10.31.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 8:48 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 21 Theme: God’s promises were completely fulfilled and utterly good toward Israel. Key verses: “Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua…and the heads…and said to them, ‘The Lord commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock.’ So, as the Lord had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites…out of their own inheritance.” (v. 1-3) “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them: the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (v. 43-45) What God said to me: I have always kept my Word. I have never turned on a promise. Furthermore, Dwayne, take note that all of my promises were kept. I haven’t just made a few along the way. I’ve divied out numerous and amazing promises freely and graciously. My promises are good toward my children. I never wish harm on you, but rather, peace and joy and fulfillment and provision. I fight your enemies. I hand them over to you. Promises I made hundreds and thousands of years ago, I still remember and am still fulfilling in this day with my little ones. Take special note, Dwayne, that the Levites got everything promised them as well. As my called-out servant, you will fare no differently - as long as you continue to serve me and surrender your will to me. What I said to God: Thank you, my precious Provider, Counselor and Guide. I love and adore You this morning. I choose to worship You with my life today and everyday. I realize those are just empty words if I don’t get up from here and live it throughout this day. Please grant me strength through Your Spirit working in me to live boldly, confidently, humbly and consistently for and in You today. I praise You, my Promise-keeper. May I in turn be a promise-keeper to You and to my family.
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10.30.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 9:00 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 20 Theme: God provided cities of refuge for manslaughters. Key verses: “Then the Lord said to Joshua: Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood. When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city. Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them.” (v. 1-4) “Any of the Israelites or any alien living among them who killed someone accidentally could flee to these designated ciities and not be killed by the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.” (v. 9) What God said to me: Dwayne, there is much symbolism and application for modern-day sinners here. There is still a place to run and hide when you do wrong. The world is out to condemn you for failure, even when your actions were unintentional or careless. Back then in the promised land, literal physical cities were designated to protect from physical harm. I still grant physical protection through my power and my Holy Spirit. But the place you and others who sin must run is into my arms and spiritual sanctuary. Consider these specifics around this report in this chapter: There were certain cities that were designated. Not just any place would do. The same is true today. Not just any sanctuary provides true protection, only me. The manslaughters had to chose to come and then make their way to the cities of refuge. Same today: You must choose to run into my arms and then pick up your spiritual feet and move in my direction. I am waiting but will not force you. Even aliens were welcome in the cities of refuge. Same now: You don’t to have certain creditials of citizenship and heritage to come to me. He who comes to me I will in no wise cast out - whether they be my children or lost, they are welcome to come and find refuge for their souls. I will adopt them, give them abundant life and forgive them of all their trespases - both unintentional as well as deliberate. Finally, notice that a trial still awaited for each of these people. Just because they were inside the refuge walls did not mean they would not face their actions and possible retribution. I will forgive any sin and protect your soul from the ultimate and evil avenger Satan. However, sin often brings with it physical, on this earth, consequences and scars. If you deserve punishment through your deliberate breaking of laws - be them man-made or spiritual laws - then judgement will befall you. That judgement and punishment will only be in this lifetime however and through the hands of other men. You are forgiven in my sight and will dwell forever in my greatest of all city of refuge, heaven itself. What I said to God: Thank You, Father, for helping me wake up enough this morning to concentrate and listen to hear Your still, small voice. Thank You for this powerful Word today. I praise You that my sins are gone and that You remember them no more. I accept that some sins will inevitably and rightfully carry with them physical consequences. If I offend or harm another person, I should expect retribution and punishment. Nonetheless, I know I can run into Your sanctuary for the greatest kind of refuge, for if God is for us, ultimately who can be against us?
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10.29.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 9:37 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 19:49-51 Theme: Joshua received a unique inheritance of land that was reserved just for him. Key verses: “When they had finished dividing the land into its alloted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for…And he built up the town and settled there. What God said to me: Dwayne, my child and my servant, I have appointed and anointed you to lead my people. I have placed great responsibilities on you - as I have on many other of my children who encourage, lead, and shepherd my flock. Take note in the book of Joshua that Joshua himself never spoke up and demanded that I or the Israelites give him any of the land. It is not written that Joshua expected anything in return for his service and leadership and heroic deeds. He was humble and patient and trusting. However, when given the opportunity Joshua asked for a certain little town for him and his family. It was my special provision for him. He didn’t have to scheme his way and manipulate to get this particular land. All he needed to do was ask and I gladly provided it for him. That is the reward for faithfulness, Dwayne. That is my provision for the man and woman of God who places their entire trust in me and abandons their own wants and dreams. Joshua was completely saturated in doing my will. He wasn’t concerned for himself for he knew I would always take care of him and his family. You can trust me like that too. I will never leave you or forsake you. I will always meet your every financial need. I will always give you your daily bread. And when your life is spent and you face the last days on this earth, I will still be providing for you and your loved ones far beyond anything you can think or imagine. Just stay the course and feed my sheep. What I said to God: Praise You, Lord. All majesty and grandeur and glory go to You and You alone. I thank You for speaking into my present situation this morning. You know we are struggling some financially. More truthfully, You know we would like to see into next week and next month as to how we will meet our bills and provide for our family. But You clearly want us to focus on You and serving and loving You and those You died for. Today, our only real concern is whether we are surrendered to You and willing to trust You implicitly to meet our every need. Lord, I know Your Word is true. I know You hold the Words of life. Where could I go but to the Lord? We will stay the course! I pray for my wife to have peace and assurance of the same today. I love You and adore You. Grant me an opportunity to share Your love with someone lost today.
