How would a friend of yours describe your attitude in dealing with others? How would that compare to your description of yourself? Sometimes the attitude that we think that we are demonstrating does not always match what others observe in us.
During His sermon on the mountain, Jesus Christ taught the multitude eight characteristics of the attitude they should consistently demonstrate (Matt 5:3-11 KJV). He told them that they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is their reward in heaven (Matt5:15 KJV)
God promised the Israelites that a great reward was awaiting them in the Promise land of Canaan; but they had to receive it by taking possession. Their lack of faith in God’s ability and faithfulness to fulfill what He had promised kept them going around the same mountain in the desert for 40 years. They knew the land was present but decided to focus on their limitations rather than the unlimited power of God to deliver them. However, Joshua and Caleb chose to believe God rather than be overwhelmed or intimidated by the circumstances and challenges. They were the two out of the twelve spies who decided to believe, confess and act on what God had promised. A majority vote will never over rule or nullify the Word of God.
During the Israelites forty years of wandering in the wilderness because of their doubt and rebellion, God didn’t disrespect their decision or force them to enter in and receive the blessings that He had promised. Instead, He raised up another generation and after Moses death, instructed Joshua to lead them into all that He had promised. God encouraged Joshua and increased his confidence to take possession. God told Joshua as He was with Moses He would also be with him. God’s instruction to Joshua teaches us the following principles of receiving from Him:
- We have access to the promises but must decide to receive them
- God waits on an image change. Whatever is in our heart in abundance will dictate our ;life
- When we meditate in the Word of God, an image of what God means by the Scripture is created within us
- Taking possession includes framing the picture that has been created to establish boundaries around what we are expecting to receive.
- Meditation in God’s Word is the key to prosperity
- We must be fearless, prevailing and trusting.
- Communicate with God in all things and be quick to obey His instructions
- Understand that we will never rise above our confession and expectancy
- We make our own way successful and prosperous
- Whatever God assigns us to do , He has already designed us to do it
- It is the power of God’s Word performed through us that does the work
Remember that Jesus Christ is the Word of God in action.
I started this blog by stating that Jesus taught the multitude about the attitudes that were pleasing to God.
God instructed the Israelites to destroy seven nations when they entered Canaan. These seven nations profile included attitudes that would prevent the children of God from living peacefully and joyfully in the blessings that God promised them.
“When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou” (Deut 7:1 KJV);
2”And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them “( Deut 7:2 KJV)
Expect to receive more information about the attitudes that will prevent us from enjoying the blessings of God in the blog to be published for the week of April 18, 2017
Copyright © 2017 by Surpora Thomas All rights reserved.
www.surporasparksthomas.com
