BATTLE READY

These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses. (‭Judges‬ ‭3‬:‭1-4‬ NIV)

One of the greatest fears of military commanders is when everything is going well and complaceny sets into the troops.  When there is "no cause" for battle - the desire to train and remain sharp and effective seems to diminish.  It's only when we are actively engaged with the enemy do we hone in on our skills and abilities.

A number of years ago President Carter sent in some special troops to Iran to free some hostages that had been imprisoned.  At the time, the United States was not actively in any war with any nation and our men were not fully equipped for the mission - neither was their equippment.  Even though there was a measure of success - there was also much failure through glitches and problems with helicopters and weaponry.

In God's wisdom, as The Children Of Isreal began to claim the land that was promised them, we find this interesting passage of scripture.  The basic premise is this: To keep Israel sharp and battle ready - God would leave some enemy in the land in order to keep them trained and ready at all times.

It is the same with us.  God could come in and wipe out all of your problems and make your life care free - but He doesn't.  He leaves those problems (and yes, those people) in your life in order to keep you on your knees and in prayer.  In other words, He wants to keep you battle ready.

This passage tells us that God left certain groups of people "to test" them. Wow! That gives a whole new perspective on my problems and the people I'm dealing with. They might not know it but God is using them to make me stronger and more powerful in kingdom life.

As a parent, I want to protect my children and grandchildren.  I don't want them to go through some of the things that I've gone through.  But the reality is this - if they don't go through their own battles and their own problems - how will they ever get strong in the ways of the Lord?

We can't make everything easy for our kids or they will never know what it is really like to live in the real world.

The only way that Eagles learn to fly is to be pushed out of the nest.  They only way that you will grow as a Christian is that you will go through some trial with something or with someone.  

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭6-7‬ NLT)

No matter what you are going through - God is greater than every trial or difficulty.  Yes, it might be a trial that you've created, but it also might be a battle that God has created in order to make you stronger in the ways of the Lord.  Trust Him to bring you through like gold.

INCOMPLETE VICTORIES

And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites,... Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron [and several cities]. Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, or Zidon (Jdg 1:28-31),

This is a story of an incomplete victory. God had commanded them..."When you come into the land, you're to utterly drive out the inhabitants thereof. You're not to make any covenant of peace with them. You're not to dwell together and try to coexist with them in peaceful terms."

It is also the story of many of our lives.  We get a little taste of freedom or we experience some minor victories and then we give up and fail to push through for total victory.  

I know for myself (and I probably speak for many of you) - that has been the case many times over.  Our lives would all be so different had we just made the extra effort to do what God has laid out before us and not give in.

We must not "stop" or "give in" ever.  We cannot make peace treaties with "sin" (the different cities) rather than to eradicate them as God commanded them to do.

I see so many Christians start off well only to cave in when things get a little difficulty.

Mickey Rooney once said - "You always pass failure on your way to success." That is so true.  There will be failure along the way but don't give up.

Until we understand and fully surrender to Christ - we cannot or will not be able to secure a full victory.

In one of his meetings, D.L. Moody was explaining to his audience the truth that we cannot bring about spiritual changes in our lives by our own strength. He demonstrated the principal like this: “Tell me,” he said to his audience, “how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?” One man said, “Suck it out with a pump.” But Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter it.” Finally after many suggestions, he picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing Christ to take full possession.

The only way that we are going to experience "full" and "complete" victories is to empty ourselves of ourselves and then to allow Christ to fill us up with Him.  Without Him I have failed and will continue to fail.

I like what Hebrews 12:1-3 says...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1-3‬ NIV)

We must "press on" with "endurance" in this race that is before us.

I'm always amazed at the endurance athletes go through to win a race.  I once read a story about American Gail Devers won the 100-meter dash by only 6/100 of a second over her four top competitors in 1992.

The back story is this: Gail suffers from Grave’s disease. Just one year before she won the Olympic gold, Gail came within two days of having both feet amputated. After surviving that scare, she began to train and push herself toward her goal. Her determination and persistence won the day. Who would have thought the fastest woman in the world was the same woman who almost lost her feet.

She did not give up or give in - she pressed through for the complete victory.  

