Ruth 3:1

"Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"

One of the marvels of the story of Ruth is the relationship between the two. From Naomi desiring to depart and leave her daughter-in-laws, to Ruth clinging fast to her with that great verse in Ruth 1:16. with Ruth returning with Naomi to her homeland, home town, Naomi's desire is to help Ruth. She plays matchmaker. My daughter - their relationship was more than inlaws; Blessed is the family and people that find a deeper relationship through love and devotion. Many a blood relative will never know such love, becuase of the broken relationship in families today. Naomi may have lost her sons, but she definitely loves and respects Ruth as her own daughter. Shall I not seek rest for thee - she desires to pursue finding a husband for Ruth; One of the great questions of the Bible. Rest, not from labor or toil, but in life. Rest and comfort of hearts, mind and soul. Do you have such rest? many a loved one seeks rest for their weary children, spouses, family and friends. It is natural to desire for them to be at rest. But to rest in the Lord is far better. For even though the cares of this life is troublesome and difficult, God is able to give rest to the weary. Chaos and trouble may be all around onthe outside, but peace and rest in the soul in Christ. I know many a parent that would cry this is their place to seek rest for lost children, spouses seeking salvation for their loved one and seeing and knowing that the only true rest is in a saved soul. 'You must be born again.' If it be not thy petition to find rest for them that are lost around you, why not? it was and is the Lord's greatest desire 'to seek and save that which is lost'. It ought to occupy our hearts, minds and attention. Seek rest for these that are on their way to hell, for there is no rest there. That is may be well with thee - word study, well; It is a painful hardship to see those that are not well in this life. For we know the truth, if they are not well here they will no be well in eternity. Now you know that i am not speaking of physical health, but the soul of men, women and children. 'It is well with my soul', is a great hymn, but how few there are that can sing that song with honesty. We are insin, we are in turmoil, we are laboring without fruit, it is nto well. The church is powerless, contaminated, unholy, unfaithful, it is not well with the church. Families are being decimated, shredded by money, lusts and horrible relationships and communications.

Ruth 2:10

"Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?"

This is the relationship between Ruth and Boaz. It is her question posed to him over his interest and kindness demonstrated toward her. But I would ask of you to consider that it is far richer than that, it is of us to our Lord. What shall we do when we see Him face to face? Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground - every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord; We gather to worship Him and declare His greatness adn our love for Him. We give ourselves to Him and owe all that we are to His gentle and providing hand. When the beloved John sat beside Jesus at the last supper, he laid his head on Christ bosom. But when he sees Jesus glorified in the first of Revelation he fell down as if dead. What was the differnce? We shall approach like this, face down, knees bowed, stretched out on the ground. Why have I found grace in thine eyes - great questions of the Bible; Have you ever asked yourself this question, 'why me?' Why did grace come to me, but pass over this one and that one? what was I favored since the beginning of time with His Divine love and yet coutnless billions reject it? It makes it that much more precious and grateful to know that I could have easily been like the multiude and rejected it, but grace lingered and secured me. There is no answer for it, God's grace is His own desire and favor given to such unworthy creatures. He knows the ones that will accept it and the ones that will reject it, for He is God. Give thanks for finding grace in His eyes. That thou shouldest take knowledtge of me - God knows all and He knows us; He has foreseen us and knows us by name. Yes, He knows everything and He knows everyones name but these are His children, they are engraven on His hand and never forgets them. We are not worthy to be noticed by Him, simply a spec in the universe in all its vastness, yet God takes knowledge of His own. How precious are His throughts and ways toward us, give thanks and praise for these things. Seeing I am a stranger - word study, to see; We are not divine, we are not of Abraham, nor of the twelve tribes. We are strangers in the midst of mankind, yet He sees me and you. He looks upon us and claims us for Himself. How great a God that would take a stranger and select for His very own. Given place, knwoing we deserve no place at all. This is the nature of God and it is marvelous to behold and contemplate on. We would not do it, we do not do it. But God does and He teaches us so to do as He has done. Learn the greatness of your salvation, your election andsavor the mighty works of God to redeem and keep us in His Love.

Ruth 1:21

"I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord thath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?"

I see in this verse, the truth and hope for the Spirit filled life. At the Keswick Concvention in the late 1800's and up till the second World War, there was great longings and blessings at this meeting. They gathered to meet God and God met them. They had four themes that I have adopted for the Christian life: 1. Confession of Sin; 2. God's Remedy for Sin - Jesus Christ; 3. Consecration and 4. The Spirit filled life. Christians are at some point along this path; some are only Christians by confession of their sins, they still are wordly and not yet attained to 'growing in grace andknowledge of the Lord'; I think the death bed confessions are a prime example of this. Then there are those that confess and are able to appreciate and bear witness of all the Chrrist is and has done for them, they rejoice in atonement and the promises of God, for He is faithful unto His own. Then by a touch of grace there are those that yield themselves and their lifes for the cause of the kingdom, they consecrate themselves. Lastly, those that arrive at what God intended afull surrender and filling of His Spirit, and these do great harm to hell and great wonders for the kingdom fo God. Now I see in Naomi's statement and question the answer to this. In order to be Spirit filled we must be emptied out. Naomi had left her homeland, lost her husband and her two sons. She blames God for this. yet consider that if she had not lost her loved ones, Ruth would not have gone with her home, Ruth would not have met Boaz and married him, and the line of Christ would not be what it is. The mystery of life is in God's hand and we cannot understand all of it, but know this Chrisitan, God does know and His ways are right. Isn't it amazing that God gets blamed for everything? Job's friends and Job himself blamed God for all that befell him, but it was nto God but Satan who afflicted and killed his children. Now there are instances inthe Bible and in life, 'And God smote them'. We do not read that God smote Naomi's family, they died, and the Lord worked in the midst of it. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty - life can be full for some, but others seemingly have nothing; Full is not defined by possessions and wealth. For the poor man may be just as full with very little. And the one empty may have more than those with the wealth of the world. Many a Christian has thought they were full because of the world's standards, but this is all grass and is consumed in a moment. Build not of things of this life for they will all perish and be destroyed by fire. But build for the things of eternity for they shall last in Him. If we think we are full, we are content and in need of nothing, may the Lord do as Naomi said, 'make us empty'. For we cannot be anything for Him without emptying ourselves of self and the world. We expect for God to fill us when we have the unholiness of the world, this cannot be. God will not dishonor His Spirit by placing it in that which is defiled with sin. and even though for Naomi this was painful and sorrowful, we should know the truth that being emptied for God will costs us something. 'Deny yourself, take up your cross adn follow me', is there anything here that Chrsit told us, that will not be painful and hard? Know forright that being all for Jesus and filled with Him will be painful and costs something. Until you are willing to empty yourself, you may continue on choked by the cares and concerns of this world and your name will be Mara - bitter. why then call ye me Naomi - great questions of the Bible; naomi did not understand this that had happened to her. She was sorrowful and mourning and she expressed to those that called her by her name. But to the soul that knows Romans 8, "All things work together for good to them which are called according to His purpose', their name is and shall be Naomi - pleasant. Oh, may we look beyond the present circumstances and see that the hand of the Lord is working, even in the midst of the most painful. We must accept, all for the glory of the Lord. We shall be named Naomi in His presence and for His honor, don't fight against it but know that He that is perfect andmakes no mistakes, is at work presently within our lives. seeing the Lord hath testified aginst me - word study, to see; Does the Lord hath something against me? against you? is there enough evidence of our unbelief and waywardness that the Lord would stand and say, "I have somewhat against you." as He did to the seven churches. Oh, that we may see our folly and correct it before it is too late. Put on the whole armor of God and fight the good fight of faith for Him. And walking daily and hourly with Him we will be found righteous and blameless in His sight and He will not have anything to testify against us. Cleanse me and impart to me hope for the day of hearing, 'Well done'. For God, Who does not lie, will not say, 'Well done' to those that have not done well. And the Almighty hath afflicted me - tears may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning; Do we not know by now that the Lord is desiring to perfect us? And in order to do that, afflictions will come, chastisement must be borne. 'As many as I love, I rebuke and chastise'. If He loves me, then these things must be. No, it is not pleasant and desiring but His ways are not our ways. Afflictions are upon us and around us. Even though, your life may be bliss for this paticular mometn, consider our brothers and sisters aroudn the world, hazarding their lives for Christ in prison, persecuted and even martyed for His Great Name. These things msut be, so remembe why they must be, they are to perfect in us what He desires. That we may be conformed to His image and that we may be Spirit filled for this generation as a witness bearing precious seed. Go forth and know that we are safely cared for by His hand of mercy and grace.

