Journaling Life - March 25, 2010

Joshua 21-22 / Psalm 47 / 1 Corinthians 10

Wow, today’s readings had a lot to say.  From the fulfillment of all of God’s promises to the house of Israel as stated in Joshua 21:45 to the whole of chapter 22 which in a nutshell is an example that before we go in to a fight we first need to confront the other party, there may just be a misunderstanding as there was with the Eastern Tribes.  This was also an example of holding one another accountable to doing what the Lord would have us do.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians by warning us to stay true to God using the history of Israel.  He goes on to tell us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and that when we are tempted that He provides us an out – a way to stand up to the temptation.  Finally Paul tells us to do everything for the glory of God; just as it turned out that the Eastern Tribes had done by building the altar when the returned to the land that Moses had given them.

In all things, do them for God by leading by your example.

Too often we are afraid to confront one another when we are not being true to God or for any reason for that matter.  What is your reason?  Mine has been that I don’t want to make anyone mad.  The leaders of Israel that went to confront the Eastern Tribes and found out that what they had perceived was wrong.  How many times have I perceived something incorrectly and caused even more trouble.  Probably more than I’ll ever know.  That is not leading by example and is not God honoring.  Time to man up and do it God’s way and not my own.

Father, help me to do things your way, not my own.  Provide for me opportunities to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings to that in all things I can bring glory and honor to you.  Amen!