Joshua was a warrior for God. He was a man who trusted the Lord he served, and that trust gave him courage. His name means “Jehovah is salvation,” and his life reflects the truth of his name. He had been one of the many who had been a slave in Egypt, and when Moses led the Israelites out of captivity, Joshua became a military leader. He had seen God’s power when the Red Sea parted and the Israelites crossed safely. Joshua also saw the Egyptian army drown as they attempted to recapture the Israelites. Joshua witnessed many more miracles, such as God providing manna every morning, and he saw the rock spew water when Moses struck it. Joshua witnessed God’s power, and that gave him confidence to trust God. If others in that nation had the faith that Joshua showed, they wouldn’t have wandered for forty years.

Joshua and Caleb were two who had scouted out the Promised Land and saw those giant hybrids, the Nephilim. They knew that God would be with Israel in fighting for their land, but others were afraid. “But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:31-33). 

Joshua and Caleb were overruled because Moses listened to the men who were ruled by fear. They walked away from God’s promise. Forty years later, they returned to claim their land. Moses died and God chose Joshua to lead the battle. “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5). 

When you are walking with God, nothing can stand against you. Not even giants. Because of Joshua’s courage, the promise God made to Abraham was finally a reality. Christians need to pay attention to God’s words. Too many Christians forget that God is with us and we need to stand against all enemies, including those who are attempting to stop us from assembling together to worship our Lord and Saviour.

Eventually, Joshua’s time on earth was at an end. He spoke to the nation, but he spoke words given by God. Starting with Abraham, he reminded the nation of all God had done for them. God brought victory to Israel through many battles and temptations and they needed to remember all God had done. “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD” (Joshua 24:14).

That’s good advice. Maybe Christians should pay attention to Joshua’s words. We need to put aside our fear and start serving Christ. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Be it Egyptian gods, Amorite gods, or the political deep state of our own time, these are all demon-inspired. What about you and your house? Every day you make a choice as to whether you serve the God you claim to follow or to serve the god of this world. Christ must be first in a Christian’s life.

The people listening to Joshua were gung-ho. Of course they were going to serve God Almighty. “And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; for the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: and the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God” (Joshua 24:16-19).

It’s easy to say the words but tough to follow through. Did they forget to teach their children about God? Probably. The rest of the Old Testament tells us of the ups and downs of God’s chosen people in their service to God Almighty. Instead of remembering all that God promised them and all He did for them, they were sidetracked and forgot to serve the LORD. Christians have the same problem. We forget what God has done for us and believe worldly people instead of trusting God to know best.

The world is at a crisis point. There’s never been a time in history when every nation is as firmly under the control of Satan as all nations today. Yes, my fellow Americans, I even mean the United States of America. The giants today are government controllers of every aspect of our life: forced isolation, censorship of free worship, and wearing masks which reminds me of the Muslim repression, and much more. It amazes me that Christians are so easily silenced while criminals are allowed to riot and destroy at will. Christians are growing weaker.

Understand this: God isn’t weakening, but Christians are more willing to bow before government censorship than they are willing to stand firm upon God’s word. It’s pretty hard to follow Christ as you cower in isolation in your house. Of course, sin establishments such as abortion clinics are still open.

Things have steadily gone downhill since Christians first allowed evolution to be taught in schools. That lie even got Christians to question the truth of Scripture. Then prayer was taken out of schools. That’s OK because we can teach the kids about God at home. Can we? Do we? When Mom went to work, the important job of raising children was turned over to other people. On many occasions, there isn’t even a God-fearing father in the house to lead the children on the right path. Schools began dictating morality, and what a mess we’re in now!

God made our bodies to work in a certain way. There’s a purpose for male and female, but according to the deep-state liberal mindset, you can choose your gender. What happened to “…: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD?” (Joshua 24:15b).

Christians, if you aren’t standing on Biblical truth, then you are betraying God. Satan is roaring around like a lion, ready to steal the souls of anyone who rejects God. Don’t let your guard down. Remember, don’t trust in sinful man but keep your heart, mind, and soul on Jesus. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Remember what He has done in the past and know that He holds the future.

