Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 4:1 Matthew 23:37 1 Thessalonians 4:13 John 11:35

Good Grief

Esther 4:1

"When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry."

Good Grief

In the cartoon strip Peanuts, Charlie Brown often exclaims, "Good grief!" While he may not mean it in the literal sense, he is nevertheless right. Grief can be good. Studies show that those who express their anguish recover more quickly and are healthier as a result.

When Mordecai learned of the terrible fate being planned for his people, he grieved. Furthermore, he showed that grief in the traditional Jewish way--by donning sackcloth and ashes, lamenting loudly. Mordecai was not ashamed to show his sorrow. But neither did he let it sidetrack him. Following his expressions of grief, he took action.

Some Christians equate grief with a lack of faith. To them the unspoken rule is, "If you mourn, then you are implying that God is not good. Instead of grieving," they say, "just rejoice." But grief is a part of life, even for the most faithful.

The Bible certainly establishes parameters for our grief. The apostle Paul says, "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). This verse does not exclude grief but instructs us to hope in the midst of it. Jesus Himself grieved at the tomb of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35) and even shed tears over the city of Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37). Certainly Jesus was not lacking in faith.

If you are grieving today, don't be ashamed of it. You are not an inferior or faithless Christian because you feel sorrow. Allow yourself the right to grieve, but don't let grief rule your life.

Grieve, grieve some more, and then get up and get on with your life. Until the day comes when all tears will be wiped away, there's nothing wrong with "good" grief.

We rejoice in spite of our grief, not in place of it.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 5:2 Matthew 5:7 Romans 6:23 Romans 8:1

Finding Mercy

Esther 5:2

"So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter."

Finding Mercy

In the famous Rosenberg trial of the 1950s, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were found guilty of treason and executed. In the closing arguments of that trial, the lawyer for the defendants pleaded, "Your Honor, what my clients ask for is justice." Judge Kaufman, the presiding judge for the case, replied, "The court has given what you ask for--justice! What you really want is mercy. But that is something this court has no right to give."

As Esther came before King Ahasuerus, she also hoped for more than justice. According to Persian law, to come into the presence of the king unbidden was a crime punishable by death. That was justice. What Esther sought, however, was mercy and fortunately the king had the right to grant it. Bestowing upon her the protection of his golden scepter, Ahasuerus granted her the privilege of standing in his presence without fear of execution.

The Christian has received this same kind of mercy from God. On our own, we deserve eternal death for our sins. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death." That would be nothing more than justice. Through Jesus Christ, however, God has extended mercy to us. We can now stand before His very throne without fear of condemnation (Rom. 8:1).

As mercy has been given to us, let us give to others. Is there someone in your life who needs your mercy? Are you willing to give up your right to justice in order to show them mercy? Don't forget what the Scripture says: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matt. 5:7).

Justice is for those who deserve it, mercy is for those who don't.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 5:11 Esther 3:1

To Whom Credit is Due

Esther 5:11

"Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, all the ways in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king."

To Whom Credit Is Due

A proud woodpecker was tapping away at a dead tree when the sky unexpectedly turned black and the thunder began to roll. Undaunted, the woodpecker went right on working. Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck the old tree, splintering it into hundreds of pieces. Startled but unhurt, the haughty bird flew off, screeching to his feathered friends, "Hey, everyone, look what I did to that tree!"

Haman was a lot like that woodpecker. He was a man of many honors and much wealth. King Ahasuerus had promoted him to be chief among the princes of the Persian Empire (Esther 3:1). Sadly, along with the increase in his good fortune came an increase in his arrogance. Instead of giving credit to God, he called all his friends and family together and exclaimed, "Look what I've done!"

Too often we forget who really deserves the credit for our successes. Admittedly circumstances might give the appearance that we are responsible. Certainly we must use our intelligence and apply ourselves diligently. But even the assets of intellect and strength are from God. In addition, success is usually the result of factors beyond human control. Sometimes it's simply because God put us at the right place at the right time. If we view our success from this perspective, we begin to get some idea of how dependent we are on a power beyond ourselves--a power of God.

