Sunday, December 30, 2012

Here Comes The Light!


Matthew 2.1-18

We have taken the account of Christ's Birth out of context. I am not talking about the liberty of putting the wise men in the nativity. We have removed the whole event from the historical background.

The Christmas Story is from the first century, Bethlehem. It is also about 21st century America. What was going on in the world at that time was very significant! It speaks of our time too.

The historical context tells us about the leaders, world conditions and political issues. Into this mess, Jesus was born. He was given the title, King of the Jews. Jesus came in a time of frustration and difficulty.


1. The Government was over stretching its authority. v.1
God established government to give order in a sinful wold, not to add to the sin or unrest. It looks like we are about to go over that fiscal cliff; the Treasury Department announced Wednesday that the nation would hit the debt limit on Dec. 31, and would then have to take “extraordinary measures” to avoid exhausting the government’s borrowing limit in the New Year. None of this s good news. We are borrowing to stay afloat. If we can't borrow, we can't keep going. There is great frustration today with our "leaders" in Washington.

Herod was a wicked man, also known as Herod the Great. He was a Roman client king of Judea. His epithet of "the Great" is widely disputed as he is described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis." He is also known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and elsewhere, including his expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (sometimes referred to as Herod's Temple) and the construction of the port at Caesarea Maritime. Once he was king, Herod launched this ambitious building program, both in Jerusalem and the spectacular port city of Caesarea, named after the emperor. He restored the magnificent Jerusalem temple, which was later destroyed by the Romans following a rebellion in A.D. 70.

Important details of his biography are gleaned from the works of the 1st century AD Roman-Jewish historian Josephus.
Herod the Great was a schemer who took advantage of Roman political unrest to claw his way to the top. During a civil war in the empire, Herod won the favor of Octavian, who later became the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, the one who issued the decree for the whole world to be taxed.
These were the men in leadership when Jesus was born.

Herod was a brutal man who killed his father-in-law, several of his ten wives, and two of his sons. He ignored the laws of God to suit himself and chose the favor of Rome over his own people. Herod's heavy taxes to pay for lavish projects forced an unfair burden on the Jewish citizens. He was similar to Saddam Hussein, Iraq's former ruler, who was executed 6 years ago today.

After he heard about Jesus being born by the wise men, Herod was troubled.

to agitate, trouble (a thing, by the movement of its parts to and fro)
to cause one inward commotion, take away his calmness of mind, disturb his equanimity
to disquiet, make restless
to stir up
to strike one's spirit with fear and dread
to render anxious or distressed
to perplex the mind of one by suggesting scruples or doubts

A leader, a governor, a ruler should bring tranquility to the people. He should be the voice of reason. He should be a stabilizing force. He cannot take the luxury of allowing personal preferences rule his emotions. If he does the people will become troubled too.

Herod did not care about his people. He was a narcissistic ego driven self centered man. He was diabolical. He was looking out for himself.
Pity the people whose leader is like that.

2. Herod ordered a violent death to newborn babies and young children.
When this thing happens in a society that society is collapsing. How a society treats its children (including those in the womb) and how it cares for its elderly tells how sacred life is and where the conscience of at nation is.

3. It was into this time Christ was born.
It was the worst of times
It was the best of times.
In America there is:
-- One birth every: 8 seconds
-- One death every: 12 seconds
-- One abortion every: 26 seconds
-- One international migrant (net) every: 40 seconds
Average credit card debt per U.S. household: $15,418
Today we face a barrage of new taxes if we go over that fiscal cliff.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem! Prophesies fulfilled, Hope of the Ages has come! It was Caesar's decree that got Mary and Joseph there. Initial reaction, "Oh no! This could not have happened at a worst time!"
But what we view as the worst many times is God's will being worked out!
Mary pondering, treasuring these things in her heart was in part I am sure of the fact they were in Bethlehem and how they got there!

Many times we are where the LORD wants us. Since it is difficult we assume we should pray to be delivered. That is not always the way God works.

Jesus was born in the time of King Herod.
This king did not care about his people, particularly good men and little children.

The early worshippers of Christ lived in a world of terror and uncertainty but they never said, "Look what the world has come to," rather they exclaimed, "Look What as come to the world!"

Joy to the World! The LORD is come'
Our Christmas season would hardly seem complete without the singing of Joy to the World, the most joyous of the carols. Yet Isaac Watts, its author, never intended it to be a Christmas carol at all. Rather, it was a part of his Psalms of David Imitated, published in 1719, which contained paraphrases of many of the Psalms in New Testament language.

The story of the hymn, Joy to the World, is the story of the author, Isaac Watts (1675-1748), who is universally acknowledged as "The Father of English Hymnody". He has earned the title, not because he was first to write English hymns, but because he gave impetus to hymnody and established its place in the worship of the English church.

