Scripture - Josh 17:14-18 Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the LORD has blessed us until now?" 15 So Joshua answered them, "If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you." 16 But the children of Joseph said, "The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel." 17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph — to Ephraim and Manasseh — saying, "You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, 18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong."
Observation - The people of Joseph are complaining about the size of their inheritance. They are concerned that they don't have enough room and that their portion of land is too small to fit the people. Joshua responds - "if you think your land is too small go take some more. There is plenty of land in the hill country and the forest." But fear comes from Ephraim and Manasseh and they begin to look at the strength of the enemy. The iron chariots and the many soldiers. Joshua speaks as we should today - If you want more territory go do the work and you will get more territory. Some things are not free. Actually most things are not free. God knock down a few trees and drive the enemy out of your territory.
Application - Saundra and I have been dealing with this very issue as of late. We want more territory from God and the enemy is showing us his strength. His affliction and distractions continue to show us that he is very real and very present. While he doesn't have iron chariots and swords - he does have affliction, pain, distraction and sickness. I believe God wants us to drive them out today. God is telling us to cut down the trees right now and to take possession of the land. We need to keep clearing and keep cutting until we have complete control of the land around us. God is the victor - though they are strong we will possess the land.
Prayer - Father I speak right now to the enemies of our life and our ministry. I ask God for advancement not retreat. I ask for blessing and not curse. I speak life into our house, our church, our family and our ministry. God Bless abundantly.
Observation - The people of Joseph are complaining about the size of their inheritance. They are concerned that they don't have enough room and that their portion of land is too small to fit the people. Joshua responds - "if you think your land is too small go take some more. There is plenty of land in the hill country and the forest." But fear comes from Ephraim and Manasseh and they begin to look at the strength of the enemy. The iron chariots and the many soldiers. Joshua speaks as we should today - If you want more territory go do the work and you will get more territory. Some things are not free. Actually most things are not free. God knock down a few trees and drive the enemy out of your territory.
Application - Saundra and I have been dealing with this very issue as of late. We want more territory from God and the enemy is showing us his strength. His affliction and distractions continue to show us that he is very real and very present. While he doesn't have iron chariots and swords - he does have affliction, pain, distraction and sickness. I believe God wants us to drive them out today. God is telling us to cut down the trees right now and to take possession of the land. We need to keep clearing and keep cutting until we have complete control of the land around us. God is the victor - though they are strong we will possess the land.
Prayer - Father I speak right now to the enemies of our life and our ministry. I ask God for advancement not retreat. I ask for blessing and not curse. I speak life into our house, our church, our family and our ministry. God Bless abundantly.
