"Know therefore today that it is the LORD your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the LORD has spoken to you." (Deuteronomy 9:3)
The Israelites were promised victory. The were promised a life of abundance in the land of milk and honey. They did not receive this promise based on their merits or commitment and obedience to the One and Only God. In fact if the Lord was handing out promises to this generation of Israelites for faithfulness, this group would be left high and dry. (Deut. 9) They received this promise because of God's faithfulness to Abraham. (Genesis 17:10)
"They could not drive out the Canaanites who continued to live there. Later, however when the Israelites became strong enough, they forced the Canaanites to work as slaves. But they did drive them out of the land." (Joshua 17:13)
Today we see direct disobedience from the tribe of Manasseh. Remember Manasseh and Ephraim were Joseph's sons who received a blessing from Jacob upon his death.
The tribe of Manasseh had seen God's faithfulness in the desert and during seven years of war as the Israelites entered Canaan. They knew of God's faithfulness in their heads. They had experienced His faithfulness in their lives. He promised victory. He promised a life of abundance. Why did they fail to trust Him when the going got tough?
Let's examine this question in our lives. Today, I am struggling. I know of His faithfulness in my head. I have experienced His faithfulness in my life. I know He promised me an abundant life. So why am I struggling when the going is tough?
For the same reason the Israelites failed. I am human and some days it is easier to give in. Sometimes it is easier not to finish the job and just take your chances with the outcome. Is this the right why to live life? No. What do we do when we want to give in because it seems too hard?
"I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." (Psalm 142:5)
26 Comments:
Needing to know that the Lord is "crossing over before" me today and will "subdue them".
Big meeting at the hospital at 2pm this afternoon concerning my Dad. My mom, sister and I will be joining 2 Dr's, the Director of Surgical Care, another hospital Director and a Social Worker to discuss the condition and future of my Dad.
I was so longing for a word of encouragement this morning as I opened His Word, but for the first time this year I have come away dry. Am I missing His guidance because, like the tribe of Manasseh, I am failing to trust Him in these tough times?
Today everything in me wants to give up and give in. Last night throughout my entire visit at the hospital, my Daddy thought he was on a ship, sinking out a sea. He felt he had no connection with the mainland and that foes were surrounding him. At one point he was certain in heard an airplane overhead and he quickly called for help to flag it down. Maybe it would bring rescue. He encouraged SOS messages to be sent over the radio. Help is needed.
Restless and sleepless, at 3am this morning I lay awake. These words were echoing in my head:
"My Daddy had to go away,
But he'll be back most any day,
At any moment I might see,
My Daddy coming back to me".
I see Shirley Temple's little, tear-stained, cherub face in "The Little Princess", as she recited that rhyme, longing for her Daddy's return.
My heart is so there. After a painful visit by my Daddy's bedside, I want to pound my fists against my Daddy's chest. I want to grab his face in my hands and scream at him to remember me. If my sobbing and desiring were only enough.
"What do we do when we want to give in because it seems too hard?" I run again into my Heavenly Father's arms. I cry on His shoulder. You Lord, are my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Chart my Daddy's ship back to the mainland. Be His Life-Preserver.
Lyrics to old hymns flood my mind. "Bridge over troubled waters". "It is well with my soul". "Ship Ahoy". But, it's a childhood chorus, words slightly altered, that is the cry of my heart this morning.
"Bring back, Bring back, Bring back my Daddy to me, to me, Bring back, Bring back, Bring back my Daddy to me."
Praying for renewed hope and courage - especially this afternoon at 2pm.
Thanks for listening. Sorry for not having more of a word of encouragement today.
Love y'all,
Joy
Joy,
I think that Deuteronomy 9:3 is for you this morning - "but recogise today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly coquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised".
Trust him today knowing that God is going ahead of you to that meeting and He is the oe who is fighting your battles. Offer up praise, worship and thanksgiving knowing that the battle has already bee won! Continue to be encouraged.
With reference to the readings over that past few days, I am encouraged to know that no matter who possess what has been portioned to me by the Lord, He will ensure that I receive it eventually, and in time for me fully enjoy it too!!! Praise God, for his mercies endureth forever.
Have a blessed weekend all.
