Let the Weak Say I Am Strong

Judge 6:15 
“Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The LORD answered, ‘I will be with you …’”

Contemporary culture despises weakness. God does not! In fact, God seems to relish the opportunities that weakness presents. He uses weak people in weak situations. He will use you if you allow him.

Gideon is no Samson (Judges 13). He is not courageous like Deborah (Judges 4), or clever like Ehud (Judges 3). He whines, worries and procrastinates. He doesn’t have the fortitude to stand up for his convictions in the daylight and he asks God for sign, after sign, after sign. You wouldn’t call Gideon impressive. As he himself sums it up, he is the weakest member of the weakest clan in Israel. YET, God uses him powerfully.

There is something about vulnerability and disadvantage that sets the stage for mighty acts of God. When we are weak the Spirit helps us (Rom 8:26), Jesus empathises with us (Heb 4:15) and God’s power is made perfect (2 Cor. 12:9). When you see a weak person, do not despise or reject them. Christ was weak.

If you can get rid of your weakness do so. I am not applauding character flaws or laziness. But if your weakness is forced on you, don’t despair. A disheartening inadequacy may prove to be the start of something unexpected and God intended. Beyond each cross there is an empty tomb.

Do NOT assume that your weakness is:

• Primarily a limitation
• Unique to you
• A surprise to God
• An end to your dream
• A disqualification
• An embarrassment to those who love you
• A roadblock for God
• Permanent (factor in eternity)

God’s word to Gideon is life giving: “Go in the strength you have ... I will go with you!” (Judges 6:14-16). That is God’s word to you and me today. Grasp it and live.

Questions

• What weakness do you need to surrender to God?
• How have you experienced God’s power in your frailty?
• Please leave a comment.

Enjoy one of my favourite songs: "What the Lord has done in me"


(If video does not load paste link in your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4H6Uv7BI7I)

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Putting Legs on Your Dream

Joshua 18:3

“Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?”

I like to-do lists. They help my productivity. But the least effective dot-points on those lists are the ones that name a whole project and not a manageable action-step. Examples:

• Visit Africa
• Write a book
• Learn Italian

That is what Israel was doing and it stymied them. They had a to-do list that looked like this:

• Take possession of the land
• Live faithfully for God

A great list, but nothing happened! The to-do list was actually a wish-list.

What big dream has God given you? Is it getting traction? Have you dreamed but never acted. Maybe you have talked about:

• Learning to read New Testament Greek
• Doing a mission trip
• Planting a church
• Starting a prayer cluster
• Leading a small group
• Changing your career
• Starting some new ministry
• Taking on a leadership role

God may be speaking Joshua 18:3 to you: “How long will you wait before you begin …?” Don’t stay stuck. Consider these five avenues of advance.

1. Decide the “next action”. Put it on your to-do list. If you can reduce the mega-project to one actionable first step (less than 30 minutes) you are on your way. Use this list to help you get started:

• Information? Is the first step a Google search, a phone call or time to read a book?
• Resources? Is there a tool you need to acquire or a work space you need to create?
• Support? Do you need to recruit someone’s help?
• Skill? What do you need to learn?
• Motivation? Do you need to listen to a DVD, go to a seminar or talk to a pastor?
• 2 hours? For some projects you can just put time in your diary, sit down and begin.

2. Relive the dream. Go back to the reason for the project. Remind yourself why this matters. When Israel remembered that the conquest of Canaan was actually God’s promise, they became engaged with vigour again.

3. Examine your emotional responses. Is there a sub-conscious barrier? What are you fearful of? What can you not let go of? What are you stressed about? Be honest about your emotions.

4. Seek wise counsel. Find someone with experience, buy them lunch and let them talk. Tell someone your dream and ask them to follow-up on your progress. Make yourself accountable.

5. Organise firm deadlines and great rewards. People remain motivated when they experience progress. Set targets and celebrate at intervals as your project unfolds.

Don’t procrastinate on God’s best for your life. What dream has he given you? “How long will you wait before you begin …?”

Questions

• In what area are you most likely to procrastinate?
• Is there an outstanding dream that you need to address today?
• What would you add to these five avenues of advance?
• Please leave a comment.

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God Loves Trees!

Joshua 19:33 

“For Naphtali … their boundary went from Heleph and the large tree in Zaanannim, passing Adami Nekeb and Jabneel to Lakkum and ending at the Jordan (River).”

How quaint! They used an old tree as the boundary marker. This may look like primitive naïveté but I am not so sure. There is an environmental attentiveness here that we should reclaim.

If you use a tree to mark one corner of your property, and a river to define another border, you are implicitly making claims like these:

1. I believe that mighty trees and rivers will outlast mighty men and their Empires.
2. I think the old growth trees are the marker points not our possessions.
3. We need to work together and care for the tree and the river because they help to define us.
4. Trees and rivers matter. They are gifts from the Creator and we live among them and beside them. They bless us.

