A GOD ENCOUNTER.

Among the COMPROMISE and CORRUPTION of Israel in Judges, we have men and women who remained faithful to GOD and His ways.

They were:

“LIGHTS in the DARKNESS.”

“STREAMS in the DESERT and,

“TREES planted by the RIVERS of WATER.”

It is beneficial to read about those difficult times and learn that today’s choices can lead us away from God, and the results are much the same, even though in a different setting.
Gideon was the Sixth JUDGE of Israel and is

known as one of the Heroes in the history of ISRAEL.

Yet he did not start as a Hero.
He was at first a pathetic figure of unbelief!

Judges 6:1-23. He was a nervous young man, secretly threshing wheat in the Wine presses to hide it from marauding MIDIANITES.

God appears to him as a “MIGHTY MAN OF VALOUR.” He also tries to get Gideon to
see ‘himself’ as a Mighty Man of Valour…
But have a closer look at Gideon’s responses!

He gasps, “Oh my LORD, ‘If’ JEHOVAH is ‘with’ us, then ‘Why’ has this happened to us? And where are all His miracles of which we have heard?

Jehovah has forsaken us.
Didn’t He ‘bring’ us out of EGYPT?
GOD HAS FORSAKEN US!”

Whenever things go wrong, do you, as Gideon, question the validity of God?

“OH,” “IF,” “WHY,”

“WERE,” “BUT.”

God is so patient; in verse 14, He gives Gideon encouraging instructions.

“HAVE I NOT SENT YOU?”

But Gideon could only moan.

The “OH LORD, HOW SHALL I SAVE ISRAEL?”

The Lord replies further,
“SURELY I WILL BE WITH YOU.” What security should this bring, but not yet with nervous Gideon?

Knowing this arouses another stammering statement of lack of Faith from Gideon,

“IF I HAVE FOUND GRACE IN YOUR SIGHT, ‘SHOW ME A SIGN’!

This doubt indeed reveals that Gideon was not a man of faith, but rather one of uncertainty and unbelief.

How are you coping with your circumstances today?
Are you contending with God?

Do you have a List of things that God must do before you TRULY BELIEVE?

Think about the verse written in Heb 11:1.

“FAITH IS THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT YET SEEN.”

A poem:

DOUBT SEES THE OBSTACLE,

FAITH SHOWS THE WAY.
DOUBT SEES THE DARK OF NIGHT,

FAITH LIGHTS THE WAY.

DOUBT DREADS TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP,

BUT FAITH WALKS ON THROUGH THE DAY.

DOUBT SAYS, “I CAN’T BELIEVE.”

FAITH ANSWERS.
“JESUS IS
THE WAY!”

We should pray,

“LORD, PLEASE INCREASE MY FAITH.”

It is not the quantity of your faith that counts. It’s the quality of your faith that matters.

It’s a Mustard seed faith in a Mighty Big God.

For your faith to grow, it must be exercised as you would your muscles at the Gym. The more you exercise them, the stronger they become. The more you step out in faith, the stronger it becomes.

Faith not in your own ability but in the ‘Giver of Faith.’ God Himself… The God of the impossible.

What are you believing for?

If it is the healing of an incurable disease, faith announces,

“IT IS DONE” BY THE WOUNDS THAT WOUNDED JESUS, I AM HEALED.

“Isaiah. 53:5.

That is faith in Action!

If you believe in a financial breakthrough. Faith takes hold of God’s promises and believes that all my needs are supplied.

“But my God, shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians chapter 4:19.

When you need to move in faith, not knowing the outcome, God already sees you as His Warrior, and He will bring it to pass.

As we will see in the life of Gideon, he became what God had visualised and wrought a great victory against thousands of Midianites with only 300 men.

Amen

GIDEON’S TRANSFORMATION.

Again, we read. Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and God handed them over to the MIDIANITES.

So cruel were these people that Israel hid from them in mountains, caves, and strongholds. They had stripped bare the land of everything that sustained Israel.

They rode Camels! They would ride sixty miles a day, and they could carry an enormous amount of produce over 200 miles.

A SPIRITUAL INNER CHANGE IN GIDEON.

Through the visit of an Angel from God, Gideon was convinced that God was faithful, THE TRUE GOD OF ISRAEL.

