Kevin Russell tried to cash a check that was signed by "King Savior, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Servant." Payable for $50,000. He was arrested.
The police detective on the scene explained, "I've heard about God giving out eternal life, but this is the first time I've heard of him giving out cash."1
Not bad theology. And a lesson for us all.
When you want something from God, make sure it's something that he has actually promised to give. Like eternal life and a long list of many other blessings such as forgiveness, peace, strength to do his will, contentment, security, daily bread, answer to prayers, and plans for a future. Just to name a few.
God doesn't promise to give you $50,000. Or the exact career you think you need. Or someone to marry and settle down and have a family. Or a big, shiny truck. Or perfect health.
God doesn't speak from the skies and give you information about which lottery numbers to choose, how to make an ethical decision about filing taxes, or when to stop watching Netflix for the night.
God communicates much, much more clearly than that! In print. In the laws and teachings of the Bible. So he told Joshua, a new leader for God's people, to look there and he'd be more than informed. He'd be equipped with courage, prosperity and strength. And he'd find it all in God's clear words of Scripture.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7-9).
Focus on the real promises and guidance of God. Believe in them with a faith that doesn't always understand, but does trust God's Word even when it disagrees with your opinion.
That's how you know that God goes with you wherever you go.
PRAYER: God, make what you want to give me the very thing that I want. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Meditate on the words above in Joshua 1:7-9. If Joshua commits himself to the words of God, what will happen? What won't happen? Say a prayer using the PRAY acronym.
- Praise (tell God what you appreciate about his clear word)
- Repent (tell God about your sinful neglect of his word or disagreement, trust in his stated promises of forgiveness)
- Ask (go ahead, think big, or focus on a small detail, God wants to hear it all—what do you need to better grab onto his words and live with courage and strength?)
- Yield (talk to God about the next step after you say "Amen," how you want faith to lead the way, how you are willing to be part of his answer and see it develop for your good)
1(Yahoo! News, Feb 28, 2007)
Daron Lindemann
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