by George | Nov 9, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
It’s Not Over Yet
“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”
Joshua 14:12
A new walking trail just opened up in my town. Approximately 1.8 miles in length. Blacktop all the way. Really nice!
My third time on the trail, I made it to the 1.8 mile marker. The sign says “Temporary End of Trail.”
That means that one day, brush will be cleared,asphalt will be put down, and the trail lengthened.
Caleb was 85 years old, but he didn’t feel like he was at the end of the trail…
So, he went to see Joshua. It was a reunion of sorts for the two oldest Israelites.
Caleb recalled memories from 45 years ago. He reminisced that he and Joshua were the only two of the 12 spies who went to check out the land of Caanan who brought back a good report.
Caleb reminded Joshua of God’s promise to give him the land. It was a mountainous region, but Caleb was confident, though he was way past retirement age, that the Lord would make him victorious.
“As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”
Joshua 14:11-12
So Joshua blessed Caleb, and gave him the land.
We see the secret of Caleb’s success a few verses later.
“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.”
Joshua 14:14
He followed God wholeheartedly!
It doesn’t matter what your age is. Keep moving on the trail of life… Keep following God wholeheartedly. Continue to set goals…
To quote the famous philosopher Yogi Berra: “It ain’t over ’till it’s over!”
by George | Nov 5, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
May I Have Your Attention?
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21
A gentle rain began to fall as I was finishing my walk this morning. It felt good, but it served a greater purpose.
I had let my mind drift from praying and from listening to God.
The rain was a wake-up call.
So, I got to thinking… Maybe some of the things that have happened this year are a wake-up call for us.
Back in December, my mind was on 2020. Planning ministry events for the coming year. How could we do more in the coming year?
Plans were made, but sometime in March all of that changed, as we all started to “shelter in place” because of Covid 19.
There was an interruption to our “normal” lives.
We may never truly understand why this happened.
But, I wonder if God is trying to get our attention.
I believe as a nation, we have turned from God, and have gone our own way. Could it be that God has allowed this to happen to draw our hearts back to Him? (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This “interruption” has also got more of us spending more time with family at home. Reconnecting with them.
But for some, it has meant being separated from family for a long time. It has made us more creative, as we are now using things like FaceTime and Zoom to keep us connected.
Also, this “interruption” has made some of us more reflective, helping us to slow down, breathe, and enjoy simple pleasures.
So, when there is an “interruption” in life, don’t get upset. Maybe God is trying to tell you something.
Draw near to God, and… breathe.
by George | Nov 2, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
What’s Your Hurry?
“Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering.”
I Samuel 13:8-9
Without fail, whenever I got ready to leave my dad’s house he would say: “What’s your hurry?” Usually, I would reply: “Going to work.” Then he would say: “Be careful and have fun.”
So the question for all of us today is: “What’s your hurry?”
If it’s one thing that 2020 has taught us is how to slow down. (Especially the times of being quarantined in our dwellings!)
Slowing down sometimes can help reduce stress, clear our minds and sharpen our focus. When you slow down and listen for God’s voice, He will help you make right decisions.
“Haste makes waste” is an old saying that rings true today.
Saul was in trouble. The Philistine army was bearing down on him. He was waiting on Samuel to come and make a sacrifice to God. The troops were trembling in fear.
So, he offered the sacrifice. Saul wasn’t staying “in his lane.” A priest was supposed to offer sacrifices to God. As soon as he finished, Samuel arrived.
How much time did Saul save? Well, maybe a few minutes. But, he had made a hasty decision, which ultimately led to him losing the kingdom. God would choose David, “a man after God’s own heart.”
Saul looked at the circumstances instead of to God.
He felt like it was up to him.
Samuel is late.
I can’t wait on him.
Saul got in a hurry.
Saul got ahead of God.
Scripture reminds us to wait on God.
“Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
So, what’s your hurry? Let’s pray and ask God to help us make right decisions. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
