FOLLOWING OUR COMMANDER

"When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, 'Are You for us or for our enemies?'

'Neither,' He replied. 'I have now come as commander of the Lord's army.'

Then Joshua bowed with his face to the ground in worship and asked Him, ''What does my Lord want to say to His servant?'

The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:13-15 HCSB)

The Civil War lasted much longer than it should have. The North had dramatic advantages in firepower and manpower. But, there was one thing they did not have--particularly in the early days when the Yankee army might have crushed the rebellion--they did not have better leaders. It was not until attrition took its toll on the South--one thinks of the death of Stonewall Jackson--that the tide turned and the Blue tide irresistibly rolled over the Confederacy. Lincoln also found some leaders who would win on the battlefield--notably Ulysses S. Grant--and victory was won. Commanders make a difference--and can make a huge difference.

In spiritual warfare, the leader makes all the difference. Jesus is our commander. So long as we follow Him, we have victory. He is undefeated, having never lost a battle, and is unconquerable, being incapable of losing a battle!

Joshua was able to lead the people of God into the conquest of Canaan because God had taken the field! He encounters Jesus in one of those dramatic, Old Testament appearances, when the second Person of the Trinity shows up with a drawn sword. Joshua, in seeing this imposing figure, wants to know, "Whose side are you on?" The answer basically was, "I didn't come to take sides; I came to take over!" So, Joshua bows to his Commander and the Lord will lead them to victory.

There are four keys to this winning warfare which are found in Joshua, chapters three through six. Following the Commander involves: consecration, commemoration, circumcision and conquest.

The Lord led them in CONSECRATION. "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow.' " (Joshua 3:5 HCSB)

Being in war isn't a hobby, it is a total commitment. God expected full obedience to His orders. The Israeli men had been enlisted and equipped to engage the enemy. It was time to move out. God symbolically showed that He was leading the way in that the Ark of the Covenant would precede the army. The priests would bear this sacred chest which represented God's presence with His people. When their feet touched the Jordan, the River stopped flowing, even though it was at flood stage, and the Hebrews marched across on dry ground. As their forefathers had exited Egypt through the miracle at the Red Sea, they enter Canaan similarly. God had promised Joshua that He would be with him as He was with Moses, and here was a confirmation. Just remember that whatever obstacles are in your path today, God hasn't changed. Consecrate yourself in total commitment, move forward and He will make a way!

The Lord led them in COMMEMORATION. "After the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua: ''Choose 12 men from the people, one man for each tribe, and command them: Take 12 stones from this place in the middle of the Jordan where the priests are standing, carry them with you, and set them down at the place where you spend the night.'...and he said to the Israelites, 'In the future, when your children ask their fathers, "What is the meaning of these stones?" you should tell your children, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. This is so that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord's hand is mighty, and so that you may always fear the Lord your God.' " (Joshua 4:1-3, 21-24 HCSB)

The morale of an army is a significant factor in achieving victory. What Israel had already experienced would strengthen their confidence that God was with them. These memorial stones were a monument to God's power which would be an encouragement to the enlistment of new recruits in the future. As old soldiers leave the battlefield, fresh troops would fill the ranks. It is vital to victory that when we face our fierce foe that we do so in a faith that is anchored in history--to recall what God has done in the past conflict that we might trust Him in the present crisis. Are we telling these "war stories" to challenge a younger generation? This is our commission from Christ our Commander (see Matthew 28:18-20).

The Lord led them in CIRCUMCISION. "At that time the Lord said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelite men again.'... Though all the people who came out were circumcised, none of the people born in the wilderness along the way were circumcised after they had come out of Egypt." (Joshua 5:2, 5 HCSB)

This might seem a strange way to prepare men for battle--to wound them before the war started! Indeed, they would pause before the fight to allow the men to heal. What was the point? Circumcision was the sign of the covenant--it was a constant reminder that the Jews belonged to God. It was a symbol of being set apart for Him. This was their insignia and meant total allegiance. There was to be nothing held in reserve. D.L. Moody was challenged by the words, "The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully consecrated to Him." Moody purposed to be such a man--and the evangelist's life had worldwide impact that continues to be felt today, over a century after his death. Are you all in? A half-hearted warrior will soon be a casualty!