It the same for you and I - that we must "endure to the end" and allow Christ to fill us us with Him that our strength is not in ourselves but totally dependent on Him who died for each of us.  Press in for your victory is just around the corner!

OVERCOMING FEAR

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”  

And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (‭Joshua‬ ‭10‬:‭8, 25‬ ESV)

One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can’t dear. I have to sleep in Daddy’s room." A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, "The big sissy!"

Have you ever been afraid?  I know I have.  This could come in a low grade fear of meeting someone new or having to go somewhere out of your comfort zone to some terrifying fear that you are experiencing in your life because of some haunting experience.

The Gibeonites had summoned Joshua and the children of Israel to come and fight for them in battle. God encourages Joshua - "not fear them" and then Joshua encourages his troops to "not be afraid or dismayed."

It's one thing to hear "don't be afraid" and its another to believe "don't be afraid.  It's the living out of that promise that makes all the difference in the world.

If we are all honest at this point - we will all admit that we deal with some fear in our lives.  It could be fear of the dark, fear of heights, fear of people, fear of germs, fear of tight places, fear of making a decision, etc.  The list could go on and on.

I know for my part that I've always struggled with the fear of people and what they think.  Even though I've come a long way in this regard - my old nature still pops up every once in a while reinforcing the fact that I'm still human and have not yet arrived in heaven.

Psalm 37 helps us to understand a little about dealing with your fears...

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! (‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭1-7‬ ESV)

Look at the phrases in this passage that help us overcome fear...

- Fret not

- Be not envious

- Trust in the Lord

- Do good

- Dwell in the land

- Befriend faithfulness

- Delight yourself in the Lord

- Commit your way to the Lord

- Be still

These are all but a simple reminder that we must get up everyday, go about our business, put it in the hands of the Lord, and wait for Him to come through.  It's plodding along, doing the right things and trusting God to come through - even when you don't see His hand working on your behalf.

When fears attack, I often feel quite alone. No one could possibly understand how powerful the fears I face can be. It doesn’t make sense, but it is real to me. I can become embarrassed by my fears and that can lead to even more fear in my life, like a fear of rejection.

Fear is a powerful enemy, so we need a powerful ally to overcome them. The good news is that there is someone who can help you overcome your fear. His name is Jesus Christ, God’s Son. He came into the world to free us from the things that hurt us. He came to deliver those who are held captive, even when the prison is made of fears.

Jesus understands our fears. He provided a solution, His friendship. When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, He agrees to guide us through life. He offers us a Comforter, the Holy Spirit and, He helps us to overcome fear by allowing us to experience His perfect love.

“He helps us to overcome fear...” Have you found that you feel alone when you are fearful?

Jesus promises never to leave you or forsake you. 1 John 4:18 says: “No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn't have perfect love.” (God’s Word Translation)

Because Jesus loves us, we can defeat the fears in our lives We can overcome the feelings of “No one will understand” with a sense of His love. Jesus promises that He will stick closer to us than a brother. Your fears are very real to you but they do not need to control your life. You can take back that control by allowing Jesus Christ to help you.

It begins with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Jesus, Please forgive me for the wrong things I have done. I ask You to change me and make me whole. I need Your help to overcome fear’s hold on my life. Let Your perfect love cast out my fears! I choose to live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

A BATTLE YOU CAN'T WIN

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)

One of the most fascinating places in Israel is the area of Jericho (perhaps the oldest civilization on earth).  This is the first city that the Children of Israel would have encountered after passing over the Jordan River.

This city lies between the Jordan River and the Judean Mountains.  It was insurmountable by all human terms and it was the fortress by which they must take down before proceeding further into the land.

It was a battle that they could not win.

Have you ever been in a place where you just couldn't seem to get ahead? You know... those times when it seems that you take one step forward and 2 steps back.

Maybe you have made one of these statements:
...I just can't win!
...I am fighting a losing battle!
...It is a lost cause!

I have some good news and some bad news concerning the spiritual battle that you may be fighting today: The bad news - "You" can't win the battle! The good news- Jesus has already won the war! If you are born again, you have access to a warrior who HAS NOT and CANNOT be defeated!

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.You can have victory... but it will ONLY come through JESUS CHRIST!