The Israelites expected that "large tree" to remain there for a very long time. I acknowledge that they were not modern day environmentalists. But they had a view of nature and its gifts that we can learn from.

At one time trees covered much of the earth. Today they cover less that 30% of the globe. An area of primary forest the size of Ireland is cut down every year (See GreenFacts). Given that trees are a critical element in the ecosystem that sustains life this is unacceptable. We don’t need to become “tree-huggers” or get weird about it, but we do need to respect these "givers" of clean air and beauty.

Rivers are not safe either. In 2007 the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a report on the “World’s Top 10 Rivers at Risk”. It includes the Danube, the Rio Grande, the Ganges, the Nile and the Murray-Darling. Contributing factors include: pollution, over extraction, dams, climate change and invasive species. This too is unacceptable.

Genesis 1:31 describes God surveying his finished creation and declaring it “very good!” I can’t imagine that God is happy when Adam and Eve’s grand kids (us!) rip up the trees, extinguish various animal species, poison the rivers and punch death holes in the ozone. Surely God is grieved. I wonder if he is more aligned with the naïveté of Joshua 19:33 than we may think.

It needs to be said that positive effort makes a difference. In the USA there are more trees today than 100 years ago, thanks to conservation work (Source: FAO). And concerted efforts to clean up rivers like the Songhua in China and to provide "landcare" of water catchments like the Port Phillip and Westernport region in Australia, achieve excellent results.

Some books and media reports are sensationalist. That is unhelpful. It is also true that an individual can’t go out and save a river or a forest. We feel helpless. But here are a few actions we can take:

• Get informed. Learn about endangered trees, rivers and animals.
• Repent of our environmental apathy.
• Plant some trees with friends. 
• Lobby for the parts of creation that have no voice. 
• Practice "Sabbath" (rest) in the bush. Slow down and let nature speak. Listen for God's voice here.
• Pray about environmental issues. Ask God to speed the hope of Romans 8:21.
• Use less paper and recycle wherever possible.
• Shop ethically. It is not a direct fix, but it is an important link to the big issues.
• Remind yourself and others that God loves trees (and rivers and animals …)! 

If we refuse to believe what ancient Israel knew, that mighty trees outlive might men and their Empires, we will soon discover that no trees means no men, no women, no children! Heaven help us.

Questions

• Where are you on this continuum: Couldn’t care less about trees and environmental stuff … Think trees and our planet’s health is more important than anything else? Why?
• Where do you think God is on that continuum? 
• What would you add to the list of practical things we can do?
• Please leave a comment.

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Dealing with Bitter Disappointment

Joshua 14:10-11 

Caleb: “So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day.”

Disappointments abound. Some disappointments are huge. They can impact our careers, our relationships, our dreams and our entire self-worth. No one escapes. But some people – like Caleb – navigate disappointment exceptionally well. What can we learn?

When Caleb was age 40, he met with a serious disappointment. After serving on a special research task-group of twelve, he and one other (Joshua) presented a minority report in the recommendations they made to Moses and to Israel. These recommendations were not adopted and Caleb was sidelined. In contemporary terms we might say that he was overlooked for the big promotion and his career went nowhere for most of his life! (Number 13)

His experience is familiar to many people. It is very challenging to triumph in the face of bitter disappointment. But Caleb did! His path from disappointment to blessing is a model for all of us. Here is what we can learn from his life.

1. Keep your dream alive. At age 85 he is still ready to go. It took 45 years for his advice to be accepted and when it was, Caleb was eager to participate. He has been in the gym working out all these years. He has remained on “standby” waiting for his moment and ready whenever God needs him.

Recognise that your disappointment may only be for a season. Don’t worry about how long the season will be, just hold onto God. Remain on alert, ready to serve the Lord.

2. Don’t get bitter. In my bible there are 71 pages between Caleb’s disappointment and his joy. Throughout most of the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua we hear nothing about the man. Then, when he does appear in the story, he is bold and obedient. There is no hint of ill-temper, just a man with his spiritual engine revving and ready.

Refuse to become angry and embittered. Don’t take offense at the situation even if it is wrong (as it certainly was for Caleb).

3. Follow the Lord with life-long passion. The bible remembers Caleb most for one thing: “wholehearted" devotion to the Lord. This expression is repeated six times in connection with Caleb. It is what people thought of first when they spoke his name. What a testimony! He had a different spirit. (Numb. 14:24)

Submit your steps to God. If someone rejects you, let it drive you back to God. Put your whole heart into knowing and doing God's will. That's what it means to live with a different spirit.

4. Anticipate God’s future blessing. God gave Caleb great honour. He allowed him to lead a successful campaign in the very region he had spied out 45 years earlier. Caleb was able to be the one who fulfilled his own recommendations. And, his memory is preserved in God’s book. (I’ll bet you can’t remember one of the guys who gave the majority report in Numb 13. Although they were big news then they are nothing now.)

