He always has a man.  In this case - his name was Gideon.

Notice Gideon's CIRCUMSTANCES

- It Was Time Of Poverty - vv.4-6.
- It Was A Time Of Persecution – vv. 11-12
- It Was A Time Of Powerlessness – Gideon is "hiding"

V. 13 says that "the angel of The Lord appeared unto him.: When the Lord speaks to Gideon, He comes with words of hope and assurance. The Midianites did not know where Gideon was hiding, but the Lord did! He had His eye on Gideon the whole time. Even when Gideon was unaware of it, God was with Him, watching him and planning for his future.  God knows exactly what's going on in your life also.

Notice Gideon's CALL

When the Lord says, “The Lord is with thee”, it literally means, “His power is on you.” Gideon could not see it, nor could he sense it, and it sure didn’t look like it, but he was about to be used of the Lord is a powerful way!      

Gideon was hiding but God saw him as “a mighty man of valor”. Here is a man who is so afraid of the enemy that he is hiding behind a winepress threshing wheat. He is full of fear, but the Lord saw what Gideon would be when he got though with him. God intended to take Gideon and use him in a great way.

The phrase the Lord used literally refers to “a man who is charging right into the face of the enemy.” It doesn’t make sense, but that is who the Lord saw when he looked at Gideon.Did you know that the Lord knows you? He knows you far better than you even know yourself - (Psalm 139; Hebrews 4:13.)

 If you are like me, you often look at your life and see mistakes, failures and problems. You see a person who consistently fails to live up to God’s high calling on your life. You see a person who loses far more than he wins. You see a person who, from all appearances, is always coming up short.What does God see?

When Jesse looked at David, he saw his youngest son. He saw a mere boy who was not worthy to be called to a family meeting with Samuel. When God looked at David, He saw a king, 1 Sam. 16:12. When Gideon’s family looked at him, they saw a weakling. When the Lord looked at him, God saw a warrior.You see, the Lord looks at the heart- (1 Samuel 16:7.) He knows what we will be when He gets through with us.

The best thing you can ever do is to take your life, with all its problems, its failures and its shortcomings and place all that in the hand of the Lord. He is able to take us like we are and transform us into something powerful and amazing by His power!

The Lord is with you O man/woman of valor!

THE HOME THAT GOD BLESSES

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14, 15 ESV)

I think most of us would like God's blessings over our homes.  I know for me - that is a daily prayer for me and my family.

In Joshua 24 - we see Joshua giving his farewell words to his people.  He rehearses to them what God has done and is doing in their lives right now.  He also warns them that there will be many things that will pull a person away from God.  He tells them that in so doing - it is a formula for God to take His hand of blessing off our homes.

The family is under great attack today and it is very important for Christians to make a choice that we are going to follow and serve God and glorify Him in and over our families.

Here are a few principles we need to make a priority over our homes -

1. Choose To Make Your Home HIS Home - Joshua 24:14-24


And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.” And the people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.” (Joshua 24:21, 24 ESV)

Joshua made a choice for his home. His choice was for his household to serve one God only, to worship one God only. It was a choice against idolatry and for faithfulness. Regardless of the choices of others - Joshua’s wife and children knew which way he would lead them.


Does your family know beyond a shadow of a doubt the direction that you are headed in?
All of us have to choose to live according to God’s design for our lives IN OUR HOMES and FAMILIES. As I was growing up we had a plaque in our house that had a great impact on my life.  It said ... “As for me and my house… we will serve the Lord.”

Is my home His home? – You can’t say ... ’well of course it is because I’m a Christian’ - it involves much more than that. There is a strong pressure on Christian homes today to compromise our highest Christian values.

Ask yourself this question: Do we behave at home as we do at church? We are surrounded daily with opportunities to offer greater worth (worship) to other things and people more than God.

I was blessed with the influence of parents who sought to make Jesus the center of our home. They taught us and modeled for us an authentic relationship with God  - whatever the happy or difficult situations we faced as a family. Living in such a way brings blessing to your home.

2. Welcome God's Presence Into Your Home - 2 Samuel 6:9-11


And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. (2 Samuel 6:9-11 ESV)

Notice v.11... "The Lord blessed him and his entire household."  For 3 months the most awesome symbol of God’s presence was seated in Obed-Edoms home – “The Ark of the Lord.”


This box was the most sacred article in all of Israel’s history - the most powerful object on the face of the earth. I am certain beyond all doubt that this box changed the way they lived in that house. Every day for 3 months they were aware that God was living with them, lodging in their lounge. When God’s presence is welcomed and encouraged a home is truly blessed.

In most of our homes there is a box, which is the focal point of the home – our TV.  It has the power to shape our home life, form our children, corrupt our values, disturb our relationships and control our diaries. In many Christian homes the TV Times is read more often than the Bible. (This is not an anti-TV message, because I enjoy TV).



The box at the center of Obed-Edoms house brought blessing.  It reminded them DAILY of God’s presence and goodness to Israel, His faithfulness, promises, covenant, power and glory.

In his house God was acknowledged, valued and treasured.
Is there an altar in our home? Are you comfortable praying with each other.

3. Build An Ark Of Salvation In Your Home
 - Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7 ESV)

Noah did all he could to save his family from the impending judgment on the earth. He could not drag them into the ark - but he warned them and built a way of escape for his home. The salvation of our homes is of paramount importance. We cannot save our families only God can. But we can always point our families to Jesus, the Savior. Our kids will make their own choices - but we must point them in the right way.

  One day your children will ’leave home’ and will ’set up their home.’ But I pray that ... One day they will declare ’As for me and my house we will serve the Lord’

So where do we begin? How do we initiate God’s for our home?


• EXALT God in your home
• EXAMPLE Christ likeness in your home
• ENCOURAGE Faithfulness in your home
• EDUCATE your children in God’s ways in your home
• ESTABLISH Godly values in your home

We must create an environment where our children can find Christ

I like the following words.  It should the prayer of ever parent reading this...