Note verse 24 of this chapter that at the command of God, Gideon built an Altar there unto the Lord.
He called it.”

JEHOVAH SHALOM,” which means,

THE LORD “MY PEACE.” He is now experiencing “THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING.” Phil 4:6,7.

THIS ALTAR is an OUTWARD symbol of an INWARD transaction between God and man.

This Altar means that Gideon had turned his back on false gods and became a worshipper of,

THE ONE TRUE GOD. Upon giving HIS WILL OVER TO GOD, he now becomes.

FULLY CONSECRATED TO HIM.

He no longer argued with GOD.

Now God commanded him to,

“Throw down the Altar of Baal.”

Wreaking this altar was to counter the popular religion that had caused the people to err.
For Gideon, this was

Inviting Death!

BUT GIDEON DID IT!
Now Gideon is controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT, and God’s transforming power is working through him.

People flocked to him. Read further, and you will see the marvellous victory won over Midian and the freeing of Israel from their enemies ‘ yoke.

CONFIRMATION.

Gideon needed a sign to confirm that God was calling him to deliver Israel from the MIDIANITES.

This sign was not a temptation of God’s power to save Israel. Instead, it was a sign that God would deliver through ‘him.’

The Lord shows him through a test of faith, a “fleece.” See Chapter 6:39-40.

GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD!

By handing your will over to His WILL!
Then this Promise is For YOU!

“FAITHFUL IS HE THAT CALLED YOU AND.
HE WILL ALSO DO IT!”

Do you need a sign from God to confirm your calling?

Doesn’t the New Testament teach that an evil and adulterous generation seek a sign?”

In Gideon’s case, the sign was given to encourage him to step out in faith and trust the Lord.

The sign that the scribes and Pharisees sought was to discredit Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God in the flesh.

There is a real difference. If you are confident that you have heard from God, whether it has been placed in your heart by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the Word of God, you can step out into the unknown, assured that “Faithful is He that has called you, and He will also do it.”

If you’re still unsure and fear is gripping your heart, then feel free to ask the Lord to confirm it with a sign. He will gladly give it.

Read about Gideon’s sign that God would use him to deliver Israel from her enemy.

Judges chapter 6:36.

Though Gideon was fearful at first, it was not long before he allowed those who were fearful and afraid. To return home and choose those who were strong in the Lord and in the power of his might to join in the battle.

This is amazing… 22,000 men went home!

What can you say when facing a difficult challenge?

“I WILL TRUST AND NOT BE AFRAID.”

Amen.

SAMSON’S VICTORIOUS DEATH.

Samson, day after day, continued his imprisoned existence, working tediously at the prison mill, pushing in circles the heavy machinery at the strength of an ordinary man with absolutely no sight!

His whole body stood tortured by excruciating pain.

One thing that the Philistines forgot to check was his hair!

So, at about the rate of about half an inch a month, it grew and grew, unnoticed in the dark prison yard.

A day came when the Lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to their God, DAGON.

His name meant (little fish), representing the reproductive powers of nature. (A fish could reproduce 100,000 eggs annually.) He was the god who increased the number of Philistines.

And when they were drunk and merry-hearted, they said,

“Let’s call Samson out to entertain us.”

They amused themselves, taunted him, and gave praise to Dagon, saying,

“OUR GOD HAS DELIVERED OUR ENEMY TO US! THE ONE WHO KILLED SO MANY IS NOW IN OUR POWER”

The people roared, and Samson could feel the hot air of their roar upon his flesh.
Then they placed him where everyone could see: those on the ground, those on the balconies, and those high upon the rooftops.

Samson said to the lad leading him, “Son, place my hands upon the pillars that the whole house leans upon.”

There were at least 3,000 officials, the Lords with their families, and all those who could squeeze into the temple; the place was alive with Philistines.

Then Samson lifted his eyes toward the Lord, took hold of the two main pillars, and earnestly prayed.

“Lord God, please remember me and strengthen me, that I may pay back the Philistines this once, for the loss of my two eyes.

The lad did as he requested.

“He slowly used all his weight and leaned with all his might against them.

The Strength of God surged through his whole body, the entire building shifted and cracked, and a deep rumbling permeated the atmosphere.

The Lord had heard his desperate prayer, and his mighty strength returned!!

His cry to the Lord reminds me of the verse written in the Psalms.

“THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SONG. HE HAS BECOME MY SALVATION”

This promise is for you, my dear reader, to encourage you in times of difficulty.

Phil 4:13. Is a truth waiting for you to claim when things are impossible and beyond your natural strength? Jesus gives you supernatural power.

“HIS STRENGTH!” is made perfect in our utter weakness.

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” by

“Phil 4:13.

NEXT IN OUR TRUE STORY… THERE WAS SHEER PANIC!!!

The horrific sounds of screaming people were heard from a far distance, coupled with the terrible sounds of cracking and crunching of the temple.

The entire building began to collapse as the pillars holding the huge house broke apart and gave way.

Above the confusion of panic and cries for help, Samson finally shouted,

“LORD, LET ME DIE WITH THE PHILISTINES!”

The whole temple fell on every person in it, including himself!

So he killed more people when he died than he had in his lifetime!

God can always use us despite our flaws. He can still use you if you, as Samson, return to Him with all your heart.

Note.

There are times when God removes His protection from you, especially when you knowingly and willingly choose to sin. He does not forsake you, but He stands back and waits until you call upon him for Mercy, Truth, and Forgiveness, and then He will deliver you.

Samson’s strength did not lie in his hair alone; it was a token of his vow to God from whom he drew his strength.

The destruction was a Divine act of the Holy Spirit, which came upon him.

See Chapters

13:25 and 15:14.

Coupled with his faith, the Lord heard and answered his prayers. Read Heb 11:32-40.

Repentance is the only way to approach a Holy, Righteous God. Be honest with God. “Lord, You are right… I am so wrong.”

“WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE… SAVED!!” (DELIVERED)

Why don’t you pray this Prayer?

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, I have not listened to you, and now I am in this mess! Thank you for shedding your blood on the cross of Calvary.”

“Forgive me, Lord, and come into my life. Please cleanse me, and save my soul.”

“I surrender everything to you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit to empower me to live for you.” Please turn my circumstances for your good.”

Romans 8:28.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me Your life so I can live.”

Amen.

Share your newfound faith with someone and seek out a church that is Faithful to the Word of God.

Suppose you feel led by the Lord to support me in this ministry. You can donate through my email address. You will partner with me to see people saved, delivered, and healed in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

May God richly bless you as you walk in obedience to HIM!

heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

To read more blogs.

Google, lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

DELILAH’S DECEPTION.

\n

DELILAH .. Her name means, (Delicate and Languishing.)

SAMSON .. His choices of a wife seemed to be only for his pleasure as a man. He loved appearance over personality!

They soon were sleeping together before the marriage vows were performed.

He knew he was disobedient to the Law of God that said, “Do Not intermarry into foreign Nations don’t even mix together with them.” (Also Adultery was forbidden.)

See Joshua 23:12-13.
SAMSON fell hopelessly in love with Delilah, and committed himself physically to her.

This became a regular occurrence, so the Lord’s of the Philistines came to her,
(A Lord was a very powerful man who owned a city in Philistia.)

They said, “Find out from him where does he get his great strength, then we will bind him and subdue him. We will reward you by giving you eleven hundred pieces of silver,each!”

There was no persuasion, Delilah immediately consented, there was no love in her heart for this hulk of a man.

Late one evening as they were cuddling, she
sweetly smiled, and looking into his eyes then dliberately fluttering her long eyelashehes, and rubbing her hands over his large bulging muscles, she said ..

“Oh, dearest SAMMY, please tell me,where does your great strength lie?”

Samson smiled in a manly fashion and without hesitation answered,” Bind me with seven fresh bow strings that are new and never dry, then l will be weak as any other man!”
He then fell asleep in utter comfort.

She immediately called the Philistines to do just that!

Once he was secured, Delilah cried out. “The Philistines are upon you Samson!!” He
suddenly awoke .. snapped the bow strings as a thread would snap in a fire .. He then slapped the soldiers to the floor and ran out! So his secret was still unknown!
Samson had lied to her. She had decieved him!

Not giving up, Delilah asks,” What is it that binds you Samson? That’s it, ropes!” these new ropes! he replied with a half smile.

That night she betrayed him again, but to no avail, he had lied once more. Now it was becoming a competition, and no more a relationship.

SAMSON should have left her by now .. yet he felt safe with his ‘secret.’