Dear Joy, my heart really breaks for you. I know that God hears your cries, He also hears the prayers of your family and friends. I don't know what His plan is for your dad, but I know that ultimately it is a good plan. Please let us know how the meeting goes today with the Doctors and your family. I'll be praying for your strength.
By the way, read the next-to-last comment from yesterday. Jan from TN had a beautiful comment...although it was intended for Debra in TX concerning the much needed prayer concerning her husband...it really can touch us all wherever we are. I wrote down the scripture on a stick note:
Psalm 94:19 LORD, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, QUIET ME and give me RENEWED HOPE and CHEER. My prayer for you today, Joy.
I also noted that the "tribe of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites...so...they live there among the people". The tribe of Ephraim also did not drive out the Canaanites so they live as slaves among the people of Ephraim. The decendants of Manasseh were unable to force out the Canaanites and forced them to work as slaves. THEN, Joshua told the tribes of Ephraim and Manesseh, they would drive out the Canaanites. Much like Wendy noted, sometimes the road to God's promised victory is rough. It causes us to work and grow...yet sometimes we simply grow weary. Thanks, Wendy, for your added insight.
Praying for you all and for added strength today,
Nancy
Dear Joy,
I'm crying for you wishing I could stop this roller coaster. Why God?
Over the past couple of weeks I've read about you all, and everything you are going through right now, and the different sufferings you've been through in your past. My heart pains...Then, as we all read through Job, and we contiue to read scriptures together, it is easy for us to look at their situation and say, "Oh...Why did you not believe God...etc."
BUT as I sit here this morning my question to myself is, "oh, what would I do?...Whould my faith be strong enough?" I'd like to say I could get through anything...but, when the situation involves yourself and your own family...would I loose perspective then on the One who created me? Would I forget that He is my Father and that I am His child and that He knows what is best for me at ALL times because He is ALL knowing? I'm sure I'd have doubts...I know I would fail...My family is my idol to me, and that is one of the things that God whispered to me a few days ago...I will share more about that tomorrow...
So, what God is whispering to me right now, and I'm hoping I'm not stepping over the line and putting my foot in my mouth...but, if I were going through this situation Joy, I know I would be clinging to my sisters in the Lord...Godly woman that would keep me on track...Godly woman that would point me right back when my doubt sneaked through, when my hope felt low, and when I needed encouragement...and sister, that is what YOU are doing! You are pouring your heart out to us. God sees, God is watching and God will prevail. Also, at the end you said you did not have words for us today...oh sister, just seeing your name each morning gives me a sigh of happiness...knowing you are still with us, knowing you can still type out some words to share. If I were in your situation I don't thing this group would see any words from me. You have been such an inspiration to our group....We all love you and we all are pulling for you.
Will be praying....Let Go Of This. Give it over to your Father. Isaiah 49:16 "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." I learned yesterday that "engraved" means "cut into" God is holding on to you so tightly, Joy, that you are engraved into him. He's with you today and always.
Comments from this mornings readings: I too noticed at the end of chapter 15, they failed to drive their enemies out...because of their lack of faith...and again in 17:12...Lack of faith.
Dear Lord, help each one of the gals in this bible study, to walk in faith with you today. Empower us and set us apart for You. We believe you are God and that You dear LORD can do anything. Thank you for your Spirit inside us...Fill us today with Your spirit. Feel us to the brim so that we can walk in love.
Love you so much dear Jesus. In your precious name I pray, Amen.
Lori - Mesa, AZ
gals,
I'm humbled again...my spelling errors are all I see! :)
I'm glad God does not notice. :) He sees my heart and knows what I meant....
Lori
I just read all the new comments on yesterday's post...Jan...I took the Believing God class last fall...If any of you can take this class...SIGN UP. [Beth Moore] I thought I believed and had faith prior to this class...but, I realized just how little my belief actually was. That list you mentioned, is a book mark in my Bible!
Debra, what is your husbands, name? I like to pray specific names...So far we are praying for the following husbands:
My husband, Dave
Brandee's, John
Debra's ?
Any others?
Love you all,
Lori - Mesa, AZ
PS Let's remember Diane in our prayers today too...she's at that food show competition in VA. Can't wait for her to return and tell us all about it! Praying for her health and strength today...
