Building God's Kingdom 03.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday March 18, 2007 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 14 -- 16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the division Canaan among the tribes; and the territories given to Judah, Caleb, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Today's message focuses on the importance of building God's Kingdom.

The Anakim (giants) had been driven out of Hebron by Joshua, perhaps five years before this time (Joshua 10:2-11; 11:21-22). Now they were back and in control of the territory, undoubtedly, with a much greater determination to retain the land promised to Caleb. Who can fail to see the guidance of God in the lives of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, or even in Israel's conquest of Canaan? "And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them. By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe. For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them." (Joshua 14:1-3).

At Caleb's "retirement" age of 85, he recounted to Joshua how God had brought him to the promised land, "Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God." (14:7-8). Caleb's unshakable faith can be seen in his report as a spy, he spoke his convictions as he faced the opposition of the other spies and the people. He stood alone with Joshua.

Yes, we too will face giant Canaanite difficulties in life as well as friends who attempt to discourage us. At times we are afraid to speak about our faith when our convictions are unpopular, but the person blessed of God speaks what is in his heart. God knows what is best for our future, however, each one of us is responsible for developing our spiritual opportunities. God chooses His servants and bestows His gifts to all who have the desire and determination to serve Him and see the importance of becoming involved in building His Kingdom. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

Accomplishing the will of God never comes by just waiting for a more convenient time, but through obedience to the voice of Him who alone knows what is best. God knows how much we can bear; how much prosperity or adversity we are able to withstand in serving Him. God's choice is interwoven with the willing efforts of His own people to fulfill His will. The land was to be divided to each of the twelve tribes as God directed. As the believer yields his self-will, there becomes a growing revelation of the Lord's perfect will. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6). When Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, then no Christian is ever left to chance, but God has a wonderful plan for every life and He always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:3-6).

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord. "Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God." (Joshua 14:8). Jesus came to do the will of God, "In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews10:6-10).

Today's Psalm: 143:10
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the many blessings that you give me each second of the day. Lord, I want to be Your servant, I want to follow Your will for my life. Walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do. Teach me to understand and to know that I am following Your will and give me the strength and courage to see it through. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen

Have a wonderful Tuesday and God Bless you.
Christina

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