Judges 21:25

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

It is the close of this book that repeats the standard of the judges, evey man did that which was right in his own eyes. Moses led by the power of God; Joshua led by the same manner but with less power and then came the judges in their shorter durations. somewhere along the way they lost the focus of being the people of God. They set their eyes on a standard man made instead of Divine made. When that takes place, destruction is soon to follow. God will not pamper to the desires of man to serve himself. In those days there was no king in Israel - no king had yet been appointed; We heard the words of Moses that no king should reign over them, only the Lord should govern them. We heard the prophetic word from Moses that when they desired a king it would be there undoing. The note is preparing us that quickly following the book of Ruth we will enter into I Samuel and the people will cry out for a king. This is directly agains the word of the Lord. There was never to be a king, it was for the people to draw near and follwo His commnads. How unfaithful they were. And just because there was no king, does not make it the last half of this sentence to be okay. Men did that which was right in their own sight becuase man has always, since the fall, desired to please themselves. Never have they had a desire to follow the Lord and His desires. Only the few righteous ones, the ones that received grace did follow after Him with all their hearts. and oh, what shall we say about today? what about us? have we learned the lesson of life? Have we learned not to follow our own self-righteousness? We must acknowledge that the way of the Lord is suffecient. Here is the way, now walk in it. Let this be our mandate and let us learn to follow His merciful hand. not giving place to worldly ways, worldly thoughts and selfish motives. Let us abhor the ways that man declares to be okay,knowing it is an offense unto the Lord. His Word is clear and straight forward and it is enough. Neglect of the Word in study, in reading, in memorizing has been a contributing factor to doing that which was right in our own eyes. We have forgotten the old paths and walked in the new ones of religion. Let us understand to walk in these ways may be moral, good, but they will never lead to holiness. 'Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, he that hath clean hands and a pure heart?' Holiness is far above this 'right in our own eyes'; it is a self preserving way not of the Lord. That which is not of Him is false and leads to the pains of hell. It creates self realiance on one's own self, and this is not faith. and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.

Judges 20:34

"And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore but they knew not that evil was near them."

Within this section of verses of chapter 20 there is an horrific picture of judgement upon God's people. The children of Israel, who far outnumbered the children of Benjamin, were smote down over 40,000 men. Then this wicked city of Gibeah, where all this problem arose from the evil rape of this concumbine, was destoryed utterly. And in the next verse, verse 35, the Lord smote Benjamin, a tribe of Israel. And only a remant was left. The trifling of sin among God's people is to be abhorred, but it is a jest, a pleasure, a choice among God' own. Know that God will make us given an account of our actions and deeds. Oh, the weight of judgment on God's own. 'What might have been!' And there came against Gibeah - word study, to come; There is always the hand of God to come agains the evil ones. Gibeah, had chosen to protect the guilty instead of restoring holiness. To those that put their hand to protect the wicked, they shall be counted as the wicked. Ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel - it seems that the plan of Israel, is to deal harshly with them; While the rest of the army of Israel drew away the tribe of Benjamin, with their trickery of pretending to be beat down again, these ten thousand were assigned for one purpose, the destruction of Gibeah. They were the elite group, picked and chosen out of the 400,000 army of Israel. and the battle was sore - no mercy, no quarter asked and none given; This was not a gentle disagreement, this was to the death. Israel had come up against them to kill them for what evil they had allowed and done. Benjamin was determined to protect and defend, there was no other of compromise it was, life for life. For what worse scenario but brother killing brother, israelite killing Israelite. This was not like it was the Philistines, or the Egyptians, this was their own blood. But they knew not that evil was near them - the end is near now for 25,1o0 Benjaminites; It is a repeated phrase and an acknowledge that there is ignorance of men when they are in the most danger. Samson rose up and knew not that the Lord was departed from him. We see here that they was not aware of the 10,000 men ready to ambush them. I wonder if we knew if it would really change our plans and approach to life. How evil is our day, and if we knew this was our last, would they repent and cry for mercy? Or would they continue same old way? Can we not learn from this? Is our adversary not roaming about seeking whom he may devour? Do we not know that while on this earth, evil is always present? My work, The Continuance of Evil, is focused on this very thing. We get up in the morning, and the devil is waiting, watching, preparing to cause us to sin and fall. We leave ourselves open for his evil, wicked intentions of separating us from our Lord. But if we knew that evil was near, would we not prepare and protect? I am not sure that we would. It seems a constant attitude of pride, self-will and arrogance that men care not whether they sin, they will do what they want, when they want. They will not adhere to the truth that sets men free, but follow their own vanity, all the way to destruction in hell. But what of the church, God's own people? Surely if they knew evil was near, they would change their ways? Amos warned, 'Prepare to meet thy God'. Yet what preparation do we see? What repentance is there to be found among the Lord's people. For you see, it is not that evil is present today, or one day next month, but evil is present and near all the time. WE are in a world that serves Satan, they are enemity with God and should be counted as enemies to us. But the church embraces the entertainment, fun, love of money and other indulgences that are forbidden in the Scriptures. Evil is near us now, will you not prepare? Will you not make ready when the devil ambushes you with the sin that does so easily beset you? May one not cry out, "What shall we do?" Jesus said in the hour of His trial, 'Watch and Pray'. We must always be diligent, and ready to the ambush. Prayed up, studied up and walking rightly with God. Lift up your eyes until the hills from which cometh your salvation. Look unto Jesus and find help, deliverance and strength. Know and rest in Him for there is nothing else to aid or help us in this present day warfare. Too many a child of God is at ease, and they know not that evil is near.

Judges 19:30

"And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds."

Three word studies are found in this verse, so I will mention them first before I get to the subject: all that saw it - word study, to see; no such deed one nor seen - word study, to see;
the children of Israel came up - word study, to come;
What act could be compared to this! A man takes his concubine and cuts her into 12 pieces and sends them throughout the tribes of Israel. Why? For action to be taken. There was no such deed done nor seen. . .unto this day - this was an unique deed done to gather the people to see and be aware of it; Normally when people won't pay attention, you do something dramtic to shock them to awareness and action. I believe that is why this man did this. But I believe the deed done of sending her parts throughout the tribes of Israel was to get to the last part of this verse - Consider of it, take advice and speak your minds - he is asking for them to gvie counsel; The sins found throughout all of Joshua and Judges leads to this one act of shock. The children of Israel are not right and sin is present. Something must be done to bring them back to where they need to be. God is merciful and willing to restore the brokeness among His people. But the people are not willing to do what they need to do for His sake. An event, a person, an occurrence can change all that. When a people finally realize that they have fallen so far, they might be stirred to action. Other times they may continue to reject the warnings and sink further. But here they take action, and leads to the destruction of the chidlren of Benjamin. Let us see that we are not well either. The church can hear the words of the Lord Jesus saying, "I have this against you. . ." WE are found at fault and no that we are not doing what we should be doing for His kingdom's sake. 1. Consider it - think upon the weight of this; the results of it, the path it is leading us; what can we do to change this present course of actio? 2. Take advice - give wisdom its place; sometimes the most common sense things are overlooked, give reason a voice to discern between each other; Offer the spirit of soundness to thsoe that are wise enough to hear. 3. Speak your minds - hold it not in, neither be silent; but speak that which is on your heart and mind. There is a time for everything, and now is the time to speak and be heard. We read in the book of Acts that when issues arose that they had a conference to convene and they pretty much followed these three rules of order to gain what the Spirit was saying to them. Give place to the voice that God speaks through and follow that which is soudn, wise and leading rightly.

Judges 18:9

"And they said, Arise, that we may go up aginst them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the land."

Thus, we have the answer in this verse to the question from the men of two cities of Dan, Zorah and Eshtaol. These two cities sought a more land to conquer and take and they found it in the city of Laish. Note that it was not the whole tribe working together to accomplish what the Lord had promised of possessing the land, but a small portion, only two cities. Where were their brethern? Why did they not help? Look around and see the condition of the church. Very few churches help one another, very little of concern for one another. Arise, that we may go up against them - word study, to go; The cry for action, 'Arise and go against them'. We have the same mandate, 'Go ye into all the world'. We are to be going against them, not with a sword for domination, but with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing between soul and spirit and dividing joint and marrow.' We have the mandate, we have the weapons for this warfare. Are we rising up and going? It is my common question that I ask regularly among the churches: when was the last time someon apporached you about the Gospel, about your soul? You may go a whole year, or longer for some and never be asked about your relationship with Christ or told about eternity. Now, I don't count being asked about church, I am talking about those that are soul winning and evanglizing. And the next questiton is just as important: when was the last time you asked someone about their soul? Have you risen up and gone aginst the lost world to claim lost souls for Christ? Has it been a week? Has it been a month? Has it been longer? The shame of the church is that we have forgotten the cry, 'Arise, and go aginst them.' For we have seen the land - word study, to see; Look upon the land and see that which is before us. I know you see those closest to you, your loved ones, your friends. But see more, see the whole land before you. Jesus drew near to the city and wept over it. From the cross Jesus saw all mankind that He was dying for. See the land before you and the people perishing and see if you can restrain for not rising up and going. And are ye still? rest not content with the status quo; There is a need, there is a place and we need God desperately today. We can afford no longer to be still, we must do something. Apathy, complacency, and lack of love are the reasons that will keep us still, but we must change that. Be not slothful to go - word study, to go; The sin of the church today, sloth. So very little is it confessed or seen by servants fo the Lord. It is the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs that reveals the sloth of a man on his labors and failures. It is the sloth that keeps us from praying without ceasing; sloth keeps us from studying to show ourselves approved unto God; sloth keeps us from service in worship; and sloth keeps us from saving the world. It is our condition and excuses from the church abound with its diguises. The young ones say, "we are too busy, we cannot go"; the old ones say, "I have done my part, let the younger ones go"; and the middle age say, "I know I should but. . ." they never do. This is all sloth, neglect, rejection of obeidence for selfish reasons and it is a sinful trespass against the Lord. And because of this many are in danger of 'not possessing the land'. In Hebrews we have that strong warning that the children of Israel could not enter into the promised land because of unbelief and disobedience. Sloth factors in to both and when no coviction over it is stirred, the absence of the Holy Spirit should warn us that the realtionship with Jesus Christ is not good or does not exist at all. No doubt, this generation will rise up in judgement against the church and tell us that the American church is guilty of not possessing the land because of sloth. Let us confess, repent and return to our first love again. Let us go and tell the Good News of Jesus Chrsit this day and every day. Labor not for the meat that perishes but for the riches that are eternal.

