Devotion Thoughts - 15/04/2011

Joshua 11:1-23


It's amazing! Although Jabin heard how God had helped Israel to conquer their enemies, he still tried to get together allies to help him fight against Israel. In spite of the blessings God gives to believers, others who see the blessings - family, friends, acquaintances - sometimes still choose to resist Him.


The only enemies of Israel who survived were the Gibeonites (v.19). So here we see three kinds of people: those who resist God completely (like Jabin and allies); those who believe He is God but still prefer their way of life (like the Gibeonites); and believers who face life by trusting in the strength of the Lord (like Joshua and the Israelites)!


Joshua 12:1-24


The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) states that the rich man 'opened his eyes in Hades and saw Lazarus with Abraham enjoying heaven'. Sadly, the kings who fought against Israel will be amongst those in 'torment'.


Jesus taught that 'few' will be on the highway to heaven (Matthew 7:14). Those unwilling to confess their sins and be cleansed will not be allowed to carry unconfessed sin into heaven, so will spend eternity in Hades.


Luke 17:11-37


We must always remember to thank God for answers to prayers.


The Kingdom of God is where God the King is. He indwells believers, so His Kingdom is within us!


It is up to us to allow God to fully reign from within us, as is His right. As believers filled with God we don't have to run around looking for signs and wonders; right where we are we're in fellowship with God! What's more, with God indwelling us, we don't have to worry about being taken by surprise at His return. He will prepare us for it!


Psalm 84:1-12


The psalmist wrote: 'O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!' (v.12). Having committed his life into God's care he is enabled to write about a life enjoyed in God's presence; a life that even makes otherwise bad situations feel good (v.6)!


Proverbs 13:5-6


Those who tend towards sinfulness will ultimately be undone by it; but those who habitually choose the way of righteousness will automatically do what is right under trial, ensuring God's pleasure at their blameless behaviour. In preparation for the Judgment, the practice of righteous living is to be recommended!

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