In this life we will face great challenges and there are times when it seems that victory is not possible. And sometimes the reason for that is that we are trying to fight the battle alone. Maybe you have been fighting so hard for so long that you just can't go on any more. In order for you to move toward victory you must fix your eyes upon Jesus!

That is what happened in the life of Joshua, Here in Joshua chapter 5, Israel was about to go to battle in the city of Jericho. Before the battle begins Joshua goes to inspect the area. It was at that moment that Joshua had a divine encounter. There on the battlefield he encountered the true leader of Israel. Joshua came face to face with a pre-incarnate Jesus Christ. This was a humbling experience for Joshua. But it was an encounter that prepared him for victory!

Perhaps you are looking at your situation right now and can only see the odds against you and the fact that you will never win.  But take a step back and notice who is also standing with you.  Look at that fact that Christ is standing with you and He has already won the battle.  The odds are now in your favor.

It is true that I can't win in my own human strength but I can win with Christ by my side.

Whether you realize it or not you are in a similar position to Joshua.
- You have been called by God

- You have been chosen by God 
- You have been commissioned by God

If you are saved you have been enlisted into God's army. There are battles that must be fought! These battles may be long These battles may be intense but like Joshua you have a promise from your Lord - Hebrews 13:5 ...He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Without Christ you will never defeat Satan. Satan is much more powerful than you! When you go into battle it must be with the same mindset that young David had when he fought Goliath. 

Remember what he said when he confronted the enemy? - 1 Samuel 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

If you want to find victory in your life you must realize that "YOU CAN'T...BUT HE CAN!!"

    - Some of you are fighting battles with your health and ... YOU CAN'T WIN!!
    - Some of you are fighting battles in your marriage and ... YOU CAN'T WIN!!
    - Some of you are fighting battles concerning your finances and ... YOU CAN'T WIN!!
    - Some of you are fighting battles concerning your job and ... YOU CAN'T WIN!!
    - Some of you are fighting battles within your family and... YOU CAN'T WIN!!
    - Some of you are fighting battles in your spiritual life and... YOU CAN'T WIN!!

You have been fighting for so long and you have made zero progress. You are depressed, discouraged and defeated. You don't feel that you can go any farther.You don't feel like you can fight another day! You must do what Joshua did... take off your shoe (spiritually speaking) surrender to the Lord and say I CAN'T BUT YOU CAN!!!

4 THINGS GOD GIVES OVERWHELMED PEOPLE

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. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. (‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭5-7‬ ESV)

As the children of Israel proceeded to pass from the wilderness (of which they spent 40 years) into the Promised Land - God wanted to assure them that just as He was with Moses, He would be with them also.

Twice He tells them to "BE STRONG."  Why would God say that unless of course they felt weak and inadequate?  Yet, it's amazing how God used Moses and Joshua  in spite of the feelings of pressure and stress that He felt.  God really both of them greatly!

But in reality, isn't that they way you and I feel on a day by day basis?  I know I do.

I have often struggled with a sense that I have a lot of shortcomings.  I often lack confidence and feel that I'm over my head. At times I feel like Moses who declared that the burdens of leading so many people were overwhelming.

Do you ever feel that way - overwhelmed?  Do you feel like life is difficult and hard and stressful?  I think all of us identify with those types of feelings.

FOUR THINGS GOD SUPPLIES TO OVERWHELMED PEOPLE

The story of God calling Moses in Exodus 3 and 4 give us a picture of an overwhelmed leader.

When God called Moses to deliver his people from Egypt, it is helpful to put yourself in Moses’ sandals.  He grew up in the house of Pharaoh and fled as a wanted fugitive after killing an Egyptian.  And now God speaks through a burning bush telling him to go back and do the impossible.

Moses questioned God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:7-11 ESV)

God in his infinite mercy supplies four things to Moses that apply to all of us today.

1. His presence.

He said, “But I will be with you…” Exodus 3:12

This is a promise to all of us - God is with you as you go about your day  by day tasks.  He promises to never leave us of forsake us.

2. His Power.

“But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.”Exodus 3:19-20

What were the chances of Moses waltzing into Egypt and freeing the Hebrew people on his own? Let’s face it. They were zero. There was no chance.

But this was not about Moses’ power but about God’s.  God basically said to Moses, “You provide the obedience Moses. I’ll provide the power.”