Hold on to hope. God has a way of surprising his faithful children. Never assume that an opportunity missed is the worst thing that could happen in your life. God who sees all may intend it for good.

Tie your heart to God’s design. If you get disappointed, chill. He will lift you up in HIS time.

Post Script

According to the majority report back in Numb 13 there were giants in the land too big to defeat (Anakites). When Caleb goes to battle 45 years later as an 85 year old man he takes on that very group of people and inherits the city named after the biggest-badest giant of them all (Josh 14:15). What they said he couldn't do when he was 40 he did when he was 85. You have to laugh. Caleb is vindicated, God is glorified and we can be encourage.

Questions:

• What would you add to this list of insights concerning disappointment?
• How do you deal with unfair things that happen in your life?
• Please leave a comment.

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Invest 5 Seconds in Your Success

Joshua 9:14-22 

“The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them … three days after … Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, ‘Why did you deceive us …?’”

Before you act, take five seconds and ask God. He knows stuff! And amazingly, he is willing to tell. He knows heaps concerning your circumstances, your future, your real motives and your deep desires. He knows how to direct your path and he wants to do it. He wants to participate in your life as you work through every-day issues.

The bible calls this “inquiring of the Lord”. It means simply asking God for input, advice, wisdom or direction on a regular basis. It is what Paul called praying without ceasing. Failing to “inquire” leaves you half-blind and vulnerable. Joshua can tell you all about that. He jumped in without talking to God and was badly deceived. 

Don’t think that God is going to write an answer in the clouds. But then again, don’t think he will ignore you. He can whisper his promptings into your subconscious. He can open and close doors of direction. He can bring a friend or a book or a briefing paper into your awareness at “just the right time”. He can, and he WILL, get involved if you ask him. And he won’t if you don’t!

Failing to “inquire of the Lord” not only robs you of opportunity, it also diminishes your relationship with God. It is like only kissing your partner good morning one day of the week (and then taking up an offering). God relishes constant conversation and a deepening relationship with us.

This requires a handful of whispered prayers each day. To help you remember, you might scribble “Inquire” at the top of each diary page, each meeting agenda and all your to-do lists. You could encourage your Christian colleagues to jog your memory and “inquire” together at the beginning of new projects. Make it a habit.

It’s not magic. It’s not a guarantee for prosperity. But it is wise. If you are a leader and you fail at this point, Jeremiah has some harsh words for you: “The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered” (Jer. 10:21). Don't let that happen.

Inquire of the Lord! Save yourself some bother and deepen your friendship with God at the same time.

Questions:

• Do you have a story of successfully "inquiring of the Lord"? Or, of failing to do so? What were the consequences?
• What helps you to consistently "inquire"?
• How would you answer someone's resistance to this idea?
• Please leave a comment.

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Finding the Courage to Prosper

Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Courage is putting your mission ahead of your fears. We are all afraid of many things. But when fear takes the front seat we lose direction and momentum. Having a clear passionate purpose sets you up to succeed. Fear seeks safety. Mission risks and gets results.

To get courage you must have a mission. What summit are you aiming at? What matters to you? The clearer your purpose and the more important it is to you, the greater your capacity for courage will be. If that purpose is tied to God's plans it will have even more capacity to generate courage in you.

Joshua had a purpose. Lead God's people into God's land of promise. Cross the Jordan River and establish Israel's new home. Finish what Moses began. The vision was clear and bold. And, it was a call from God.

Take time to think about your purpose. Are you seeking to leave a legacy through your art, raise Godly children, feed the poor, grow an aspect of your knowledge, develop the best business in your field, mentor a successor, etc.? Work at naming and then sharpening your purpose. Share it with someone you love. Keep at it, it may take years to polish your mission.

To keep courage you must repeatedly choose to put your fear behind your mission. Fear seems to have legs. You send it to the back of the room and before you know it, fear has taken a front seat again. When that happens it is time to re-engage with the your passion for mission. Let your destination (goals) stir you.

Joshua is instructed to meditate on God's laws day and night so he can understand his mission and obey it fully. This constant attention to God's plan was critical to his courage. God promises that this will lead to prosperity and success (Josh 1:8).  

To grow courage you need someone who will put more courage in you, someone to "en"-courage you! We all need people who will help us. Those who invest in our mission, speak well of our efforts and help us to confront and disarm fear, are friends of our courage. 

In Joshua chapter 1, God repeats the charge “Be strong and courageous!” several times. God is not simply Joshua's "boss". God is Joshua's number one fan. He keeps saying (in effect) you can do this son! He invests in the mission with Joshua.

God has the same attitude towards you. He is a champion for your life. He wants to put his courage in you. 

Know your mission, put it out in front of your fears and seek champions for that mission who will pour even more encouragement into you. Get, keep and grow COURAGE!

Questions

• How do you foster courage in your life?
• What does courage allow a person to do? What is the consequent of a lack of courage?
• Please leave a comment. 

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