Self denial< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Num.32:1-42, Jer.29:10-13

God signed them up for a land that flows with milk and honey, but they resigned themselves to a land that flows with only milk. The children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a great multitude of livestock. When they saw the < ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock (Numb.32:1), they decided to settle and not go over the Jordan where God was actually taking them. They went to Moses and requested to stay. Num. 32:5 ÒTherefore they said, if we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan.Ó Can you imagine God taking you to a higher mountain for gold and silver, and seeing silver, you opted to discontinue the journey? The children of Reuben and Gad were only thinking of livestock (source for milk); the thought of honey subsided. Are you thinking clearly when it comes to GodÕs promise and plan for your life? Deny self in your walk; engage self with God in His plans and promises. God has never failed; He will not fail. God has a better plan for you than the plan you have for yourself. He said in Jer.29:11, ÒFor I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.Ó  Do not deny yourself from what God has planned for you. His thoughts for you are better than the thoughts you are having for yourself.   

Humility< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Prov.29:23, Matt.18:1-10.

An assured way to heaven is humility. The disciples wanted to know who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called on a little child and said, ÒAssuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.Ó  It is neither a warning nor a second guess, it is an assurance. It is set, and it will be the way Jesus has said. Without a spirit of humility, you will miss your trip to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever wealth you have accumulated will not count. Your position inside or outside your church will not matter. The password to heaven is for you to exchange your garment of arrogance with the garment of humility. Jesus pointed out that little children are not dressed with pride or arrogance. A little child will turn away from you because of any arguable reason, and turn right back to you with no reservation, malice, bitterness, or anger. As a grown up, can you count the number of people in your diary of woe that have offended you? There are so many things to learn from little children in order to get to heaven. Pro.29:23, ÒA manÕs pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.Ó On every ground that you go this day, exchange your empty pride with humility and see the kind of result you will get.   

Getting away< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Ecc.8:10-13

Your getting away with evil work will only last for a moment. God does not overlook sin. You fellowship the way it is done, you know the songs, and you have memorized the scripture. All of these will not count because of evil works that are hidden in you. Are you not concerned that God does not sleep? God sees everything that goes around. Yes you have been doing your evil work for long; it has never caught up with you. Your getting away in your evil work is not a mark of perfection; it is a matter of GodÕs timing. YouÕre evil work is extensive because you do not see sentencing on sight. It is coming; it will come; it is a matter of time. You will be sighted by the one in charge of the power that is above all powers. Eccl.8:11, Òbecause the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.Ó  If your heart is set to do evil, you can purpose in your heart to deny evil. DonÕt let evil have dominion over you. God will catch up with you when he chooses. All you have to do is pray that God will endue you to fear Him. When the fear God is in place, you will replace evil doing with good.  

< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>Finding Him

Ps.32:5, 6, Is.54:6,7

The LORD God almighty is a living God. He does not sleep; He is omnipresent; omnipotent God. Despite His availability for His children round the clock, He cannot be found just anytime or just any how. Is.54:6- 7, ÒSeek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the righteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on Him; and to our God, for He will continually pardon.Ó  It is clear that when one who is seeking God goes before Him with a heart of repentance and asks for forgiveness, God deny Himself. The Psalmist also emphasized in Ps. 32:5, ÒI acknowledge my sin to you and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ÔI will confess my transgressions to the LORD, Ôand You forgave the iniquity of my sin.Ó He was in the process of finding God. He went before Him by asking for forgiveness because he wanted to find Him. He then went further by saying Òfor this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to you in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near to Him.Ó  In both references, it is clear that the time to find the gracious God is a time of sincere acknowledgement of sin and repentance. Take the right approach, and then you will stand right before Him.

Assess< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Josh6:1-27

Just as it was a miracle for the children of < ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>IsraelÕs crossing over the Jordan River, so you have crossed the first hurdle of your marathon race. However, the battle has just begun. Have you thought of the Wall of Jericho that is ahead of you? The wall needs to fall down flat (not just falling) for you to advance. In every area that you have turned, a wall has taking a stand against you– financially, health wise, spiritual growth, marriage, and all other areas that you know and no one knows. For the children of Israel, it was recorded in Jos. 6:1, ÒNow Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. Take your situation to God so you will hear from Him. He is a faithful God. He is a living God and He will speak and you will hear if you are willing. Josh.6:2, ÒAnd the LORD said to Joshua: ÔI have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.ÕÕÕ Joshua must have been asking before God actually spoke to him. God will give into your hand not just the wall, but all that could turn around and cause problems when you break through the wall. God gave into the hand of the children of Israel the king and the mighty men of valor. Get yourself in order as God have designated, the wall will fall flat for you to the glory of the Almighty God.