COVID-19 is an excuse for control. First, there was a panic: wear masks, close businesses, isolate, etc. This panic was fanned by the liberal media. They have a way of making evil seem good, and this is exemplified by making it seem as if criminal rioters who destroy and kill are good, while law-abiding citizens and police officers are bad. These riots came on the heels of the virus panic, but those criminals don’t seem to be required to isolate or wear masks. Strange.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). 

How can any thinking person condone defunding police but condone the violence and destruction by mobs of criminals? There’s no sense to it at all. The only explanation is Satan is running wild. Christians have stopped standing against evil and don’t stand for God. It’s a sign of the very soon Rapture and the start of Daniel’s 70^th week.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 

We can see these things vividly in news reports. Wait a minute, what about “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof”? That sounds very much like most Christian congregations today. The name on the outside claims to be Christian, but instead of serving God, it’s government regulations that reign supreme. Preachers willingly don’t preach the full word of God, especially the parts that call sin, sin. The people “social distance” even though Scripture dictates that we greet each other with a holy kiss, which today means to hug and shake hands. It’s too bad that we aren’t more like Joshua and serve God instead of running in fear from the giants…or a microscopic germ.

Did you know that various states have different levels of censorship on Christian gatherings? Some still aren’t allowed to congregate, some are forbidden to sing, and none are allowed to greet each other as a loving family with a hug or shaking hands. Brothers and sisters, why do we submit to this? Do we follow Christ? Scripture says to lay hands on those who are ill. We are to gather together and sing praises to our Lord. That’s a Christian directive.

When Peter and the other apostles where threatened with jail, and worse, if they didn’t stop preaching about Jesus Christ, Peter wouldn’t be silenced. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Christians, it’s time for you to decide whom you serve. Did Peter have more power than we do today? No, but Peter followed Jesus as a way of life. He believed with all his heart that the Gospel is God’s truth, and didn’t allow fear to compromise his witness. Peter had made mistakes in his life, but now he was ready to stand up for Jesus. What about us? Are we ready to turn our backs on Jesus and appease the non-believing government? Or, are we willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus?

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11). 

Each of us has a name, but if we claim to be Christians, we bear the name of Jesus Christ. He is our salvation. Do you serve Him? The satanic world is trying to stop us. Choose whom you serve. As for me and my house, we will follow Jesus Christ.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos” – God breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

 

We live in very trying times. I admit that sometimes I get overwhelmed by what I see and hear on the news. Everything is bad and nothing is good. Doom and gloom. The hearts of men have grown cold, violence is everywhere, and evil is made to seem good. Many people blame God for all of this and question if He even cares. Does He care? The answer is in Scripture.

Yes. God cares more than we can even imagine. Christians just might see God’s love clearly if we stop focusing on the mega-media, left-wing lies and start looking at Scripture.

How did people like Noah cope? He lived at a time when pure evil was all around, but instead of focusing on that evil, he obeyed God and built the Ark. Because he was obedient to God, he and his family were protected through God’s judgment.

We can also look to the many prophets who lived in violent times but obediently served God and spoke His truth even if it caused them to suffer. Those brave and God-fearing men didn’t have CNN or MSNBC to tell them what to think, so it was easier to hear God’s voice.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of some facts. God saw the future and gave prophecy so we can understand what’s happening. Man’s sin and Satan’s lies cause the evil, but God’s love brings forgiveness. If we look to Him, we will find peace. God created everything, and all of creation is evidence of His love.

[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1).

King David is an example of a man who saw God’s glory and praised Him instead of seeing the troubles around and becoming discouraged. When David was young, he spent many hours tending sheep. This gave him time to observe God’s creation. David was overwhelmed that God created such magnificent beauty. Try to imagine looking up into the night sky and seeing the stars twinkling. There was no light pollution nor air pollution to hide their brilliance as David looked into the heavens. The fresh light of dawn was glorious without chemtrails covering the glow, and the setting sun had its own beauty. He praised God for His creation. David had a gift of song, and he wrote of the beauty he saw.

