Victory’s Battle Cry-A Study in Joshua part 24 (Conclusion)- The Victorious Christian Life

“This hill, though high, I covet to ascend;
The difficulty will not me offend.
For I perceive the way to life lies here.
Come, pluck up, heart; let’s neither faint nor fear.
Better, though difficult, the right way to go,
Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.”
― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

As we have come to the conclusion of our study in Joshua, it would be negligent to our study not to summate and “remember” all that we have learned along this journey. After all, Joshua commanded the people to build memorials and to always “remember all that God has done, lest we forget and turn away.

Artwork used by permission of Artist Ronald Barba who owns the copyright.  For information please click on photo.

Truly our Victory along this pilgrimage journey is found only in Christ. He is our victory over sin’s snares in this life. Since all we who know Christ as our Savior are in Him His beloved, redeemed, victorious saints; then, why do we ever wander around with these long, sore faces. How could we ever worry and fret about such trivialities and selfish desires when He has provided us with His Glorious Promises of an eternity in His loving, joyous presence?

So, again; knowing that He is the Victory; how do I live a life that reflects that?

Continue reading The Victorious Christian Life →

Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua part 23—Whom will you Choose?

As we come to the final chapter of the book of Joshua and the final chapter of Joshua’s life, we once more note that Joshua takes the people back through memories lane. This time he reminds them that even before the flood man’s road to destruction was always mankind’s chasing after “other gods”. He showcases this against the backdrop of God’s great faithfulness to draw out a people to himself. Despite their frailties and bumbling faith at times, as a nation God did protect them, guide them, and through great and mighty miracles had given them the land He had promised. Let us look at Joshua’s next statement from God.

Joshua 24:(NIV) “¹³ So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’I must say that the same is true of my life and for the life of each Christian.

photo courtesy of @istockphoto.com

Despite all the philosophies that surround us and all the centuries of mankind’s seeking after self-exalting “gods”; there has been preserved a remnant of true believers. Because of all those who have been willing to lay down their lives to continue to spread the gospel and those who at whatever cost swore to serve the one true and living God, I was blessed with the chance to hear the gospel. All that is true and good in my life has been a glorious blessing from God.

Knowing this, why would I ever desire other “gods” in my life.

Continue reading Whom will you Choose? →

Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua Part 22—Valiant Courage to Obey

As we are drawing near to the end of the book of Joshua and nearing the end of Joshua’s life on earth, we read in chapter 23 that Joshua had grown very old. The children of Israel had possessed the land and had enjoyed a “long season” of peace, prosperity and rest. Joshua reminds the people of all that God had done for them. Then he admonished them to “⁶ Be ye therefore of a valiant courage to observe and do all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, that ye turn not there from to the right hand nor to the left” (Joshua 23-GNV) and “cleave unto the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:8-KJV)

I remember the day my son pledged to uphold the law with honor, truth and integrity. He very solemnly takes that oath seriously as he daily puts his own life in peril to carry out that pledge. Shouldn’t we as Christians be willing to pledge our allegiance to the truth of the Gospel in Christ at whatever cost?  As Joshua, we might say, “Be of valiant courage to obey and follow after all that God has commanded.”

Yet, some might want to say; God does all the work of salvation, all I do is accept His gift, and then go on about my life. So, why would it take valiant courage to do God’s will and to obey Him? Why do we need to cling to the Lord with all our might? He is our portion and our great tower. He is our victory. So why do we need valiant courage to follow Him?

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The Master Weaver

by Effie Darlene Barba

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

The Scarlet threads my broken heart

The deepest sorrows blue impart

Each silver thread of tears that fell

You guide my life with such detail

A brilliant gold, your love divine

My sins were washed, a white sublime

You gently weave with skillful hand

The portrait mine that you have planned

Oh, let me Lord remember this

That I might know with joy and bliss

You did ordain my every tear

That I might learn to never fear

That I might trust the weaver’s hand

And on this hope and promise stand

Your love will always know what’s best

Your cradling arms are where I rest

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

 

Though I wrote this poem/song many years ago—it remains so true for my life still today.  God in his Sovereign Grace has planned a portrait that will one day when finished look like Christ.  Imagine that—one day all the scars will fade away and I shall stand radiant, clothed in His Glorious Righteousness.  That hope and promise of grace today and future grace which will accomplish all that he has planned for me is what causes me to arise from whatever ashes I find myself in to sing a song of praise to my Lord and King. 

Listen to the song version of this   The Master Weaver

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception that I do own full copyrights to this song; however, I receive no money for you enjoying, watching or sharing it.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua Part 21-How to Resolve Conflicts

Have you ever misjudged someone? You thought they were your friend and they had been there to help you through the bad times; yet, something happens and suddenly you question their motives. You become frustrated and deep within your mind and heart is this bubbling unrest, fear, anger and a sense of betrayal. Or perhaps the Christian Media has denounced a Christian teacher/preacher that you admired and had studied under. What do you do? Do you join the crowd condemning them?

Artwork used by written permission of Ronald Barba click on image for more information.

How should we as Christians resolve conflict, particularly within the body of Christ? Too often we do behave much like the mafia when confronting other Christians. Philippians 2:” ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves….¹⁴ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”

As we read on in Joshua 22, there is a message to us on how to resolve conflict among the people of God.

Continue reading How to Resolve Conflicts →