Success is enjoyable, but you'll enjoy it much more when you give God the credit. All that you have and all that you are is the direct result of His blessing. Don't forget to thank Him.

To sweeten success, try a little praise.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 5:14 Proverbs 19:20

How to Judge Advice

Esther 5:14

"Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet." And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made."

How to Judge Advice

America's first "official" advice giver was a woman whose pen name was Dorothy Dix. Her first column appeared July 11, 1896, in the New Orleans Picayune. The column ran for 55 years. By the time of her death in 1951, her column was carried by nearly 300 papers. She was popularly known as the "Mother Confessor to Millions."

Miss Dix has been followed by a hoard of others. We have Miss Manners, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Dear Abby, her twin sister, Ann Landers, and many more. In fact, most people relish the opportunity to give advice either officially or unofficially. The challenge on our part is to know whether the advice is good or bad.

Like you and me, Haman also had his advice givers. His wife, Zeresh, and his friends in the city of Shushan were more than happy to play to Haman's pride and prejudices. But the advice they gave ultimately led to his destruction.

As Christians, our best advisor is the Word of God. God never sugarcoats His commandments to spare our feelings. We can always trust Him to tell us what is right, even if we don't want to hear it.

Wisdom dictates that we turn to others for counsel. The Bible says, "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days" (Prov. 19:20). It also warns, "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand." There are many places and many people from whom you can get advice, but make sure the advice you're being given is consistent with God's counsel.

Free advice is sometimes the most costly kind.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 7:8-10 Psalms 73:17-18

The Slippery Slope

Esther 7:8-10

"When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet of wine, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, 'Will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?' As the word left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, 'Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king's behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.' Then the king said, 'Hang him on it!' So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided."

The Slippery Slope

The fastest speed for a cross-country skier was set by Aleksey Prokurorov of Russia on March 19, 1994. Mr. Prokurorov maintained an average speed of 16.24 miles per hour for 50 kilometers. On the other hand, the speed record for downhill skiing belongs to Philippe Goitschel of France, who, on April 21, 1993, whizzed down the hill at 145.161 miles per hour. The drastic difference, of course, is caused by the slope.

Sin is also a slippery slope. In Psalm 73, the psalmist says about the wicked, "Then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction" (vv. 17-18).

When Haman plotted to destroy the Jews, he placed his feet on a slippery slope. Then, like a downhill skier out of control, he careened first through exposure, then condemnation and finally death.

Sin still operates that way today. Most people begin with small transgressions. Perhaps they shoplift a candy bar or rent an X-rated video. These sins seem rather small compared to bank robbery or rape. Yet they set the person's feet on the edge of a very slippery slope.

If Satan whispers in your ear, "Go ahead. It's only a little sin," tell him you know better. If you refuse to take lightly the minor transgressions, you'll be sure to avoid the major ones.

The best way to avoid going downhill is to stay off the slope.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 8:1-2 Romans 8:17 Philippians 4:19

From Rags to Riches

Esther 8:1-2

"On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman."

From Rags to Riches

During the 1995 Christmas holidays, a passing motorist spotted a limousine stranded with a flat tire on a busy stretch of New Jersey highway. The man graciously stopped and offered to help the chauffeur change the tire. Just as the task was finished, the darkened window rolled down and the man inside asked what he and his wife could do to repay the favor. "Just send my wife a big bouquet of flowers," said the guy and handed him his card. Two weeks later a gargantuan bouquet of orchids arrived with a card reading, "We paid off your home mortgage. Marla and Donald Trump." Informers say the Trumps forked over more than $100,000 for the gesture.

Mordecai experienced a similar windfall. With the death of his enemy, Haman, he came into the possession of all Haman's wealth, one of Persia's highest officials. From the position of a minor bureaucrat, Mordecai suddenly became second only to the king.

Every Christian is graced with this same fortune. As unbelievers, we were spiritually impoverished. We owed a debt to God we could never repay. But when we trusted Jesus as Savior, we received the promise of His provision for our entire lifetime (Phil. 4:19). Even better, we were made spiritual billionaires when we became joint-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).

Perhaps you are experiencing lean times. In spite of your efforts to be a good steward, too much month is left at the end of the paycheck. Don't despair. Trust God to meet your needs. These times of testing will someday give way to an abundance that is beyond your comprehension. You have God's word on it!