The next night, Delilah began to use her emotions to persuade him. She fell sobbing onto his strong thighs and wepted piteously on his lap saying, “You have mocked me and told me lies.”

Now she was emotionally blackmailing him,

“PLEASE TELL ME!!”

She groaned, more tears flooded her eyes.

Samson replied, “If you weave seven locks of my hair and weave them into the web (material) of the loom and then tighten it with the pin, then l will become weak as any other man.” (Oh dear Samson, now you are getting too close to the truth, and revealing it to this wicked woman, wake up man!!)

Again, for the third time she did as he suggested. He awoke and and pulled away from the PIN .. the LOOM .. the BEAM .. and the WEB.. Then he ran outside a free man.

The Philistines were becoming frustrated! and began show anger toward her.” She vowed,

“I will make him tell me” Her greedy eyes were fixed upon the money and emphatically said, “Nothing, or no-one, will stop finding out”

The next evening he was back. (silly love sick man!)

He was already taken captive by her wiles,
long before he was taken captive physically.

Night after night she nagged him. Her voice no longer sweeter than honey, was thin and whiny.
“Oh Sammy, I “really” thought you loved me, when your heart is ‘not’ in it?”

“I still do not know the answer to my question,

“WHERE DOES YOUR STRENGTH LIE?”

She screamed at the top of her voice.. everyone could hear.

“WHY DONT YOU JUST, TELL ME THE WHOLE ‘TRUTH’!

SAMSON’S soul was VEXED TO DEATH!!

THEN, HE TOLD HER ‘ALL’ OF HIS MIND!

The battle was …

OVER,

Delilah won!!!

There are many Scriptures that teach a man how to find a good wife .. or there also many examples of men, so a woman can choose wisely.. Boaz for example.

“A prudent wife is from the Lord.” Prov 19:4.

It is better to live in the attic (a small area)

than in a wide house (open plan) with an angry woman (or man).

Men, don’t choose a woman for her appearance only .. women can turn pretty UGLY!

LUST CAN’T WAIT … LOVE CAN!

Prov 31 has some wonderful qualities to help you find a GODLY WOMAN.

And ladies, there are many examples of godly men in the Bible

This means you! Dear Christian. Depart from them or get married in God’s sight. Don’t rationalise your sinful behaviour.

Then God will pour out His blessings on you. See what God can do..just for you!

(Boaz is a wise choice read the book of Ruth.

God must be utmost in any relationship for it to hold together and blossom!

Then when it was night, Delilah caused Samson to lounge across her knees. He fell into deep sleep.
Delilah called the Philistines inside and the Lords came with money in hand and waited behind the door.

SAMSON had told her everything from his birth and about his Nazarite vow, including the reason for his long hair.

God’s Strength was connected to his very long hair, if it was cut he would be as other men.

Then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. This wicked woman then suddenly woke him, taunting him and afflicting him. Then the Philistines came rushing in and grabbed him!

He thought in his mind,
“I will escape as l have at other times.”But he was so-oo weak that he couldn’t mo-ove!

The Soldiers, grabbed his head, wrenched it back and gouged out both of his eyes, then took him to Gaza and bound him with bronze fetters and made him turn the milestone in the prison .. like an ox!

“THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT IN THE EYES OF MAN. BUT THE END,
THEREFORE IS THE WAY OF DEATH !!”

Dear reader, If you are caught up in adultery..

REPENT..TURN TO THE LORD AND CONFESS YOUR SIN. HE OFFERS FULL PARDON AND A CHANGED LIFE.

That is why Jesus DIED for you so you can be cleansed from ‘all’ your sin .. Please just ask Him.

He loves you.

He is waiting for you to pray to Him.

Trust Him now!!

Amen.