IT’S YOUR MOVE CHILD

I gave you life but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions but I cannot always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom but cannot account for it.
I can take you to church but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong but I can’t always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes but I can’t make you lovely inside.
I can offer you advice but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to be a friend but I cannot make you one.
I can teach you to share but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect but I can’t force you to show honor.
I can grieve about your report card but I cannot doubt your teachers.
I can advise you about friends but I cannot choose them for you.
I can teach you about sex but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life but I can’t build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking but I can’t say NO for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I can’t prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals but I can’t achieve them for you.
I can let you baby-sit but I can’t be responsible for your actions.
I can teach you kindness but I can’t force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins but I cannot make your morals.
I can love you as a daughter/ son but I cannot place you in God’s Family.
I can pray for you but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus but I cannot make Him your Savior.
I can teach you to OBEY but I cannot make Jesus Your Lord.
I can tell you how to love but I can’t give you ETERNAL LIFE.

DOES GOD KEEP HIS PROMISES?

Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:43-45 ESV)

Have you ever experienced the bitter sting of a broken promise from a close friend? Few things hurt worse than this kind of betrayal, most likely because it marks the faltering trust between two friends.
For this reason, it is of eternal value to recognize the trustworthiness of almighty God. We serve a God of promises. He pledged a new land for His people, a child to the elderly Abraham, and a Savior for the world. Each of these and many more promises were fulfilled in time, according to His perfect will.

Hebrews 10:23 affirms, “He who promised is faithful.”  Sometimes, however, God’s promises are marked with conditions. Although we serve a God of limitless grace and mercy, He often charges us with responsibilities upon which our success will depend.

In Hebrews 10:35-36 we see that confidence, obedience, and endurance are all vital elements in “receiving what has been promised."

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:35, 36 ESV)

This does not mean that we can earn God’s favor with good deeds. In truth, He loves us not for what we do, but because He cannot help loving each of us passionately just as we are.If we love Him in return, we must take responsibility for what He has called us to do. This is not a maneuver to finagle blessings from Him, but rather an act of humble submission to His will. When we operate from such a standpoint, we are in the perfect position to grab hold of what He wants to give us.

Trust is something we earn with one another. However, from the moment God saves us, He trusts us and believes in us. Does He think we will never sin again? The Father understands we will still make mistakes, but His Spirit lives in us—to sanctify and mature us in our faith.However, when there are people in our lives who promise us things but fail to deliver, an attitude of cynicism can seep into our thinking. Trusting anyone can be a major challenge for us when we have been disappointed time and time again. Unfortunately, we may transfer that cynical distrust to the Lord.  Yet God has unchangingly maintained His just, holy, and trustworthy reputation throughout history. In His Word, we see that whenever He has promised anything, He has always fulfilled His promise.

For some people steeped in cynicism, this might take longer to believe than others. But in the end, the truth is revealed: God is faithful—always.The Father’s faithfulness is great, unchanging, and true. His promises do not always unfold the way we imagined, but He always keeps them.As God proves His faithfulness to us, we learn that He is ultimately trustworthy with everything—including our lives. Therefore, be assured—He truly is a God you can trust. Give Him the opportunity to prove it to you.(Exerpts from Dr. Charles Stanley)

GIVE ME MY MOUNTAIN!

And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:10-12 ESV)

Seven years has now elapsed since the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River. The problem was this: Even though they had been given their inheritance – much of Israel had not yet possessed their land. They were enjoying the peace of no war but had become lax about obtaining their promised inheritances.

So Joshua said to the people of Israel, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? (Joshua 18:3 ESV)

In this chapter – we see Caleb coming to Joshua for his inheritance - He wanted his mountain

Personally, I don’t necessarily enjoy the valleys that I go through in this life! That’s why I need to look for the mountain top experiences as they help us survive the valleys.

Now… just because I don’t enjoy the valleys, I am thankful for them!  It is in the valleys that God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness! Everyone of us will have mountains and valleys. Someone once said… "I’m never in the valley, I’m just changing mountain tops!" * 

In this passage, Caleb comes to claim his mountain - his inheritance! By this time he is the leading man in Judah and he comes to claim an inheritance for the tribe and also for himself.  He asks for no small thing! Keep in mind that this as a place of giants but it was also a place filled with much possibility.  Remember that Caleb had been here 40 years before.  He knew the potentiality of the land.  Now, 45 years later - he comes to claim his inheritance.


SIX PRINCIPLES IN OBTAINING YOUR MOUNTAIN!

1. Caleb Never Forgot God’s Promises – 14:6

“You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. (Joshua 14:6 ESV)

45 years have now passed since the 12 spies had entered the promise land. 10 came back with a negative report – 2 came back with a positive report.  Caleb was one of them.

But 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. (Numbers 14:24 ESV)

2.  Caleb Continued To Be Faithful – 14:7

I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. (Joshua 14:7 ESV)

Mat 24:13  "But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

• Negative people did not deter him.

But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ (Joshua 14:8, 9 ESV)

• Age did not deter him.

He is now 85 years old.

And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. (Joshua 14:10, 11 ESV)


At age 85 people have usually slowed down.  Their focus is not on life but on death.
Caleb was different.  He said he was as strong today as he was 45 years ago.

• Obstacles did not deter him.

Someone has said that, “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Sometimes all we have left are the promises of God.

Caleb clung to the promises of God. He knew that the land was theirs and he said so - “that’s our land - God promised it to us."

So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:12 ESV)

Look at the different obstacles he had to overcome…

• The mountain itself
• The Anakin people – giants!
• Large and fortified cities

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

He was not moved by what He saw but by what he knew God would do in his heart!
Although he knew that God had given him the land – he also knew that he had to be the one that took it.

3.  Caleb Knew That God Was With Him - 14:12

So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:12 ESV)

Rom 8:31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

4.  Caleb Waited For The Blessing – 14:13

Josh 14:13  And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.

