On the Go - May 31, 2008

Good can be performed at the wrong time, making it bad.

Application

Most recall the moving experience of Moses and the burning bush. It was there on that holy ground, that God revealed himself to Moses and gave him instruction that would change his life forever. However you may not know that Joshua, Moses' successor, had a similar experience. It wasn't the light of a burning bush, but a shining Angel standing between him and Jericho, the strong city he was expected to conquer. Their encounters were similar in that the Angel, most whom believe was the preincarnate Christ, told Joshua to take off his sandals because the ground where he was standing was holy. (Sound familiar?) His instruction was specific and based on exact timing. March around the walls of the city one time for six days straight. Then, on the seventh day, do it seven times, then shout after the last time. The result was God giving victory. We know from history that the walls around the city collapsed and Joshua went in and conquered a defeated people. But, what do you think would have happened if he, acting on what he believed to be true, marched around Jericho one time and shouted? Strict obedience with patience is not only important in performing God's work, it's everything!

How to Pray this Truth

I'm fearful that we, Your people, have no basic understanding of Scripture. With all the examples of godly men and women found there, we take off in the different direction expecting You to go with us. We make our own rules thinking we know where You're going, and then expect You to bless our work after we've built our Tower of Babel out of Bibles. We are a hasty people God, whose impatience grows with every trip around Jericho. Here's hoping we don't arrive at an alternate plan before we get to the end.

Resources:

When we ignore following God's way, we earn the consequences that come. (2001)
If we're are not serving God, we are serving sin. (2002)
It is finished, but not over. (2003)
While a culture may change, God's way of doing things never does. (2005)
How many people suffer because you won't pray? (2006)
Devotional (2007)
The sun will rise even if clouds block its view. (2008)

How to Pray for...

My husband or wife.
Give them confidence to trust Your Word without exception.

My children.
Limit their dependence on things that pass away.

Their school.
Return educators to moral principles, rejecting political pressure no to do it.

Their teachers.
Help them reject any teaching that contradicts Your Word.

My children's friends.
Use godly friends to condemn sin my children embrace.

My friends.
Teach us to live reciprocally according to Scripture.

My work.
Keep my boss from leading me to lie.

My city.
Shine in the dark places of this city to give hope to the fearful.

Governmental leaders.
Return our leaders to the godly principles our Nation's Founders employed.

My country.
Make righteousness look good to the purveyors of sin.

My President.
Give him courage to do the right thing even when expected to do the wrong thing.

My church.
Expose those guilty of destroying Your work.

My pastor.
Give him desire to only preach what You want to tell us.

My church leadership.
Don't let their fervor die when they become an employee.

Sister churches.
Grant unity to all churches in the area, based on desire to make disciples.

Persecuted churches.
Give all churches the boldness to minister regardless of potential danger.

Missionaries.
Watch over their kids and their family removed.

The sick..
May all those who are sick desire wellness.

The lost.
Speak to those who hate and let them see Your love as we do.

Those in despair.
When there seems to be no hope, show us what You see, Lord.

Those in the hospital.
Spread godly kindness through all those who serve the sick and injured.

Those grieving.
Restore hope for those who have lost it and give it to those who never had it.

Widows.
Fill their missing void with the love of the Spirit.

Orphans.
Draw godly foster parents into their lives who love and serve You, God.

Myself.
Help me to stand when I want to quit.

1. One-minute Devotionals began on January 2, 2006 and are the original creation of James R. Green, Prayertower Webservant Content is derived from his alternating and sequential survey of both the Old and New Testament to offer insight on Scripture.
2. Resources are derived from daily devotions of James R. Green called, Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003), Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004), Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005) and One Minute Devotional (2006-2008).
3. Scripture: God's Word Translation (c)1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.