JOSHUA

A beautiful day is shaping up outside.  There are many wonderful things to share with you as well.  I just finished my first cup of coffee and have my second one right beside me.  I am spending about 45 minutes each day now looking at the stock market.  I have started trading "Options" and so far, so good.  I think I'm up a $1,000.00 while learning.  Yesterday I played a game of golf with one of my sons, and then I was asked to play today with another of my sons.  It is not that I care that much for the game, but I sure enjoy the opportunity to spend time with my sons.  I'm glad they asked for Dad to play with them.  Here are a few thoughts from Joshua: 1)COURAGE IS NEEDED FOR THE TASK-  In Joshua chapter one, four times we see "be strong and of a good courage".  Truely courage is needed to do the work of God.  Joshua is told this I believe about 10 times in all beginning in Deuteronomy when Moses calls him to lead the Israelites.  He was over 80 when he took charge and God blessed him because he was full of faith and courage.  That's what we need!! 2)INTERESTING! - Joshua is told to be of good courage, and in chapter 2, verse 11, Rehab tells the two spies that when her people heard of the deeds performed by God, "neither did there remain any more courage in any man".  God has filled the enemy with fear and His people with courage!!  Now the greatest part... this happened forty years earlier!!  When they heard about the Red Sea parting so they could cross over their hearts were filled with fear.  Ten of the twelve spies filled the Israelites hearts with fear, but God had filled the people of Canaan with fear.  The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until a whole generation died off needlessly because God has prepared their victory IF they had only crossed over Jordan!!  I hope we have courage enough to advance for Christ!!  If not, we will not go forward. 3) CALEB - Joshua 14:8-"..but I wholly followed the LORD my God."  Shouldn't this be our goal to wholly follow the LORD.  I hope I will do just that today and everyday.  I find it's a decision I make every day.  Make it with me today as we go forth with courage to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us "wholly" follow the LORD! Have a blessed day my friend.  Pastor Mike Mutchler