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10.25.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 10:29 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 18:2 - 19:20 Theme: Our part is to survey and seek; God’s part is to solidify Key verses: “So Joshua said to the Israelites: ‘How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? Appoint 3 men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land…Then they will return to me.” (v. 3-4) “So the men left and went through the land. They wrote its description on a scroll…and returned to Joshua…Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the Lord, and there he distributed the land of the Israelites according to their tribal divisions. The lot came up for the tribe of Benjamin…Their alloted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph…” (v. 9-11) What God said to me: Dwayne, first of all, do not think I am ok with how you conducted yourself last night. I know the evil schemes of your heart. You must keep your eyes and mind fixed on me and not on this world. You know the boundaries I have laid in your life. Do not even once cross them. Yet, that is what you did yesterday. You crossed a line. Yes, I forgave you before you even went there. You are whole in my site today because of my Son. However, I am determined you will be conformed into His image. I know how to spank my children if needed… Now concerning this passage, the truth here is a continuation of the boundaries idea from the other day. I expect you to survey every corner and area of opportunity you find. I expect you to seek out all you can discover about potential blessings and areas of ministry around you. Ask, seek, knock - first and foremost to me vertically, but then also toward others horizontally. Nonetheless, don’t forget to leave the results in my hands. Remember, the whole lot is up to me. I determine your goings in and comings out. You can and need to plan your way, but I am the Lord who determines your steps. Those Israelite scouts no doubt had their eye set on certain land more than on other portions. But the final choice for them was mine. (By the way, that’s a good thing since I’m a good God and know exactly what is best for you and want more than anything for you to have it!) What I said to God: Ok, so I get it. Here is my God holding out His hand to offer me the very best of the land, the very best of blessings simply because He loves me. So why would I get all bent out of shape when things don’t work out like I had hoped? Did I pray? Did I seek and knock fervantly and persistently and humbly? Am I walking with my God? Throwing the die and waiting on God to turn the pieces according to His will - now that’s a “gamble” I am willing to take! Thank You, holy and awesome and powerful Maker and Master. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You if only for a few moments. I will serve You and You alone today.
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10.24.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 10:01 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 18:1 Theme: God delivered on his promise to give the Israelites the promised land. Key verse: “The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. The country was brought under their control.” (v. 1) What God said to me: Dwayne, I always come through. My will and plan will not be thwarted. This single verse is so short that it is easy to run on past it and miss the awesome report it gives. There was a time years before this tiny verse that my people were slaves in a foreign land. There was a time just a few years before this when my people wandered in a desert wondering if they would ever see the “promised land” (which, in fact, that particular generation did not get to see because of their sinfulness.) There was a time some months before this when my people faced a huge rushing river that threatened their entry into their new land. There was a time only weeks earlier when my people were still fighting wicked kings and powerful enemies. Yet, now we come to this little verse that says so succinctly: “The land was brought under their control.” Dwayne, that is the miracle only I could bring to these, my precious people. You are living in your promised land. You have daily peace and joy. You are filled with my Spirit. Yet, there are still areas or inheritance that have not been brought under your control. You have not yet realized and experienced all that I have for you and your family and your ministry. Hold on. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Have faith in me. Stay faithful and humble. The day is coming when you will gather your family and friends and celebrate the awesome blessings I have given to you. You will, in essence, build a meeting and rallying place where future generations can come and discover afresh my greatness and my faithfulness to my promises. What I said to God: Holy Lord, Yahweh, my Redeemer, I love and adore You. I lay my life before You. Thank you for being a promise-keeping God. You are both able and loving enough to come through on every promise You make to Your children. Help me stay focused on the ministry You have given to me. Empower me to live every day in light of Your imminent return. I surrender my life and my will to You today and look forward to that day when all You have planned and promised us comes into full view.
