The End Will Be Like The Beginning

SF, Stagecoach, NV

     Isaiah 46:9-11 starts out with telling us to remember the former things long past.  Then goes on to say that He, God, declares the end from the beginning.

     The Lord had me re-read the Old Testament Prophets, I think partially because we’re told that God always revealed to the Prophets what He was going to do – before He did it.  Reading the Prophets was difficult because of all they went through, but I also saw how much the Father loved His children and blessed them in abundance, when they cried out to Him for help (Exodus 22:23).  

     Yet it was their abundance that made man “think” he no longer needed God each day.  After all, he had
everything he could ever want and more.  Sounds familiar doesn’t it?  It's amazing how the people of today, act like those in the Old Testament.

     It so saddened me to see the Israelites loose all they had including their lives.  And those who didn’t die, ended up being held in captivity as slaves for generations. 

     In our bible study, we’ve been learning about the Lord talking to us in these latter days.  I’ve heard Jessie Duplantis say one day, that all he needs to do is say “hey Jesus” and Jesus answers “hey Jessie”.  Of course Jessie is not the only one I’ve heard this from – but I do know, I want this direct communication with the Lord too.

     First thing I needed to know was how the Lord directed the Prophets or leaders He placed in authority over the Israelites.  Numbers 12:6 says, “Then He said, "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.”  Another time, we’ll talk about dreams and visions promised to us today in Joel 2:28-29, but I felt led to read Joshua.

     Joshua was a man with a ministry, a calling from God.  I never thought him a Prophet like Ezekiel or Isaiah, but more like a Christian of today guiding others in His Word.  Joshua learned from Moses as Elisha learned from Elijah.  Isn’t that what we do?  We hear what other Christians are doing, and say “I want that too” so we seek it.  That’s what we’re going to do today.

     First, let’s see how the Lord communicated with Joshua.  In Joshua 1:1, 3:7, 4:1, 4:15, 5:2 and 5:9 it says, “the Lord said to Joshua” or “the Lord spoke to Joshua”.  So the Lord talked directly, in an audible voice to Joshua.

     Second, notice in Joshua 5:13-15 Jesus comes to Joshua as the “Captain of the Army of the Lord” to fight with Joshua.  So Joshua actually saw Jesus and He talked to Joshua in person.

     Third, in Joshua 6:2-5, the Lord speaks instructions, and the walls came tumbling down – when they obeyed His instructions!

     Fourth, in Joshua 7:1-4, we see not all the warriors obeyed, plus Joshua acted on what the scouts said instead of asking the Lord.  So he didn't know, the Lord was not with them and that 36 men were going to die that day. 

     Fifth, Joshua 7:6-7, show us that Joshua humbled himself and asked the Lord why?  That's what we should do when things are going wrong.

     Sixth, Joshua 7:10-15, God tells Joshua why He didn't go with them and would reveal the sinner.

Hear are the keys to “practicing” (Ezra 7:10) hearing from God:

1. Hearing from God was common practice in the Old Testament.  So why shouldn’t we believe and seek to hear directly from the Lord?  The Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  The Lord is our Shepherd and we’re to know His voice (John 10:27) – do you?
2. All directions were spoken by the Lord to Joshua – He wants to tell you also, to get the victory when you do it His way.
3. New instructions were spoken to Joshua when the last ones were obeyed.  Remember, we’re told to take one day at a time (Matthew 6:34).  
4. Victory came 3 ways.  Listening, obeying fully and one step at a time.

     I believe we’re in the days where the Lord wants to talk to us.  It may be audible, through a dream, a vision or a thought.  But He wants you to know His voice and guide your path, so it’s time to start listening.

     When you pray, give the Lord at least the same amount of time you took to ask Him your question.  Quiet your mind by thinking of heaven or Jesus, sitting at the right hand of the Father.  Then ASK Him to talk to you, as He did to Joshua.  After all, it takes 2 to build a relationship and that’s what the Lord has been seeking since the time of Adam and Eve.

     I highly recommend the book, "Catching The Initiatives Of Heaven" by Dennis Walker for a more in-depth study. Always remember His promise in 2 Chronicles 28:9 if you seek Him, He'll let you find Him.

God Bless You In Abundance; spiritually, mentally and physically, as He created you.

Your Sister In Christ.