You do not have to be perfect for God to use you to fulfil his purposes.OUR SETTING.THE PHILISTINES Judges chapters 3:3. 10:7.
T

This warlike race of sea people was of Greek ancestry, and they had settled in the South
Western coastal areas of Israel about 1,200 BC.
From then on, Philistia was Israel’s natural enemy, and it increasingly threatened its national existence.
Israel’s Kingship developed partly in response to the Philistine challenge.The tribe of Dan attempted to settle in this area but did not drive the Philistines out; instead, they submitted to their dominance.This city of Zorah is where Samson was born and lived.Manoah (from the tribe of Dan ) and his wife were unable to have children. Then an Angel of the Lord came to speak to his wife to announce that she would become pregnant and have a boy. He said to her, “Your son will be raised a Nazarite and deliver Israel from the Philistines.”A NAZARITE.A Nazarite was a person who was entirely
consecrated to God. He was untouched by a razor or scissors; his hair grew extremely long from birth. He stood out in a crowd.People would comment, “That man is a man of God.”
“A Nazarite. Set Apart.”His hair is the central theme of his story. However, Samson possessed little wisdom and even less spiritual discernment, despite being gifted with physical, supernatural strength.His whole life was a mixture of miracles and mistakes, as he was easily overcome by temptation, enticed and led astray.Samson was reckless; he did not follow God’s instructions and was extremely casual about them.SAMSON’S DISOBEDIENCE.HE PERSUED A FORBIDDEN MARRIAGE!HE TOUCHED DEAD BODIES!HE WAS PRONE TO ANGER AND VIOLENCE!HE SLEPT WITH A PROSTITUTE!HE COULD NOT CONTROL HIS PASSIONS.HE WAS DRAWN TO IMMORAL AND DANGEROUS WOMEN.HE REVEALED THE SECRET OF HIS STRENGTH, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO
LOSE IT!Yet we are told that, “GOD WAS AT WORK IN ALL THESE THINGS.” Samson’s downfall became God’s opportunity to deliver His people, Israel (Judges 14:4).Samson’s cavalier approach to life is a fascinating study of one of the great mysteries of the Divine-Human relationship: how a Holy God accomplishes His Will through flawed people (and isn’t that good news?)His dealings with a rebellious Israel were the same as His compassion toward Samson’s mistakes, and ..”He is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER!!”
Although Samson “did what was right in his own eyes” rather than obeying God’s command, God kept His Promises to Israel.You may be wondering. Why does God even choose people like Samson, when there are more faithful men available?This is a wonderful thing that God does not revoke His gifts when His people fail.
You may think ..
Maybe the whole Philistine army would have been subdued once and for all if God had chosen someone else?Yet, we see that they became overwhelmingly strong again in the days of King Saul and David.You may have been fighting against doing the will of God and abusing His promises, forfeiting God’s blessings all your life, but that does not stop God from fulfilling His plans and His ultimate purposes for mankind.Allow the Holy Spirit to change your thinking from selfish to selfless, from evil to good, from earthly to Heavenly.You may possess a great gift from God, but your character stinks! Allow the Holy Spirit to work on your character.One of the most frequent prayers my husband would pray was..”Lord, make me like Jesus.”Christians love to try to change each other according to their own set of standards, which is done through all kinds of negativity of speech and innuendo.Let’s pray instead,LORD, PLEASE CHANGE ME!!How can I change my hard heart?Don’t compare yourself with others.Repent of Pride.Forgive those who offend you, or your heart will be hardened with bitterness and resentment.Follow God’s standards revealed in His Word.Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to convict you of the areas that need changing.Find a godly Mentor and be teachable.Finally, draw close to God, and He will draw close to you… Then reach out to encourage those whom God sends across your path.Amen.

SIN’S CONSEQUENCES.

As you read Judges, you soon discover a pattern set out to teach us:

SIN AND SUFFERING DO FOLLOW EACH OTHER.

But TRUE REPENTANCE AND SALVATION BRING DELIVERANCE! It does not always conclude that all sickness is the result of sin.

But you must put away the ‘EVIL THING’ that separates you from God.

(1) SIN.

“THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL DID EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD”

(2) SUFFERING.

“AND THE LORD DELIVERED THEM INTO THE HAND OF
OF THE MIDIANITES.”

(3) SUPPLICATION

“AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL CRIED UNTO THE LORD.”

4) “THEN GOD SENT AN ANGEL.”

5) DELIVERANCE.

“GOD RAISED A JUDGE.”

How much evil are you tolerating in your life?
How much like the world have you become by allowing it to take hold of your life?

People will know you are a Christian by the way you live your life.

Satan will tell you it doesn’t matter; it’s a small compromise. Yet sure enough, down the track, sin will attach itself to you, and after a while, you won’t be aware of its having power over you.

GOD’S WORD FOR US TODAY IS VERY CLEAR.