Joy I have prayed for your strength and comfort -
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.They will run and not grow weary.They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
It also struck me that there were the two tribes that didn't drive the people out, and I wondered how God felt about that. I also wondered why if they couldn't be driven out how they would succumb to being slaves. ??
As we are coming to the end of our 3rd Month I pray that we all stay strong in this journey. It is so easy to run on the enthusiasm of starting something new, but when the newness wears off and life and Satan try to pull us away we need to stand and stay strong. I personally had to dig my heels in because anything and everything wanted to pull me away from my reading. I am praying strength for us all.
Blessings to you all,
Lynn - OR
Lori,
I'd like to add my husband, Geno, to the list. I am specifically praying for his salvation and deliverance from so many of this world's distractions. That he follows God's purpose for his life and surrender totally to God's will and way.
The scripture says that when two or more agrees on earth, so shall it be done in heaven.
Thanks for believing with me ladies.
Joy,
I have another scripture for you, in this your time of sorrow;
Romans 8:26-28 says
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work togetherfor the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I also found this commentary to these scriptures to be very enlightening and encouraging:
Though the infirmities of Christians are many and great, so that they would be overpowered if left to themselves, yet the Holy Spirit supports them. The Spirit, as an enlightening Spirit, teaches us what to pray for; as a sanctifying Spirit, works and stirs up praying graces; as a comforting Spirit, silences our fears, and helps us over all discouragements. The Holy Spirit is the spring of all desires toward God, which are often more than words can utter. The Spirit who searches the hearts, can perceive the mind and will of the spirit, the renewed mind, and advocates his cause. The Spirit makes intercession to God, and the enemy prevails not. (Ro 8:28-31)
My prayer for you and your family today is that you will find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
God Bless
Joy,
I pray you find comfort in knowing you and your family is being prayed for all over this nation by your sisters in this bible study. The Lord has ordained this time for you, because he knew the day would come when you would have to reply on your sisters to bear you up in this situation. God always provides for his children! The Lord is with you and he can identify with what you are feeling:
Hebrews 4:15 (Amplified Bible)
For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
May you find comfort in the scriptures and rest in the presence of the Lord.
Joshua encouraged Ephraim and Manasseh in Joshua 17:18…And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valley, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.
Ladies, I encourage you today…And you will drive out___________too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.
For you I am praying,
Have a blessed weekend!!
Debbie – North Carolina
Joy~
I have not been reading all the comments posted each day on the blog until last weekend, and a few days this week I have not made it on here. What specifically is going on with your family? I would like to pray for you.
Lori and Chanan I have added Dave and Geno to my prayer list. I was telling my Bible study group on Tuesday that I no longer sit in church and feel sorry for myself that my husband is not there like I did a few years ago. I now have the faith to KNOW that one day he will be and the longer it is the more powerful his testimony will be!
I have wonderful news about my 5 year old son Will, he was saved on Wednesday! He met with our Instruction team leader at church and talked to her about all his questions and I was in there when he prayed the prayer to ask Jesus in his heart. It was amazing! He then got to talk to our Pastor and worship team Pastor and they prayed with him and me as well. It was amazing and I took him to Lifeway yesterday to pick out a very special new Bible to put the date in and for him to keep. Veggies Tales has a new NIV for kids that is great and that is the one he picked. There is some pictures on my blog of him getting it :)
I pray you all have a wonderful day. I do have thoughts about today's reading but I am getting ready for a meeting here in a few minutes with one of my MOPS steering team ladies that is taking over as Coordinator. She has lots of questions and I need to make sure she has all the resources she needs to do this job. Letting go of MOPS leadership has been very hard for me after doing it for 3+ years and I will tie that into what Wendy wrote later today. I am ready though so I can to spend the summer with my son before he starts Kindergarten in the fall :)
Blessing and Love,
Brandee
This Psalm seems to be a common theme lately!!
I've missed popping by and the same theme is running around in my head. I love how God unites us!
Wendy, I love your insight!!!
Joy, you know I am praying.
Chanan, I love that word for Joy...I'm praying that too! I need to come meet you.
