Ch. 7 in JOSHUA: CONQUERING The ENEMY, INHERITING The LAND

INTRODUCTION: Defeat can be demoralizing and potentially could set up a pattern of defeat. Even just the threat of defeat can cause detrimental effects. But victory can also be dangerous. It can produce a self-confidence in a Christian whose power and strength are to come through Christ and His Spirit, not by “the arm of the flesh” (JER 17:5).

We are to wait on the LORD, to seek His face and petition Him to take away our human weaknesses as well as our strengths and replace them with His grace and power – only these will do in this walk we live out in this world (ISA 40:31).

After Israel’s victory at Jericho I think the armies were feeling their proverbial oats, and after conquering that major city, the next one they saw on the list was this little “hick town” of Ai. The soldiers were quick to offer their two cents and recommended that only a portion of the army go and take Ai.

Where is Joshua’s prayer to the LORD for counsel? Or at least for confirmation on this plan conceived by the people? Did the LORD speak at all, that He would bless such a plan? I’m sure He was waiting to be consulted, but He was never approached.

Yet if He had been, the LORD would have informed Joshua about a rebellious Hebrew that let his coveting turn into capturing… some of the dainties of Jericho! The ensuing defeat could have been avoided.

May this be a lesson to us: a sanctified saint, free of the corrupt influences and prizes gained from this sinful world is a saint safe in their own integrity! And may we always be sure to consult the LORD in the Word and in prayer as well as godly counsel before making any major life decisions!

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FAITH: D.O.A. – PARTS ONE and TWO

PART ONE –

When the subject of salvation is brought up, some people say that they are “saved by the grace of GOD”. But the term salvation in a doctrinal sense is very comprehensive. It begins with justification in Christ, where our sins are forgiven, and we’re accounted as “not guilty” in GOD’s Court of Law. Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. We are saved from sin and death, from judgment and eternal damnation. This is when eternal life begins. We are saved for perpetual relationship and fellowship with the LORD, all Three Members of the Trinity. We are saved for good works that stem from that relationship with GOD. We are saved for everlasting citizenship in heaven and on earth where we the church will rule alongside our King!

While our overall salvation is provided freely by GOD through His only begotten Son, we must always be attentive that our faith is focused in the right direction.

For now, let’s talk about this:

Faith and Hope are two aspects of the Christian life that are inextricably intertwined. It’s by our faith that we hold onto the promises of GOD today. The hope we have is not wishful but certain. An expectation of tomorrow and our future destiny.

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GNOSTICS KNOW ‘THE EYE’

Originally published on The RED PILL CONSORTIUM

Have you ever had one of those songs invade your head uninvited, and then rudely decided to hang around even when you try to show it the door? I think we’ve all had that experience haven’t we?

A couple weeks ago that happened to me; it wasn’t even a song I knew very well; it was cut on an Alan Parson’s Project album back in 1982 and while I can recall hearing it on occasion over the years, I didn’t really know the lyrics. In fact I remember when it first came out, I thought the one line said something like “…pie in the sky”.

Of course many if not most know what song I’m referring to. When it visited me those two weeks ago, I was a bit curious about it, so I grabbed my smart phone and Googled the title and found the lyrics. As I read them, my eyes got wider and wider with recognition of what these words might have (possibly?) meant in the song.

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TRIUMPHANT TRILOGIES – Examining JOHN 15,16 & 17

Examining JOHN 15 – Part 3 of 3

INTRODUCTION: A clear indication of one who is a true disciple of Christ is that they will be rejected and hated by most of the world; there will be some blessed exceptions (LUKE 10:16; JOHN 13:20). Yet when we remember that we are only pilgrims passing through this world of sin (HEB 11:13; 1 PET 2:11), that this isn’t our home, but we are on our way There, that we aren’t settlers of this world but recruiters for the Kingdom of GOD, desiring to populate that heavenly domain more and more – then the sting of that rejection and hatred is lessened.

We cannot hope to follow the LORD without incurring the same reaction from the world that He received. As I’ve often quoted,

“If you want to see the world’s hatred for GOD, just look at the Cross of Christ. And if you would rather look at GOD’s love for the world… just look at the Cross of Christ!”

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IN THE FORGE OF GOD

INTRODUCTION: "If GOD is so good, then why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?” That question gets asked a lot!

Note: the teaching presented in service on JULY 5th, 2026 is available here, on the SHINE BRIGHT Church YouTube Channel.

In the beginning it wasn’t so. When GOD created paradise for Adam and Eve He intended them to be blessed perpetually – not experience the pain-filled world they inherited as a result of their sin. In the beginning there was serenity, not sorrow, suffering and struggle.

Sin – the monkey wrench that was tossed into GOD’s perfectly functioning order that caused everything to fall into chaos and corruption. “So, why doesn’t GOD fix it?”

GOD will, but in His time. He will create the New Heavens and the New Earth. All pain, sorrow and tears will be wiped away – how? In the new creation sin will be entirely absent. Holy and incorruptible reality will have come in and be here to stay!

The question for us saints is, “Can GOD ever use these products of sin – suffering, sorrow and struggle for any good?

ROMANS 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

That’s truth! It doesn’t change even when our lives go from bad to worse.

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The G.E.P.C Study – PHILIPPIANS 4 – Part One of Two

Going Through Paul’s epistles to Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae

NOTE to TTUF Readers:

You may have noticed that the publications of articles has slowed to a snail’s pace. Anne Kisly has been called away these last few years on very needful family situations leaving me to hold the fort, which I’ve been glad to do. Only now I’m facing some rather serious health issues involving cancer.
Your prayers are appreciated as the LORD leads me through these “troublesome waters”! Thank you and GOD bless you way too much!

INTRODUCTION: In the midst of his sufferings, incarcerations, loneliness and frustrations the apostle Paul is still focused on the needs of the saints, and in this case, the church at Philippi and in selfless service provides GOD-given counsel.

“Love suffers long and is kind…” (1 COR 13:4) and here this is aptly demonstrated by Paul. He is a willing and kind vessel of the LORD to be used for the blessings and benefits of others, regardless of any personal trials and tribulations he suffers.

In fact, it’s because of his sufferings that he becomes a more able minister to dispense comforts to his fellow sufferers with the same comfort that he himself is granted by the LORD (2 COR 1:3-6).

Paul inspires, instructs, directs and demonstrates in this chapter (and the epistle as a whole) the proper Christian conduct in the midst of suffering, persecution and abject circumstances that would avail in discouraging the saint, tempting them to quit.

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