Ultimately, the Lord led them in CONQUEST. "The Lord said to Joshua, 'Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its fighting men over to you.' " (Joshua 6:2 HCSB)

The outcome of the battle isn't determined by the strategy in the war room as important as that may be. It is determined by the soldiers on the battlefield. They must follow their commander, if victory is to be secured. It is evident that the conquest of Jericho was not because of the superiority of Israel's army but the superiority of Israel's God. The walls of Jericho might have withstood the assault of the Hebrew troops, but they were like a sandcastle before a tidal wave when God marched before His army! No wonder the Apostle Paul could say, "No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37 HCSB) It isn't even close!

THE ESSENTIALS OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
"After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: 'Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.' " (Joshua 1:1, 2 HCSB)

Several years ago, I picked up a copy of a book by Bill Hybels called, "Courageous Leadership." It was at a juncture of my life when there were some important decisions that needed to be made--and as is usually the case, the more significant the decision, the more profound the implications--for good or bad, depending on the outcome. In reading the book, I was reminded of important Scriptural principles, like those we see in Joshua. So, whether you lead a team at church, or have a supervisory role on your job, or guide your children in the home--all of us have influence on someone, and that is the essence of leadership. Someone is following you. The question is whether we are being effective. There are several essentials for effectiveness in leadership seen in Joshua.

We must be a person of VISION.

"After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: 'Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River-all the land of the Hittites-and west to the Mediterranean Sea.' " (Joshua 1:1-4 HCSB)

The leader must see where to go. Otherwise, it will be the tragedy of the blind leading the blind, with both ending up in a ditch--as Jesus warned the spiritual leaders of His day. Importantly, the vision Joshua had was birthed in the heart of God, and not a product of his own ambition. Seek God until His will is clear--and when you hear from Him, share that with the people and get "buy-in" from them (read Joshua 1:10-18).

The effective leader must be a person of VALOR.

"No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. ...Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:5-7, 9 HCSB)

The leader must have courage to go. This is the recurring message God was indelibly impressing on Joshua. Leadership requires a spine of steel. Courage is contagious--and so is cowardice. Joshua could well recall how as a young man, he and Caleb had gone behind enemy lines on a reconnaissance mission--along with ten others. Those ten then put the people in a panic with the result that they died in the wilderness. This time things would be different. Joshua's valor would inspire Israel's warriors to be valiant.

Effectiveness in leadership requires VIRTUE.

"Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do." (Joshua 1:7, 8 HCSB)

The leader must demonstrate the qualities worth following. Joshua had submitted himself to obedience to God's commands and could authentically and authoritatively call on his followers to do the same. Character flaws will undermine confidence in the most competent of leaders. It is indispensable for those leading in the church. God can use a crude instrument--so long as it is a clean instrument!

The leader God uses will have the essential understanding of VALUE.

"They answered Joshua, 'Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!' " (Joshua 1:16-18 HCSB)

The leader must know how to get where he needs to go. Joshua knew how to separate the essential from the extraneous, what was primary and what was peripheral. He had a laser-like focus and led the Jews to value the same things. Clear communication keeps everyone moving in the same direction. It is the difference between the military marching and a mob meandering.

Leaders who get the job done are people of VIGILANCE.

"Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you do not turn from it to the right or left and so that you do not associate with these nations remaining among you. Do not call on the names of their gods or make an oath to them; do not worship them or bow down to them. Instead, remain faithful to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day.

The Lord has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and no one is able to stand against you to this day. One of you routed a thousand because the Lord your God was fighting for you, as He promised. So be very diligent to love the Lord your God for your own well-being. For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations remaining among you, and if you intermarry or associate with them and they with you..." (Joshua 23:6-12 HCSB)

The leader must not be detoured from the path. Here is Joshua years later, challenging the people to follow through on their victories. They were not to deviate from God's direction. It is easy to get side-tracked. Leaders are on guard against this.

Ultimately, the mark of successful leadership is VICTORY.

" 'Therefore, fear the Lord and worship Him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship Yahweh. But if it doesn't please you to worship Yahweh, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship Yahweh.'

The people replied, 'We will certainly not abandon the Lord to worship other gods! For the Lord our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us all along the way we went and among all the peoples whose lands we traveled through. The Lord drove out before us all the peoples, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will worship the Lord, because He is our God.' " (Joshua 24:14-18 HCSB)

The leader must overcome difficulties along the way. Doing the right thing is seldom the easy thing. There will always be giant obstacles in the pathway of progress. Press on! Joshua did and we see the results. He directed his own steps, "As for me..." and led his family "and my family..." motivating the people "We will..." and this is victory!

Each of these attributes Joshua possessed are illustrated time and again throughout the book. As we have begun our reading in Joshua today and complete it this week, I encourage you to carefully study the text for it will afford many profitable examples of these essentials.