In a season of waiting we often become impatient - frustrated - resentful - God is not moving as quickly or in the way that we want Him to. Do you ever look around and wonder if God is ever going to come through? Caleb didn’t give up.  He continued to prepare for the battle to come. He spent 45 years working on it. He was on a physical fitness program – He kept his strength up and was as ready to conquer the land as he was 45 years earlier.  Caleb - lived 45 years among people dying because they had not remained faithful. When he told Joshua - “Give me my land,” there was no doubt that it would be his. He was pregnant with the promises of God.  He waited for the blessing and the go signal from Joshua.

5- Caleb Claimed His Inheritance - 14:14-15

Josh 14:14-15 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel. And the name of Hebron formerly was Kirjath Arba (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim). Then the land had rest from war.

He didn’t just sit back but took the initiative and claimed what was rightfully his.  He fought for his land and won it!

And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak, Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the descendants of Anak. (Joshua 15:14 ESV)

These were the same cities that the spies said could not be taken.  They were well fortified. Of all the people who received an inheritance – Caleb was the only one who completely expelled his enemy.

6. Caleb Understood The Principle Of Giving - 21:9-12

Out of the tribe of the people of Judah and the tribe of the people of Simeon they gave the following cities mentioned by name, which went to the descendants of Aaron, one of the clans of the Kohathites who belonged to the people of Levi; since the lot fell to them first. They gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with the pasturelands around it. But the fields of the city and its villages had been given to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession. (Joshua 21:9-12 ESV)

This is the key to faith.  We must give away what we have. If we hold it in – we become stagnant. The Levites were in need of a city.  Caleb unselfishly gave them the city of Hebron.

Luke 6:38  "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

What mountain do you need to climb today? Are you preparing yourself to be ready when it is time to climb the mountain?

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13, 14 ESV)

ARE YOU WEARY TODAY?

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV)

I heard a funny story today that I'm passing on to you - Susie called a friend and asked how she was feeling. “Terrible,” came the reply. “My head’s splitting and my back and legs are killing me. The house is a mess, and the kids are driving me crazy.” Susie, full of compassion, said, “Listen, go and lie down, I’ll come over right away and cook lunch for you, clean up the house, and take care of the children while you get some rest. By the way, how is Sam?” “Sam? I have no husband named Sam.” “My heavens,” Susie exclaimed, “I must have dialed the wrong number.” “Are you still coming over?”

All of us grow weary from time to time in our day to day living as parents, grand parents, husbands, wives, employees and employers. In the social work world it is known as “burnout.” It happens with a very dedicated, committed person suddenly wakes up and realizes he/ she is tired. Tired of giving, tired of doing, tired of serving. That person finds that the joy of service is gone. The writers of the New Testament all realized that from time to time, those faithful workers for the Lord become weary. 

2 Thess. 3:13, “Do not grow weary in doing good.”

It is said that in most churches - 90 percent of the work is done by 10 percent of the people. The other 10 percent of the work is done by the remaining 90 percent of the people. Is it any doubt that the 10 percent become discouraged and weary as they see the lethargy of the 90 percent? We must feel like this person who was talking to a co-worker. Here's something else to think about: The population of this country is 280 million; 124 million are over the age of 65, leaving 156 million to do the work. There are 104 million people under the age of 25, leaving 52 million to do the work. There are 30 million people who work for the federal government which leaves 22 million to do the work. Four million are in the armed forces which leaves 18 million to do the work. Deduct 17,800,000 who work in state, county and city offices, leaving 200,000 to do the work. There are 188,000 in hospitals and institutions of various kinds, leaving 12,000 to do the work. Now it may interest you to know that there are 11,998 people in jail, so that leaves just two people to carry the load and that’s you and me brother, and I’m getting tired of doing everything myself.

HOW CAN WE OVERCOME WEARINESS

A. We Must Focus On Our Eternal Reward  - That We Will Reap What We Sow

(Gal 6:9) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Paul preceded this verse by saying in vss. 7- 8, “ . . . whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

This is a fundamental law of nature. What we sow is what we reap . . . beans, peas, corn, weeds, etc. Paul is saying here that if we do not grow weary but continue to sow good work, we will reap eternal life.

Paul is not saying that we earn our salvation by good works but rather is saying that where we spend eternity will be determined by what kind of “sowing” we do. 

B. We Must Focus On What God Has Called Us To Do And Don't Worry About The Naysayers.

Abraham Lincoln said, “I do the very best I can, I mean to keep going. If the end brings me out all right, then what is said against me won’t matter. If I’m wrong, ten angels swearing I was right won’t make a difference.”

Keep your eyes and heart on what God want you to do and just do it.  The critics will always be there to try and stop you from doing what God has called you to do.

In the Book of Mark - a woman came and anointed the feet of Jesus and many people tried to stop her for being so wasteful.  I love what Jesus says...

“Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. She has done what she could...(Mark 14:6, 8 ESV)

C. We Must Focus On The Example Of Jesus Who Endured In The Face Of Great Hardship "For The Joy That Was Set Before Him."

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (Hebrews 12:1-4 ESV)

In our Christian walk, we will encounter hardship and hostility but we must remember that Jesus endured far more than we can ever imagine and we must use that realization to strengthen us as we run the race set before us, knowing that if we do not grow weary or fainthearted that we, like Jesus, will receive the joy that is set before us. 

Paul expressed this same idea in II Cor. 4:16-17, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 

There are a lot of reasons why we get weary in life but remember that God is your strength today and He will give you the help that you need - whether it be physciall, spiritually or mentally.  I love what Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The JOY OF THE LORD is your strenth."  

"May God infuse you with His great joy right now that you may run the race set before you with great strength. Amen."

WHAT IS YOUR JERICHO TODAY?

