The conflicts in the Promised Land begin. But the real conflict is within them and you and me. Within. 66 Love Letters: "Loving Me and becoming holy requires that you realize there is an enemy within you who will cause you more trouble than all the enemies outside you, than even the devil." Are we fighting the right battles? Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. 2 Tim 4:7. Do we hate what is opposed to God? I've so been surprised this week at the tone of my voice in dealing with some issues with students---I've so wanted to make my point with grace. Not right with God.
Joshua's men couldn't defeat Ai. Was Joshua concerned for God's reputation or his own? "Maybe we should have stayed on the east side of the Jordan," said Joshua. God says: "Get up! Why are you groveling?" Purify your people. Purify yourself. Praise God that His Holy Spirit does that for us. He is so Good! I've been groveling today over an incident. But I've been at war in my heart over the injustice and distance that it caused in my kid. But what about dealing with the fray of my own heart? I've been so concerned about what this will look like to others rather than trusting God to accomplish His plan of Love through this most difficult situation. And His Plan of Love requires "hating everything in you that is opposed to Me, everything about you that wants someone or something besides Me to have first place in your life. You'll need help discerning what that is." I've finally found a couple of trusted friends who help me discern what really is going on inside of me. Do you know how you come across? Do you know what you leave people with? It will involve "exhausting battle and humbling failure" to wage that war. May you find help in discerning His Plan of Love for you. Make sure you are fighting the right battles. Achan preferred "blessings to battle." Fight the good fight. Finish your race. Keep the faith.
PHOTO: Flying 34,000 feet above tonight. Oh the beauty! Thinking about Plan A for my life. And it will always involve "reading the Word."