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10.23.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 10:00 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 17:14-18 Theme: Claiming the promised land requires our hard work and determination. Key verses: “The people of Joseph said to Joshua, ‘Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people…’ ‘If you are so numerous,’ Joshua answered, ‘and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there…” (v. 14-15) “The people of Joseph replied, ‘The hill country is not enough for us, and the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots…” (v. 16) “You are numerous and very powerful…Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out.” (v. 18) What God said to me: Dwayne, my people often want the “good life,” the abundant life I offer, but without the necessary sacrifice required. Living good means working hard. The people of Joseph didn’t want to have clear off all those trees and forests in order to have a place to live there in their promised land. They would have much prefered if someone else had already done that for them. Thus, they were complaining to Joshua. Furthermore, living good means having courage and determination. The people of Joseph didn’t want to have to fight with the Canaanites and their iron chariots. They wanted the easy way to victory and abundance. But there is no easy way, Dwayne, not then and not now. I have gifted you (as I have all my people). I have provided great opportunity for you to “take the land” and the possessions I have awaiting you. However, you must be willing to work hard and smart. You must take courage in the face of daunting circumstances. You are very powerful because I am with you and in you. You have no reason or excuse to be afraid of any enemy or obstacle. Move forward, in courage, in power, in persistence and wisdom. Humbly trust me to work through you to accomplish my mission and to provide you your promised land of peace and joy and victory all the way through this life. What I said to God: Thank you, my precious Lord, for your patience and kindness with me everyday. Thank you for never giving up on me and for always speaking to my heart so clearly. You have entrusted us with a special and wonderful ministry. You have given us unique abilities and insights. Yet at times I admit I am fearful or lazy or just plain ungrateful. Forgive me, please. I will work ’til Jesus comes - hard, smart and consistently.
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10.18.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 8:56 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 14-15 Theme: God gave specific boundaries to His children. Key verses: “Now these are the areas the Israelites received as an inheritance in the land of Canaan…Their inheritances were assigned by lot to the nine-and-a-half tribes, as the Lord had commanded through Moses.” (v. 1-2) “The allotment for the tribe of Judah, clan by clan, extended down to the territory of Edom…Their southern boundary started from the bay…(15:1-2) “The eastern boundary is the Salt Sea…The northern boundary started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan. (v. 5) “The western boundary is the coastline…In accordance with the Lord’s command to him, Joshua gave to Caleb…a portion in Judah…” (v. 12-13) What God said to me: Son, this is a very simple but profound concept. There are supernatural boundary lines that I have placed in your life and the lives of your family. This is not a popular topic. My people enjoy the thought of limitless freedom - and so they should. What they must remember at all times, however, is that their limitless freedom is confined within the barriers of obedience and surrender to me. Dwayne, pay particular attention to what I am showing you today. This is the beginning of several revelations regarding your boundary lines. I want you to write on this and teach my people the importance of the “goodly places” where your lines have fallen for you. You already have the idea for a book called, “Stay Inside Your Box.” That so-called box is where true freedom and joy is found. Yes, I expect my children to test those boundaries and survey their areas of creativity and movement. However, when I show my servants a clearly established boundary I expect them to heed it and not try to cross it. An example of a clearly laid boundary is adultery. That is a hard, dark line that you are never to cross under any circumstances. It is irrelevant whether you like such boundaries. This is my game. I make the rules. Find your lines, Dwayne and respect them. There is plenty of space inside to roam and create and frolic and prosper for a lifetime. What I said to God: Lord, thank You for speaking so clearly to my spirit today. I am getting excited about this book idea. I see now more than ever the validity and need for such teaching today. We talk so much about freedom. We want lives with no rules. But we need your rules. We had better follow your rules if we want to win at life. Forgive me, please, when I don’t want to follow or even appreciate your standards of behavior and your set areas of work and ministry for me. I long to live in your perfect and predestined will for my life - for all of my life.
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10.12.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 9:53 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 14:1-15 Theme: Caleb’s determination and faithfulness to claim his land Key verses: “Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb…said to him, ‘You know what the Lord said to Moses…about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses…sent me…to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions.’ (v.6-7) ‘I, however, followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’ (v. 8b) ‘So here I am today, 85 years old! I am still as strong…I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day…the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” (v. 10b-12) What God said to me: Son, there are annuls of unwritten history about my servant, Caleb, that must be considered when you read this story. Caleb worked every morning to a discipline of healthy allegiance to me. He kept his body, his mind and his spirit in shape and in check. He both faithful and determined. He kept his eyes on his prize and never doubted he would one day claim his inheritance. You can clearly see the application here for you. What I said to God: I see. Now help me do…
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10.10.07
Posted in Thoughts on Joshua at 8:29 am by Administrator
Text: Joshua 13:7-33 Theme: A worship leader’s inheritance is the Lord Himself. Key verses: “But to the tribe of Levi he gave an inheritance since the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.” (v. 14) “But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.” (v. 33) What God said to me: Son, these verses are pregnant with truth and encouragement. As my minister, you have the unique privilege of my personal provisions. While others of my children have their lands and possessions and bank accounts to depend on and call their own, you must be content only with what I give you. Mind you, it is not wrong - in fact it is advisory - to plan and want these things. However, Dwayne, you’re focus and your plans can never be on obtaining what will eventually fade away. Minister to others, in my house, to me always. Watch me provide your every need. What I said to God: Praise you, Lord, for your awesome ways. Forgive me when I think too much about what I have to gain through doing ministry. This is not about me. I know You will continue to provide abundantly for me and my family. You always have. Any prospering we do we want to do “in the Lord.” And any financial blessings You entrust to us beyond our needs, we want to put back into ministering to You and to others. Praise and thank You for being my inheritance! I love You.
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