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13-15 ESV)

This last year I was able to visit Jericho in the land of Israel.  It is a city just north of the Dead Sea and was the gateway to entering into The Promised Land. At first glance - it doesn't look like a lot - but it was a formidible city with men that were all built like Russian weight lifters. Besides that, they had strong defenses with walls that seemed to reach up to heaven.  Joshua, having been one of the twelve spies, knew what exactly what they were facing.  He knew the obstacles that lay before them.

In this passage, we see Joshua "by Jericho."  He is looking out over the city (the obstacle before him). In his mind he is probably thinking, "What am I doing?" The awesome responsibility of the task ahead is perhaps weighing heavily upon him. All of a sudden - He sees a man standing there with a drawn sword, so he approaches him and questions, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" The reply comes back, "As the Captain of the Lord's host have I come."

Keep in mind that Joshua had received earlier promises that God would be with him...

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5, 9 ESV)

But Joshua needed reassurance because the conquering of the this land was going to be a great undertaking.  I'm sure he was dealing with fear but Joshua was now a man of faith.

• Faith looks not at the difficulties, but to the Lord. 
• Faith believes more in the promises of God to help, than in the power of Satan to hinder.
• Faith will give comfort in the midst of fears, unbelief will bring fears in the midst of comfort.
• Faith makes great burdens light, unbelief makes light burdens unbearably heavy.
• Faith lifts us up when we are down, unbelief casts us down when we are up.
• Faith brings peace and comfort to our souls, unbelief brings restlessness.
• Faith brings assurance, unbelief brings fear.

THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD'S HOST - This would be none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. I can imagine that Joshua was greatly relieved and he immediately bows and worships Him.

What is your Jericho today?  Is it some addiction?  Is it a relationship that needs alignment?  Is it your finances?  The list could go on and on.  What obstacle and barrier is before you?  Do you today feel that you are over your head? The tasks that lie before you are greater than you can handle? Are you fearful or apprehensive about the future?  The same Captain of the Lord's host that met Joshua there near Jericho wants to meet you today. Lift up your eyes and see that God is ready to go before you and lead you into the promised land.  

Victory had already been promised but Joshua just needed a reminder that he wasn't doing this alone - HE HAD THE HELP OF THE CAPTAIN OF LORD'S HOST.  There is no obstacle (Jericho) before you that can defeat you.  Stand by faith knowing that you won't be doing this battle alone - God is with you!

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed... (Isaiah 54:17 ESV)

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

SIX PROMISES OF GOD - PSALM 91

For many people, this chapter from Psalms is one of the most beloved chapters of the Bible. When I am ministering to people in their time of distress and need - this chapter is often requested to be read.

Penned most likely by David, it tells of WHO God is and WHAT we can expect from God on a daily basis.  Notice these SIX PROMISES OF GOD:

1. God's Presence - vv. 1-2

Psa 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Are you living in God's presence right now?  Are you walking with God?  Do you know what it means that God is your refuge and fortress?  Are you able to fully trust God for your situation(s) that you are facing.  As His children - are you "abiding" in the shadow of the Almighty.

One of my favorite photos that I took as a young man was of a mother hen with about 12 feet.  But it wasn't her feet - it was all her young chicks who were hiding under her wing.  They were seeking her protection and seeking her covering from those that threatened them.

Are you "hiding/ dwelling" under the covering of God's presence today?

2. God's Protection - vv. 3-4

Psa 91:34 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions,and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Again, we are given the visual of a young chicken under the protective wings of their mother.  The enemy is trying to trap you and is trying to do violent and terrible things to you.  Your protection and your strength comes from Him who is faithful.  He is your "shield and buckler."

A shield was a body size shield that completely blocked the body and although it was movable it was quite large and heavy and often stayed stationery during a battle.. A buckler is a small hand held shield that gave the warrior a way to ward off stray arrows.

What an amazing picture! In this chapter of Psalms we have already seen that God is our refuge when we decide to draw close to Him. It is our choice to abide under "the shadow of the Almighty" (verse 1). Then in verse 3 we see what that looks like--God closes his "wings" around us to be our safe refuge. I love this imagery. He covers me and holds me in an embrace that is feather like--sweet and soft.

3. God's Peace - vv. 5-6

Psa 91:5-6 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

I have seen first hand what fear can do to you.  I have seen how the enemy can shape your mind and heart and paralyze your ability to move forward.  To me, there is nothing more rewarding than to feel the great peace of God upon your life.  It matters not about what you are facing as long as you are safe in the arms of Jesus.

4. God's Perspective - vv. 7-10

Psa 91:7-10 A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand,but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge — no evil shall be allowed to befall you,no plague come near your tent.

My perspective is often skewed.  I don't see exactly what I need to see.  I only see what is right before me.  But then God shows up and then God opens my eyes.  We can't stop believing just because we don't see.  Because "you have made the LORD your dwelling place... NO EVIL SHALL BE ALLOWED TO BEFALL YOU.  I pray that your eyes will be opened today.

5.  God's Provision - vv. 11-13

Psa 91:11-13 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

Think about the fact that God has given his angels an assignment to guard you in all your ways.  He provides - always!  He is watching after you and your needs.  He is observant to your situation.  There is no need that is greater than your God - He can and will move mountains on your behalf.

6. God's Power - vv. 14-16

Psa 91:14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Adversity will come but God will remain steady and faithful to take care of you.  "I will deliver him; I will protect him."  Why?  Because he knows my name.  "I will answer him, I will be with him in trouble.  I will rescue him and honor him." Not just today but through out your lifetime as He says, "with long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

These SIX PROMISES are for every believer today.  Read them.  Speak them out loud.  Let God richly bless you with His word and may it be instilled into your heart and mind as move forward with your life and ministry.

ABOUT EARLY MORNING PRAYER

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35 ESV)

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 ESV)

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As a child - my earliest memories are of my parents on their knees as I got out of bed every morning.  Whether it be my mom by her bed or my dad by his chair - they both have left a legacy of prayer that has been passed to their children and many grandchildren.