Judges 17:11

"And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons."

When falls the man of God? when he becomes content. The Levite had received a handsome offer to continue with Micah. He was to receive wages, room and board and simply minister to him and his family. Not a bad job with securities and benefits. A little different from Elijah, who was fed with birds and drank from the brook; a little different that John who ate wild honey and locusts. I see most preachers today after the brass ring. They worry more about their retirement, their benefits, their salaries and tax exemptions than they do the kingdom of God. And I tell you that where it all begins is found in this verse, the Levite was content. Not willing to move, not willing to pick up and go across seas, not willing to leave an established church to go start one, these are things that hinder the work of God today in the men of God. God is looking for that one that will say, 'Here am I, O Lord, send me'. But when a man says he cannot take a ministry position uinless he receives so much, then the will of the Lord is second and the will fo man is first. What if the church cannot pay more, but it where the Lord wants you? What then? Is God wrong? Nay, but the man is wrong to chose the love of money over the obedience of service. All for contentment to dwell with the man that flatters. the young man was unto him as one of his sons - age and assoication made Micah the father figure and the young Levite as a son; Beginning to preach at 18 and hearing for most of my life, 'your too young to be a preacher'. I have heard many older people in churches tell me the same words found here in this verse, 'Your just like a son to me'. Many of those that spoke those words were sincere and kind. But warning, if a son, then the son has to honor his parents. The will of God and the word of God becomes of no effect because of compromise over emotional ties. We cannot tell those that have flattered us and loved us, they are in sin. We chose less truthful ways and compromise. I have seen it done a thousand times. Be careful brethern, with emotional ties diverted you away from the will of your Heavenly Father. This Levite was easy prey to be conned into being Micah's priest. Micah was in the wrong for thinking by adding a priest he would have God on his side. Did not America do the same thing? 'We have God on our side', yet we have more sin and evil than other nations. God will not and has not ever blest sin. It is not about having God on our side; it is about us being on God's side. That way is straight and narrow and few there be that find it. Are you content? ARe you 'well off'? Or do you walk by faith in the Lord? No wonder, there are so many who marvel at Hudson Taylor and George Mueller. They could never walk in faith as they had to do. Work and labor for the latest golf clubs, the best fishing boat, membership at the weight room and all the other indulgences that keep us from serving and waiting before the Lord God. Is it no wonder that the nation is perishing with such men that are content to dwell with the man?

Judges 16:15

"And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth."

Often as I come throught the Scriptures, there are the many word studies I do of verbs found throughout the whole Bible; there is the promises spoken from God for me and you; and there is the great questions of the Bible. I know that you know the account of this chapter between Samson and Delilah. How she gained victory over the mighty man of stregnth; how she brought down the Lord's servant through lusts; and how she gained for herself by treason and deception. And as Satan simply asked Eve a question in the garden of Eden, 'Hath God said?" so Delilah does the same thing, she asks a question. How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? - it is a reasonable question for sure betwenn two people; For there cannot be trust unless the whole heart is there. But of course, the danger for many is who to trust? Samson trusts Deliah and is destroyed. We must guard ourselves agaisnt what we trust in and give our hearts to. But I would say that when I read this question, beyond the fact of knowing the tale of Samosn and Delilah, I hear my Master say to me the same thing. Do we not love Him? Have we not professed our devotion and service to Him? We renew ourselves daily in His light and Word. We love Him because He first loved us. Jesus said, 'If any man love Me, he will keep My commandments.' The first thing I come to any person, including myself, is that if we say we love Him, are we keeping His commandments. For many say they love Him, but they do not keep His commandments, which has to lead to the next question, do you really love Him? How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? We must answer honestly today, is our heart with Him or not? one says, 'I beleive in Him'; which quickly we go to James, 'the devils believe also'. What difference is there then between the devils and those that profess they believe in Him? It is found with the heart goin after Him. When Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus questioned him, 'Lovest thou Me?' Is He not saying that to us, to the church today? If we profess our love for Him and faith in Him, is our hearts with Him? Everyone should become a 'quack cardiologist' today to examine our hearts and see what our true desire and purpose is. so much to question, so much to decide and yet it is all resolved in this one thing, is our hearts with Him. Thou has mocked me these three times - deception and lies reveal that trust is not there; Now as I warned Samson, out of lusts, was seeking this woman, this was from sin and nothing ever good comes from sin. But in relationship to Christ it is pure and undefiled. 'I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ'. Are we speaking boldly and confidently about the things of God to lost men or are we mocking Him? Tozer writes, 'there is no such thing as a silent Christian.' I believe with all my heart that to be true, for what the heart is full of is what comes out of our lips. We talk and share of the desries of our heart, there is no mocking of the truth within us. Samson's mocking was lies to preserve himself, which had he not been in sin, would never have come to the place that he had to chose to confide in her or mock her. We place ourselves in unholy places and the devil loves it. And if we mock the world in its sinfulness, yet looking around we find ourselves in sin also, who has really been decieved? And has not told me wherein thy great strength lieth - let there be no doubt that our great strength comes from He Who is strength, Who is power; Our great stregnth lies not within ourselves but with God Almighty. Many a solider of the cross has not told nor shared the truth of God and salvation. Many has never spoken a testimony to declare what great things the Lord hath done for us and through us. thou hast not told me - many a soul in hell will say to the church, 'you never told me'; to whose charge will there blood be laid? Was it because the child of God did nto know from where there great strength came? Did not know that they had great strength with God? is this why the church walks about weak, sickly, frail and powerless? Paul warned, that those that had eaten of the communion table with sin, was found sick, weak and not right with God. Our unbelief hinders us and our silent lips drains us. O child of God the Master ask of thee and me, what of our heart? what of our life? what have we done for Him? and what shall we do for Him?

Judges 15:19

"But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day."

So often the story of Samson slaying the thousand Philistines is told and relished of God's power working through Samson. The enemies of the Lord are defeated and Samson is victorious. But yet, at the end of this chapter there is far more glorious activities that happen. Samson is fatigued, worn out by the battle. In verses 17 through 20 the end of this aftermath is recorded. Samson is alone and he has defeated the enemy, only one enemy remained, himself. We may well stand up against Appolyon, but our own flesh fails us. Paul said, 'That which I would not do, that is what I do; that which I do is that which I don't want to do' O wretched man that I am!" Samson's physical strength had depleted and thirst was not the concern. It was not an army, or a sword but his own body was giving in. In the previous verse, he prayed unto the Lord, he gave a plea for help. And we begin this verse with But God - where all things should begin, with God; Too many a soul begins the day without the Lord. Too many go long extended times without God. Our nation has gone decades without the Lord. the church operates without the Lord. But when we are in trouble, we cry out to Him. And then God comes. clave an hollow place that was in the jaw - the miracle of water; God allowed for Moses twice to hit the rock and speak to the rock and water come out. Now Samson prays and God clave a place out for water too come out and refresh him. Isn't the ways of the Lord merciful? He is faithful to the needs of His children. think not that the Lord has forgotten you or not paying attention, for He knows all. And there came water thereout - word study, to come; The mystery of water has always intriqued me. In the beginning the Spirit moved upon the waters. Underneath the throne of God proceeds a river. Out of Eden came a river that branched into four rivers. Our bodies are made up of high percentage of water. The universe is made of H2O. Water is signicant on all points. God is able to make water come forth. If He can make water come out and He can make Lazaruas come out; and He can make the demons come out; and He can make sin come out; How much are you willing to believe in what the Lord can do? It is limitless of the thoughts on this. Meditate on that, dear brethern.
And when he had drunk, his spirit came again - word study, to come; He was refreshed by the water of God's provision. Physically we know the need to replenish, lest we dehydrate. But what a comparison we should consider upon with our spiritual need to drink in the Lord. We are so depleted and so weak, we must often go to the well and drink, yea, drink abuntantly. Jesus cried out, 'If you drink of Me you will never thrist again.' He satisfies, yet we do thirst again, for Him, more and more. David wrote, 'As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.' Drink, and your spirit will come again. When I ask of people, tell me of your Bible reading, your prayer life, your devotions; I am given excuses why they can't do it or haven't done it. No wonder the church stumbles around without strength. We must drink in often of Him. And he revived - to revive our life in Him; Samson was back and ready to rise up and go again. A revival upon the church and the land is what we need, to revive ourselves in Christ. We have lost our way; we have lost our direction; 'Wilt thou not revive us again, O Lord?" The old hymn, 'Send a Great Revival' should be our prayer and desire. and it begins Enhakkore, which means the well of the one that cried. Samson, in verse 18, cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard and answered. One reason we have not revived is that God's people have not cried out to Him. They have looked at other things, man made methods and self-preservation. And would you consider that Samson was done and finished without God. When we get desperate and broken then we know that only the Lord can do it. As long as the church continues with the mentality of, 'We can do this', we will never do anything. We need the Lord and He alone is enough, He is suffecient.

