March 13: Possess your possessions!

Joshua chapters 13-17

Joshua 13:1-7

Amplified Bible (AMP)

13 Now Joshua was old and gone far in years [over 100], and the Lord said to him, You have grown old and are gone far in years, and very much of the land still remains to be possessed.

² This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and all those of the Geshurites:

³ From the Shihor [River] which is east of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron, all of it counted as Canaanite; there are five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, and those of the Avvites;

⁴ In the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah, which belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the boundary of the Amorites,

⁵ And the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon toward the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to the gate of Hamath.

⁶ As for all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians, I will Myself drive them out from before the Israelites; only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you.

⁷ So now divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

So the tribes were given their inheritance, but they still had to go and conquer the land. Well actually God said "I myself will drive them out before the Israelites." So all they had to do was occupy the land. Some tribes never did occupy all the land allocated to them by God. As is with us. God has given us promises, and many of us never take the steps necessary to claim them and live in our blessings!

A number of years ago (more than 5) we had a tongues and interpretation in our staff meeting. We had been discussing an outreach event in the Allied Drive community here in Madison. It's considered a high crime area. Newspaper articles have highlighted the challenges facing this community. 

Jesus said, "I am already here waiting for you." I don't remember all of the message, but this part stood out to me. Jesus goes before us! All we have to do is occupy. The enemy will flee when we simply take posession of ownership.

On Saturday, 2 friends and I went door knocking in this community. Wow. We had amazing conversations and powerful prayers with almost everyone we talked with! I'm so excited about what God is doing. The hearts are ready. All we are is God's hands, feet, and voice. 

"Dear Jesus, help me to act on Your promises. You go before me. All I have to do is claim Your promises! I worship You and praise You for this!!! You do all things perfectly and in Your timing! Sometimes I prayerfully wait and cleanse my heart. Sometimes You say "Go!" I love You and praise You for the perfect work You are doing in me! You are Worthy, Oh God! Oh how I love You! I praise Your name, the beautiful name of Jesus. AMEN."