He is a poor man who can only measure his wealth in dollars.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 8:9-10

No Hurry

Esther 8:9-10

"So the king's scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded. . . . And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds."

No Hurry

There is an old fable that tells of three apprentice devils who came to earth to finish their apprenticeship. They were talking to Satan, the chief of the devils, about their plans to tempt and ruin men. The first said, "I will tell them there is no God." Satan said, "That will not delude many, for they know there is a God." The second said, "I will tell men there is no hell." Satan answered, "You will deceive no one that way; men know even now that there is a hell for sin." The third said, "I will tell men there is no hurry." "You will ruin them by the thousands," said Satan. The most dangerous of all delusions is that there is plenty of time.

Mordecai suffered no such delusion. He knew he had to hurry if he were to effectively counteract Haman's deadly decree. With no waste of time, he called the scribes to record his words in the name of the king and then sent off messengers on swift horses to cover the 127 provinces of the vast empire. Urgency was of the utmost importance if he were to save the lives of his people.

As Christians, we have an equally urgent message. It is a message that explains how people perishing in their sins can be forgiven and receive eternal life. It is a proclamation of grace and mercy through the Lord Jesus Christ. Without it, multitudes will go into a Christless eternity.

Don't let Satan delude you. We don't have plenty of time. In fact, the time is short and the message is imperative. Ask God to show you how you can be used to spread the Good News before it's too late.

Don't snooze with the news.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Psalms 30:5 Esther 9:20-22

Joy Comes in the Morning

Esther 9:20-22

"And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews . . . to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, . . . as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday."

Joy Comes in the Morning

Life is filled with horror and tragedies. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland and began a systematic annihilation of the Jewish people. During the years of the Holocaust, approximately 65 to 70 percent of all European Jews perished. In 1975 a group of rebels called the Khmer Rouge took control in Cambodia. Tens of thousands died under their harsh treatment. In 1994 the Rwandan president died in a plane crash under mysterious circumstances. Within a month an estimated 200,000 people in Rwanda died from violence unleashed by racial hatred.

The Jewish people in Esther's time were faced with tragedy as well. As Haman's plan for ethnic cleansing was proclaimed throughout the empire, grief enveloped the land. God's people responded with tears and cries of sorrow. What they didn't know was that even as they lamented, God was in the process of engineering their deliverance. In the midst of their darkest night, God was preparing a joyous morning.

Christians are not immune from such tragedies. Brian O'Connell, director of the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Fellowship, claims, "More Christians have been martyred in the twentieth century than in the previous nineteen combined." This is horrifying, but our comfort comes from knowing there will be a joyous morning.

If you are experiencing a great sorrow, rest assured that God is preparing a time of joyous celebration. The psalmist says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Ps. 30:5). When the morning of Christ's return breaks, sadness will be swallowed up by an everlasting joy.

God's dawn always follows grief's darkness.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 10:3

Dedicated to Service

Esther 10:3

"For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his kindred."

Dedicated to Service

John Brodie, former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was once asked why a million-dollar player such as he should have to hold the ball for field goals and extra-points attempts. "Well," said Brodie, "if I didn't, it would fall over." There is something appealing about this kind of humility in service. We see in it a reflection of true greatness.

Mordecai had this kind of appeal as well. He became great among his people, but not because he held a position second only to the king. He was well received by the multitude, but not because he was rich or related to the queen. Mordecai's true greatness came because he had a heart dedicated to service. The wicked Haman had used his office to promote himself; Mordecai used his position to bring good to his people.

Throughout history, greatness has been associated with unselfish service. When H. M. Stanley went to Africa in 1871 to find David Livingstone, he found Livingstone engaged in untiring service for those whom he had no reason to love except for Christ's sake. Stanley wrote in his journal, "When I saw that unwearied patience, that unflagging zeal and those enlightened sons of Africa, I became a Christian at his side, though he never spoke to me one word."

While the world may never classify you as a John Brodie the quarterback, a Mordecai the Jew or a David Livingstone the missionary, you can still be great with God. Find the place He would have you serve, and serve Him until you die.

