December 22, 2022
But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. (Numbers 14:24) ESV.
Caleb had a different spirit – he had a spirit of faith. He looked at the mountain, and it became a molehill in his sight because everything he did, he dedicated to the Lord.
As I thought about this morning, I am reminded of David, who looked at Goliath and didn’t see a giant but rather an opportunity for God to be glorified. When we are facing mountains or giants in our lives, what do we see? Our answers will give us insight into the kind of spirit we have. Paul told Timothy in (2 Timothy 1:7) ESV, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
We must also submit ourselves to God to access this power, love, and the resulting sound mind. I am talking about an all-out commitment that acknowledges God as everything in our life. This is the kind of person that Caleb was. The other scouts responded by saying, “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large…” (Numbers 13:27-28) NKJV. Caleb said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30) NKJV.
Friends, do you see the difference between the two reports? One was all about the difficulties; the other was about the possibilities. Was Caleb’s response one that was based upon positive thinking? Not at all. “If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them” (Numbers 14:8-9) NKJV. Caleb knew his God; this knowledge resulted in him having a different spirit. So what is our spirit when we are faced with tests and trials in our lives? As I pondered this question, the verse from (Philippians 4:13) NKJV comes to mind, saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Would you join me in this Pray today?
Dear Heavenly Father, I bow in Your presence; I ask that my faith is not based upon positive thinking. Like Caleb, may my faith be based upon knowledge of You. You have never let me down, and I stand strong in Your love and faithfulness today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
## Encouraging Words from Max Lucado: The Wizard Of Oz says, “Look inside yourself and find self.” God says, “Look inside yourself and find (the Holy Spirit).” The first will get you (us) to Kansas. The latter will get you (us) to (Our Promised Land) Heaven <><
(In parentheses are my words)
God Bless you and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><
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