Judges 14: 4

"But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel."

We think we know or have to know everything that unfolds in this life. And really, how little we know? It is not necessary for us to know, but have faith in God. He is God, He is the Almighty One. But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord - word study, to know; His ways are beyond our ways, as the Scripture tells us, "For My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts are higher than your thoughts.' And if it be of the Lord should we not rest in His perfect will? But it is hard for a father and mother to watch their child make such decisions. No doubt, many a parent will lay themselves down tonight and weep for their children. But also, too many parents will lay themselves down and never consider to weep for them. Their eyes are dry, and have been dry far too long. But oh, for the parents that fear the Lord. They have dedicated their children as babes; they have taught and instructed them; they have prayed and cried out to God; and the world has come with all its allurements and entertainments to devour. Satan wants them, and parents are left with, 'it is of the Lord'. Does your faith rest strong enough to hold to God's promises? do you have a promise verse? Do you believe? Cast away all doubt and unbelief and know'it is of the Lord.' That he sought an occasion against the Philistines - the enemies of the Lord will be dealt with; This is not Samson seeking an occasion against the Philistines but the Lord is seeking. Does this seem wrong to you? Is it right that the Lord would seek occasion against men? Absolutely; how little men consider the ways Of the Lord. He is rightoues, just and holy; 'Touch not my anointed' and God's people had been touched by the uncircumised Philistines. And this was only the beginning, throughout the next hundred years, the Philisintes would touch the Lord's anointed, the children of israel. Samson was raised up, the same as David to deal with these that dare touch His chosen ones. Think not lightly of those that are touching you; those that touch the church. Most recently, I heard the news report that some atheist or agnostic was bragging that the Christian church would be no more in less than a hundred years. Think of this, a mortal man defying a holy God; what think you? I think God will seek an occasion against such as predict and hope for the church of Jesus Christ to fail or falter. God will come and come quickly into the midst and consume them. Look throughout the Scriptures and see that any that touched the Lord's anointed paid a price and were removed from existence. there is not pardon, nor hope, there is utterly annhilation when God seeks an occasion against such a one. And He will work out His desire for His beloved as He sees fit. His ways have no sin, nor evil in them, they are perfect. As children of the King we are allowed to be a part of this. Can we not give praise and thanks for His mercy and grace? For if it was not for His Divine love and mercy, He would be seeking an occasion against you. Now look on the world, mourn and weep for God's mercy upon them, for He seeks an occasion agains them. They have laughed, mocked, defied Him, the Lord of all that is, dare any think this action of the creation against their Creator shall go unanswered? There will be an answer and a painful one. Praise be to God for His unspeakable gift; for salvation that found us and holds us. For at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel - israel had sinned aginst the Lord and they were given over to the Philistines; Such is the way that God has warned us of, if we disobey there is a price to pay. When His people obey and serve wholeheartedly, then blessings. At such a time, His people are not under dominion but are in dominion over others. When David and Israel served the Lord, they were victors agains the enemies of the Lord. the world is pressing sore against the church and we shall see the Lord removed the yoke of bondage very soon.

Judges 13:22

"And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God."

The angel had come and given them instruction and fortelling of what was to be. God intreated their prayers to send the angel back again unto them. God's faithfulness to His children is never ceasing. Look unto all His ways and see His goodness and provision. And as the angel finished speaking the things unto both Manoah and his wife, he went up in the flame of the sacrifice into heaven. the verse before this, verse 21, Manoah is aware that it was an angel. And upon thinking of this he makes this declaration in this verse 22. We shall surely die - yet the fact was that they was still alive; Would reason not dictate that if the Lord was to slay them He would have done it upn the visitation? But we know the superstition that lays within the hearts and minds of men. Is it not true that we shall surely die? Yea, for every one born in sin shall die. 'It is appointed unto men once to die and then the judgment.' 'for the wages of sin is death'. There are enough verses to confirm the statement of 'we shall surley die'. But the reason of death here is because we have seen God - does looking upon God cause death?; No man shall see the Lord or we shall see the Lord? This was an angel and not God, so Manoah was foolish in suggesting that they was going to die for having seen God. they had not seen God but an angel, and Manoah's wife was the wise one, for she said, 'Why would the Lord tell us these things if He were only to slay us?' this is reason and common sense, God had a plan that included Manoah and his wife. If they were dead the purpose would be to no avail. When John saw Jesus inHis glorified state in the beginning of Revelation he fell down as if he were dead. When Daniel was in the presence of the angel he had no strength. When Isaiah saw the Lord, high and lifted up, he cried out undone, unworthy. When Ezekiel saw the Lord's image of the wheels, he fell down as dead and with no strength until he was helped. Jacob, wrestled with the angel and declared, 'I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.' although we know he wrestled with an angel and not God Almighty. and Moses, probably the closest that any man ever got to seeing the Lord: 'thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.' Exodus 33 and in the following verse, he was allowed to see the hinder parts of the Lord. All these examples to say, that to see God face to face is death. We in mortal flesh cannot look upon Him. It is too great of a sight. We can look upon angels, we can look upon visions, we can imagine but to behold the Presence of the Holy God we cannot do. When we are glorified at death then we shall see Him face to face. For no flesh can enter into the kingdom of God for it is vile. And we use the imagery of saying, "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith". We look unto Him, but not upon Him, for it would be death. Why? no doubt, it is our sinfulness, His holiness and righteousness and pure judgement could not allow such an offense. Many are praying to see God work, to see God's glory manifested in our churches and upon our land. These things can be for they are like Manoah God wishes to reveal Himself to man, especially to His children. Oh, that we would see God in His work. For manifested Presence of God is what is needed in our day. To see Him actually, no, for we cannot behold Him. But to see His right hand work the works of His Great name; to hear from His lips the words spoken in our favor - a thousand times, "Yes". For we can do nothing without Him. We need God to come in our midst. Not to consume us like we read in Exodus but like Pentecost. To cleanse us, to purify us, to robe us in Christ righteousness so that He may be exalted. Moses prayed the right prayer, 'Shew me Your glory'. His glory is His manifested Presence that proceeds from Him. We can behold His glory, like in the expereicnes of real revivals in days gone by. Pray for that, for no man can see God face to face and live. But we shall surely die, when we cast off this mortatlity and put on immortality to see Him face to face.

Judges 12:3

"And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Amon, and the Lord devliered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?"

And when I saw that ye delviered me not - word study, to see; It should be a practice to watch. Watching reveals a great amount of the nature of people. Jephthah had his instructions and went to the task. But when the Ephraimites come to question him and find fault his answer is to sway them away from charging him falsely. and remember the story of his daughter, this is a man bereaved of his only child, not wise to mess with a man that is looking to exercise his grief and sorrow. Deliverance is not to be found in the hands of men or in the ways of man. I put my life in my hands - put not your life in your own hands but in the Lord's; Again, his answer is to sway them from any more conflict.

Judges 11:29

"Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon."

Jephthah gave them an opporutnity to leave this alone. But their refusal spurred him to action to fight the enemies of the Lord. This chapter is varied in so many aspects. And even though it ends in tragedy, let us look at this verse which should encourage us. Having rejected his offer of peaced and reason, they was prepared to battle. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthat - word study, to come; In all work, what good does it do if the Spirit of the Lord is not upon us? It is all vanity and fruitlessness. Jephthah tried the peaceful route and they would not, so he was prepared to fight and lead the people to battle for victory. Consider, my brether, go not without the Spirit of the Lord coming upon you first. His victory was due to the fact of God's provision and mercy. Our victories are not of our own making or ability, but because of the Lord God Almighty and His Divine favor. How precious He is toward those that wait upon Him, to those that love Him and serve Him. When the Spirit comes upon us then we are enabled to do the work and do it by His hand and not our own. Too many a soul has labored in their own stregnth and wondered why there was so very little fruit. Too many a soul has tried in their own right to conquer sin and wondered why there was no deliverance. May we cast aside all false ways fo deception and wait unto the Spirit of the Lord comes upon us. for in His strength there is abounding power and grace. Cleansing from all sin is necessary for us. We must look at oursevles and see that our hands are clean and our whole hearts pure. Teh Lord will not use unclean vessels for His work. Speak not in jest or in vanity. And even though the Spirit of the Lord came upon him to give him strength for the battle, he did not keep his tongue and vowed foolishly unto the Lord. If he wanted to offer a victory sacrifice of a lamb or goat or heifer, then just say that; why say, 'whatever comes out first to meet me'? It was foolish and the Spirit of the Lord upon hm did not keep him from a foolish vow. In all things possess yourselves unto the Lord, your thoughts, your heart, your conversation and your hands. I surrender all.

Judges 10:16

"And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel."

