Joshua 1-4: Be Strong and of Good Courage!

Image used with permission from http://freechristimages.org/biblestories/rahab_and_the_two_spies.htm

Joshua 1:9
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

This is my life verse! As a child, fear plagued me. As I grew, fear manifested in varying ways. As an adult, fear continued to grow, until it culminated in terror when at age 23, the doctors told me that I needed brain surgery. It was during this time that I cried out to the Lord (and I do mean cried). He touched me and literally gave me the peace that surpasses all understanding.

The night before the surgery, I actually sensed fear come into the room. At that point in my Christian walk, I didn’t understand that fear was a spirit. I began to feel fear’s effects and responded by randomly flipping open my Bible. My eyes fell upon Joshua 1:9! Immediately, peace was restored, and I began to write notes of encouragement for my family to read while I was in surgery.

Jesus and I have been through some tough times together, but each time He has shown Himself to be high and above the worries and strife of this world. Yet, there still remains times when I need to submit my feelings of fear to Him. In response, He takes me away with Him to our place of peace. Boy, do I love Him!!!

Joshua 2:11
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

Rahab had hidden the Israeli spies on her roof among the flax stalks, because she knew Israel would be victorious in war against her hometown of Jericho. She admitted that all courage had escaped her people when they heard Israel was coming…why? Because, “the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

This is our heritage. When faced by a spiritual enemy, we should not be the ones whose hearts melt! Our enemies need to see the power and victory of Jesus in us, and then our legacy will be fulfilled. For if the God of heaven is for us, who then can stand against us?

May the victorious Spirit of Jesus fill us all to overflowing today, and our enemies’ hearts will melt at the sight of us. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!!!

Deuteronomy 32, 33, & 34 and Psalm 91: God is My Protector

Deuteronomy 32
Amplified Bible (AMP)

4″  He is the Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are law and justice. A God of faithfulness without breach or deviation, just and right is He.”

30″  How could one have chased a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had delivered them up?”

He is my Rock, my Support, my powerful Defender!


Deuteronomy 33
Amplified Bible (AMP)

25  ″Your castles and strongholds shall have bars of iron and bronze, and as your day, so shall your strength, your rest and security, be.

26  There is none like God, O Jeshurun [Israel], Who rides through the heavens to your help and in His majestic glory through the skies.

27  The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy!”

I love this imagery!


Every single portion of Psalm 91, blesses me! Promise after promise of protection and preservation are written in these 16 verses. I personally have experienced Psalm 91′s promises and declare, “God is GOOD!”

Thank You, Father, for Your amazing promises!

Deuteronomy 30 & 31: Encourage, Admonish...Bring Life!

I appreciated today’s reading. There are many great verses that encourage and admonish, bringing life!


Deuteronomy 30
Amplified Bible (AMP)

Verse 6

“And the Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being, that you may live.”


I love how God takes the responsibility for circumcising our hearts. We don’t need to work, work, work on it ourselves. Our part is to allow Him to do His work on us!!!


Verse 14

“But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it.”


God’s very words within me…AWESOME!!!!


Verses 19 & 20

“I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”


I choose life! God and God alone determines the length of my days here on earth!!!


Deuteronomy 31
Amplified Bible (AMP)


Verse 6 & 8

“Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.”


“It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit--depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].”


It doesn’t matter what enemy stands before me, because God goes with me and never forsakes me!!!


Jesus, I love Your encouragement. Allow me to know You in deeper ways in 2012. Your bride, Beautiful Grace!

Deuteronomy 28 & 29: I See God's Love and Mercy

"Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like You have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks Yours

Everything I am, for Your kingdom's cause

As I walk from earth into eternity"

from Hosanna by Hillsong

We live in the temporal realm, so when what we consider “bad” things happen to us, we believe it to be the end of our world. In some cases, yes, it is the end of our temporal world.

God, on the other hand, not only lives in the eternal realm, but also has the capacity in His omniscience to see the end from the beginning. He loves us eternally, which is a far greater and more mysterious love then what we can comprehend when we compare His love to the love we know in the temporal realm.

We were created in the image of God, our body belongs to the temporal, but our soul and spirit belongs to the eternal. I believe God sometimes allows or causes “bad” things to happen, because He is attempting to “save” us for eternity. Not that we can save ourselves by by enduring "bad" things or following a list of rules, that’s not what I mean. Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father.

