March 22, 2018: SOAP #3031: Joshua 12-14; 1Corinthians 7

Scripture:  Joshua (NIV) 14:10 [Caleb speaking] “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.

Observation: The land was being divided among the 12 tribes of Israel and Caleb was claiming his portion of the promised land.   He was speaking with a lot of confidence.  Although he was 85 years old, he was still strong and vigorous, and he would drive out the Anakites with their large and fortified cities.   Caleb’s talk was not something he would have to back up.  God would be backing up Caleb’s words.

Caleb was not depending on his strength and wisdom.  He had a Helper!   He was depending on his Helper and his Helper’s promise.

Application:  Caleb’s Helper is my Helper too!  It has been 3700+ years since He helped Caleb take possession of what He had earlier promised Caleb.  Caleb’s Helper is with me and has spoken to me also!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, you are Caleb’s Helper!  You are still the omnipresent, omniscient, ever present, all wise and all-powerful Helper of those who trust you.  You are holy and loving, faithful and merciful.  I love you.  Thank you for being my Helper. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

March 21, 2018: SOAP #3030: Joshua 9-11; 1Corinthians 6

Scripture:  Joshua (NIV) 11:4 They [all the kings mentioned in verses 1-3] came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 5 All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.

Observation:   All these kings make an agreement to join their armies to fight against Israel.  God could have confused their plans and allowed Israel to face their armies one at a time.  Surely these kings thought they would have a superior army to defeat Israel.  Working together, they could easily defeat Israel.  They did not realize that the size of their army had no effect on Israel’s God!

I am thinking that God also must have thought this was a good plan.  The Israelites could win one big battle instead of 10-15 smaller ones.

Application:   Israel’s God is my God!  The size of the battle in which I am struggling makes no difference to Him!  I must keep my eyes on Him; keep my ears open to His voice; and be quick to obey.  It might be a big battle because He wants to get it over more quickly!

Yesterday I read of Turkey’s semi-official newspaper calling for urgent action in forming a 57-nation (5-million strong) “Army of Islam” “to besiege and attack Israel.”  They would “greatly exceed Israel’s army in manpower, equipment and budget” BUT they would not have Israel’s God! http://mobile.wnd.com/2018/03/army-of-islam-would-be-worlds-biggest-military/

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, you are just as big today on my behalf as you were when Israel was taking possession of the land you promised them!  I have no reason to be alarmed!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!