It had been better that they would have put away the strange gods before they were taken into captivity. But oh, we never learn the lesson of righteousenss; unrighteousness carries a huge penalty; sin is death. As we read through and study Judges know that their continued sin was always met by penalty. Sometimes they quickly repented and confessed and other times nothing. The previous verse, verse 15, they confessed, "We have sinned. . ." but by the end of the verse they jsut wanted out of the penalty. How many times, a soul cries out to the Lord, "Lord, I have sinned if you get me out of this I will never do it again."


And his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel - note the compassion of the Lord; Do you think it any different for us? for the church? for the world? Oh, how great is His compassions that fail not.

Judges 9:54

"Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died."

Dying is as important as living. many never want to contemplate how they will deal with death. But some of the greatest testimonies are found in the way of dying. Of course, we cannot look to Abimelech for a savory death, for he died as a fool. When David Brainerd lay dying and his brother came into visit him, he brought the Bible. Upon David seeing it, he cried out, "Oh, that blessed Book!". He died in the Word and upon the Word. Abimelech died from the curse of Jotham. A valiant death of a solider allows for men to honor them and remember them for the courage. But what do you do with a man that dies in his eagerness for power and self-exaltation? He died by the hand's of woman, who threw a piece of a millstone at him. Although it did not kill him instantly, he sought for death not by her hand but a solider. He called hastily unto the young man his amrourbeareer - he wanted him to slay him; We can be left with a choice of death. Many a soul dies in their sins; this is the fool's way. Chose to die in the Lord, not looking for the glory of man. that men say not of me, A woman slew him - he sought for a way to leave his legacy; No matter what Abimelech did he still died at the hands of a woman. My death may come from the hands of men or women, or of my own neglect; but I will die in the Lord. The wise will die in the Lord for He hath made a way for us, that to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. Your life can tell the tale of who you are and what you have done. Many a person has lived a good, sound life and lost it all in the way of foolishness of their death. Many a saint lived in obscurity and quietness yet bore a huge tesitmony in their death. It is the difference of living a life and dying for that life. A Christian lives for the Lord and is willing and may, as in other parts of the world, die for the Lord. Many of the first church sought for the glorious death of martyrdom. But today, church members have no desire to live for their faith nor die for it. Our whole mentality of facing death is different, and I dare say not the better.

Judges 8:4

"And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them."

He had just dealt with the civil disrest from the men of Ephraim. the enemy was still in retreat and needed to be dealt with. And Gideon came to Jordan - word study, to come; Gideon was not done and he knew the work lay before him. Crossing Jordan was needful, even though it drained the men with him. It is that during battles for the Lord, it seems the adversities never end. There is constant attack from within and without. Keep moving, keep going after the prize of your high calling. You may come to the river that needs crossing, cross over. the three hundred men that were with him - the same three hundred that had started with him were prepared and willing to finish with him; does this not show their true heart? They were warriros in deed and no ounce of cowardice was found within them. Just as David had his small group of men, so Gideon had his thee hundred. who do you have brethern? Who stands with you and fights with you no matter what the obstacle? Too many a child of God is looking for someone and they never find one that sticketh closer than a brother. Gathered unto the Lord we are, for the battle is not ours but His'. Faint - weary, weak, and not full of strength; They had b een through much and they would have to go through much more. keep the goal in sight, lose not hope no matter if ye are faint. 'Be ye not weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not.' Many a child of God is faint today. They have been weakened by the world, satan, flesh, and any other obstacle that launches itself against God. Many a weary solider, some of their own doing, but still nevertheless faint. Now here is the difference, yet pursuing them - no matter what the physical part might be, the spiritual is pushing forward to in pursuit. How strong is your resolve for the eternal rewards of heaven? How much does your soul push you to excel for you Lord and King? Rise up and pursue the crown which the Lord has given for you to conquer here in this life. Fight the battle at home, fight at school, fight at work, pursue until the walls come down and the enemy is vanquished. Weary, worn, and troubled, no doubt you are; but stil pursue after them. Know that Jesus shall say to you at the end, "Well done".

Joshua 7:2

"And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themsevles against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me."

God does not have to explain Himself, yet we have here, And the Lord said unto Gideon - God was instructing Gideon in the way in which He would have it; He explians the reason of why He is about to do what He is doing. Do we hear the Lord? Far too often, busyness and the world drown out the Lord's voice. We cannot hear Him, He is speaking but our hears are dull of hearing. Clear the ear canals and let the voice of God speak to us today. the people that are with thee are too many - the number is not important, it is the conclusion draw from it that is an issue with the Lord; 'Few there be that find it' shows us that the majority is not walking nor do they know the Lord. Two instances were quoted by Ravenhill almost 20 years ago that another revival was coming and that over 1 billion souls would be swept into the kingdom. We would glory at such a thing, would we not? But what of the other six billion that are lost and without Christ? For the Lords deliverance He wants a small group to deliver the children of Israel lest their own vanity and pride disminish His great work of deliverance. Are we the factor of so few being saved and brought into the Kingdom? His desire is that all would be saved and come into a knowledge and service to Him. Is it ours? Have we lost the passion for the lost? Would our vanity and pride condemn us if many were saved? These are hard thoughts, but consider it. lFor me to give the Midianites into their hands - word study, to give; God is the giver of this victory, not the hands of man. A nation, a people, a religion, a soul, God is able to deliver them into the hands of His people for His glory. Will He deliver into unclean hands? Will He deliver into sinful hands? 'Who shall ascend to the hill of God, he that hath clean hands and a pure heart'. He is able, are we able to receive? Lest israel vaunt themselves against me - direct rebellion against God; From His own people? Would God's own people vaunt themselves against Him? Does not our record of the church show our consistency in this? 'Don't worry God, we can handle this. We can do it oursevles.' We are a vain filled, proud, self-righteous people that believes the whispers of Satan. God knew that they could and they would so He prohibited it from happening. How many times has He done the same for us? Grace and mercy, longsuffering are His ways of love and faithfulness to keep us and deliver us from our own undoing. No child of God would desire to vaunt themselves against Him; but there are times that we see the flesh rise up and emotins dictate in the ways of God. Maybe it is a righteous motive, a pure desire but the means are worldly and attitude is variance against God. Methods, means, motives must all be scrunitized as to whether it is for Him or for self. Mine own hand hath saved me - the sin of self;

Judges 6:34

"But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him."

Isn't it amazing that any work that the Lord has done, is doing or will do, He always sends the Holy Spirit? We see the experience of the Spirit coming upon men, upon the people and upon the enemies to destroy them. It is found over and over again in the Scriptures. and any work of God since, there is the marking of the Spirit coming upon the person. As a history major I savor the experience that is consistent throughout all of man's existnece. What is the one mark that separates men from men of God? It is the coming of the Spirit upon them. Gideon had been selected to deliver the children of Israel. He is relucant to do what the Lord has commnaded. Gideon was moved to action when the armies of the enemy were gathered together. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon - word study, to come; I believe that the facts that followed this are of little importance. For no man can do anything for the kingdom unless this be said of them; unless this happen to them. For many a soul there is no distinct difference like that of Charles Finney or DL Moody; it is a slow progression of growth in the Spirit. The first encounter with the Spirit was long before our time. Found in Genesis 1:2, 'the Spirit brooded upon the face of the waters' and someone asks, 'What was He doing there?' the old saint replied, 'Making groanings for the redemption of lost mankind.' Oh, what a thought! that the Spirit was pouring out intercessions for us before the world was! And without the Spirit coming to convict, there can be no salvation in any man. 'No man can come unto the Father unless the Spirit draws him.' And upon salvation The Holy Spirit enters into the life of a person to begin the work of sanctification. Yet, God knowing all things, knows who are His and who are not. He puts upon His people the Spirit to accomplish His desired end. We see this in John the Baptist, that while even in the womb he was filled with the Spirit to accomplish the work he was sent to do. Jeremiah, "While you were yet in the womb I knew you and sanctified you to be a prophet". Gideon was one of like manner, a vessel chosen for the work of God. I fear too many think little of themselves in comparison to the names I have mentioned. Thinking they will never amount to any of the same stature. But remember this, is it not the same Spirit that brooded over you in the beginning? Is it not the same salvation through Christ and the Spriti drawing unto the Father? Is it not the same Spirit that enters in to sanctify? The only question is how much do you yield. For the Lord stands ready to do great and mighty things for His Name sake, but many of His children practice sin habitually, greatly offend Him with unbelief and chose the things of the world over Him. We limit God, we are creatures of grace and chosing, yet we make the active choice to disobey and walk away from Him when He calls us to action. The whole story of Gideon is that God dealt with his unbelief and fear. His mercies endure forever and His longsuffering is plentiful for us. And others rise up and go forward to do the work without the Spirit of the Lord coming upon them. this is failed work before it even begins. Many a soul has thought they were doing the work of the Lord in His strength, but it was only in their own strength. Understand we must wait for the Spirit of the Lord to come upon us before we can rise up and be doing. The act of trying to do the work of God without the Spirit is like trying to drive a car without a motor. It is to sit down at supper to eat and there is no food, nothing, Nothing, NOTHING can be done without the Spirit coming. Pentecost is the example of the church, they had to wait for it. Our greatest sin is that we cannot wait before the Lord, impatient. We have to be busy, we have to do something, and I dare say, with or without God we will do it for the sake of effort. No glory can be given or done until the Spirit of the Lord comes upon His people. And no matter how many times it is shared and revealed this is the truth of the Gospel and the work fo God, still men pursue in their own strength. This is not faith, and it is sin. Do we not know we have grieved and resisted Him enough; "I will wait upon the Lord" and 'what shall we say, If God be for us, who can be against us?'. what does the Spirit do when He comes? He empowers; He makes holy; He bring glory unto the Trinity. A vessel poured for Him to fill. We teach and know that the Spirit is upon all God's children to some degree. But what we are talking of here is the fullness of the Spirit, this is what makes the difference when hell rises up and the flesh is weak and unable to do anything. The power of God in fullness is what we need today and what we should be praying for and earnestly seeking. 'come in fullness, O Lord; upon Thy people, and let us be doing Thy work.' Small amounts of the Spirit mingles with worldly efforts avail little; but the soul that has faith to beleive God is able to do great things for His Name Sake. what say you? Are you filled and over flowing or are you meager and barely making it? 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.'

