A HARD LESSON

Suggested Reading: Joshua 7

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

The Ark of the Covenant was the only object in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. This photo was taken at the Tabernacle replica at Timna Park in Israel.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Joshua 7:6

Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.

Joshua, leader, Chief Executive Officer, was also a priest of the tribe of Levi. His advisers, in Church terms, elders, deacons, board members, gave him their opinions about conquering the city of Ai. Here’s one of those “if only” hindsight moments. If only Joshua and the elders had prayed with the same fervency before their defeat as they did after, God would’ve given them their instructions, and they would’ve succeeded.

Yes, there are little matters where we can make decisions without the deep intercession required when lives and souls are at stake. The consequences of failure are not that great. But if we want God’s guidance in major decisions, we had better wait until we’ve heard from God. In a very real sense, we lie on our faces before the “Mercy Seat,” where God is seated in mercy in Heaven, God’s “Throne of Grace” (read Hebrews 4:14-16).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, please teach Your leaders in Your cause, in the church, in government, in business, to wait before You. Having prayed with the utmost sincerity, may Your appointed leaders move forward boldly. Romans 13:1-4 is important information. Help me to lead, support, or at the very least, step aside and encourage others to move forward. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve faced decisions where I cried out to God…where I spent considerable time in prayer before God’s “Mercy Seat.” I believe I heard Him say, “Get up…it’s time for action” (verse 10). I’ve gone to Norma-Jean and family members regarding our personal matters and found their support was solid. I’ve gone to deacon boards and ministry boards of directors, and I’ve been amazed to receive their support for my leadership. At present, I don’t hold any position of designated authority in corporations charged with God’s work. I back 100% of the decisions made by my successors (Dr. John Hull is now CEO) in leadership. I pray for them by name and position every day with fervency.

I remember so well the occasion of the decision to move from a rather sleepy, small ministry, producing two half hours per week of TV, Crossroads and Circle Square for children, to the daily 100 Huntley Street live show, back in 1977. Crossroads also was to begin producing and releasing telecasts in 18 languages other than English. In order to do this, we had to build our own professionally equipped studios. I recall vividly that having prayed much, I believed I heard God say, “David, you and others have prayed fervently, now make the decision.” I said, “No, Lord, please, please give me more detailed instructions.” The board, of which I was chairman, voted unanimously, “Yes.” Most of all, looking back, I know that God supported our decision, and many thousands of new believers were added to the Church of Jesus Christ. The work continues. Check out www.crossroads.ca.

Yours for much fervent, and sometimes desperate, prayer, followed by action!!!

David

P.S. Today’s blog is rather heavy. Here’s a lift for the human spirit. Click here for the old spiritual, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” Mahalia Jackson is introduced by Nat King Cole. It was recorded back in the 1950’s.