It's not important how many people you lead, but how many you serve.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 8:1 Joshua 7:24-25 Joshua 7:5-7

It Only Hurts Me

Joshua 7:11-12

"Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you."

It Only Hurts Me

We never sin alone. A study of 8,415 adults revealed that those exposed to secondhand smoke experienced a 10 percent increase in the thickening of their carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Thickening of the carotid arteries is a major cause of strokes. Other statistics indicate that drug and alcohol abuse is costing businesses more than $60 billion a year in absenteeism, workplace accidents, higher insurance costs, waste and low productivity. This cost is passed on to consumers in the prices of goods and services.

Achan may have thought that his sin affected only him. Yet when Joshua went before the Lord to find out why his army had been defeated at Ai, God said, "Israel sinned." Achan's sin caused grief to Joshua (vv. 6-7), to the families of the 36 men struck down at Ai (v. 5) and especially to his own family (vv. 24-25). Achan's sin not only hurt him, but everyone around him.

People still excuse their sin by saying, "It doesn't hurt anyone but me." But the facts prove otherwise. Sin hurts everybody either directly or indirectly. A study claimed that a New York City subway token, which costs $1.25, would cost only $1.19 if no one evaded fares. The cost of a property-casualty policy costs $600, but if no one committed fraud, it would be $540. A spreadsheet software package costs $495, but if no one pirated programs, it would only be $322.

The next time Satan encourages you to sin, just remember that you won't be the only one who gets hurt. Sin hurts all of us.

Satan is the only one who comes out ahead when we sin.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 8:1-25 Matthew 24:35

Solid As the Rock

Joshua 8:1

Then the Lord said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land."

Solid As the Rock

Gibraltar is a small peninsula of the southern coast of Spain near the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Covering most of this peninsula is an enormous mass of limestone 1,398 feet high. This rocky mass has become a symbol of stability and certainty, and from which we get our expression, "Solid as the Rock of Gibraltar."

Yet God's word is just as solid--and even more so. Three times God spoke to Joshua of future events that were as good as done. In chapter 6, God said of Jericho, "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king and the might men of valor" (v. 2). And that's what happened. In chapter 8, He said to Joshua concerning Ai, "See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land" (v. 1). Sure enough, it came about (vv. 18-25). Then in chapter 10, God promised Joshua victory over the Amorites, saying, "Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand" (v. 8). Again, God came through on His word (vv. 10-11).

While the Rock of Gibraltar will some day crumble, God's words never will. Jesus promised, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (Matt. 24:35). In a day of instability and change, we can be confident that what God says, He will do. What He declares, He will perform.

If you are feeling bewildered by upheaval in your life, look to the Rock--not the rock of Gibraltar, but the Rock of Jesus. Take Him at His word; He will never change.

Don't settle for the rock when you can have the Rock.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 9:3-6 Joshua 9:14

Making Godly Decisions

Joshua 9:3-6

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, "We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us."

Making Godly Decisions

Decisions are part of our life every day. We decide what to wear when we get up in the morning. We decide what to eat, what to listen to on the radio or watch on television. We make a multitude of other less-than-earthshaking choices daily. But sometimes we face decisions that have a major impact on our lives. These may affect whom we marry, where we live or what job we hold. But big or small, the choices we make should honor the Lord.

Joshua was faced with an important decision soon after he entered the land of Canaan. God had warned him not to make treaties with any of the neighboring peoples. Yet when a group of people showed up who claimed to live far away, he had to reject or accept their plea for peace. Carefully Joshua and his advisors inspected the moldy food and worn-out clothing. Yet verse 14 says, "but they did not ask counsel of the Lord." Only after they had finalized the agreement did they learn they had been tricked.

Deception and misrepresentations are rampant in our society. Salespeople try to rush us into making immediate decisions. Television promotes an unrealistic view of life. Advertisers imply promises they can't fulfill. In the midst of it all, we need to seek the counsel of the Lord. Only the principles in His Word will enable us to make choices that consistently honor Him.

When you need to make a decision, don't rely on human wisdom alone, but look to God's Word. Ask Him to reveal His truths that will enable you to make wise and godly decisions.

