JOSHUA & JUDGES

Today is 9/11.  Eight years ago, our nation was attacked and many men, women, and children had their lives taken from them.  Many good firemen and police men gave their lives as well trying desperately to save those in that burning building.  It is a scene far more tragic that many of us realize, not seeing the people jumping from the buildings and being spared the sights many view that day from the streets.  God saw it.  And God will continue to see that justice is served.  I thank the LORD that one day all wrongs are set right.  Until then, let us patiently serve our LORD. In God's Word for today, here are some thoughts: 1) GOD KEEPS HIS WORD- Joshua 21:45 says:  "There failed not aught of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."  God keeps His word.  That we can rely on.  Take it to the bank.... God does not lie, He keeps His Word.  Now cling to the promises of God like we should dear friend. 2) CAN WE PASS THE TEST?  In Judges 3:4, we see that the kings of the Philistines were causing trouble with the tribes of Israel, but here was God's purpose in it all:  "And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses."   They were to test the children of Israel.  God has many "test" for us as well, can we pass them?  It is so important to know that God has these tests for us and to be prepared to show God that He does indeed have the priority in our lives, and that we do trust Him completely.  Dear Lord, please help us pass our tests! 3) A MOTHER AROSE- In Judges chapter four and five, we see that Deborah is a judge of Israel.  That's right, a lady!  In chapter five, verse 7 we read:  "I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel."   A mother arose!  Praise God for godly mothers.  I thank God for my dear mother, and I'm looking forward to seeing my dear wife and my mother this afternoon.  May God bless you today.   Pastor Mike Mutchler