Good morning everyone! Once again, I want to share how thankful I am to have you all on board, including those who read and make no comment. I am humbled by your wise and inspiring comments. I am BLESSED! THANK YOU!
Joshua chapter 17.
Some personal observations I made from this chapter, which you may disagree and that's okay.
- We are a nation of people who want stuff. We want things and if we don't have to work for it, then great! If we can just get people to give us handouts, we're happy. Our nation seems as if they don't want to work for what's available to them.
- Constant handouts don't push people outside their comfort zones and constant handouts only reinforce in people's minds that they can't do it. Such behaviors only preach dependence from others.
- Some people need encouragement. They need people that come alongside them and help them see, they can do this. Joshua encouraged Joseph's people. Some people need our encouragement as well. Some people need our on-going, extra mile encouragement. Some NEED this because they have been beat down and trained so much that “you can’t do it” or “you don’t have to do it!”
- I've learned something through my limited 58 years of living:
- You want to be move forward in life? It's hard work.
- You want a good family? It's hard work.
- You want an income? It's hard work.
- You want to stay in shape physically? It's hard work.
- You want to be strong in the Lord and for the Lord? It's hard work.
Nothing comes easy, but God is our helper and guide and He will equip us, empower us and enable us (by the power of His Holy Spirit) to be all that he wants us to be for him. He doesn't give us handouts he gives us opportunities and challenges, but He promises that he will be with us and help us. Just be ready because it's hard work but we “can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength.” Phil. 4:13
I think these are insightful observations that Pastor Blair has made from chapter 17. They remind me of some wise points that we get from Proverbs. Here’s what we read in Proverbs 10:3-5.
“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but He thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”
Chapters 16 & 17 describe the inheritance to the descendants of Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Puffed up with pride, the children of Manasseh wanted more land yet they failed to destroy the Canaanites from the land they already had. While Joshua gave them encouragement, he basically told them not to tell him what they thought they deserved but to go to the mountains that they already had, clear the timber and drive out the giants. It reminds me that sometimes we think we deserve a bigger role in a ministry or more responsibility on the job or more appreciation from our family. Joshua would say to us – don’t expect people to see how great you are … rather make the most of what you’ve already been given. Sometimes we need to learn to chop our own wood in order to grow spiritually. There’s no shortcut!
Sometimes I need to remind myself that there is no greater ministry than bowing at the Lord’s Table and pouring out praise to the Lord, giving honor to Him and spending time with Him. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for choosing me and allowing me the great privilege of serving you.