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...And They Lived Happily Ever After...


            So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the LORD'S good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:43-45)

            ...and they all lived happily ever after. If only that were true. Even in the book of Joshua, we see problems developing. Ephraim and Manasseh didn't kick out all of the Canaanites in their allotment. People were disobedient. Even the leadership was failing to check with God before acting. We all want the fairy tale ending with the dragon of sin defeated, and the gremlins of our weaknesses driven from our lives.
           I'm not saying God didn't fulfill His promises. He did. He gave them rest on every side...for as long as they were obedient and to the extent that they were obedient.. He didn't break His promises, but they were contingent upon Israel's faithfulness. He fulfills His promises to us, too. They are the same promises, with changes in perspective. If we allow God to be our God, and we act as His children, He acts as a Father to us, disciplining and teaching us (Hebrews 12:7) He never abandons us (Matthew 28:20). He finishes what He started (Philippians 1:6). He rewards those who seek him (Hebrews  11:6).  There are many more. How they are fulfilled depends on our faithfulness, obedience and perspective


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In the Sky:
 New moon

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