When the right decision is important, the right counsel is imperative.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 14:6-7 1 John 3:18 Numbers 14:6-10 Joshua 14:13

Friends in Deed

Joshua 14:6-7

Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: "You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart."

Friends in Deed

Dr. Abraham Maslow, famed research analyst, estimated that the average American meets only about 50 percent of his need for love, interpersonal support and intimacy. In the latter stages of his research, Dr. Maslow became even more negative in his summary: "The truth is," he said, "the average American does not have a real friend in the world."

That stands in stark contrast to the friendship we see between Joshua and Caleb. First teamed up by Moses as partners to explore the land of Canaan, they also stood steadfast together when the people rebelled and wanted to stone them (Num. 14:6-10). Joshua was later selected to replace Moses as the leader of Israel, but that seemed to have no effect on their friendship. Forty-five years later we find them fighting shoulder to shoulder as Israel sought to solidify its hold on the Promised Land. And in the midst of the conflict, Joshua fulfilled a promise. Joshua 14:13 says, "And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance."

Joshua and Caleb were friends indeed and friends in deed. It was a friendship tested by time and trials, but a friendship expressed in commitment and deeds. What had been promised in words was fulfilled in deeds.

Perhaps you are blessed with such a friend as Caleb. If so, find a way today not only to say how much you appreciate this friend but to show it as well. Follow the admonition of 1 John 3:18: "Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."

A friend in deed is a friend indeed.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 18:2-3

How Long?

Joshua 18:2-3

But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance. Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?"

How Long?

Some people refuse to wait. On June 22, 1997, Thomas and Corilee McClurkin peacefully celebrated their golden anniversary. But it wasn't that way 50 years ago. The month of June in 1947 was exceptionally soggy in Nebraska. The Loup River flooded it banks and stranded the bride-to-be in her hometown of Poole. Undaunted, Thomas set out in knee-deep water in an old Chevy. Upon reaching a flimsy railroad bridge that had been nearly washed away, he abandoned his car, crawled across the bridge and walked to Ravenna. Once there he persuaded the owner of a two-seat airplane to fly him to Poole to pick up his bride. The marriage took place only 13 hours late.

This kind of eagerness, however, seemed to be lacking among the Israelites. Seven of the tribes had yet to make any headway in possessing their inheritance. Even though God promised that He would give them the land, they failed to move forward aggressively. Joshua's accusation (v. 3) implies that the problem was not with availability but with motivation. How long, he wondered, were they going to wait?

The same question could be asked of many Christians. How long will it be before we avail ourselves of the vast spiritual riches God has made possible? He has given us the privilege of life-changing prayer. He has made it possible for us to study His Word in any number of translations. We are new creatures in Christ, with all the potential that can be found in such a position. When will we possess these riches?

Don't delay. Begin today to possess all the spiritual benefits God offers you. Now is the time for you to take what God has promised.

God can only give what you are willing to take.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Joshua 24:13

Not For Sale

Joshua 24:13

"I [God] have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant."

Not for Sale

During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton, the founder of the Red Cross, was working in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her and offered to buy food for some of his sick and wounded Rough Riders. But she refused to sell him what he wanted. Roosevelt could not understand. He cared about his men, and he was willing to pay for the supplies out of his own funds. So he went to the surgeon in charge, who said to him, "Colonel, just ask for it!" A smile broke over Roosevelt's face. Now he understood--the provisions were not for sale. "I will ask for it," he said, and when he did, he got the food at once.

Joshua reminded the people that all they possessed--their land, their cities and their vineyards--were not the result of their own efforts. Certainly they had confronted the enemy. Obviously they had engaged in many dangerous and bloody battles. But those victories were not the ultimate source of their possessions. Instead, all that they owned was a gift from God.

God is not in the retail business. All of our good deeds, our generous gifts, our religious activities could not begin to buy our salvation. But God is willing to give it to us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, all that God has is ours for the asking.

Enjoy God's gracious gifts today. Thank Him for providing them without price and without cost. They are yours not because you buy them, but because God gives them.

God's gifts are free, but they are not cheap.

_________________________

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