Pray for me--that I can be one who will walk in Joshua's sandals. This is courageous leadership--and nothing else will do in these difficult days.

TIME FOR SCHOOL
"when all Israel assembles in the presence of the Lord your God at the place He chooses, you are to read this law aloud before all Israel. Gather the people-men, women, children, and foreigners living within your gates-so that they may listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 31:11, 12 HCSB)

Three of the most dreaded words, a teenager ever hears, were just spoken to my son mere minutes ago: "Time for school!" I felt the same way. Now, of course, my perspective has changed. There is a recognition on my part of the necessity of education--the benefits that come to those who learn.

I suppose that's the way we feel sometimes when the clock goes off on Sunday mornings. Did you hear the story about a fellow who refused to get up, despite his wife's persistent pleas? "Get ready for church!" He rolled over and put the pillow over his head. She continued to yell up the steps, "Time for church!" Her voice was like fingernails raked across a chalkboard at that early hour. His grouchy response was, "I don't want to!" His wife said, "You have to!" He yelled, "Tell me one good reason!" She replied, "Because you are the pastor!"

Been there, done that! But, not often. Most of the time, I am eager to get to the house of God. I realize the blessings and the joys that come when I go to the house of the Lord. It is true that I have a job to do--the one day when some people think I have to work. But, I was going with eagerness to Sunday School before I became a pastor. It wasn't a job, but a joy. I had been born again--and I was like a baby craving for the milk of God's Word. His saving grace put a hunger in me that remains to this day. I must feed on the Word, and now I have matured to the place that I am privileged to feed others!

Sunday School, small groups, cell groups--whatever terminology you use and whenever or wherever you meet, this education in the Word of God is indispensable. One of the last things Moses did was to underscore this fact. When people know they are about to die, they dispense with the trivial and stress the essential. Listen up!

We need to ASSEMBLE. All Israel was to gather to be instructed in the Scripture. They gathered in the presence of the Lord. While it is true that God is everywhere, there is a particular expression of His presence that we can know when we meet with His people in anticipation of hearing from Him. Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20 HCSB) God reveals Himself in His Word. All ages were to gather for instruction. From the youngest child to the oldest member, we always need, and never outgrow, the instruction of Scripture. Fundamental truths are like seed sown in a youngster's heart, which will later bear fruit. It is cultivated as we grow, and there is constant weeding and pruning as long as we live. In later years, we may start to droop and need to be "staked up" with God's promises. What I have found is that in every season of life, there is a relevant message from the Bible. Even the foreigners were to come and learn. We might equate this to the evangelistic thrust of Sunday School and the need for invitation and assimilation of the lost into our Bible studies, prayerfully trusting the Holy Spirit to use the powerful Gospel to dispel spiritual darkness and bring conviction of sin.

We must be ATTENTIVE. Moses told the Jews to listen and learn. One may be physically present in the church building and yet be mentally "out to lunch." Listening is not an easy task. Learning is not automatic. It requires effort. There is the additional barrier in that our sinful hearts are resistant to the truth, our exposure to the world's deception clouds our thinking and Satan is like an evil bird ready to swoop in and devour the seed before it can germinate. So, we are trying to hear commands from the Captain of our Salvation, while surrounded by "the fog of war." Jesus exhorted us, "Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." (Luke 8:18 HCSB) Be prayerful, asking God to open your eyes, and be prepared by expecting the Holy Spirit to speak. Have your Bible open, pen and paper in hand, with an open mind and heart. It should be added that the teacher and preacher have a responsibility in this also. We must be engaging and enthusiastic to be effective. If the communicator isn't excited about his or her subject, then we can hardly expect the audience to be. Moses prayed what every teacher needs to seek, "Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants." (Deuteronomy 32:2 HCSB)

We respond with AWE. Moses said the result of hearing the Word of God would be to learn to fear the Lord. This has to do with inward transformation and is a matter of attitude. The more we hear God's Word, the closer we are drawn to Him and in the light of His holiness we see the depth of our sinfulness. We are gripped by the majesty of God's nature, are captivated by the wonder of His person and are brought to brokenness before Him. If we do not learn to fear the Lord, then we may rest assured we have not encountered Him in the Word.

We respond with ACTION. This is the true test. We are not mere hearers of the Word, but become doers of it. Moses warned, "be careful to follow all the words of this law." This means that true inward transformation has occurred, for it yields outward application. You have not learned to drive by simply studying a driver's education manual, as important as that is. You have learned to drive when you can put that knowledge to work by getting behind the wheel and operating the vehicle. Some think that to have a head full of Bible facts is the sum total of Christianity (and we do want heads full of truth). It is hearts full of love and hands full of righteous deeds that are the product of real learning.