Let me ask a question of you this morning - How is your prayer life?  How is your time with God?  Are enjoying the time you spend with God and the opportunities to spend time with God in intercession and prayer.  Have you experienced that place where heaven comes down and fills your soul?  Are you standing in the gap for your children and grand children?  Are you fighting for your marriage on your knees and for the fate of your family.  Do you know how to wrestle for God's purposes in your life?

Prayer is a sacrifice.  It is a call to self-denial.   “Self-denial is the law of life.” I call you to a duty that some day will prove the most valuable habit of your soul. I call you to the “heights” where God through the blessed Holy Spirit will make your soul a theater of action and your eyes a fountain of tears – the soul He will act in, and the eyes He will weep through for a lost world.

“The men who have done most for God in this world have been early upon their knees. If God is not first in our thoughts, in our efforts, in the early morning, He will be last in the remainder of the day. The heart that is behindhand in seeking God in the early morning has lost its relish for God. A desire for God which cannot break the chains of sleep is a weak thing, and will do but little good for God after it has indulged itself fully.”  H.W. Hodge.

Early on in life I began the discipline to pray early. This early rising is no longer an experiment. In the beginning the physical man revolts against it. The body tells you to stay in bed. The devil puts doubts in your mind. All things in earth and hell protest against it. It can, at times, seem like a useless thing to do.

Don't listen to those opposing. “Self-indulgence is the law of death. Self-denial is the law of life.” The joy of being with God for hours before the world is awake will fully compensate you for all the trials and sufferings, and then the glory you will bring to His name will be inconceivable.

Yongi Cho has said that "the key to having early morning prayer is to go to bed early."  Well said.

It is so important that you must learn to "Pray Through."

• It is necessary to pray much, often and long in secret.
• You must select time when the world and family will not disturb.
• God wills that all men should pray everywhere lifting up holy hands.
• Pastors should pray more than any one else.
• It is the business of pastors especially to make intercession for their flock, their families and the lost world.
• Much prayer brings much reward.

And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. (Mark 6:46 ESV)

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12 ESV)

Your prayer time is the pivotal point in the great fight between the powers of hell and God’s saints under Jesus Christ, our Captain. The devil makes his greatest effort here to dislodge the fighters and wrestlers who with tears and groans are holding out to the last on their knees, knowing that everything depends on this last stand for God. We must hold on until Jesus shows up and you sense His peace in your hear.

"For Noah, preaching 120 years without results meant choosing the hard road year after year. Nehemiah, building the wall of Jerusalem, faced constant harassment by
enemies from within and without. We cannot honestly, authentically, reasonably and deliberately serve our Lord without our willingness to accept difficulties and inconveniences." - K.P. Yohannan

Yes, it will be hard at times and your flesh will fight you to not spend time in prayer - but the results in your life and in that of your family will be known and seen as you bring Jesus to your life situations.

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:28, 29 ESV)

DEALING WITH FAILURE

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:1, 2, 10-12 ESV)

Have you ever failed God? Have you ever felt like you just can't measure up to what is expected of you?  If that's the case you're in good company as it's the story of all of us.  It's the story of David also.

David was called of God and was shaped for many years to be the King of Israel.  One day, he let his guard down and had an affair with Bathsheba.  And this sin eventually led to the murder of her husband - Uriah.  God eventually sent a prophet - Nathan, to confront this sin in David's life and this Psalm becomes the confessional prayer of David in remorse over his sins.

Psalm 51 is a confession from a man who felt dirty and sinful and felt like a failure.  It is from a man who needed to repent and make things right with God.

FIVE ASPECTS TO THIS PSALM

1- David knew that his sin deserved punishment -

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. (Psalm 51:4 ESV)

2- David recognized God's holiness and God's power - 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7 ESV)

He recognized that he couldn't do it himself but he needed a a more holy and more powerful God that could cleanse him.

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. (Psalm 51:9 ESV)

3- David recognized his need for God's grace - 

If you read through this Psalm you will read a lot of "me's" and "my's."

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. (Psalm 51:3, 9 ESV)

He knew that he had sinned and he knew that he needed the grace of God to help him overcome his guilt for what he had done.

4- David accepts responsibility for what he had done - 

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. (Psalm 51:4 ESV)

Until we take ownership for our failures and for our part in the sin - we will never be able to be free that sin.  "I" sinned.  "I" did wrong. Don't blame other people.  Don't blame Satan.  Don't blame circumstances.  Look at yourself and your decision to willfully do what you've done.  You are the sinner. You are guilty. You need grace and you are fully responsible.

5- David prays that God will now use this sin and failure in his life to help others who are struggling with sin and temptation - 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. (Psalm 51:10-13 ESV)

God used this sin in David's life to be a blessing and help to others.  Your failure and your sin can be a point of blessing to others down the road.  God will use you to touch and minister to those going through the same difficulties.

Perhaps this has been a week of failure and of getting off track.  You might still be involved in that which you know is not right.  The good news is that your Savior is waiting with open arms to you today to receive you and restore you you and bring healing to your life.  You are but one step away from the foot of the cross which leads to great peace and freedom in your life.

CHOOSE LIFE!

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. (Deuteronomy 30:15, 16 ESV)

My daughter's family lives with us right now as they are saving up to by a house some day.  When the moved into the house they brought their two cats and their one very very old dog.  He is blind in one eye and almost completely deaf. More than once I thought he had seen his last day and wouldn't be alive when I got home from work.  A few months ago my daughter brought home a puppy that she found along side the road - a girl, and brought her home.  All of a sudden this old dog has come alive and is running and playing with more energy than I've ever see him have.  I guess you might say - he has chosen life!

In this passage - the children of Israel are standing on the border of the land that God has promised to them. They are ready to go in to conquer the land and Moses is telling them the conditions by which they can remain in this good land.