“COME OUT from among them and be SEPARATE,” says the Lord.”

“TOUCH NOT the unclean thing, and I will RECEIVE YOU and be a FATHER unto you. And You shall be to me, my SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SAYS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.”
2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.

You may not have the same consequences as the Israelites had, for example:
The MIDIANITES at your back door! To plume your property.

Our battle comes in the form of compromise in the realms of:

Modern technology.

Your computer, television, the books you read, the theatre, etc.

The kind of things you allow on your Television screen.

Pornography, filthy language, violence, homosexuality, and negative thinking, such as:

Fear, rejection, and self-condemnation. Murder and adulterous living. Addiction and abortion, etc.

Yes, we live in the Age of Grace,

BUT GOD DOES NOT TOLERATE SIN AGAINST HIM IN ANY AGE OR ANY FORM.

You may be thinking
It doesn’t affect me! Oh yes, it does! It affects your intimate fellowship with God and the anointing you can enjoy to empower you in His service.

You get so used to sin that you don’t recognise it and rationalise your behaviour.

THE GAUGE I USE TO GUIDE ME, YOU CAN FIND WRITTEN IN Philippians 3:7-9. Whatsoever is etc. Read it slowly and carefully.
Philippians 4:8.

It’s not Legalistic!

It’s Purifying!

NOT EASY, BUT SO WORTH IT!

Amen.

JOSHUA is now aged. His words to Israel reveal the concern of his 💓 Heart.

For some years now, Israel had been waiting for the rest and plenty of Canaan.

BUT WHAT OF THE FUTURE?

It all depended upon whether Israel would be faithful to God.
Joshua felt apprehensive, as in his parting words, he refers to the idolatrous nations still left in Canaan.
He knew the snare they would be to Israel and prescribed three safeguards for their own protection.

(1) There must be a brave adherence to God’s Word.

(2) They must vigilantly continue to separate themselves from all Canaanite idolatrous practices and lifestyle.

(3) They must cleave unto the Lord with a real, fervent love.

This is the same for us today ..

To receive the fullness of His blessing ..

You must be living close to God by reading the Word of God and being totally obedient to it.

We must constantly separate ourselves from all worldly influences.

Romans 12:1,2.

Also, we MUST as Jesus said …”LOVE THE LORD WITH ‘ALL’ OUR HEART, SOUL, AND MIND.”

In the words of 1 John 3, he states…
“HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE NOT GREVIOUS.”

You will find the spiritual blessing of ..
PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT AND…

THE TREASURE THAT THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE … NOR CAN IT BE TAKEN AWAY!

IN CHRIST, YOU ARE ‘TOTALLY BLESSED’!

Continue your journey through faith and obedience.

You will live your life in YOUR PROMISED LAND AND FEEL SECURE IN HIS LOVE AND PROVISION FOR YOU!

THEN HE CAN POUR OUT HIS GOODNESS UPON YOU AND BLESS YOU! (God’s favour and protection)

“The Lord had given to Israel all the land He had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there.”

“And the Lord gave them rest on every side,
just as He had promised their ancestors.
None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them to conquer all their foes.”

Joshua 21 43-44.

This was a rest not only from their labours and their wandering, but a rest in the sense that the people could live in peace without fear of attack from their enemies.

But God also has a special rest in store for Him… indeed, which is yet to come.

See Hebrews 4:8,9.

This rest is found in Jesus Christ, the greater Joshua, who has achieved the victory in His life and in his death, so we can rest in His finished work of Salvation.

Then we are ushered into the presence of Almighty God in our literal Land of Promise, which is magnificent in splendour, and we will be safe from all our enemies. (Satan and his hordes.)

GLORY TO GOD!!

Joshua 24:29
In the final chapter of the book of Joshua, we read that Joshua, the son of Nun, the loyal and faithful servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 and was buried in the Promised Land.

The great legacy he left was a reminder that Israel must listen and obey God’s words spoken unto them. The Lord said:

I TOOK, I GAVE, I SENT, I BROUGHT.
See verses 3-13. Jehovah was the One who initiated the journey through Abraham and his sons, as well as through Moses and Joshua.

Now, in our time, all things are under the LORDSHIP OF CHRIST!

So we must be…

Obedient to His Word.

Spread the Gospel of Grace.

Be Spirit-led.

Live as Christ would live.