For over one hundred years, congregational singing had been strictly limited to the Psalms of the Old Testament in poetic form. Many of these rhymed Psalms were so unnatural that Samuel Wesley, father of the famous brothers Charles and John, called them "scandalous doggerel," and his opinion was shared by many.

The birth of Isaac Watts to a dissenting deacon and the daughter of a Huguenot refugee was followed by fourteen years of persecution and hardships for the entire family. Perhaps this suffering was responsible for Isaac Watts’ ill health, for he grew only to a height of just over five feet and was weak and sickly all his life.

Though weak in body, the boy was strong in mind and spirit and early in life showed promise of poetic capability. After one Sunday morning service, Isaac, then fifteen years old, complained of the atrocious worship in song. One of the deacons challenged him: "Give us something better, young man." His answer was ready for the evening service and was sung that night in the Independents’ meeting, Southampton, where his father was pastor. Perhaps a hint of things to come was contained in this first verse of Isaac Watts:l

Behold the glories of the Lamb
Amidst His Father’s throne;
Prepare new honors for His name,
And songs before unknown.

When Isaac began to preach several years later, his congregation sang the songs that seemed to flow from his pen like a river. In 1707, the accumulation of eighteen years was published under the title, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The river continued to flow, and in 1719 his "Psalms of David Imitated" was published, not as a new paraphrase of David, but as an imitation of him in New Testament language. It was as though the Psalms burst forth in their fulfillment at last.

Joy to the World is the "imitation" of the last half of Psalm 98. The author transformed the old Jewish psalm of praise for some historic deliverance into a Christian song of rejoicing for the salvation of God that began to be manifested when the Babe of Bethlehem came "to make his blessing flow far as the curse is found." This is one of the most joyous hymns in all Christendom because it makes so real what Christ’s birth means to all mankind.

The tune to which the hymn is sung is attributed to George Frederick Handel and bears resemblance to phrases of his great oratorio, Messiah. Notably the first four tones match the beginning of the chorus, "Lift Up Your Heads."

As we rejoice in the coming to earth of our Savior, we may also be glad for the veritable river of hymns that flowed from the pen of Isaac Watts. His name stands at the head of our most majestic hymns, notably, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross." In many hymnals more hymns of Isaac Watts are to be found than of any other single author.

4. The Wise Worship.
Professional men, brilliant.
Shepherds are wise. They obeyed the Word of God. They told the good news.

The wise bow at the manger, at the throne of God.

Here Comes the Light! Fiscal cliffs, uncertain times, a world that is changing faster than we can keep up with, in the midst of this followers of Jesus sing with faith and hope, Joy To The World! The LORD is come!
Let earth receive her KING!




Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Christmas Rush


Luke 1.39, (26-45)
2.15-16 (8-18)

We are coming to the end of the Christmas Rush. If you are brave enough to venture to the stores the next 24 hours you have my sympathies. About 15 years ago I took my teenaged daughter to the mall on Christmas Eve. There were cars parked on the grass, traffic barely moving and people rushing everywhere.

But the rush has been going on for weeks. Last year, out in front of Penney's, I found someone's cell phone. I waited for a call to in on it, answered it, and found out who its owner was. Her dad came to the parsonage to retrieve it with a Christmas bag of chocolates for me! 2 years ago I found a wallet in the middle of Higbie Lane in West Islip. A man had gotten gas in his car and left it on the roof. I looked up his name in the phone book. I called and his wife came over with great thanks. Both of these thing occurred because of the Christmas Rush.

News 12 Long Island featured a story last night. They went to the Roosevelt Field Mall and asked shoppers yesterday if they were done with their Christmas Shopping. One after another said no, some had just begun. At the end only one lady sad she was done. The Christmas Rush will go on looks like for today and tomorrow.
E-mails coming this morning from retailers, "There's Still Time To Pick the Perfect Gift."
Used to be by tomorrow night...
Song:
Greeting cards have all been sent, the Christmas Rush is through...
But as I heard people can and will shop on line all the way into Christmas Day.

Haste does make waste but sometimes we are moved by the LORD to hurry.

There was some hurrying going on that first Christmas, in the beginning of the first century.
Mary hurried
The Shepherds hurried

Hurry
Outline of Biblical Usage:
1) haste, with haste
2) earnestness, diligence
a) earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after anything
b) to give all diligence, interest one's self most earnestly
This hurrying was not haphazard but was coupled with purpose and attention.



1. What They Were Hurrying For
Excitement about the good news
Motivated by love for the LORD/ His Word to them
God was doing something wonderful.
His Story was being made.
Jesus was coming/ had come!
Mary had wonderful news, Elizabeth too. Mary wanted to share it with her. The haste indicates intense desire.
The shepherds went immediately, with no doubt, lost no time.

2. What We Are Hurrying For?
Money, security, fear
Position
To make an impression, martyr role
Not even sure

3. What Are You Passionate About?
What moves you deep within?
What is your deepest desire?
What in the news grabs your heart?
What grabs your heart when you are alone?
What grabs your heart when you are out?