So, get ready teacher. Be prepared student. Study preacher! Plan to attend church member. In a few hours, the alarm will signal, "Time for school!"

DECISION 2012
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live..." (Deuteronomy 30:19 HCSB)

"Decision 2012" is a banner we have seen on TV news programs, and will be viewed by millions, countless times, from now until November. It is an election year--and a major choice will be made as Americans go into the voting booth and cast a ballot for President. That is one of the most important votes we have ever made.

Ultimately, there is a bigger decision, however. It involves blessing or cursing. The implications issue in life or death. How will we vote?

That is the choice God presented to Israel. They should have known He meant business; they had seen their parents die in the desert for their foolish disobedience. God allows these spiritual shipwrecks to remain visible to us on our journey that we would not crash upon the reef of unbelief and sink in the sea of sin. God doesn't fool around. But, Israel did.

The people of God chose a curse instead of a blessing. While there have been periods of obedience to God's principles that have brought down showers of blessing on the Jews, their history is filled with disobedience and the resulting horrors that have come to the nation. We reap what we sow.

America's fate will be no different. This good land God has given us--the privileges we have enjoyed--have been due to His grace and the choice of our founders to establish our country on the truths of Scripture. No nation has known such Divine favor as the United States. We became, in rather short order, the most powerful and prosperous people ever to walk this planet. So God promised and we have experienced.

Now, that is changing. There is a certain grim foreboding that we feel as we see what looms in the future. A storm is about to break. We have watched the dark clouds gathering. We have seen intermittent flashes of lightning and heard occasional distant rumbles of thunder. Faithful preachers of the Word of God have been sounding a warning for decades, like the prophets of old--and like those prophets, their warnings are mocked and their pleas ignored.

Blessing or cursing; life or death? God--this God so patient, merciful and kind--longs for us to choose life! He finds no pleasure in bringing down wrath. It does not have to be. We can repent and return to God! If we do, then once more America will be crowned with good from sea to shining sea. But, if we don't seek Him urgently, out of those seas, tsunamis of terror are going to flood the land. It's our choice. This is "Decision 2012."

ALL ALONE
“[Christ] who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (Hebrews 1:3)

There is no one like Jesus. He stands alone above all men—towering above all those whom the world accord with greatness—higher than the heavens are above the earth, He is of infinite worth. There is none like Him.

All alone of any man, can Jesus Christ claim to be the very brightness of God’s glory. God shares His glory with none other—it is the essence of all God is—and yet, Jesus is unique in that He claims that glory—he being not only man, but God Himself.

All alone of any man, can Jesus attest to being the express image of God’s person. He said that to see Him was to see the Father. In perfection, He reflected the nature and attributes of Deity. To look into the face of Christ is to gaze into the face of God.

All alone of any man, does Jesus profess to upholding all things by the word of His power. That same power which spoke the worlds into existence, now keeps them in their orbit. The matter, which came together, when He said, “Let there be…and there was” now remains together by the sheer voice of command from Christ. The very molecular structure of the universe would unravel without His word!

All alone, Jesus brought salvation and by Himself purged our sins. No other blood was precious enough to pay the price for sin. No other blood was pure enough to be worthy. No other blood was powerful enough to purge condemnation from our record. He hung on that cross alone. None would aid Him. Friends forsook Him, followers denied and betrayed Him, family was powerless to help Him and the Father—oh, the incomprehensible agony—the Father rejected Him.! All alone, suspended between heaven and earth on a cursed tree—as if neither earth nor heaven would have Him—Jesus dies for us—all alone.

All alone, sealed in a sepulcher of stone—shut up in the darkness of the tomb—His lifeless corpse reclines in death. All alone, He steps into Hades, the world of the dead, looks across the abyss where demons are chained and proclaims His triumph over them. All alone, He seizes the keys of death, hell and the grave. All alone, He unlocks the door and empties paradise of the souls of the Old Testament saints, including the repentant thief who has died on Golgotha also that day. All alone, Christ escorts these believers into God’s presence, their debt of sin paid in full, the righteousness of their faith secured.

All alone, Jesus breaks the bonds of death—shattering them and destroying death’s sting forever! All alone He rises from the dead and bursts from the tomb! All alone hope that was nailed to a cross, locked up in a grave, blooms in fragrance of eternal life—hope unconquerable, love unquenchable, joy unspeakable!