What power do you and I have to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, change a human heart, or make someone grow spiritually? None.

In fact, Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). He means apart from Jesus you can do nothing of spiritual significance. Why? Because only God has the power to make a spiritual difference in the lives of people.

Here’s the challenge for us: In Moses’ situation it was so obvious that Moses couldn’t accomplish the challenge on his own. He knew he had to rely on the power of the Lord.

For us, we sometimes think we can life on our own. That’s a trap. We need to rely on the power of God to have the strength to do life.  

Here’s how we can tell if we are depending on His power. How much are we praying? Prayer indicates our dependence on the Lord. Prayer demonstrates that we know we don’t have the power. That we know we are relying on God’s power.

3. His Providence.

But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Exodus 4:10-12

Moses is immobilized by his own inadequacies. He says, “I don’t have the verbal skills to do this. I’m slow of speech. I’m not a good public speaker!”

And God says, “Moses, trust my providence.” God’s providence is how He orders the circumstances of this world to make sure His will is accomplished.

God says, “Look Moses… who controls these things?  And I have made sure that you have what you need to accomplish what I called you to do."

Do you believe that? Do you believe that God was in control of the abilities, the education, the background, the intelligence, the physical characteristics that you have? Do you believe God has given you what you need to accomplish the task He has put before you?

Even with all God has given us, we still have weaknesses.  The words of Jesus to Paul are a comfort: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Trust that He has even given you the weaknesses you have so you will depend on Him.

4. His Partners

But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. Exodus 4:13-15

Moses is complaining about his lack of speaking ability. And God says I’ll give you a partner to fill in where you are weak.  That’s God’s way throughout the scriptures. That is why he calls the church the body of Christ. We all need one another. 

We each have a role to play. We each have a unique contribution to make. You need people around you who can fill in where you are weak. And you can do the same for them.

In the midst of this passage that shows us the mercy of God, we also see God’s anger triggered by Moses saying “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13).

God puts up with our fears and insecurities. But He does not accept our disobedience.

“Send someone else” is not an acceptable answer to the Lord. He won’t take no for an answer.

If God calls you to do something, He won’t accept no for an answer. “Send someone else” will not fly with God.

And here is the encouraging part. You can do it because of the four things God has promised you.  God has given you great responsibility in life. Fortunately He has given you equally great resources and promises to empower you to fulfill that responsibility as well.

THE CONSTRAINT OF KINGS

(‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭17‬:‭14-20‬ NKJV) “When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.

As the Children Of Israel were coming into their Promised Land God told them specifically to NOT do 3 things: (These are not found in the 10 Commandments)

1. Don't multiply horses - v.16

2. Don't multiply silver and gold - v.17

3. Don't multiply wives - v.17

Plus – the Kings were to write out the book of the law (Genesis – Deuteronomy) by hand – v.18.

We all want to revel in the privileges of being a king.  But in being a king we must also walk responsibly.

Solomon was one of the greatest kings to ever reign.  However, he violated every one of the prohibitions.

1. He Multiplied Horses

Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. (‭I Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭26‬ NKJV)

And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem. (‭I Kings‬ ‭10‬:‭26‬ NKJV)

Now a chariot that was imported from Egypt cost six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse one hundred and fifty; and thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria. (‭I Kings‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬ NKJV)

2. He Multiplied Gold

And King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. (‭I Kings‬ ‭10‬:‭14, 16-18‬ NKJV)

The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar trees as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. (‭I Kings‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ NKJV)

3.  He Multiplied Wives

1 Kings 11:3 (NIV) 11:3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.

EVERYTHING HE DID – HE DID TO EXCESS.

Result:

Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. (‭I Kings‬ ‭11‬:‭11‬ NKJV)

Keep in mind that the prohibitions weren’t for everyone – just kings.  We’re not told to have horses, but there are some symbolisms that we need to heed to.

How Does This Apply To Us:

1.  Horses Represented PRIDE

They were used for sport, war, transportation, etc.  

Are there horses of pride in our lives?  Our positions?  Our titles?  Pride is a hindrance to anyone who wants to serve in God’s kingdom.

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭18-19‬ NKJV)

2.  Silver And Gold Represented WEALTH And POWER.

Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭6‬ NKJV)

How many know that money can get you in trouble?

