MUSTARD SEED THOUGHTS #10

There is a worship song that goes something like this… “ In the battles Lord, You are my peace." When we ponder on the words of the song, we are reminded who we can rely on during our battles. That word again: battle! In the journey of life, we have a lot of battles to wage and a lot of obstacles to overcome. Some quit even before the fight while others get wounded in the battlefront. Some get up when they are knocked down while others get so wounded they retreat into their shell and never come out again. Whatever the situation, one thing is for sure: we all have our own battles to fight. How do we consistently win these battles and how do we stay victorious?

In Joshua Ch 8, the army of Israel were asked to take on Ai. Once again, they were addressed as ‘man of war’. Perhaps this is how we should be addressed also. Before, they made their advances, they were instructed by the Lord regarding their strategies. When we read the first part of this chapter (8:1-23), it is as though it is taken from the ‘Sun Tzu Art Of War’ manual. The strategies of life and living have been set by God. He is the creator of life. He knows how we should live our lives. These strategies are there to protect us from being hurt or getting into trouble. When we fail to follow and obey the ways of God, we are bound to hurt ourselves as the battle out there is a fierce one. It is merciless and it respects no one. If we choose to follow our own way and directions, we are opening up for the enemy to attack and to destroy us. Jesus came to redeem us and to offer us a new way for living.

When the instructions were followed, the Israelites we assured of success. (8:24-29) Today, we equate success with how rich a person is, the house and properties he owns, the people he hangs out with, the car he drives etc..but success is to live a balanced life and the ability to overcome each and every problem that comes in our way. Success is also being fair and helping others achieve their aspirations. Someone once said “ Success is peace with oneself and with others….and being able to go to sleep when the head hits the pillow each night “. How true! Success is to live a purposeful and meaningful life. When the Israelites defeated Ai, they were at peace. Peace is what most people look for: (maybe this is the definition of success) with oneself, with others, with the Lord…

After each victory or mountain top experience, we need to find solace. To recharge, to refocus. (8:30-33) We live in a frenzied and hurried world. The catchwords today are ‘busy….no time…cannot finish my work….have to hurry’. Go go go…no time to stop and smell the flowers! The army stopped and they built the altar (worship). We must remember that time with the Lord is not an option. It is necessary. They read the Book of Law (bible reading/devotion) and they gave peace offerings to the Lord. (gratitude)

Finally, they would read and reminded themselves about ‘ the promises of God ‘ for the next challenge ahead. During this session, they read Deut 28: The Blessings and The Curses. It is always good to remind ourselves daily that if we follow the ways of the Lord, we cannot go wrong. These are His strategies for life. He will bless us. How do we begin? Begin by living in the light and truth….love, having compassion, joy, peace, kindness etc . These are the virtues of Godly living. They reflect God’s character. The Israelites were assured of blessings to follow if they followed God. Let us follow also….