All alone, He ascended back to the glory from which He had come, and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. He alone is qualified to occupy that place! Jesus, Son of God—our Savior—King of kings and Lord of lords! He stands alone in eternity—where He will be worshipped forever and ever—for He alone is worthy!

8 But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A
scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. ‎9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” ‎10 And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. ‎11 They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; ‎12 Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” ‎13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? (Hebrews1:8-13)

WHEN THE VOW BREAKS

""If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something improper about her, he may write her a divorce certificate, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. If after leaving his house she goes and becomes another man's wife, and the second man hates her, writes her a divorce certificate, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house or if he dies, the first husband who sent her away may not marry her again after she has been defiled, because that would be detestable to the Lord. You must not bring guilt on the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance." (Deuteronomy 24:1-4 HCSB)

God designed marriage to be a permanent relationship. We stand before God and make a solemn vow to be faithful to our spouse and pledge that only death will part us. No one makes us do this. It is our choice--and once that choice is made, we are committed for life.

The concession Moses gives here is an acknowledgement that while one partner may be faithful to their vows, the other may not. This impropriety, "something improper," stops short of intercourse, since that was punishable by death. Other indiscretions would be public nudity or other forms of sexual activity with someone other than your spouse. The New Testament renders this as "porneia" from which we get the word "pornographic"--a broader term, referring to a wide-range of immoral activity.

Since, we do not stone people to death for adultery, divorce is an option. If sexual infidelity is practiced, divorce is permitted. But, it should be noted that it is not commanded or commended--just conceded. Sexual sin is a violation of the marriage vows and in such a case it may be that one can divorce. Persistent, unrepentant immorality may leave a partner willing to rebuild the marriage no other option because the other spouse will not be faithful.

Even so, it was a serious matter. It should be a last resort rather than a first response. The proceeding required time, the involvement of a legal process, and once done, could not be undone--there was a finality about it. If the spouse married another, then that marriage ended by death or divorce, they could not return to their former spouse. One cannot marry, remarry, be in and out of bed with this partner and that one as though it is trivial thing. God said in one of the most fundamental truths to govern society, "You shall not commit adultery."

When the sanctity of marriage is devalued and the sacredness of sex is defiled, the fabric of society begins to unravel. We see this happening in our culture today.

In marriage, two have become one flesh. If you take two pieces of wood, and glue them together, and then try to break the bond, what happens is that you splinter the wood. In divorce, this is the painful reality, and when children are involved, they become the broken pieces. Forgiveness and reconciliation are preferable, even in the case of infidelity. The Mosaic code, far from being meant to encourage divorce, was meant to regulate it, restrict it and thus to restrain it, lest it become epidemic. That sad reality has come to America, and the church is not without fault.

We must do what we can to prepare people for marriage. The church must proclaim the Biblical pattern for marriage. Christians need to help preserve marriages through their willingness to confront and correct the unfaithful. God hates divorce (see Malachi 2:13-16). There are so many consequences, so much hurt.

Now, we recognize that one partner can do all they can, and the other spouse may choose to walk away. It is important to support the one who is faithful in the face of such pain. Someone has said that, "The church is the only army that shoots its own wounded." Let's not do that! We live in a fallen world, and even those who have failed in fidelity to their marriage vows can be forgiven and restored--if repentant. Like an egg, when it is scrambled, it may be impossible to unscramble it, but we can through grace, help people back toward God's standard. God hates divorce, but He doesn't hate divorcees. He is the Healer of broken hearts.

He is also the Healer of broken homes! I have seen the miracle of marriages restored when it seemed that love had been destroyed. It is tough, messy work, but God's power is limitless, His grace truly amazing! Is that opportunity still before you?

Whatever your past, wherever you stand at the present, run to God's arms. He is always faithful. Then, resting in the faithfulness of God, may we be true to our commitments to one another.

THE VICTORY OF FAITH

"When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you." (Deuteronomy 20:1 HCSB)

It has been well-said that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground! Our foe is fierce. His numbers are many and his power is great. God's soldier may be tempted to flee in fear. Despair brings defeat. Faith is the victory! The old general, the Apostle John put it this way, "because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith." (1 John 5:4 HCSB) Faith and fear are mutually exclusive. One cancels out the other. Trust or terror--we choose.