3. He Multiplied Wives.

Wives represents the LUSTS we entertain in our lives.   Notice… not only did he have many wives but also that he “loved” them.

But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— (‭I Kings‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ NKJV)

It wasn’t the horses or wealth that turned Solomon’s heart against God but the “affection” towards his wives. The 1000 wives and concubines fragmented his heart.  

Solomon loved too many things in his live. The issue is not horses, gold, or wives – but the issue is our HEART.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭26-27‬ NKJV)

For as long as mankind has existed on the earth - there have been and there will be temptations that will abound.  The temptations of pride and wealth and power will come knocking at the door of your heart every day.

The Lord may be asking each of us to put on disciplines in our lives that he doesn’t ask others because there are constraints for kings not required for the normal man.  Just because others are doing something does not give me permission to do the same.  

I am a child of the king and there are certain things that are not allowed in my life.  There is a standard of holiness that we must rise up and attain in our lives on a day by day basis.  When we do - the rewards are phenomenal.  His blessings are eternal.

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. (‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭3-5‬ NKJV)

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭4-9‬ NKJV)

There is an old saying that says, "The leader's job is to keep the main thing, the main thing." Moses attempts to do this in Deuteronomy 6 by reminding them that their existence  revolves around loving God and family.

In our daily reading this morning we read more of the instructions of God upon the people of Israel on how they are to live in the Promised land.  In this passage he sets out their priorities in life and how to transfer them to our children.

Reggie Joiner notes the principles Moses develops:

1. Relationship comes before rules (v.5)

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ NKJV)

2. Truth must be in you before it can be in them (v.6)

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬ NKJV)

3. Each day offers natural opportunities for teaching (v.7)

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬ NKJV)

    - When you sit at home: meal time

    - When you walk along the road: drive time

    - When you lie down: bedtime

    - When you get up: get ready time

4. Repetition is the teacher's best friend (vv.8-9)

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭8-9‬ NKJV)

In discovering what is most important in life - we should all make use of all the the opportunities given to us.  We should ask God to help prioritize our lives and "seize the day" for what opportunities it brings.  

At the end of my life - I might have been successful in my job, but was I successful in regards to leading my wife and kids and grandkids.  Did I lay an example that they might emulate and follow?

As I read this passage again and again I am reminded of that which is most important - living a life fully to God that can be transferred to my family and to those around me.

HOW DOES GOD SPEAK TO YOU?

So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the Lord and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah. And you returned and wept before the Lord, but the Lord did not listen to your voice or give ear to you. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭43-45‬ ESV)

How does God speak to you?  Does He speak to you through His Word or at church?  Perhaps He speaks to your through circumstances or even through other people.  For some of you it might be through impressions and thoughts.

Here's a fact: God speaks to all of us but the problem lies in whether we are listening or not.  Often, after ignoring the voice of God in our lives, we eventually come to Him and cry out - only to find that that He is not listening because of our rebellion.

As a child, one of my most vivid memories is of a time when we didn't have much in the way of food.  In fact, we had none.  I remember my mom praying and saying that God spoke to her about what to do.  By this time, I was hungry so I was all ears about what we were going to do next.  My mom went into the kitchen and gathered all the dishes and silverware and set the table.  When she was finished she then called us all to dinner.  You can imagine the look on all our faces as we all sat around the table.  My father had us join hands as we thanked God for the food we were about to eat.  (I think I prayed with one eye opened).

What we didn't know was this - there was a lady who had just bought a bunch of groceries and was on her way home and God spoke to her about giving them to our family.  (I'm so thankful that she was listening to God.)  Without hesitation she drove to our house and knocked on the door - which was just as we finished praying and thanking God for our food.

As my mom opened the door, she said, "Can I come in and see your cupboards?"  My mom told her that it was ok.  As she opened all our cupboards and saw that there was no food, she said "I'm so glad I heard from God.  He told me to bring some groceries over to you right now."

You can imagine the level of faith that rose within our family at that time.

I can tell you story after story of God's faithfulness and how God brought blessing upon blessing into our lives because either we listened to God or because someone else listened to Him.

It is true - God is speaking all the time but are we listening?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ESV)

I used to be a Ham Radio operator.  It always amazed me of all the radio frequencies that were in the air at the same time.  All it took was for me to dial the right frequency which enabled me to hear what that channel was projecting.

