He has been ministering in Viet Nam for conferences the past several years. He shared that he was impressed that the people he preached to there are eager and thirsty. They come ready to hear the word and share from their own meager resources in giving tithes and offerings. They pray for their leaders that they will see the light thru them. Brother B calls this attitude a “Caleb Spirit.”
[As usual I have added just a bit to the message for clarity and my interpretation.]
Caleb had a different spirit than the other spies who reported back from investigating the Promised Land. Numbers 14:6-9. ‘He whole-heartedly followed God.’ Numbers 14:24.
God had taken the Israelites out of bad place to bring them to a good place. (That is another example of redemption.) God has a plan for each of our life's. His plan doesn’t change except to adjust to roadblocks we might put in the way. (Jonah is an example)
Brother B shared three obstacles to wholly following God’s plan for your life.
Obstacle 1. Self. We might allow the lies of the enemy to defeat us with reminders of wasted years and unworthiness. But God has said that He will restore the years and He has made us worthy through the sacrifice of His son.
Obstacle 2. The Enemy. Satan will lie and tempt you. It may be just to distract you or keep you in a state of doing nothing. [“For evil to prosper all it needs is for good people to do nothing.” Attributed to Edmund Burke.] The devil is always seeking those he can devour and he works continually to keep people from fulfilling God’s plans. The saying “The Devil made me do it” is a lie. The devil can't make you do anything if you have accepted the Power of Christ in your life. Colossians 2:15.
Obstacle 3. Redeemed people. Others around you (like the other 10 Israelite spies) will tell you it can’t be done.
Don't let self, enemy or others steal your faith and trust. Do not allow doubts to control and discourage you from fulfilling the plan, and receiving the promises, of God.
I had a different song in mind at first but this one fits the message so well:
Standing on the Promises:
Numbers 14:8-9 NIV
8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
I pray, Lord, that I will have a Caleb Spirit to do whatever you direct me to do.
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