God knew Israel would have to face the foe of fear in the battlefield of their hearts before they would ever be willing to engage the enemy, literally. He reminded them that it wasn't the enormity of their enemy that mattered, but the greatness of their God! John also noted, "You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4 HCSB)

Faith is a matter of focus. This is why the Lord told Israel that if they were distracted by having a new house or a new vineyard or a new bride, that they were to go home (Deuteronomy 20:5-7). If they were focused on what was behind them, they would not be able to concentrate on what was before them.

Furthermore, the Lord underscored again that a focus on the enemy that produced panic had to be purged. It is a contagious thing. "The officers will continue to address the army and say, 'Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers' hearts won't melt like his own.' " (Deuteronomy 20:8 HCSB)

If we look at the size of our opposition and compare it to our small numbers, we will run and hide--and this seems to be the case in a demoralized church that has withdrawn with a whimper. But, if we look to God and His omnipotence, then we will have the courage of conviction to bring down the strongholds of Satan! God has not called us to simply, "hold the fort" and shiver in fear as we huddle inside the church house, under siege, hoping Christ will rescue us before the enemy overwhelms us. Rather, the New Testament tells us to put on our armor (Ephesians 6:10-20) and to charge the gates of hell! Jesus promised, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it." (Matthew 16:18 HCSB) The kind of faith Peter exercised in confessing Christ would be the key to triumph. History affirms that those first Christian soldiers marched out, armed with truth and love, and a spiritual revolution swept the world.

Why not today? God hasn't changed. His promises haven't been rescinded. Our mandate is unaltered. The church militant will be the church triumphant!

I remind you that our battle is not against sinners, but Satan--it is a real war, but spiritual in nature. Those in sin are very much captives of the enemy. They serve at the devil's direction because they are powerless to resist Him. But, we can free them by the power of the Gospel.

There will be setbacks for sure. The struggle will be long and hard. This is war. But, the outcome is determined.

"Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on His head. He had a name written that no one knows except Himself. He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh:

KING OF KINGS

AND LORD OF LORDS.

Then I saw an angel standing on the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice, saying to all the birds flying high overhead, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of their riders, and the flesh of everyone, both free and slave, small and great."

Then I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and against His army. But the beast was taken prisoner, and along with him the false prophet, who had performed the signs in his presence. He deceived those who accepted the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image with these signs. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh". (Revelation 19:11-21 HCSB)

With the courage born of conviction, let us report for duty!

FINDING DIRECTION IN LIFE

"Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do this. The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:14, 15 HCSB)

Yogi Berra, former Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees, is renowned for his "yogi-isms" as much as his baseball skills. Some of these "yogi-isms" are:

A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.

Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours.

Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.

He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious.

I never said most of the things I said.

I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question.

I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.

There are many more to be sure. One of my favorites is, "When you come to the fork of the road, take it."

The question is, "What fork do you take?" Yogi's quote is funny, but some of the decisions we make are very serious. It's not likely a big deal what color of socks you wear today (providing they match), but it is a major decision whom you marry or where you work. These are huge in terms of impact. Choices have consequences.

The first choice is where we look to make a choice. Do we look to the constellations or to their Creator? Will we trust in sorcery or Scripture?

It is amazing how many professing Christians consult the horoscope instead of looking into Holy Scripture. That a pagan world would do so is not surprising. But, wouldn't you think that those who attend church would know better?

God warned Israel of this folly. He told them of the dire consequences of occult practices. The Lord would not leave them without guidance. There was the promise of a prophet that would speak directly from Him. We have their writings today--they are called the Old Testament. Every book was authored by a prophet. The Apostles and their associates filled that responsibility in the writing of the New Testament. What we have is the Word of God.

I understand that every decision we need to make will not be specifically addressed in the Bible. You won't likely find a verse that tells you where to go to college or what career to pursue. Yet, these can have profound implications.

What you will find in Scripture, however, are fundamental principles that enable you to orient yourself toward God's perspective. As you set aside your will and submit to God's will, you learn through prayer, seeking godly counsel from others, looking at circumstances, asking God for wisdom that He will guide you. He has promised. The more you immerse yourself in God's Word and spend time intimately with Him in prayer, the sharper your sensitivity will be to the leading of the Spirit. In so doing, we reject the world's rationale and embrace the Word's revelation--resulting in a renewed mind. Consider this:

"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1, 2 HCSB)

Psychics or prophets? Mediums or the Master? Seances or Scripture? The stars or the Sovereign? Familiar spirits or the Holy Spirit? This is a fork of the road, and you must take it. Trusting in witchcraft is the way of wickedness. Looking to the Word is the walk of wisdom.

Why would you look to the stars for guidance, when you can look higher--to the One who hung them in space?