Wendy, we must have been digging in the same place this morning because your nuggets were the same as mine :)
Brandee, wonderful news about your son! What an exciting moment for a mother when we know our children have put themselves under the Lord's protection... makes the load of motherhood suddenly lighter when we, too, give our children to the Lord :)
Joy, you are never far from my thoughts. Your dad is obviously as scared as you are. Did he serve in the Navy during the war? He seems to have regressed into a time and place that was very fearful for him. Perhaps he knows no other way to express his present fear except from his past experience. I'm praying that Jesus will take His hand and lead him to a safe harbor... for you I send a verse of encouragement, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever.” Heb 6:19,20
Your sister in VA,
Susan
Lori, please add my husband Jim to the prayer list...he is sooo backslidden that its hard to believe he is even a Christian.
With so many praying for our husbands the Holy Spirit IS going to do something in these men's hearts.
Joy, you are so covered in prayer today...especially at 2 PM...what time zone are you in?
Jan TN
Joy, I feel your pain and frustration dear sister and I pray that God renews your strength and brings you comfort during this difficult season.
Lori, I would like to add my husband, Ken to the prayer list for salvation and thank you! He also needs a job. My prayer is that he would find a job that would put him in contact with Christian men.
I am so thankful to Wendy for leading us on this journey through God's word and I'm learning so much from her insights as well as everyone who posts.
God bless you all!
Ooops. Forgot to post my name.
Karen and I live in central OR.
Needed this question and message myself today, Wendy. Thank you for directing me back to my Heavenly Father who provides all I need.
Love you,
Wendy
what do we do, friend, when we want to give in when the going gets tough? we do exactly what you have done- we cling to what we know even when we can't feel it... even when we can't see the light shining down on us... we trust that it is there. you are on my heart and in my prayers this day~
loves
Brandee,
How exciting - the news about Will. The summer will be a special time...I remember my last son going to Kdg. just like it was yesterday. Each year goes by so fast.
I went through a period of praying for Dave...then, just quit all together...then, it was the season of feeling sorry for myself at church, wanting him to be by my side so badly...even thinking to myself, if he does not go, why should I go? But, fortunately, my boy's were and are both active in church, so I went because of them. Then, maybe a year or so ago, God, as good as He is, whispered something to me in church one Sunday...He told me I had a special role for Dave. I was the only one in His environment that was a Christian. (Other than our sons, of course.) God told me it was not by happenstance that we were married. He told me He would save him and my role right now was to be the praying wife. Whewie...what a heavy burdon was lifted. Now, I've got peace. I still pray each morning, knowing it'll be His timing.
A book that has been very beneficial to me regarding praying that some of you might also enjoy:
The Power of a Praying Wife, By Stormie Omartian.
Lori
PS Thanks for the names, girls!
There's power in praying numbers!!!
Lori I LOVE Stormie Omartian! That book was one of the first Bible studies I did with a group of women from my MOPS group the first year I joined. God used that summer to really begin to heal me from my past. Not only did I pray for my husband and go through it for him, I learned so much about my own healing. I have that one, PofP Woman, PofP Parent and Praying Through the Deeper Issues of Marriage. I use all of them all the time :) I am also on the Proverbs 31 Prayer Warrior team and I have found they are a great resource to pray for the women that write in to the ministry as well.
I am so humbled by the love, comments, prayers, verses that I have just come back and found here now. The Lord knew I would be needing to feel surrounded and hugged when I arrived home.
I am still trying to process all we heard this afternoon at the meeting. Short of a miracle, the man I knew as my Daddy will not be coming back to me. He has now been diagosed with dementia and will probably not be coming home due to the violent tendencies he is exhibiting. Although my mind had already expected this diagnosis, my heart is fighting to accept and receive it.
It has been a long, tiring afternoon. Many more decisions lay ahead. THANK YOU so much for all your love, prayers and support. The Lord is my portion. I'm so glad He spoke those words to me yesterday...I am still clinging to Him today.
My family and I would still appreciate your continued prayers whenever you think of us. Trying to process this...
I love you all,
Joy
Lisa,
I welcome you and all the other groupies to Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas anytime - You are truly welcomed.
