Good morning, all!

Father, we know that the battle belongs to You and You alone have the power and the strength to redeem us, to redeem us from the times. It’s time Lord, it’s time that You strengthen the body, that You strengthen the church so that we live in victory now. So, today Lord makes us all stronger, makes us stronger by Your faith that NO enemy would prevail against US and our life would flow like a river of peace as Your word declares, Amen.

Joshua 14

11 As yet I [am as] strong this day as [I was] in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength [was] then, even so [is] my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.
I might be 85 but I’m just as strong as when I was 40 and spied the land, my strength is the same as then and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.

12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims [were] there, and [that] the cities [were] great [and] fenced: if so be the LORD [will be] with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
So, give me this mountain that you promised me LORD. Remember the other scouts said these GIANTS were living there in a great, walled town. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said.

13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
So, Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave Hebron to him as his portion of land.

14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.
Hebron still belongs to the descendants of Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite because he followed God with all his heart and never wavered from a life of faith.

Bottom line

This is such an incredible message hidden in Joshua, have you heard Caleb’s story? He and Joshua were the only 2 spies of the 12 sent that returned with a positive report regarding the promise land, Caleb said let us take possession we can do it. You know what the other ten spies said?

[Num 13:31 NIV] But the ten men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are. You know why Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years? They chose to believe the ten men…the world, they chose fear over faith. Hebron was the place where God made his first covenant with Abraham, He said it belonged to him and his descendants. This was a special place that was dedicated by God, it was NOT meant for the enemy. Don’t you love the heart of Caleb, he’s 85 years old, some might say well past being ready to retire, right? Not so, he says I’m too strong and NOT looking to retire on some beach. Instead, he wants to go get the land that was promised by God, will it come easy? Not likely, but he doesn’t care he’s willing to fight with the Anakims to get it…they were giants, but he doesn’t care he will NOT let the enemy steal God’s glory. Gives retirement new meaning, don’t you think? I want faith like that, to be just as strong at 85 compared to when I was youngerman, you? Then you must go take Hebron and not Sanibel island-Ha! Are you stronger today than yesterday? You ready for the battle?

[Deu 1:28 KJV] Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. What makes Hebron so special? Of all the places on earth why did God promise this land to His chosen? And why is an 85yr old man willing to fight for it at a time when he should be taking it easy? God considers this a very special place; it requires His strongest followers to occupy it…the name Hebron means the “kingdom of friendship”. Makes sense because he told Abraham he was His “FRIEND”. Are you a friend of God? If you are then you belong in Hebron, you know how you get in? You must DRIVE out the Anakims from this place, it would appear they cause you discouragement and sorrow, they have built walls so high they reach heaven…hmm, guess they really want to keep people out. Remember when the bible speaks of “the enemy” it’s NEVER people…Anakims are thoughts that speak words of discouragement and regret, they might tell you God ain’t your friend, they might whisper you don’t need friends, they might remind you of your worst and say you’re not strong enough. When we entertain those thoughts, they build TALL walls based on failures and hurts, they get the better of us and we become defensive and push people away. Anakims keep us from living our best life, a life of Christ, a life that is filled with God’s promise for us and our children. Will you fight for it? If so, what’s the first thing we must do? Caleb FOLLOWED God with HALF a heart…OOPS…ALL of his heart! You gotta be ALL in if you’re going remain strong and defeat the Anakims. Maybe you’re not there yet, maybe you need a little help this morning so what then?

[Eph 3:16 NIV] We pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. PRAY and ask God for more strength, more faith so you can drive the Anakims out of your thought life and tear down those walls that alienate you from God and others…and if not for you, do it for your children and your children’s children so they become a friend of God…NO greater friend in the world!

Point to Ponder

You know what the price is to get into the promise land? [1Ki 5:4 NLT] But now the LORD my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well. When we have NO enemies and live in peace on with EVERYONE you’re in, makes sense because God has NO enemies either…looks like you’re in good company…friends only!

Let’s US all be stronger in faith to live Hebron, In Him Phil

Faith – Family – Friends