Judges 5:16 - 17

"For the divisions of Reuben ther were great thoughts of heart. . . For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart."

In this chapter Deborah sings her song of victory. Barak has gone to fight and won. Throughout the chapter she describes the details of the battle. She tells those involved and those that refrained from aiding. We are not that far removed from Joshua and the ocnquest and yet, we read that the tribes do not watch out for each other. They are broken apart already. usually such things come from selfishness. Described here in these two verse of 16 and 17 is the reaction of the tribe of Rebuen. They did not help, even though they considered it. The two phrases are what we are to glean, 'greath thought of heart and great searchings of heart'. Both are wonderfula nd needful within a life of purpose, but if no action follows these searchings, what good is it? I would like to describe that all the great things in this world came from the heart of man. An idea, a will, a thought, something that moved them to change what was or what is. And upn that great men rose up and changed histor, or should I say, made history. The great works fo man began in the heart, God breathed into them this greatness. For no man can rise up without the authority bestowed from God's mighty hand. 'He sets kings and removes kings', He is the Lord. Every person given the gift of imagination, knowledge, ability and then granted the opportunity to do somethings about it. How many searchings and thoughts of the heart stayed there. Limited by man, by themselves, by opportunity and the dreams faded away. What of the church? did not Henry Scougal say, "the life of God in the soul of man"? This takes a perosn beyond thoughts and searchings of the heart. The ingenuity of man is not always for God's glory but for their own evil devices. Rebuen here at musings within about what they should do and how they should respond. But what profit did it do, for they did nothing and missed the opportunity. Paul set the example of searchings and thoughts of the heart and he acted on it and accomplished much for the kingdom. And what of the Hebrews chapter 11 that describes the men and women of faith, was it not the same of them? they had great searchings and thoughts of the heart and they responded. "Here comes these men that have turned the world upside down" a tesitmony of right actions. Now what of you? Does God the Holy Spirit not place within you a desire of great searchings and longings of heart? Have you responded to it? Or have you let it go? A life of regrets becauswe they dreamed but they did not respond to action. The church today is in this case; they have great searchings and thoughts of heart to win the world, to promote Christ, to serve Him in bigger and better ways. But what good is it if they sit among the bleating of the sheep while the Barak fights the battle? REcognize that God breathes within each of us such greatness of heart. For He holds us faithful and lovingly, but we must respond to the call that He commands. don't be as Reuben, be Barak and the men that followed him.

Judges 4:14

"And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the Lord gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him."

God's great deliverance for the children of Israel through Deborah and Barak. Barak would not go without Deborah, such little faith. the children of Israel were in captivity to Jabin. The time frame has gone from 8 years to 20 years, the continuance of evil has a price to pay, brethern. Up for this is the day - time to arise and seize the day for His glory; Laid out before us is the afflcition of the church, families and individuals. They are bound and helpless before a wicked generation fueled by sin and hell. And at that given time the Lord will awaken His people to get UP and rule the day for Him. Are we up? No; many are fast asleep; many are at ease; many have stayed to long at the arbor of ease; but we are definitely not busy about the Lord's business. how much time is spent in prayer? How many souls have been witnessed to this week? What have we labored at? We have gotten up to play, eat and enjoy. the Lord hath delivered into thine hand - deliverance can come from no where else the hand of the Lord God Almighty; 'there is nothing too hard for Him'; 'He is able to do all things well'. He is faithful and will provide the way and means for delvierance by my hand, your hand or the hand of one of His people. Did He not create the hand? Is He not able to direct it? so shall He do for the glory of His Names' sake. Is not the Lord gone out before thee? - great questions of the Bible; oh, if we would only remember this truth. We go not out on our own or by our own doing, but He has gone out, for He knows all things. He is past, present and future; Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. Before the world was He knew all things and how they would be, He has gone out before you. What can you face that will be a surprise unto you, know it is not a surprise unto Him. What shocks you, He already knows. Gather your faith to rest in this truth, He has gone before us to make the way sure. Oh, that this might settle within our hearts and minds to rise and go knwoing the truth of the matter now. So Barak went down - word study 'went'; is it possible for the Lord to go before us and we not go? The Lord knows the choices of our heart, He has made a way. Barak arose and went, let us follow Hsi example and know the blessing that awaits. For if Barak had not gone the battle would not have been won and the children of Israel delivered. But he went, arise up and go, obey the Lord for the peoples deliverance is in the balances. Too many have rejected the call; too many have refused to get up and go; too many have gone not believing the Lord had gone before them. Put away all folly and rest and trust in Him, for He is faithful unto the end. May it lodge in your heart and mind to consdier God's mercy and goodness unto His own.

Judges 3:9

"And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord rasied up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother."

"Those that God raises Up" - I think no doubt, this could easily be a series to preach; Here we have Othniel, the son of Kenaz, nephew to Caleb and his son-in-law. He had already done great things found in Joshua and so we know that their is no cowardness in him. But we also know that the hand of the Lord is upon him. For the Lord knows those that are His and works to use them for His Own glory. We have learned that at the very beginning of israel's existnece withou Moses, without Joshua, without the leaders that sat under them, Israel quickly falls away. A few names remain of those that helped and aided Joshua and secured the land for the chidlrenof Israel. Othniel was one such that he was 'raised up' for such a time as this. Because the children of Israel had sinned and fallen away from the Lord. They had mingled with the nations of the land, disobeying and destroying the fabric of their existence by this unholy deed. And when there is sin, punishment is soon to follow. Oh, how merciful He has been to us when we see the sin of our land. The previous verse tells us the anger of the Lord was kindled against them and they were sold into captivity for 8 years. eight years seems ever so small of a time compared to that which is to follow throughout the rest of the Old Testament. And at the end they were sent for 70 years into Babylon. But 8 years was enough, and they lifted their voice unto the One Who only could help them. they cried unto the Lord - a prayer of brokeness and need; Why do we not cry unto the Lord? why are our eyes dry? Why is our voices silent? Is it that we love the captivity? Or is it that we don't even know we are captives? Regardless, this much is true, we are only just now beginning to cry out unto the Lord. The Lord rasied up a deliverer - the Lord is faithful and merciful to His children; He, Who knows all things, knew that they would cry out to Him and they would desire Him again. And He was ready to answer; He is always ready to answer. Is our eyes not open today to see who the next Jonathan Edwards is? the next Evan Roberts? The next Finney? the next Moody? God always raises up a deliverer. Should we be in prayer for this deliverer? Should we cry out ot God for one that would be anointed and Divinely appointed for such a work? No doubt of this much, the task is huge, the work is great, the enmey is vast. 'Oh, for more divine holiness of life.' For in the holiness of life is found power with God. Not the power of the sword and the strength of men, but the power of prayer adn faith. 'For if you beleive, you shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed. And it shall be moved.' Oh, God send us a man of faith, a man of power in prayer that can shake hell and cause heaven to give honor, glory and praise unto Your Name. Looking, even now, unto the Son of God for His Divine leading, help and instruction. may we cry out with all our might and realize the cost of delay. Time has eroded us and we are sunk deeper into captivity. Awaken those that do not see their own chains. Awaken Your children that they may cry out for deliverance. Not simply for ease and comfort but so that all the nations may know that You are the Lord God, God Almighty, and You command this universe and all that is in it. The religions of the world have gained ground and the church is not ready for its spiritual warfare. An awakening, a revival would change all that. What would it be to see the church gathered for whole days and nights confessing, seeking, crying out for more of Him? We have not seen this in our days. We know not what revival looks like except in small mercy drops and readings of days gone by. May we cry out for our eyes to behold deliverance from Egypt.

Judges 2:2

"And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice; why have ye done this?"

