Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 57:7-11
Joshua 22:21-23:16
Luke 20:27-47
Proverbs 13:17-19
Today’s Scripture Focus: Joshua 22:21- 23:16
Joshua 23:14-16 (ESV) "you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. [15] But just as all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land that the Lord your God has given you, [16] if you transgress the covenant of the Lord your God...."
"Not
one word of his promise has failed--they have all been
fulfilled". With these words, Joshua reminds them of the
faithfulness of God to his people. He has been with them. He has
fought for them. He has given them the land he promised.
God's dealing with the Israelite people is a reminder of the trustworthiness of the promises God makes to his people. They do not fail. They are fulfilled.
It is also a reminder that the promises have conditions, and we often fail to meet those. "But just as all the good things have been fulfilled, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things....if you transgress the covenant.." When promises weren't fulfilled immediately, it was because conditions were not met.
God never fails and his promises can be trusted. But we do often fail--and our procrastinated obedience or deliberate disobedience can make it seem that the promises are not being fulfilled. How quickly we forget the conditions of the promise. How often we "turn to the right or the left" (6).
Through his promises, God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3-4)--everything. But we often forget that God's promises have conditions--and those must be met.
Love God and walk in his ways, don't turn to the right or the left but do exactly as he says. Then plead the promises and pray with expectation. You will find that all his promises are faithful--and all his words will be fulfilled.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow's Scripture Readings:
Psalm 58:1-11
Joshua 24:1-33
Luke 21:1-28
Proverbs 13:20-23
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.
God's dealing with the Israelite people is a reminder of the trustworthiness of the promises God makes to his people. They do not fail. They are fulfilled.
It is also a reminder that the promises have conditions, and we often fail to meet those. "But just as all the good things have been fulfilled, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things....if you transgress the covenant.." When promises weren't fulfilled immediately, it was because conditions were not met.
God never fails and his promises can be trusted. But we do often fail--and our procrastinated obedience or deliberate disobedience can make it seem that the promises are not being fulfilled. How quickly we forget the conditions of the promise. How often we "turn to the right or the left" (6).
Through his promises, God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3-4)--everything. But we often forget that God's promises have conditions--and those must be met.
Love God and walk in his ways, don't turn to the right or the left but do exactly as he says. Then plead the promises and pray with expectation. You will find that all his promises are faithful--and all his words will be fulfilled.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow's Scripture Readings:
Psalm 58:1-11
Joshua 24:1-33
Luke 21:1-28
Proverbs 13:20-23
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.