Notice what he tells them - "“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil." These were set before them that they might choose between them.  The same choices are set before us also.God does not force us to live the good life. You can choose to do evil and suffer the consequences of death. I can choose how I want to live - who I want to love and associate with - who I will serve.

Creating man with the capacity of choice would be meaningless if there weren't something to choose.  You can choose life today or you can choose to live in sin and mediocrity.  In actuality - we become the product of our choices.  You really can't blame God for what you have become, you are what your are as a result of the choices you have made.

So, what is the choice of the good life - it is to love The Lord your God with all your heart.  God want you to love Him preeminently - to not have any gods before Him - to love Him first, and foremost.  He wants your love for Him to exceed every other love in your life - that there would be no other love competing for your love.

He wants you to walk in His ways which is in constrast to walking in your own way.  We are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not to our own understanding, to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and we have the promise that He will direct our paths.

As you read through this passage you will notice what the results will be for those who walk in His ways...  The results will be: 1. You will live in the land that God has given you and multiply.  2. The Lord will bless you in the land He is giving you to possess.  3. Life, blessing and prosperity.

The opposite is true also that if we choose the evil path - we are choosing the path that leads to death.  It is the path that allows you turn away from God - refusing to hear from God - to neglect coming to church - and worshipping your own pleasures.  The results are simple - death (both here on earth - a spiritual death and eventually in eternity - an eternal death).

The choice is before you today - Life or death.  As for me - I CHOOSE LIFE!

CONFIDENCE ON THE BATTLEFIELD

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ (Deuteronomy 20:1-4 ESV)

No one likes to go to battle or go onto the battle field - but imagine going into a battle with a confidence that you're not going to lose that battle!  Yet, that is the promise and gurantee that was given by God to Moses - "“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you..."

We all face difficulties and battles in life.  We all have struggles and have to deal with people who just don't like you.  But here's the thing - you can have confidence before you fight any battle because God is with you all the way!

The Israelites hadn't even settled into their homes and yet God was telling them ahead of time that they will have battles but that they weren't to be afraid because God was going to help them.  God promises them that even though the enemy military forces were bigger and more formidable than there own army - they would still be able to take them down because God was on their side.

This was only possible though if they accepted God's conditions - that they would always remember to keep God and first and foremost in their lives.

It's interesting to me that God gives the same word to us that He gave to Moses ...“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5, 6 ESV)

Don't walk in anxiousness or fear - walk in the power and might of The Lord.  Walk in His confidence that you have already won your battle and that God is going to bless you with a great victory over whatever is besetting you.

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF YOU?

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13 ESV)

Have you ever wondered "Just what is it that The Lord wants us to do?  Often we think of God as being vague and unclear but in this passage we find that He is very specific about the mission of our life.

First, He says that we should "fear God." To have "the fear of the Lord" means to stand in awe of Him. Have you lost the sense of awe in your life?  Do you ever just look up into the stars and be reminded of how great our creator is?  Do you look at a newborn baby and think about how wonderful God is?  I think most can say that we are moved at times to think about those things but all too often we forget about who the creator of life really is.

If you have the fear of God in your life it will cause you to depart from evil, cause you to do good, cause you to pursue after peace, help you to not speak deceitfully and help you keep your tongue from speaking evil things.

It's that feeling that you get at that moment that you realize how great God must be, and just how small you are. That feeling is the fear of the Lord.

Look what Solomon says about the fear of the Lord.

• Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge
• Proverbs 1:29 They that hate knowledge, do not choose the fear of the LORD:
• Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way.

Secondly, we are to walk in His ways.

David said, "He leadeth me in the path of righteousness." To walk in the ways of the Lord means to obey His commands.

In the next chapter Moses will tell them:

Deuteronomy 11:22 For if you will diligently keep all these commandments which I command you to do to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; Then you will have victory over all your enemies. 

To walk in His way is in contrast to walking in my own ways.

Thirdly, We are to love and serve the Lord will all your heart and soul. 

How do you measure up to this requirement? Can you truthfully say that you love and serve Him with all your heart?  If we loved and served the Lord with the same fervency that people love and serve the world, we could win the world for Christ in a short time.

So this is what the Lord requires of you. 1. To fear Him. 2. To walk in His ways. 3. To love and serve him with all your heart and soul.

Are you doing what God is desiring of you?  Are you being diligent to obey His commands?  You are but a simple prayer away from getting back on track and doing that which God has called you to do.  You are but one step away to being back at the foot of the cross.  These three things should guide all that you and I do in life - 1- Fear Him, 2- Walk With Him, and 3- Love and serve Him.

SEIZE THE MOMENT

This sermon is from one of our emerging pastors at New Life Chapel - David Traore.  He spoke at a Sunday Night Live Service recently.  It was, in my opinion, one of the best sermons I've heard in a long while.  It was called Seize The Moment.  Here are his notes and if you get a chance - download the sermon from www.newlifechapel.com

And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. (Genesis 18:1-10 ESV)

In this story, Abraham seized the moment. To seize the moment, you need to have the attitude of the moment and the attitude of the moment is the EAR Attitude.

“He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying...” Revelation 3:16

I- Abraham had the EAR (Expectant, Attentive, and Ready) attitude.

• He was Expectant. (He was looking forward to the move of God.)

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, (Romans 4:18-20 ESV)

He was sitting at his door in the heat. The best place from a natural understanding would have been under the tree because it was hot. But he was at the door as if expecting some special visitors. Just like Abraham, we need to expect the move of God wherever we are. Are you expecting the move of God today?

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18 ESV)

His sitting at his door is also an expression of a worshipful attitude. It is about having a servant Spirit and a desire to gladden the heart of the Lord. This is our spiritual worship.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 ESV)

• He was Attentive (He was alert and focused)

All his attention, energy, and passion were devoted to what God was about to do. As Christians, we must not allow any distraction in our moment with God. Not allowing the other voices. James 1:8

He lifted up his eyes. He knew something was about to happen. He discerned the moment. Just like with Abraham, God is still working today and you are at the center of His strategy. Jesus said that he only does what he sees the Father do. To see what God is about to do. You must be close to Him.