I think of it this way. Why do we as parents punish our kids for wrongdoing? We hope it will train them to avoid wrongful behavior in the future. What if we wouldn’t train our kids in this way? Chances are they would grow up into not very nice people and most likely would be estranged from us.

God doesn’t want us to be estranged from Him for eternity, so could the “curses” in these passages just be a Father training His beloved children in order to cause them to change their ways, cling to Jesus, and spend eternity with Him? Just thinking out loud.  

It’s still up to the individual whether they choose to follow God or not. Just like it’s up to a child to walk in the ways taught to him by his parents.

However, I do not believe all bad things are an attempt at correction of behavior. Many people suffer greatly because of the fallen nature of this world. Diseases and sicknesses can just be a result of pollutants or bacteria, etc., both, which are a result of the original sin.

Regardless of the cause of distressed people, we, as sons and daughters with compassionate hearts, are called to heal them! Holy Spirit, let us love them like you love us, and go into the world to heal. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!!!

Please, don't be offended with my thought processes.  I know God doesn't mind me articulating my thoughts.  He knows the desire of my heart is to know Him as much as a human being can know Him.  Part of getting to know Him is to read His Word without preconceived notions of Who He is.  

Let me encourage each of you to get to know God, one on one, face to face.  He is the most awesome Friend I have ever had in my life!  And even if I don't understand Him completely, I do trust Him with my life.  

With Much Love Always...

Beautiful Grace

Numbers 26 & 27: A Just God

Numbers 27:6-7
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“And the Lord said to Moses, The daughters of Zelophehad are justified and speak correctly. You shall surely give them an inheritance among their father’s brethren, and you shall cause their father’s inheritance to pass to them.”

God is not a male chauvinist. He recognizes the injustice of the current system and speaks liberty for the daughters of Zelophehad. Throughout the millenia and to the current day, God’s justice speaks to women and men alike. He loves all of us, no matter which sex, nationality, culture, race, socio-economic status or personality! He seeks justice for ALL of us!

He is a just God! Out part is to accept the justification Jesus has offered to us. This justice is free, but it will cost us our life. No longer do we rule ourselves, but allow the rule of the only Holy and Just God of the Universe!

Thank you, for Your justice, Lord!

Numbers 23-25: God's Blessing Overtakes the Curse

Numbers 23:21
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“[God] has not beheld iniquity in Jacob [for he is forgiven], neither has He seen mischief or perverseness in Israel [for the same reason]. The Lord their God is with Israel, and the shout of praise to their King is among the people.”

The Israelites had grumbled, complained, and rose up against God, yet still God tells Balaam that He see no iniquity or perverseness in them. This is one reason for us to be confident that He does not remember our sins, and that’s reason enough to have a shout of praise to our King among us!

Another important reminder is that although our enemies desire to curse us, their curse has no weight upon us. No thing happens to us unless first approved by our loving Father. We don’t need to fear what the enemy says against us, ultimately we are blessed because God says so!!!


Numbers 23:23
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“Surely there is no enchantment with or against Jacob, neither is there any divination with or against Israel. [In due season and even] now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What has God wrought!”

Enchantment – a magic spell or act of witchcraft
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/enchantment



Divination – The art or act of foretelling future events or revealing occult knowledge by means of augury or an alleged supernatural agency.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/divination


We don’t have to worry about a witch’s spell or a Voodoo hex having any power over us, because we are BLESSED!

The only power that any occultic incantation has is the power we give it by allowing the spirit of fear to have access to our souls.

We trust You, Lord, to keep, guide and protect us. Your blessing overtakes the curse! Because of Jesus, the curse of sin has been demolished! Praise, You, My King Jesus!

Numbers 21 & 22: Only What God Puts in My Mouth Will I Speak

I have had a lack of understanding in regards to Balaam. Initially, in verse 12, God tells Balaam not to go with the men of Moab and not to curse the Israelites, because they are blessed.

In reading this story, I had gotten the impression that God was fickle and hard to please, but I knew in my heart that was not the truth; I realized it must be my understanding that was faulty.