Looking to His coming again.

To be counted worthy of our calling.

“LORD, WE SURRENDER OUR ALL TO YOU.”

Amen.

To comment: Heather Dalzell.SMS.

0417545814.

To support this ministry financially:

Gmail: heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

To read more blogs. Google Lightinthedarkness 152884863Wordpress.com

Press Menu and enjoy.

Valiant man of God.

ISRAEL DECEIVED

GUILE OF GIBEON.

Here, we notice in this passage, the wiles of Satan. His schemes to deceive Joshua and the leaders of Israel.

Joshua Chapter 9.

The Gibeonites,

Israel’s forbidden enemies decided that they could not stand against the Power of the Israelite people. So they resorted to deception. They dressed themselves in dirty, old, worn-out clothes and shoes to present themselves as travellers from a distant land.

Their bread was old and mouldy, and their food inedible.
They were actually their ‘Next door’ neighbours! Living only three days’ journey away (15 miles).

They claimed, “We have come from a very fa-a-ar country, because of the name of JEHOVAH your GOD.”

“We have heard the fame of Him and all that He did in Egypt, so make a Covenant with us.

The Gibeonites were so clever and so convincing was their disguise, so reasonable the story, so reverent toward God, and so pitiful their plight that:

ISRAEL’S COMPASSION OVERFLOWED.

Being Canaanites, they were under a curse, so Israel should not befriend or make a Covenant with them.
Their actions were to emotionally blackmail Israel into deceiving them. Yet Israel already knew that God had commanded against such an alliance. The command from God was precise.

He said to Israel that there were to be no deviations from His commandments. Deviation was disobedience.

Have you been deceived like that?

We should not judge someone based on their appearance, but take the time to get to know their heart.

Then read the Word of God for His wisdom and discernment for the next steps

There are just some people you cannot trust!

Satan is an Angel of Light.

He seduced Eve! He deceived Jacob! And now a whole nation!

So Israel made an emotional decision that had far-reaching consequences for both Israel and the Gibeonites.

It only took three days for the trickery to be exposed. The most significant aspect of this incident is that no one sought counsel from the Lord.

“No one said to the Lord…“What do you think about these people? What do you want us to do with them?”

Actually, as I previously said, God had already told them,

“DO NOT MINGLE WITH THEM, OR YOU WILL INTERMARRY WITH THEM, OR THEY WILL TURN YOUR HEARTS AWAY FROM THE LORD YOUR GOD.”

Today, we can access the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT against the giants of the demons of destruction. Also, we claim the BLOOD OF JESUS over the evil one. Then speak the word of our TESTIMONY to defeat him, even unto death.

See Revelation 12:11.

You need not be deceived. Seek the ‘Guidance‘ of God to understand what the evil one is capable of doing.
One of Satan’s weapons is… compromise, amongst others.

Christian, you also are warned not to be unequally joined in a relationship with an unbeliever. That means in friendships, marriages, and business deals. Light cannot dwell with darkness, and Satan cannot partner with Jesus.

We need to know that Satan’s subtle wiles are more dangerous than his open attacks.

He is ‘more dangerous’ as an “Angel of Light” than a “Roaring Lion.” We must resist him in THE NAME OF JESUS!

Ephesians chapter 6:10-18 for instructions on how you can combat the wiles of satan.

We are urged to put on the. Whole Armour of God.

We need to refer to God about everything. It is safer, less embarrassing, and fail-proof!

MAY GOD BLESS AND PROTECT YOU!

Here is a prayer you can pray for extra protection.

Amen.

To comment: Heather Dalzell SMS. 0417545814.

To support this ministry financially.

Email Address heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

To read more blogs: lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

ACHAN’S SIN.

THE CONQUEST OF AI.

During the great battle of Jericho, there was one man, one disobedient and deceitful man. The only man who had in his mind that he would profit from this war.

Achan” looked,” and he “saw”… then he “took!”

He stole the things that were devoted to destruction by God. He was the only person who kept the accursed things for himself.

What accursed thing do you have hidden away in your life?

Is it a Habit that you have chained to your body, such as Pornography, Alcohol, Drugs or a Secret Lover? When you repent, you can be forgiven, but the consequences still remain because no man sins unto himself.

Doing this, little did Achan know, that he accrued a curse upon himself and his family, and the whole nation of Israel.

