Becoming a Joshua/Caleb

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1:

We sometimes see the opposite of this as far as the wicked are getting more bold. In the New Testament church Peter prayed that they may speak the word of God more boldly.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 1 Thess 2:2

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Cor. 3:12

If there is a top demon/devil in this world sent on assignment from hell like in C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, I believe the name of the top demon that attacks Christians is discouragement. It’s the opposite of encourage and courage.

It’s my #1 ministry to encourage people. I know people who have committed suicide because of discouragement. I met a widow at church who told me her husband committed suicide after losing a son. Now, their church has started a group to help with loss because of this. They had another son, but he was focused on the son who passed. She is left with both the loss of her husband and one son. The two top stresses in life.

I believe discouragement is being trapped in today and having no hope for the future or a better tomorrow. It’s the proverbial staying, “I can’t see the forest because of the trees.” It’s a failure to see the bigger picture. Because Jesus lives I can face today and tomorrow.

Three times God told Joshua to be of good courage. If God says something three times, it’s not because God needs to hear it, it’s because Joshua and we need to hear it. Duet. 31:6, 31:7; 31:23, Joshua 1:6; 1:9, 10:25

Three times Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to pass, three times Peter denied the Lord, three times Peter had a vision to eat what God had cleansed (minister to the Gentiles), three temptations of Christ, Paul prayed three times for the thorn in the flesh to depart, Jonah was in the whale for three days and Jesus was in the belly of earth (either hell or Abraham’s bosom for three days). I find when the Lord wants me to do something he gives me three confirmations and if he “really” wants me to do something urgently it’s four confirmations like Gideon had four fleeces. He said let every word be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.

This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." 2 Cor. 13:1

One purpose to come together in fellowship or a church meeting is for encouragement. It says to “not give up meeting together.” It also talks about “comforting” one another. I meet people who are good and encouragement or exhortation, but not good at comforting.

And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works: Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thess 2:12

if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8

Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 1 Tim 4:13

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Cor. 1:4

It’s hard to understand how David could deal with all those whiny people that were disgruntled with Saul that came to him. For Moses, he did not fare so well. They started getting under his skin. Go back on the mountain top Moses. One thing that helped me understand what the problem was is that God took his children out of Egypt, but it said they worshipped the gods of Egypt. When God heard their groaning’s, it was not that they were crying out to God. God was honoring his covenant to Abraham. It was easy for them to have Aaron make the golden calf because they were already caught up in worshiping idols. It’s the same way with our lives in America. We can still worship the god of fun/pleasure/entertainment, self-indulgence, self-glory, materialism, lust, greed, power, and money.

One thing I notice about Job is the first thing Satan took out was his cattle so he could not make blood sacrifices. I had a dream that money was in my right hand and that Satan was trying to steal my money. Many times the first thing that Satan will try to rob us of is physical blessings (money) where we can’t give as much to God’s work in first fruits, tithes and offerings, but it says that when Job prayed for his friends his captivity was turned or God returned his fortunes. Job 42:10

Satan can take away everything in our lives including our health, but he can’t take our prayer power away.

He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged: Luke 18:1

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:3