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14 ESV)

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 ESV)

• He was Ready (He was prepared to move.)

Abraham did not withhold his best. God is asking us to be ready to do the same. We need to be prepared to do what it takes to carry out the action of the moment regardless of the cost, the inconvenience, and the hindrances.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

Abraham was resolved and persistent. He did not just take a swing at it and give up. We must be resolved to do what the moment requires. We must be found by Him doing His will. Luke 12: 37-40

II- Four areas to seize the moment with the EAR Attitude

• Seizing the moment in witnessing

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

• Seizing the moment in spiritual warfare

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 ESV)

• Seizing the moment in hospitality

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 ESV)

• Seizing the moment for salvation

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, (Hebrews 3:7, 8 ESV)

FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR PEACE

Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God ! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” (Judges 6:22, 23 ESV)

Peace is an interesting word - everyone talks about it but no one can do anything about it.  With ever round of "peace talks" new violence breaks out just as fast.  I find it interesting - if you ever go with me to Israel - one of the phrases that you will hear over and over in greeting one another is "Shalom."  When we greet we say "hello" or "good-bye" but they use the word "Shalom" both to say "hello" and "good-bye."  I thought the word simply meant "peace" which was kind of a paradox to me in a war torn nation but as I began to study out the word I found a wealth of information that helped me to get a better understanding of this simple word "Shalom."

I love the Hebrew word that we call peace, because it has a bounty of meaning that is often lost in the translation. SHALOM means well-being, fullness and plenty, peace of mind, rest in God’s favor. It is a word that almost defies definition. It holds such beauty that English equivalents are powerless to convey its range of blessedness.

If there was one thing the Hebrews of Gideon’s day didn't have, it was peace.  Enemy raiders were everywhere, and the nation was under continual oppression.  When an angel sent from God addressed Gideon as “mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12), Gideon was astonished and poured out his frustration before this strange visitor. When the angel spoke the benediction “Peace be with you,” Gideon was moved to build an altar proclaiming that God was the God of Shalom - the God of "completeness" in every area of his life - physically, spiritually, mentally, etc.

Gideon expressed the only hope for God’s people was the "completeness/ shalom" of God. In their extremity, God was their strength. In their need, He was their sufficiency. In times of persecution and war, He was Jehovah-Shalom. “I will be with you,” was the Lord’s message to Gideon. Victory was assured.

Perhaps peace is eluding right now.  It might be that you are living with anxiousness about what is happening in your life over your family or your job or your personal life.  God is you "shalom" - God is your completeness/ peace.

Notice these two verses that will help us from the New Testament:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

Ask God to be your "shalom" today.  Ask Him to touch every part of your being - in spite of what is going on.  Remember that peace doesn't necessarily mean that there will be the absence of war but it does mean that in the midst of whatever you are going through - you will have peace.  May God be your "shalom" to you right now.  Amen.

BLOWING YOUR OWN TRUMPET

I've played the trumpet for over 50 years.  Granted, I don't play as much as when I was younger but I can still play some "mean licks" if given the opportunity to play.  I started when I was 8 or 9 years old and have had some wonderful experiences of playing it in many venues and in many places around the world.  But I have a pet peeve... one of the annoying things to me is when someone tries to pick up my trumpet and play it - especially without my permission.  I might be off doing something or talking with someone and all of a sudden I will hear the most hideous sound blaring away as someone couldn't resist the temptation to see if they could make music.

In instructing the children of Israel - Moses tells them to make their own trumpet.  They would have to go out and mine the silver and then they would then need to make and shape it into their own trumpet.

Numbers 10:1-3 (ESV) 1  The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2  “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp. 

THREE THINGS TO HELP YOU BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET

1.  Make your own trumpet – v.2  

Numbers 10:2 (ESV) 2  “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp.

These trumpets were long and straight with a flared end.  Since they were to be made of silver – they were different from the Shofar (ram’s horn) often used.

When it comes to ministry for each of us - we need to find and develop the ministry that God has designed for our lives.  When it comes to ministry:

• Don’t buy it
• Mine the silver
• Hammer it out – Hebrew – “to beat it out.”
• Make it personal – for your own self

Our problem – we don’t want to hammer it out ourselves. We don't want to take time to find and discover our own ministry that God has for us.  Granted, there are many trumpets (ministries) around the world.  We need to learn their hammering techniques BUT DON’T BUY THEIR TRUMPETS.

Your trumpet is unique to you. The issue is your identity in Christ.

2.  Hammer your trumpet to your assignment

What has God called you to do?  Are you honing in your skills to that assignment?

Three assignments of the trumpets:

a. Gather the people – v.2

Numbers 10:2 (ESV) 2  “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp.

This was their congregational meeting.  It is their place of ministry with the congregation.

b. Move the camps – v.2

This dealt with direction in their/ our  lives

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV) 21  And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

c.   Call them to war – vv. 3-6

Numbers 10:3-6 (ESV) 3  And when both are blown, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the entrance of the tent of meeting. 4  But if they blow only one, then the chiefs, the heads of the tribes of Israel, shall gather themselves to you. 5  When you blow an alarm, the camps that are on the east side shall set out. 6  And when you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that are on the south side shall set out. An alarm is to be blown whenever they are to set out.

This dealt with warfare.  There are times when each and every one of us will deal with warfare in our lives.

1 Corinthians 12:14 (ESV) 14  For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

Basically… every church/ person has his or her own assignment.  Every person has his/her strengths and it has his/ her weaknesses. It is interesting... this trumpet only played one note.  It needs other instruments to accompany it.  That is its weakness. Its strength is that it is LOUD AND CLEAR.