4. What's Your Hurry?
We tend to rush over things that don't matter and drag our feet with things that do.
Martin Luther, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” That aways gets to me!
At the end of this year, it is a good time to look at these things... To make changes

II Peter 3.12

You may say, "We've lost the real meaning of the season." You are right. As a country we have.
"The early Christians did not say in despair, "Look what the world as come to." Rather in delight, "Look What has come to the world!!!" - E. Stanley Jones
We need to do the same.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Prayers For The Grandchildren Of Sandy Hook

A selection of scripture was posted on Facebook in a number of locations since the horrific loss of sweet innocent children this past Friday in Newtown, Connecticut.

It is found at the end of the Christmas Story after the wise men, having been warned by God in a dream, return to their own country by another route.
Matthew 2.
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

18
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”

The loss of a child from a mother's heart is something I cannot fully comprehend. She carried the baby in her womb, as my mother has told me. In the 33 years that I have been a pastor, this pain that I have witnessed is unique beyond my ability to describe.

Interestingly God describes the tragedy in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago in terms of Rachel. She was the great grandmother (38 generations back) of these baby boys.

I have had funerals for babies. I have heard the wail of mothers who lost children. I have had to break the news to grandparents. Those events are fresh in my mind although some are over 30 years ago.

We pray for the mothers and fathers today in Newtown. I cannot even imagine their pain.

Being a grandfather myself, and hugging my grandkids the past 5 days, this morning, I began to think about them. The stories are beginning to come out.

As you pray for the parents, pray for those dear grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins. Their lives are forever changed. We have them in our hearts today.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

How God Views The Least

Micah 5.1-5
Matthew 2.1-18

Matthew 25.31-40
The least of these my brothers...
They are His brothers.
They are mystically connected to Him.
He points this out for us to take note.


Bethlehem was and is a very small city, six miles from Jerusalem.
Bethlehem a town where sacrificial lambs were raised for use in the temple sacrifices. Those shepherds watching their flocks that night Jesus was born could very well been part of this.


1. Do not despise the days of small things.
Zechariah 4.10
The large things have polluted our minds to the point that we have little or no appreciation for small things.
The Box Store mentality influences our thinking about everything, even the Kingdom of Heaven.

It was right that our Saviour should be born in Bethlehem and that because of Bethlehem's history, Bethlehem's name, and Bethlehem's position—little in Judah.
Rachel died there. Jacob buried her there.
Rachel weeping for her children... This past week we studied it. Friday it was being quoted over and over again. Matthew 2 we pray for all the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Newtown, Connecticut today.
Naomi left there with her husband and sons and came back empty. But God did wonders through Ruth and Boaz which blessed her greatly.
David was born there.
Jesus' birthplace.

2. Do not use the standards of worldly measurement.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.


Jesus always goes among the little ones. We use that verse, those words of Jesus, "Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Small gatherings of prayer. This sees to be His direction. I know it has been a blessing for me for 11 years, or 20 years.

My observation. Large groups, lots of speaking, easy distractions. Small groups more focused. Are you against large groups praying? Not at all. I am just trying to follow Jesus and see where His emphasis was.

Moves of God always began with small prayer groups. Big movements of God all had very humble, wuiet, insignificant beginnings.

3. Stay open to God's ways which are not our ways.
Isaiah 55.8-9
66.2 Has not My Hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.

Big hearts never get Christ inside of them; Christ lieth not in great hearts, but in little ones. Mighty and proud spirits never have Jesus Christ, for he cometh in at low doors, but he will not come in at high ones. Remember the manger. - Spurgeon

This Christmas Season, let's humble ourselves before Almighty God. Let's allow our hearts to be broken. Stay away from complaining about how messed up everything is and look into the eyes and hearts of people whose lives have been torn apart by sin. Let's pray that Christ will be born in them today.

O Little Bethlehem
Oh Holy Child of Bethlehem be born in us today, Cast out our sin and enter in, Descend on us we pray. We hear the Christmas Angels, the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide in us, our LORD, Immanuel!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Name, JESUS

Matthew 1.18-25

There is no other name in heaven or on earth like this Name.

Go around the country, the continent, the world and this Name is known.

How often we have whispered it in times of trouble when we have needed help.

God gave Jesus the Name that is above every name.
At the name of Jesus
Every knee will bow.
Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD.
Philippians 2.9-10

1. God entrusts this young couple with giving Jesus His Name.
This is huge.
Bible Prophesies and eternal things were riding on this.
The Salvation of souls, every soul who will be in heaven, was depending on the obedience of this young, unwed, couple. The Name, Jesus, was the most important naming of a baby that ever took place.
God entrusted this to a young couple not even married yet!

God entrusts precious things to the young.
-Psalm 8 out of the mouths of babes and infants have You ordained praise!
- Both David and Joseph were teenagers when God began to speak through them. Many believe some of the disciples were too. