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E-mail art@sheppardministries.com

Joshua #4

Joshua 1: 11-15: " . . . prepare your provisions, for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land which the Lord your God has given you, a place of rest for your wives, your little ones and your cattle. But all your mighty men of valour shall pass on ahead of your brethren of the other tribes and help them possess the land until the Lord gives those brethren rest as He has given you, and they also possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and possess it, the land the Lord your God gave you on the sunrise side of the Jordan."

I feel this word is for someone who needs it today. God has been asking you to leave loved ones behind, while you go to the frontlines with your brethren to do warfare. As in any conquering army, where the strong and the able are sent ahead to do the tough job of taking territories, God's army is no different. Every one is not called to be in the forefront of the war. And He is just as concerned for those who are left behind, who stay with the stuff. He even cared about their cattle and their possessions. God reassured them that the men who went ahead would come back to them safely.

There are times in our life when we are called to separate ourselves from the crowd. Jesus did when he went to the mountain to rest and pray. Perhaps He is asking you to come apart and give yourself to intercession for a stressful situation. Or you find yourself engaged in a struggle that consumes you body, soul and spirit. Friends and family are wonderful, but they cannot meet our every need. They don't always give the wisdom we need. God desires us sometimes to pull away from others in order to listen to His wisdom. He has plans and ideas that He wants to share with us.

Moses is dead! Some things have to die in order for change to happen. Getting to the promised land from the desert involves change. Desires, habits and even relationships will be altered. Seasons of ministry and usefulness are always changing. These can be painful changes, but they come so that our trust and faith in Jehovah will be strengthened.

This is the Word for you today: "Be strong and courageous. God is with you. You have His word and you have His presence.

Tell me what you think: e-mail art@sheppardministries.com with your comments!