Joy, we are dealing with advanced dementia in my mom right now. The mom I knew is gone, too. I feel your pain. My mom is 98. At present she is still at home, where my SIL takes care of her. I don't know how much longer this can happen. All you can do is lean on the Lord. I ask the Lord daily to take my mom Home. She is so confused, and frustrated, she doesn't feel she can trust anyone. At times she does not know my name. You are not alone, though right now I'm sure you feel like it.
"Fear not-there is nothing to fear-for I am with you.
Do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I AM YOUR GOD.
I will STRENGTHEN AND HARDEN you to difficulties, yes I will help you:
Yes, I WILL HOLD YOU UP AND RETAIN YOU with MY victorious right hand of righteousness and justice."
Is. 41:10
Jan TN
Joy, My thoughts and prayers are truly with you. The love for your daddy is so very evident. It's like you already feel the loss of the daddy you once knew and he's still here on earth. This must be so painful for you and your family. My dad has been gone along time now and he had different health circumstances, but he became a shell of the dad I once knew as well. He would even say I'm not your dad anymore. I judged that what he was saying was he no long felt like the man he used to be...so how could still be a dad to us. This is for you...
Heavenly Father, I lift Joy and her family up to you this day and for the days to come. Her daddy's illness is so out of their hands and out of their control. They seem to feel so helpless. Help her to feel your presence. I ask that you wrap your loving arms around her to give her comfort and and a peace which passes all understanding. May she find some comfort in knowing that while she only gets pieces at a time that you have the whole picture.
Let her rest in the fact that you are holding her daddy's "picture" in his hands and help her to fully put her daddy into your loving arms and care. In Jesus name I pray...Amen.
Joy if you are able and you feel comforable with this sit for a while and picture Jesus in your mind and crawl up into his lap and tell him how you are feeling, what you are missing, and even that you don't understand. Let him hold you and comfort you as you tell him all of your pain. Remember that he took on pain for us as he died for our sins....He knows the pain you are feeling. Let the tears flow if they come. It can be a most healing thing to do. It helped me one time to heal some wounds and some awful memories couldn't let go of. In fact I had reourring dreams that wouldn't go away and I would wake up scared. After I prayed and was comforted in Jesus loving arms my memories were healed and the nightmares were gone! Praise God
Here's another quote from the book the practice of the Presence Of God:
"My friend says that by dwelling in the presence of God he has established such a sweet communion with the Lord that His spirit abides without much effort, in the restful peace of God. In this center of rest, he is filled with a faith that equips him to handle anything that comes into his life."
Wow! don't we all want to experience that kind of communion with the Lord...Show us the way Lord, show us the way.
Love in Christ, Debbie in Illinois
In reflecting upon today's reading I kept coming back to the words territory and boundary as the Tribes had their territories mapped out for them. It was interestig to me that their inheritance/allotments of land were different amounts and sizes. It made me think of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10 and Bruce Wilkinson's book, "The Prayer of Jabez". I judge some if not all of you have either heard of this prayer/book or have read it. It's another powerful one. The Prayer of Jabez comes in a listing of decendants from the Clans of Judah. "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. Now this prayer stood out in the middle of the listing of names and after the prayer the listing of names went on. Bruce Wilkinson found this to be interesting and wrote this little easy to read but powerfulbook about the possible meaning of the prayer. Notice that he asked God to bless him and enlarge his TERRITORY! He encourages us to try praying this prayer every day and seeing what happens. Basically it boils down to God placing each of us where he intends us to be...to share and witness the "Good news" of Jesus Christ and to be his serving hands and feet here on earth. It really is an uplifting book. There is a wonderful story of a man who goes to heaven and wants to look inside this warehouse but keeps getting discouraged from doing so. He finally gets his way and is shown what's inside. You just have to get a copy of the book to find out for yourself if you haven't already. Many blessings are wished for each of you...may God richly bless you and enlarge your territory!
Debbie in Illinois
Hey Lori,
Sorry so late, I had a migraine today so I was out of it almost all day. My husbands name is Jim, I appreciate so much your willingness to pray for him. I will also be praying for the husbands of the other sisters, I will stand in agreement with you Lori.
Joy I am so sorry for the report. I can't imagine standing in front of one of your loved ones and not being able to interact with them as usual. My heart breaks for you and your family.
Have a Blessed and restful weekend,
Debra TX
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