It will not be long now before the pronouns in this verse will change. We will make it very personal, "but we have not obeyed Your voice; why have we done this?' We will look at the destruction of a nation that was great and blest by God. We will become the weeping prophet Jeremiah, "Is this nothing to you all ye that pass by and see? Behold, is there any sorrow like unto my sorrow where with the Lord hath afflicted me?" Two commands were given to the children of Israel, and ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land - yet they did and they left the nations to stay; We have not done much better. WE have comprimised and flattered ourselves over vanity and we have settled down in the city of destruction. WE have become Lot and have entered the gates of the city and now lodge our families in the midst of their folly. Should we have set up a monastery? Should we have removed to another land? No; but we should not comprimise with the antics of this world. We should not bring it into our homes; practice it with our lips, minds and hands; we should not have given time of hours, days, and weeks to that which God abhors. Someone has said that entertainment is the sin of Satan to blind the church into ease and contentment. Now look at the church, movies are viewed, entertainment occupies weekend retreats, resorts and recreation, all the while time is taken away fromt winning the world and purging ourselves to be more holy. we have not obeyed Your voice! Why have we done this? Now see the results - families are on the brink of desolation; marriage is almost like Europe, obsolete and nonessential; false doctrines are multiplied, while the true Gospel is hid and carefully worded so as not to offend; Salvation is heresy, found without repentance, confession and 'a new creature in Christ'; all reduced to a simple prayer, with no brokeness, no change and no eternity thought upon. Why have we done this? Look unto the masses and see 300 million perishing and no that God charges us, we have failed, we have forgotten and lost perspecitve on eternity in hell forever and ever. We have been fooled and coddled to sleep while a world perishes and to think that action of programs can ever replace holiness, righteousness and faithfulness. How is that we can pray less than 30 minutes a week and think that God will change this world? We have not obeyed your voice - for You said, 'Pray without ceasing'; 'Seek My face and I answered Thy face, Lord I will seek'; 'Rend your heart and not your garments'. We have not obeyed Your voice!! Why have we done this? Was it ingnorance? Has the Word been so diminshed that we forgot what the Truth was? Hasn't it been a long period of time that we have been hogtied and led astray? Since the 1950's when the US flouirshed and the prayer meetings were silenced, well nigh on to 60 years Satan has patiently waited to ease us from our diligence. And then, shortly, we will stand at the throne of God and have to answer, 'Why have ye done this?" And what shall we say, 'Why did we do this?' Is it too late my brethern? No, a thousand times NO!! Seize the moment, touched in your soul, your heart, your mind, You have been quickened; Rise up and be doing all that He says. Follow faithfully in obedience and trust in Him for all things. Expect to see and know that for such a time as this God leads us to seek Him and to call upon Him with confession, repentance and waiting before Him. "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved." Fall before Him with a broken heart, unclean hands and an impure heart, asking and begging for cleansing upon His holy church. And then when we shall have benn touched and made whole by the Master's hand, we shall know Him and serve Him with all our hearts. No more double standards; no more lukewarmness; no more half-heartedness; but all to Him I owe, all to Him I give, I surrender all. What say you to these words?

Judges 1:22-26

v. 26And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name therof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day."

There is a long, standing burden upon my mind and heart about this scenario found in these verse of 22 through 26. It is calle, 'The continuance of Evil'. It is a word from the Lord over that which I see in the Scriptures as well, as the things I see everyday life. Using this Scripture let us see how evil continues, due directly to the fact of the children of Israel disobeying the Lord. Now this whole chapter is based on one phrase, "they did not drive them out". This left evil in their midst, and no man 'can take fire in his chest without being burned'. Let evil remain and surely the saints will be tarnished and made filthy. now here is the context, the children of Joseph had come into possess their inheritance. They went up against the city of Bethel, formerly known as Luz.(v. 23) Upon seeing a man come out of the city, apparently by a secret passage, they gave him mercy in exchange for showing them the entrance into the city. (v. 24). The children of Joseph rose up against the city and overtook it. then they let the man go and all his family. (v. 25) Now there is no joy or rejoicing over the Bethel in the mind of any that have read and studied the Word. For we know Bethel to be the place where Jeroboam sinned against the Lord. Was it that this place was rooted in evil under the name of Luz and continued to affect the people afterwards? But here is the center of this devotion, the man and his family that was let go, what did they do? They went into another land and built a city and called after the former name of Luz. The continuance of evil is here demonstrated. that this man and his family and their evil ways were not destroyed, they were not cut off from the eart as an offence unto the Lord, but they wer preserved and given mercy so that they might continue their evil practice elsewhere. And oh what of today, there is no true repentance, they simply change locations. As old Vance Havner said, "Brother so and so was called as pastor of the Baptist church. It wont' do any good for the church hasn't repented from the last pastor they drove off." The deeds are done, but the heart of evil is still embraced. LIngering, abiding under self-righteous actiions until Satan gains the moment again. Oh that the people of God would cast off the works of darkness, destroying them and not allowing for them to continue to grow and abound. this man allowed to live was given the chance to reproduce the city of Luz in all its wickedness in another land. OH, the people have sinned a great sin in allowing for the evil doers to continue in their evil ways. Not rebuke, nor reproving, no correction simply in silence we watch and allow for evi to continue. And we have allowed it to contiue so long that now it has gained the majority of the land, of the homes, of the churches. We are seeing the product of allowing evil to continue in our midst as the generations continue their practice of defying God, cursing holiness and aboudning in iniquity. No shame, no remorse, no morals and all pleasure of the world and the flesh. How long before God answers such a life, such a nation? And oh, when He does will it not be upon the church as an accusation, 'Why did you allow for it to continue?' No prayer, no protests, no declaration, no tears, no fasting; but many of My people did join in and frolic was found on Sundays; services were canceled and fun was embraced.' There is no hope in such a people that profane the ways of God or cling fast to the ways of the world. Let us fall before Him and seek for mercy, seek for forgiveness, seek for His holiness to be restored upon His church and His people. Let us seek to end the 'continuance of evil'.

Joshua 24:24

"And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey."

This is the third time that the 'people said' unto Joshua. they were answering him for he had reproved them three times about their saying they would serve the Lord and not do it. In this verse 24 there is the final settlement of what they would do and how they would live. It would do well for us to understand our own frality and our own weakness lest we be puffed up. 'Take heed' to the ways in which you walk, lest you forget the sin that does so easily beset us. Now again, this is the third time the people are answering Joshua. Joshua is getting ready to die; and just as moses begged, reproved and set the course before them now Joshua is doing the same. It is the lesson to be learned to speak all your heart before your days expire, lest you be found with regret and remorse over failed words. The Lord our God will we serve - He is the Master, we the servants; 'there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey'. We will serve Him. How? With all our heart. Put away all the false ideas of half-hearted, luke-warm trivial pursuing of God. There must be a desire of holiness breathed that He and He alone will we serve. No more the false gods; no more the world; nor more the flesh; put these things away and follow after Him with all your heart. the second part, his voice will we obey - follow all His commands as He speaks; entailed with this is knowing the voice of God, the voice of the Master. Very few christians know the voice, they struggle with whether it is of their own making, or of the world or of Satan. What is the voice of Christ? My sheep hear My voice, and they know it. It is truth; it is righteousness; it is His and His only. Wait and be still before Him, focusing on His voice so that you may disquinish it. Always listening, for He is always speaking unto us. Ar eyou obeident unto the voice? Are you found listening and faithful or distracted and allured away? what fills your ears today? What things have you filled it with? TV, gossip, slander, vainity, or edification, teachings, preaching and other things of direction and fit for the hearing of obedience. Learn to hear the good things from Him and silence all others. rise up and obey; 'I have not obtained, because I have not maintained; If I maintain, I will obtain.' - My life long pursuit, may it become yours. Obedience is the true gem of a Christian, and finding a true servnat that is serving and hearing and obeying is the work of God within us. Keep yourself from falling away and missing that blessing that He wishes to grant and give. These last words of Joshua are precious and they are instruction for us today. One word should you speak to those that listen and watch you, the same words to give them direction for their days. Oh, for God to raise up a generation of those that will model and keep fast to these words and make them their own. Praying, hungering and laboring to accomplish all before we meet Him face to face. Oh, hwo differnt the church would look; how different would the world know of His glory and honor. May we be found serving, hearing and obeying.

Joshua 23:8

"But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day."

It is amazing to consider the usage of the word, 'to cleave'. It is used 45 times in the Scirptures; 40 of 45 times it is used in the Old Testament; 14 of 45 is almost 1/3 is used by Moses and Joshua; Joshua uses it three times within chapter 22 and 23. There is much for us to consider and understand about our love for the Lord and our hunger for Him. It is the first question that we should consider for our own personal walk and the question we ask of our brethern, 'Are you cleaving unto the Lord your God?' Now Joshua makes a statement with it, but I would pose the question. I find no grounds to weigh that a child of God would not know to cleave unto him. To cleave means to hold fast, to cling to; as John laid his head on Christ chest during the last supper; as Mary clung to His feet at the empty tomb; as the woman touched the hem of His garment; as the mother persisted until she got an answer, this is cleaving unto Him Who is worthy. then why is it that so many Christians struggle with the hope of today and tomorrow. Is it not becasue they have let go of Him? Other affairs of this life; other interests; other passions; other people and they have let Him go to reap the whirlwind. Check your ways brethern! Find in Him suffeciency, that through prayer, the Word, devotion and meditation cling fast to His thought, His ways, His life. In this will be found at the end the words of Christ, 'Well done'. During the blessed times, it is not time to let go simply because all is well. But it is time to worship Him and give praise to His wonderful ways. During the hard times of sickness, poverty, death, troubles and trials it is not time to leave Him. But it is time to rest Him knowing that 'if He cares about the bird that falls from its nest, how much more does He care about His own?' It is time to refresh yourself in His promises and hope to the end. As ye have done unto this day - Joshua is declaring that they have done this; Oh, that it may be said of us that we have done it unto this day. Is it true of you? Is it true of me? Is it true fo the church? Oh, for those blessed soliders of the cross that have clung to Him and will not let Him go, it is so. For those that have grown and never looked away from Him, it is so. to the ones that have labored over the souls of men through faithful preaching, praying and witnessing, it is so. But to those that are only half-hearted they have not cleaved to Him. And with only few that this can be true of, what of the rest? We are in a way that is not pleasing unto Him. Restore us O Lord and we shall not be moved. Let this verse be said of us, for You have returned to us in power and in Your fullness and we will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee.

