I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me…. Now therefore give me this mountain. Joshua 14:11, 12.
Before the distribution of the land had been entered upon, Caleb, accompanied by the heads of his tribe, came forward with a special claim. Except Joshua, Caleb was now the oldest man in Israel. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones among the spies who had brought a good report of the Land of Promise, encouraging the people to go up and possess it in the name of the Lord. Caleb now reminded Joshua of the promise then made, as the reward of his faithfulness: “The land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s forever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord.” He therefore presented a request that Hebron be given him for a possession…. His claim was immediately granted. To none could the conquest of this giant stronghold be more safely entrusted….
Caleb’s faith now was just what it was when his testimony had contradicted the evil report of the spies. He had believed God’s promise that He would put His people in possession of Canaan, and in this he had followed the Lord fully. He had endured with his people the long wandering in the wilderness, thus sharing the disappointments and burdens of the guilty; yet he made no complaint of this, but exalted the mercy of God that had preserved him in the wilderness when his brethren were cut off…. The brave old warrior was desirous of giving to the people an example that would honor God, and encourage the tribes fully to subdue the land which their fathers had deemed unconquerable. Caleb obtained the inheritance upon which his heart had been set for forty years, and, trusting in God to be with him, he “drove thence the three sons of Anak.” …
The cowards and rebels had perished in the wilderness, but the righteous spies ate of the grapes of Eshcol. To each was given according to his faith. The unbelieving had seen their fears fulfilled. Notwithstanding God’s promise, they had declared that it was impossible to inherit Canaan, and they did not possess it. But those who trusted in God, looking not so much to the difficulties to be encountered as to the strength of their Almighty Helper, entered the goodly land.
Conflict and Courage p. 123
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Prayer Requests
—–Things are going from bad to worse. We are thinking of finding a place in the country. Pray we can find something we can afford. L
—–I need wisdom and blessings for something I am about to do. Eileen
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Dear Friends,
From the time she was a girl, my grandmother had collected beautiful ornaments to one day decorate her Christmas tree when she would have a home of her own. Throughout her life, she had added to that collection. As her collection grew, her relatives shared some of their decorations until by the time she was married, she had a collection well worth showing.
As a child, I always looked forward to the week before Christmas when my mother, my aunt, and I would walk to town, purchase a tree, and then drag it the mile back home. My mother, being an artist, always picked out the most symmetrical tree that was available. She was the one to decorate it. I followed her up the stairs to the attic and watched as she opened one of the dusty, old trunks that held those precious ornaments. I was never allowed to touch them as they were very delicate, but I could look to my heart’s content.
When the tree was completely decorated, it was truly a work of art. I have never seen any tree since that time that could rival any that my mother decorated. From the week before Christmas until New Years Day, most of my time was spent examining each item on that tree. In my mind’s eye, I can still see them.
We have a treasure available to us that is worth far more valuable than my grandmother’s ornaments. This treasure is worth everything. Our Dear Saviour tells us, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matt 13:52,44-46
In God’s Holy Word is a storehouse of treasures awaiting our discovery. On its pages are the instructions that we need for every aspect our life. Its words show us the path to Heaven. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb 4:12
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps 119:9-11,1:1-3,19:7-11
Paul tells us that the “holy scriptures, are able to make [us] wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 3:15-17,2:15
May we daily study our Great Creator’s Instruction Manual, meditating upon His precepts so that the evil one cannot get a foothold within our mind. May we value God’s Great Gift by adding to our knowledge each day the treasures He has for us in His Word. May we put away all of the distractions that would keep us from obtaining the Pearl of Great Price is my prayer.
Rose