Standing in Freedom

Free to Stand

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies..." Joshua 7:12

It matters not how strong you are. It matters not whether you have the greatest resources and talent. It matters not if you have the best plans and procedures. It will all fail if you have a break in your armor.

This is the message God told Joshua when he attempted to go against a small army at Ai, which was the Israelites' second battle in the Promised Land. Sometimes we try to figure out why we are not successful in an endeavor. We look at all aspects of our performance to see what went wrong. For the people of Israel, it was not easily seen on the surface. Everything seemed just as it should be from Joshua's vantage point, so when his army was soundly defeated, he cried out to God, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?" (Josh. 7:7a)

The people had been defeated because God could not bless them. One person had violated the covenant with God. They were not to take any possessions from the first battle, but one person failed to live up to this, and the whole army suffered.
Sin makes our armor vulnerable to attack from satan, who then gains permission from God to attack us in the area where we have failed to uphold righteousness. If we break down in moral purity, satan comes in and establishes a stronghold. If we give place to bitterness and unforgiveness, we will break fellowship with God and others. If we become money-focused, we will fall into greed and deception. It is a vicious cycle.
Examine your armor today. Make sure you are not susceptible to attack. Begin from a solid spiritual foundation and your chances of success will be great.

The old saying that a family or group is only as strong as the weakest link is true. Especially in the spiritual realm. The great news following this bad news is that Christ came to reinforce all the links. We each must examine, discern or judge - whatever you desire to call it - our "self". We must ask the Holy Spirit, which through Christ we have received, to show us what our true image in self looks like, acts like and then give that which is less than His best for us to Him so that He can work out our salvation in us.

Do not be mistaken we are here to support, encourage, confront and give GOD'S wisdom to each other. All with the focus of God's will. This is to be in love and not for "self" gain of the giver being the focus. It is true that we all gain when the body is in unity, but loves first desire is to cover the sin - not expose it in ridicule and shame. It is for the edification, sanctification, prosperity in fullness of all things.

Look back in the archives to increase your understanding in the area of "standing".  When we have done all to stand then we are to "stand".  It is through Christ, what He did, that we have the Holy Spirit which searches the depths of all things allowing us to remain standing.  God also tells us that if we shrink back that He has no pleasure in us.  Increase your knowledge in this area so that you can receive the promise: where there is Christ there is Liberty.  Then may I suggest that you stand in it.  Above all else don't allow yourself to choose the path that leads to death.  We know that God said his people perish for lack of knowledge - so if you(or I) are a weak link....that puts the ball in YOUR(or my) court, not God's- ouch!

With the love of Christ I pray this over us all so we might see as He sees, love as He loves and be transformed into the maturity of Him.
Candace