Ignorance is bliss. I hope you didn't just ignore that first statement...unless, of course, you want to live in bliss even when it comes to ignoring ignorance. Then, are you ignoring it if you ignore ignorance? ...anyway, I digress. I just heard that this administration has stopped the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy for military service. I'm sure many people feel like I do...I don't want to know. My concern is that the military is becoming a place for social engineering rather than for the purpose for which it was founded, the defense of our nation.
Please don't tell me. I'm not going to ask, and I'm not really interested. But, it seems there are many who have to flaunt their lifestyle...whatever it is with whomever they are with. My opinion is that, "Don't ask, don't tell" was working fine. Our military is the best in the world. Really, what is the reason to have to flaunt one's sexual interests in front of others. Why would someone desire to flaunt their sinful lifestyle? As I have visited in people's homes, I've almost always had people at least apologize to me for beer cans on the table, or the Playboy in the magazine rack, or the cigarette smoke in the room. They cared what I thought. But things have changed, and it is not for the best. The reasoning behind this new policy makes no sense to me nor to many others who are comfortable with their monogamous, moral, biblical heterosexuality. I assume that some think this is just one more obstacle out of the way for this lifestyle to be accepted into the mainstream. But, for me, ignorance was bliss.
Big surprise...there will always be obstacles in life. Be ready. Of course, we are always anxious to get rid of many of them when they keep us from moving forward. But, the basis of life is not removing obstacles, but overcoming them. We live in an entitlement culture. We think that we are entitled. That will never happen, but even if it were possible, there is no benefit to living life that way. So, once we recognize obstacles, we must be sure to learn from them and move on.
The children of Israel were told by God that He had given them the land of Canaan to become their homeland, "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance" (Joshua 1:6, HCSB), but there would be many obstacles to overcome. Some were actual battles they would face with the enemy, but most of the battles were with themselves. Battles to stay true to the command of God in their life. It was then that would be able to take the land. That is why God reminded them to, "carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7, HCSB).
The enemies of Israel knew they could not defeat them, so they decided to trick them. The Gibeonite cities were some 25 miles away, so that meant Israel was required by God's command to defeat them in battle. The Gibeonites knew this and sent a delegation to the base camp of Joshua to ask for their protection. Their ruse was they would deceive Joshua into thinking that they had come from many miles away, outside of the land God had given the Israelites. This could become a huge obstacle hung around the necks of the Israelites if they didn't choose wisely. They did not.
With that in mind, it is good that God recorded this embarassing event so that we could learn from it.
Here's three words that we can learn from so that you and I can move ahead and become all that God wants us to be.
Let's look at Joshua 9
First obstacle...
Influence - (vv. 3-5)
Influence can be for good or bad. Make sure that when someone is selling you on their way of thinking, that it is not for their own selfish reason. These people were self-centered and wanted to assure they were protected from the power of the armies of Israel. It was all about them and nothing for Israel. People will do the same to you. When God begins to work in your life, they will be drawn to you and seek to influence you for their good. Take care that you become all God wants you to be, not what they want you to be.
Obstacle number 2...
Tricks - (vv. 6-12)
The Gibeonites pulled out all the stops in order to scam Joshua and the children of Israel. They not only wanted to influence these people, they wanted to deceive them.
There are many who will deceive you in order to get their way. These verses help us how to identify deception:
1) Are they who they say they are?
2) Do they really need the help?
3) Are they claiming to be important?
4) Are they claiming to want to help you?
5) Is their claim of godliness authentic?
Be sure and pray this prayer "Rescue me from their dirty tricks" Psalm 59:2 (MSG)
The final obstacle...
Impulsiveness (vv. 14-15)
Without consulting God, Joshua agreed to a treaty with the Gibeonites. Before we are too hard on him, have you ever made a decision without finding out what God says? I once had a deacon at a church ask me for some advice and finished his question with..."I know the Bible doesn't have anything to say about this." In actuality, the Bible, and hence God, had much to say about it. There is an answer for every circumstance you come across. It is a matter of knowing God and knowing His Word, the Bible. Impulsively making a decision that is life altering without consulting God is counter-productive and very possibly disobedient.
If you want to see God do the impossible, overcome the obstacles and see what God can do!
Thinkin' 'bout Oceanside
- What a great first Oceanside Saturday night worship service! Thanks to everyone who made it possible. Lots of new guests, great spirit, and a warm family atmosphere. That was because of you. Thank you...and be sure to invite your friends. Several asked about it, so here's the video we watched about inviting friends and neighbors to the weekend services.
- Scaremare is on the way! So many of you are excited about this incredible outreach. God is going to use you to help reach people with the Gospel. Keep on planning for your room.
- Parenting Seminar postponed for now - we want as many people as possible to join us for the John Rosemond seminar. It will be great. Here's how you can help: get in touch with Mrs. Kelly Rhodes and let her know you are interested (kbrmom@bellsouth.net). This is going to be one of those eye-opening, life-changing events that you don't want to miss. That is why we have postponed it for the moment. We don't want anyone to miss! You won't even have to go far; it will be here at Oceanside Church. This is also a great opportunity to invite your friends to Oceanside to let them know we care about them.
Overcoming Obstacles,
Pastor Trey Rhodes
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