After a written dialog with my friend, Daughter of Encouragement, I understand now why God was not happy with Baalam. Baalam was all to eager to use his prophetic gift for his own gain. Actually, his heart attitude was seen even in the way he treated his faithful donkey. I also got the impression that Balaam was more than willing to go with the men as verse 20 & 21 reveals, even though he knew God was not thrilled about the idea. I’m not reading that the men called for him to go. I’m just seeing Balaam rose up and went with them.

“And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them, but still only what I tell you may you do. And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.” (emphasis mine)

It goes to show a gift, like prophesy, can be wonderful, but that good and wonderful gift can be used wrongly.

2 Peter 2:14-16
Amplified Bible (AMP)

14 They have eyes full of harlotry, insatiable for sin. They beguile and bait and lure away unstable souls. Their hearts are trained in covetousness (lust, greed), [they are] children of a curse [exposed to cursing]!

15 Forsaking the straight road they have gone astray; they have followed the way of Balaam [the son] of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness.

16 But he was rebuked for his own transgression when a dumb beast of burden spoke with human voice and checked the prophet's madness.


Although, Baalam had the wrong heart motives, he did speak truth with the statement below.
Numbers 22:38
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“And Balaam said to Balak, Indeed I have come to you, but do I now have any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak.”


I like this verse. I will speak what God puts in my mouth! Let it be for all of us, in the name of Jesus. AMEN!!!

Numbers 18, 19 and 20: Cry Out to Jesus

Numbers 20:4
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“And why have you brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, we and our livestock?”

One of the characteristics of a wilderness as described by our government is that it “is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” from the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. (Utah Wilderness Survey)

Although the Israelites felt as though they would never escape the hardships of the wilderness, they were destined one day to leave it and enter into the Promised Land. They were visitors to a land “untrammeled by man.”

Apparently water and food are lacking in a wilderness, because those items were the topic of much dissension among the Israelites causing them to grumble and complain about what they didn’t have.

Those in a spiritual wilderness often feel alone because they find themselves in an area untrammeled by man which is lacking in food (His Word) and water (His Spirit). Just as the physical body would die without the essential food and water, the spiritual body eventually will as well. Yet, God sends all of us into the wilderness at times. I believe one of the purposes of the wilderness is to kill the flesh or the worldly ungodly thoughts and actions that have piled up inside us.

What’s awesome though is if we cry out to God in the wilderness He will come and minister to us. I had a wilderness experience several years ago, and it was in that difficult place that Jesus spoke the clearest, and moved the most powerfully in me. It was the place where Jesus Himself became my Lifeline. This place is where I learned to love and trust Him on a deeper level.

Hosea 2:14
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her [Israel] and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.”

Looking back on that time now, I do remember the pain of aloneness and feeling as though I would die, BUT I am thankful for the relationship that was build between Jesus and me there.

If anyone of you reading this finds themselves trapped in the wilderness, cry out to Jesus. I promise you that it is all worth it.

Mac Powell (Third Day) - Films and Music Inspired by THE STORY "When Lov...

A great portrayal of my Jesus!  Always motivated by love!!!

Numbers 16 and 17: Examples of Intercession

Numbers 16: Examples of Intercession

Example 1: The emotional response of an intercessor must be guided by humility. Moses, falling on his face, indicates humility in that he goes low rather than to stand up and fight.

Numbers 16:4 & 5

“And they gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, [Enough of you!] You take too much upon yourselves, seeing that all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you lift yourselves up above the assembly of the Lord?”

“And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face.”

Example 2: An intercessor reminds us of our gifts and calling, encouraging us to be thankful, not covet the gifts, talents or power of another.

Numbers 16:9 & 10

“Does it seem but a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord and to stand before the congregation to minister to them,

And that He has brought you near to Him, and all your brethren the sons of Levi with you? Would you seek the priesthood also?”

Example 3: An intercessor may become emotionally stirred by circumstances, but those emotions are taken directly to God, not spread about through bitter words or backbiting.

Numbers 16:15

“And Moses was very angry and said to the Lord, Do not respect their offering! I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.”

Example 4: An intercessor petitions God for mercy, even if the offenders have injured him in some way.

Numbers 16:20-22

“And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin and will You be angry with all the congregation?”

Example 5: An intercessor warns the people to depart from the sins of another, or else they will share in the punishment for those sins.