Joshua 22:17

"Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the Lord,"

Here is the lasting effect of sin. Does the Lord forgive? Yes; Does the Lord remove the iniquity? Yes. Then why state that they are not cleansed unto this day; for the very fact that as Adam and Eve sinned and we are still contaminadted with their sin, so the children of Israel were bearing the cost of sin with Peor. Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us - great questions of the Bible; It is never right to think little of sin. We are found in the balances wanting of being what God would have us to be. Partly due to the fact that someone thought little of sin. Know the full weight of every sin; every thought; every word; and every action. See the marks of sin all around us and know that 'your sin shall find you out'. Oh, the iniqutiy of the church to weigh the sins of its people as trifle or non-impacting when it cost so much. What shall we do without the Spirit fo God in our midst when we have sinned and grieved Him from us? We can do nothing when consdiering the weight of sin so trivial. whihc wse ar enot cleansed until this day - the effects of sin is generational; See in the families, churches and individuals that even though they repented and confessed, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. But He may not and ususally does not remove the effects of or price of sin. A man that murders can be forgiven but that does not change the deed done. A person may smoke all their life and confess and repent, but the work of cancer may not be undone. We are in a place of understanding that all sin causes us to pay a price. And remember that it cost Christ everything on the cross for our pardon and redemption. Althought there was a plague in the congregation of the Lord - God smote those that had sinned with Peor; They vexed the children of Israel and led them to sin greatly against the Lord. The Lord's holiness will not tolerate such disobedience from His children and He poured out punishment upon them for their sin. We reap what we sow as well. God pours out on our land all the plagues, disasters, and wrath on a nation and we as the church are not removed from it, but must bear as well for the sins of the people. The blight is among us becasue of the disobedient children and the longer they continue in their disobedience the longer we suffer. Will we never learn the lesson of repentance and confession? Will we never realize the punishmen of sin is upon us and God has warned and told us? 'yet as the dog returns to its vomit, so the fool returns to his folly.'

Joshua 21:45

"There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."

God is truth and cannot lie. This verse is stating that fact that all the Lord had said would be, it was. Quickly some will say that the children of Israel did not possess all the land and that thus it was not so. But the Lord promised to drive out slowly and surely all the inhabitants, not all at once, lest the land be overrun with wild beasts. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, but will fulfill all for His glory. and how much more does the Lord stand ready to do great things for His children? 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on His children's behalf.' And this much we know, that all will come to pass just as He said. Does our faith rise to meet the hope and truth of this? The only thing to limit or destroy the good thing the Lord wishes to do is sin. If there be iniquity found then sin cuts us off from Him hearing us. If our bodies be defiled then we are unclean and He Who cannot look upon sin will not view us for His holiness sake. Find in Him that He has said, 'Walk with Me and obey.' In this we know that all things are right and will be right for He commands all and will fulfill all for His glory, honor and praise.

Joshua 20:2

"Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:"

Again, that which had already been given in instruction about his matter of a city of refuge. Now we know the truth behind this. Cities were to be set aside as a city of refuge for those that murdered someone and they would flee to this city for protection from the avenger of blood. Why the avenger of blood? Blood that is shed has to be atoned for by someone. The city of refuge was not a loop hole or a way to escape punishment. But it was to protect them until such time as the congregation could hear them. And if found innocent of murder out of wrath or envy then the person was to stay there until the high priest died and then they could go back to their home city. But if they were found guilty they would be taken out and killed for they had broken the command, 'Thou shalt not kill.' A city of refuge - a place of escape; where is such a place for us? Do you have refuge in themidst of such troublesome times? "Our God is a refuge and present help in trouble." ARe you looking unto Him? Or do you have your eyes on self, friends and other comforts of this world that will never suffice? 'Set your affections on things above', knowing that in this He is glorified and pleased. The church is a refuge from the hard work and constant bombarding of sin in this present world. Oh, what joy to gather with the brethern, to find strength in the songs, hymns, Scriptures and knowing that they are facing what you face. Refuge is found in the house of the Lord. Our final destination of heaven will be our city of refuge from this present world and all its fleshly faults. There for all eternity with Him is and has been and will always be our constant refuge from everything. Lift up your eyes and behold, it is before us, sooner than we may realize. Think often upon it, for it will comfort you knowing that the Lord has provided and planned for all things.

Joshua 19:1

"and the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah."

In the alignment of the children of Israel they had been divided into four parts throughout the pilgrimage. All around the tent and the ark, to the east, west, north and south. Evenly divided to go forth, organized to accomplish what the Lord wanted. Simeon was under the group of Judah's leading. and the second lot came forth to Simeon - word study, to come; They were the second tribe to receive their lot. lNow there are two points to this dividing that we should note and consider: 1. Simeon was counted with Levi in a curse from their father in Genesis 49 for their cruel wrath and they poured out on the city of Hamor and Sechem for what they did to Dinah. Jacob cursed them over this and said they should be scattered throughout the children of Israe. We know the Levites are because of the priest hood, and Simeon is scattered amongst the land of Judah. Thus, the words of jacob did not fall to the ground but were accomplished hundreds of years after Jacob gave his last words to his sons'. 2. Upon giving Judah such a huge chunk of land they realized it was too big and split the original dispersings among the tribes. The problem with this is the limtations. their inheritance was within - it was not a full inheritance, for it was made up of Judah's; The only need of this was that they had not possessed all the land or they would have not had to have done this. Had they consumed the inhabitants of the land as they were told there would have been enought and to spare. But their disobedience is now evident in the dispersings of the land. Now what say we of the church? ARe we not sharing the land with all the other religions? the false teachers and false religions are possesssing the land and the nations and we are content to share within them. A documentary that just came out has told that within 50 years, all of Europe will be an Islamic state and the US will follow behind. How came this to be? Europe and the US, especially england, that in the last two hundred years experienced some of the greatest preachers and works of missions? We have not possessed the land and we must now dwell within the land of Judah. Oh, that we might repent and confess that we have not done that which was bidden us to do. And we are reaping what we have sown. God's mercy upon His church that we might grow again and rise up and possess the land for His kigndom. Not allowing the -ites to come in and dwell among us. Living for our Savior in all our ways realizing just what we are costing His Great Name. A breathe of life from Him that would change all this in revival and spiritual awakening. Take heed brethern we walk the same paths as the rebellious children of Israel did.

Joshua 18:3

"And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?"

Another one of the great questions of the Bible, a word study. Joshua, a few chapters ago, had been told that he was old and stricken in age and had not completed the task given him. Now further along after the dividing of the land, Joshua puts before the children of Israel the need to accomplish what the Lord had said. It is well, that he is encouraging them. Better that he is reminding them of the promise of God. But unfortunate that he did not do what he should have done, while he was able. We know not what was keeping him from rising up and doing the task, but he apparently he could not do it. The work still needed to be done and he was encouraging them to do so. Many an old saint will bolster the younger to do the work, seeing they are not any longer able to do it. Where are you at? Are you an eager young one looking to be used of the Lord and found faithful? Are you an older one, who now in age cannot go out or come in as you would. Seek the Lord and fulfill while there is still day, for the night cometh when no man can work. For a worker does not toll in the labor in the night but during the day when able to see and do. How long are ye slack to go - word study to go; Here is the sin of the church. 'Ye are idle, ye are idle', the sin of sloth that keeps us from the task. Busy doing other things but not the Lord's work. And the question put forth here is how long. Many a soul will throw away a life time in trivial, worldly things and miss the opportunity until too late. It is we should be ashamed of the poor work ethic that we need and move forward to do all while the time is upon us. which the Lord god of your fathers hath given you - word study, to give; If havingt not done what was required, remember the promises of God. For therein is found hope and strength for the day. the Lord has given us many promises, many things to aid and assist us. Count the gifts fo the Lord and see His faithfulness to help us do His bidding. In our own strength we have nothing, but in Him are all things. Now it is easy to cast the blame upon Joshua and say, 'It was your job, you do it.' But reality is before us, he cannot. So will we let the work sit idle and undone and give an occassion against our Lord? Or will we rise up and be doing for the kingdom of God and His glory? Settle it within your hearts and minds that the Lord has promised and He will fulfill all that He has said. Oh, how we need Him today and to pour out His blessings for the completion of the work.