[To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David.] “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1).

English translations of Hebrew words don’t always make the meaning clear. The word “LORD” is from the Hebrew word “Yehovah” and means “the existing One.” It’s considered the proper name of God Almighty. The second word translated Lord is ‘adown and can mean “a strong master or king,” but we know it refers to God because it follows Yehovah. Essentially, David is saying “Yehovah our Master, how great and majestic is Your name everywhere!” If we would be mindful of His glory, which can be seen everywhere, we would understand how much He cares.

David recognized that it isn’t always the big, mighty people who make grand declarations of God, but even a child can bring us strength in the face of adversity. “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2).

Babies are the epitome of innocence and weakness. We are like those “babes and sucklings” when it comes to the spiritual battle against our adversary…Satan. With Christ we are able to stand against that evil with no fear. We need to understand that. When fear threatens to take our joy away, if we just take time to see God’s glory in everything, our spirit will be strengthened, and joy of the Lord will be restored. God cares enough to be our strength and shield.

With all the evidence of God’s might and majesty to be seen in the heavens and the earth, it’s a bit intimidating to think that He also created man. Adam was created in God’s own image.

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour” (Psalm 8:3-5).

We read the creation account in Genesis, and it seems as if it took very little effort to create the splendor we see today.

“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16).

Almost as an afterthought it’s mentioned that He made the stars! Scientists are just recently discovering how many stars and galaxies there are. Although David couldn’t see as far as the Hubble Telescope can, he was overwhelmed by the beauty he could see. No wonder David felt insignificant and wondered how God could even be mindful of sinners such as we humans. Even more amazing is that God did visit us in the form of Jesus Christ.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

If God didn’t care, He would have left us to our sin, but He chose to humbly dwell among us and show us the way to salvation. He chose to sacrifice His life to purchase our salvation. He is the only way to eternal life.

Not only does God care about mankind, but He has entrusted us with the care of His creation.

“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas” (Psalm 8:6-8).

We are to care for the environment and the animals, but we aren’t to worship the creation. We are only to worship God Almighty. The troubles in this world happen because people have stopped worshiping and honoring the Creator and worship the creation instead. That leads to unbounded sin. We see that sin unfolding today. Brothers and sisters, don’t be led astray by what you see on the news. Every life matters to God, and He gave His life for every person who has ever lived. Bow before Him only.

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11).

Paul quoted that from Isaiah 45:23, and it’s still true today. Humbly bow before the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Saviour. He cares about you and me and is worthy of all our praise.

David ends this Psalm of wonder and praise by once again focusing upon God and who He is.

“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9). “Yehovah our Master, how great and majestic is Your name everywhere!”

We need to have reverence for Jesus and marvel at the wonders He made. More than that, we need to marvel at the salvation He offers. He humbled Himself and left the Heavenly realm to enter this fallen world. Why? To save mankind from certain eternal death. Faith in Him is the only way to gain eternal life.

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11).

God cares about you. He cares more than any human can fully understand. God Himself humbled Himself to become human, and He sacrificed His life on the cross. That’s more than caring; that’s pure and perfect love.

Yes, God does care. When Adam sinned, there was a vast gulf created between God and humans. God had a plan to bridge that gulf.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Do you believe in Him? If not, why? He loves you and gave His life to purchase your salvation. Without faith in Him now, there will be no glorious eternal life for you when you die. Prophecy tells us that life as we know it is about to come to an end. Christians will soon be Raptured, and after that, there will be hatred and violence on earth like never seen before. Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will allow you to escape that final seven-year time period. If you haven’t accepted His free gift of salvation, then you need to do that today. If you have, then you need to care enough about Him to live your life to honor Him.

Instead of letting fear guide you and cause you to be angry with God because you think He doesn’t care, think again. God cares….do you?

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos” – God breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.