Numbers 16:26

“And he said to the congregation, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.”

Example 6: An intercessor places himself between life and death, even at the cost of his personal safety.

Numbers 16:47 & 48

“So Aaron took the burning censer as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and behold, the plague was begun among the people; and he put on the incense and made atonement for the people.

And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stayed.”

Numbers 14, 15 and Psalm 90: This Life is Short, Give Me Wisdom

Psalm 90:12
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.”

When we truly get the revelation of our mortality, that our days are numbered, that our lives are as brief as the grass that grows up in the morning and withers in the evening (Psalm 90:5 & 6), then we will cease worrying about the transient aspects of this life and start seeking after eternal things like a heart of wisdom.

Two of the kindest trials the Lord has allowed me to walk through have been brain surgery and cancer.

I was 23 years old when I was diagnosed with an aneurysm-like malformation in my brain’s left frontal cortex. Most 23 year olds are not acquainted with life threatening surgeries. Most young adults are thinking about marriage, children, and careers- certainly not the brevity of life. Yet, in allowing me to walk through this trial, God drew me to Him. I had a revelation of how short life really is and how important it is to live life with purpose and passion.

Two days after Christmas 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I praise God for the good He has brought from it. For many years, the fear of man controlled my emotions. The Lord used this attack from the evil one, cancer, to break much fear off of me. When someone is unkind or judging, instead of my heart being filled with hurt, my heart now sees the offender’s hurt. I am more convinced now than ever of His great love for me and that has made all the difference in how I live my days.

I have not arrived, by any means, but I feel like I’ve been catapulted past some of these sticking points. I praise my Jesus Who has never left me or forsaken me!!! Thank You, Lord, for ever increasing waves of freedom. I Love You, Jesus!!!

Numbers 11-13: Four Lessons Learned

Numbers 11:4

Amplified Bible (AMP)

“And the mixed multitude among them [the rabble who followed Israel from Egypt] began to lust greatly [for familiar and dainty food], and the Israelites wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat?”

“The mixed multitude – The word in the original resembles our “riff-raff,” and denotes a mob of people scraped together. It refers here to the multitude of strangers (see Exodus 12:38) who had followed the Israelites from Egypt.” (from Biblos.com)

Lesson 1: We must guard our hearts from those who would grumble and complain. If we allow ourselves to be drawn into this negative heart attitude, we will be disciplined by the Lord.

Numbers 11:23
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“The Lord said to Moses, Has the Lord’s hand (His ability and power) become short (thwarted and inadequate)? You shall see now whether My word shall come to pass for you or not.”

Lesson 2: We may find ourselves in horrifically difficult circumstances, but the Lord’s hand is NEVER shortened. His power is more than enough to meet our needs and solve our circumstances.

Numbers 11:29
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“But Moses said to him, Are you [a]envious or jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”

Lesson 3: Moses is a humble leader. He is not intimidated when God chose to speak through others.

Numbers 11:34
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“That place was called Kibroth-hattaavah [the graves of sensuous desire], because there they buried the people who lusted, whose physical appetite caused them to sin.”

Lesson 4: Walking in the flesh may result in death. Lord, thank You for Your mercy; please empower us to always walk in Your Spirit.

Numbers 8-10: Like a Levite

I heard a teaching by Perry Stone several years ago regarding the blowing of the horn (the shofar), that its sound to the evil one is indistinguishable from the voice of God. I have been in gatherings where the shofar is played and I could feel shock waves in the spiritual realm. The link below gives more information on the shofar.

http://www.delusionresistance.org/christian/shofar.html

Numbers 8:14
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the Israelites, and the Levites shall be Mine [in a very special sense].”

As far as I know, I do not have a Jewish ancestry, but in the Spirit, I feel like God has said that I am a Levite, one who is set apart and separated to God for His service. Really, all of His kids are separated to Him. It’s just will all of His kids heed the call?

Numbers 8:25-26
Amplified Bible (AMP)

“And at the age of fifty years, they shall retire from the warfare of the service and serve no more,

But shall help their brethren in the Tent of Meeting [attend to protecting the sacred things from being profaned], but shall do no regular or heavy service. Thus shall you direct the Levites in regard to their duties.”

I’m 47 years old. Does this mean in three years I will be retired from warfare?