Your have strengths that others don’t have - but you also have weaknesses.  There are things WE ARE CALLED TO and things that WE ARE NOT CALLED TO. God is always taking our weaknesses and turning them into something.  He enjoys working with our weaknesses.  You might say you are weak today – GOD LOVES WORKING WITH THOSE WEAKNESSES.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) 10  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Our weaknesses keep us on our knees.  It keeps us humble. What assignment has God given to your life?  What is the gift that God wants us to use?  What gifts does God have for us?  Which ones does He want us to use? We need to know our strengths and our weaknesses.

3.  Learn to blow your trumpet clearly.

1 Corinthians 14:8 (ESV) 8  And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?

Once you know what your gift is.  Once we know what your assignment from God is – then blow your trumpet clearly. Hone in on your gift and make it the best gift you possibly can make it.  And then... blow it strong and blow it well.You can have the most wonderful imported trumpets – but if you don’t know how to blow it – it will sound terrible.  Are you ready to be used by God?  If yes - then go out and make your trumpet and learn to use it for the glory of God!

7 THINGS ABOUT THE MERCY OF GOD

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3, 4 NKJV)

I've been thinking lately about God's mercy in my life and in many of your lives.  It is something we don't deserve it but yet God has given it to us any way.

The Mercy Of God Involves Seven Things:

1- Mercy Involves God's PERSON

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 103:8 ESV)

We know that the Lord does show mercy and that the Lord has acts of mercy - but the Bible says that the Lord is mercy.  It involves His person, who He is.

When you come to the Lord, you are not coming to somebody who is sitting with a baseball bat ready to club you for every false move. The Bible teaches that His essential nature and character is mercy. Mercy holds back from us what we really deserve. While grace gives us what we do not deserve. How wonderful it is to know that it involves His person. That is what His character is like. There is never a moment when you come to the Lord that He stops being merciful.

2- Mercy Involves God's PROVISION

It is mercy that makes all His benefits possible.

Psalm 103:2 says, "Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits."

Look at the following verses and see the list of benefits that come from our merciful God...

Psalm 103:3 "Who forgives, who heals." 

Psalm 103:4 "Who redeems, who crowns."

Psalm 103:5 "Who satisfies." 

It is just one verb after another telling you about the benefits of our Lord. It is God who is merciful, who provides healing, forgiveness, redemption, crowns us, and satisfies us. God does it all because He is a merciful God.

3- Mercy Involves The PATIENCE Of God

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. (Psalm 103:8, 9 ESV)

"Slow to anger" is the patience of God.

Oftentimes... in the New Testament, when you read "patient," sometimes it is translated "longsuffering," depending upon the English translation.  It means taking a long time to boil. Slow to anger. Aren't you glad God does not fly off the handle?

4 - Mercy Involves God's PUNISHMENT

When God does punish us for our sins, you must understand that it is done in mercy. If God would punish you according to what you really deserve, you would be in big trouble!

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:10 ESV)

5- Mercy Involves God's PARDON

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. (Psalm 103:11, 12 ESV)

Praise God - Our sins are erased and washed away!

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8, 9 ESV)

6- Mercy Involves God's PITY

Or... should we say compassion.

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. (Psalm 103:13, 14 ESV)

God knows that we are but human and has a pity over us.  He is compassionate to your needs and addictions - to your hurts and habits.

7- Mercy Involves God's PLAN

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. (Psalm 103:15-19 ESV)

What a reminder of the plan of God. That man is like a flower of the field. He is passing away. His place is remembered no more. What significance is he in the overall plan of God? The answer comes through loud and clear. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.

His plan for you  is eternal.

Psalm 105 says, "The Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting." 

Psalm 138:8 says, "Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever."

It is a faithful plan. It is also a sovereign plan.  The plan of God, which is saturated with His mercy, is eternal, faithful and sovereign in all that it does and it is all backed up and strengthened by His wonderful mercy and compassion.

DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT AND FAILURE

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 ESV)

Moses had just led the children of Israel out of Egypt and were about to enter into the promised land when an obstacle rose against them. According to a few people - the giants of the land were to big for them to defeat.

This prayer (Psalm 90) was penned by Moses as Israel just received their sentence to 40 years in the wilderness because of their failure and unbelief. Probably Moses penned this prayer to be daily used, either by the people in their tents, or, at lest, by the priests in the tabernacle-service, during their tedious fatigue in the wilderness. 

Psalm 90 highlights...

1. Moses comforts himself and his people with the eternity of God in the midst of their failure - (v. 1, 2). 

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1, 2 ESV)

When facing disappointment in life we must also look to God who understands and sees the big picture of life.

2. Moses reminds the people of how frail they really are (v. 3-6). 

You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. (Psalm 90:3-6 ESV)

What a huge reminder to us - that we haven't arrived yet.  We still make mistakes and we still need to depend on God every day.

3. He submits himself and his people to the righteous sentence of God passed upon them (v. 7-11). 

For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? (Psalm 90:7-11 ESV)

We reap what we sow.  The consequences of sin are always high.  We must always consider how our sin will affect our lives and those around us.

4.  He commits himself and his people to God by prayer for divine mercy and grace, and the return of God's favor (v. 12-17). 

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord ! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:12-17 ESV)

In the midst of failure and mistakes - we can come to God for forgiveness and mercy and grace.  Always.  I'm always glad that God allows u-turns and always is but a prayer away.

Notice the prayer for "favor" in v.12.  This is the Hebrew No'Am - meaning "kindness, pleasantness, delightfulness, beauty, favor, delightfulness.

What was once harsh and disappointing will now be turned into "pleasantness, beauty, and favor."

This is a complete turnabout in regard to ciurcumstances.  Where once there was disappointment and failure - we now have God bringing "favor and blessing" upon the work of our hands.  It will be effortless.  It will be joyful.  What once went "against" you now comes "toward" you with great abundance and blessing.  God's favor is coming your way!