See Chapter 6:1,19-26.

The gold and silver he took belonged to God and were devoted to the treasury of the Lord.

The stunning Babylonian garment represented Babylonia with all of its sinful practices. It represented adultery, idolatry, demonic worship, witchcraft and many other heathen practices.

Achan had broken the tenth commandment.
When he did confess, he said, “I wanted them so much.”

He knew the commandment that said..

“YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”

The spirit behind his need to ‘get rich quick’ was the seductive Spirit. “Covetousness”
If you have this spirit driving you to dishonesty, you need to repent, ask God forgiveness and through the Blood of Jesus break it off your life. Then return what you have stolen.

This reminds me of Ananias and Saphira in the book of Acts, who committed the same trespass.

Acts 5:1-3.

This sin cost them their own lives. God himself judged them, and they died at His own Hand. In the Church! Read it!

This is so sad, as this couple were experiencing the outpouring of God’s blessings financially, but they could not wait!

The same applies to Achan; Israel was promised by God that they would have houses full of beautiful things that were not their own.

These were …

The wonderful land that God promised, luscious fruit trees, green pasture, flocks of sheep, cattle that were fat and well-bred.. Yet Achan couldn’t wait!

THE WAGES OF SIN.
As the Scriptures say, “No man sins unto himself.” As previously mentioned, there are consequences of unconfessed sin.

Read chapter 7:3-4.

The battle of Jericho so easily won seemed to cause complacency and some ‘overconfidence’ in Joshua and his leaders.

Joshua did not consult with God before he sent a small contingent of troops to attack the city of Ai.
The conquest seemed easy.

Ai’s troops were expectant and ready for Israel’s attack and chased, all 3,000 of them as far as the distant quarries and 36 men were killed.

The hearts of Israel melted, and courage trickled away as water melts ice in the warmth of the sun. Everyone became discouraged, including Joshua, and they all blamed God for the defeat.

Israel’s leaders tore their clothes and threw dust on their heads! (a typical gesture of grief and despair) Then fell on their faces before the Ark of God.

Joshua was at a loss for what to do next. He was worried about what their neighbours, the Canaanites, would do once they heard of Israel’s defeat by Ai.
God’s promises and His Name were now at stake.

See Numbers 14:13-1.

GOD’S ANSWER TO JOSHUA WAS,

“GET UP, JOSHUA !”

It was abrupt, stern, and outwardly unsympathetic.

Joshua needed to act swiftly and decisively.

Achan’s sin had made all Israel liable to destruction.
Can you understand how your sin affects your family and those close to you? Think about the verse that warns …

“BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT.”

Num 32:23. You cannot hide it. God sees all! He knows your very thoughts.

Read how God instructed Joshua to search for the offender and reveal to all Israel who it was.

See Chapter 7:14-26.

Joshua followed God’s instructions by a process of elimination.

ACHAN WAS THE MAN!!

Joshua looked at Achan, but Achan kept his head bowed.

“Tell me, and give praise to the Lord, what have you done, hide it no more.”

Achan answered Joshua, “Indeed, I have sinned against the Lord,” and confessed his sin.

“I SAW!” “I COVETED!” “I TOOK!” “I HID!”

They are hidden underground in my tent.”

God had not been angry without reason.

His people must be holy.

Trifling with things that belonged to Him reveals rebellion against God Himself, and such sin always brings trouble upon God’s people. The name of the valley was “Achor”, meaning “trouble”.

HIS PUNISHMENT.

Achan, his wife, family, and everything he possessed, including the stolen goods, were judged and destroyed. Israel stoned them with stones and burnt them with fire, and they were buried in the valley of Achor.

Then the Lord was no longer angry with Israel, and He gave Joshua a strategy for war, which led to a complete victory over Ai and its utter destruction.

Paul the Apostle warns us not to allow sin to rule in our mortal bodies. Sin is a cancer that eats away at your life and brings spiritual death, so let’s confess our sins to Jesus Christ, because…

“He is Faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” He was the only one who could pay the price for sin.
I John 1:9.

How do you stand before a Holy God?

Pray… “Father God, I am a sinner, and I cannot hide this any longer. Please forgive me, and help me become the person you have designed me to be.

Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and lead me into the paths of righteousness. I pray this in the Name of the Lord Jesus.”

Amen.