God's voice is one of many voices that is coming your way right now?  He is speaking to you whether you want Him to or not.  He is waiting for you to tune dial His frequency in and He's waiting to give you instructions about your day and about your life.

God spoke to Samuel but he had a difficult time recognizing His voice.  Finally, after 3 different times, God spoke and Samuel listened.

And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” (‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ESV)

This should be the prayer of each of us today - "Speak, for your servant hears."  Are you listening to Him right now?

PASSING THE BATON

And the LORD said to Moses: “Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight. (‭Numbers‬ ‭27‬:‭18-19‬ NKJV)

One of the most difficult decision for any leader is how and when to pass off the baton of authority and leadership to the next generation.  There is a fine line of knowing when it your time to step away and what is the right timing for those being raised up for that position.

This could be in regards to business or in church or even in family situations.

Moses and Joshua become a study for this very thing.  God spoke to Moses and told him to inaugurate Joshua for leadership because the Spirit was upon him.

Because of Moses' sin against God - he would not be allowed to cross over into the Promise Land.  

Moses did not want the work of leading the Children of Israel to the promised land to die so he prayed that God would bring someone to pick up the leadership mantle that they would not be like sheep without a shepherd.

God, in answer to his prayer, appoints him a successor, Joshua, who had long already proven himself by his 1) courage in fighting Amalek, 2) his humility in ministering to Moses, 3) and his faith and sincerity in witnessing against the report of the evil spies..

Look at the qualities of Joshua's life that God pitches to Moses:

1.)  Joshua was a man in whom is the Spirit of grace abode.  He feared God and hated covetousness.  He was a man of principle.

2.) Joshua had the spirit of government.  He  had organizational skills.  He was fit to do the work of leading and had the trust of the people.

3.) Joshua had a spirit good conduct and courage.

4.) Joshua had the gift of prophecy, for the Lord often spoke to him - Joshua 4:1, 6:2 and 7:10

God now tells Moses how pass the baton - how to inaugurate him.  This is the most delicate part of any race.  The passing of the baton in a relay race is where races are lost and where races are won.  Notice how God instructs Moses to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua.

1.) He was to ordain him - to lay hands on him - v.18.

Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭34‬:‭9‬ NKJV)

This is the same thing that was done in the New Testament as the apostles appointed new leaders and pastors.

2.) He must present Joshua to Eleazar and the people, set him before them, that they might know him to be designed of God for this great trust and consent to that designation.

3.) He must give Joshua a charge - a command, v. 19. The people were to know that he was the leader but that ultimately he was still under God's command and authority.

4.) He must put some of his authority on Joshua, v. 20.

And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. (‭Numbers‬ ‭27‬:‭20‬ NKJV)

Some translations speak of giving him honor.  To this point, Joshua had some authority and some honor but needed this release in his life in order to fulfill his mission.

People were used to following Moses.  Now they would be following Joshua.

5.)  He was to appoint Eleazar the high priest - to be his private council.

He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the LORD for him by the judgment of the Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the children of Israel with him—all the congregation.” (‭Numbers‬ ‭27‬:‭21‬ NKJV)

Though he was full of the Spirit, and had authority and honor bestowed upon him - he was to do nothing without asking the council of God.  He was to not lean to his own understanding.  To govern and lead Israel was going to be a difficult task but God promises to be near to him always if Joshua always consulted with Him.

I was given the opportunity and blessing of succeeding my father and mother in ministry. I was groomed up and taught the ways of leading and ministering.  Slowly things were released to me and eventually I followed in their footsteps in becoming the lead pastor for Trinity Christian Center in Artesia, Calif.

I will never forget sitting on the front row where my father had previously sat and the weight of ministry that I felt pressing on my shoulders.  I was afraid and I was excited.  I had been prepared and I was ready to go.

Someday I will need to do the same with the ministry that is now entrusted with me.  I want to take the example of Moses and Joshua and the example of how my father did it to me and hopefully, prayerfully I will not drop the baton.

(If you are wondering... I'm not at that place right now as I still feel that I have many more years of ministry ahead of me - but I pray that I would not "fail" in this area of my life when that time comes.)