Sunday, February 12, 2012

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - God's Victory!

I've been feeling sick this past week, and am still feeling quite tired. (Not to be confused with being sick and tired!)

So, today I'm re-publishing a post from July 12, 2010.

It's all about God's victory!

He is the One who carries us when we are too weary to take another step. I know, because He is upholding me right this very minute. His victory is something we can count on, rely on, and trust in forever.

I hope you enjoy today's selection:


JOSHUA - Victory!


Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from the book of Joshua.

Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, handpicked Joshua to be his assistant. God later confirmed his choice when He instructed Moses to commission Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:15-23).

Joshua was a hero. He was smart, confident, brave, and faithful to God.

Today’s verses are inspiring. They talk about courage – courage that comes from complete trust in a powerful God, a God who assures us of victory.

"'Do not be afraid of them,' the LORD said to Joshua, 'for
I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.'

'Don't ever be afraid or discouraged,' Joshua told his men, 'for the LORD is going to do this to
all of your enemies.'

"…for the
LORDwas fighting for his people."

(Joshua 10:8, 25, 42)

Who are our enemies?

Temptations, struggles, failures, suffering – so many earthly circumstances threaten to steal away our peace. They can lead us into the dark valleys of discouragement, destruction, and despair.

And there is another enemy – a very real enemy – Satan. He is described in the Bible as a"devouring lion." He is constantly on the hunt, looking for ways to ruin us to steal away our trust in a good God. He has clever and effective weapons. He knows how to get to us at our weakest point. He delights in our vulnerability.

But, we too can claim the promise of God – "Not a SINGLE ONE OF THEM will be able to stand up to you."

The very same God who empowered Joshua, is the same God who will help us with ALL of our needs.

He ALONE gives us victory – He ALONE delivers us from our enemies.

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

"If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" (Romans 8:31b)


Oh Lord, how we thank You for being our strength, our power, our courage. We could not do anything without You. Thank You for fighting our enemy, and for winning the victory we couldn't hope to win on our own. You alone, Lord - that's all we want, and all we need.


How goes your battle?!


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God"

6 comments:

  1. Sharon, You preached our pastor's sermon this morning and it was powerful! Yes, I agree God carries us and He is the one who wins the battles! God bless you and strengthen you.

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  2. I don't know how people who don't believe -can even make it through life - do you? sandie

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  3. Hi Sharon,

    Hope you feel better soon. I feel very weary tonight too, wanted to blog, but just don't have the omph at the moment. Thank you for this message reminding me, my strength must come from Him.

    God Bless

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  4. Hi Sharon! So sorry you're under the weather this week - I have been, too. Actually missed a couple afternoons of work - just really wore out by mid-morning with elementary kids and knew I wouldn't make it through afternoon kindergarten classes - went home for soup and rest. Pretty much back to myself now - but soooo cold today!!

    Really enjoyed your various posts this week - finding rest in Creation - YES! And all the other ways you mentioned. Wish I could go on retreat with you sometime.

    Yes, Ed is blogging. He guided me through creating his site to be "him" - I see you are both sharing the wood background. I loves all things rustic and long cabin-like. He's already written his second post - I'll get that out later in the week. He really needs to learn how to navigate the upkeep with comments and such, though. Three blogs to keep up with is a bit much . . .

    Our first Constellation Academy workshop is on March 3 - visit the blog for details on what we'll be presenting: www.constellationacademyhsrn.blogspot.com

    Joy!
    Kathy

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  5. Praying for you to be much better. Thanks for a powerful message.

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  6. How encouraging this post is. I'm glad you shared it again but I'm sorry you are not feeling up to par. I'm praying for you to be "up and running" again soon.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)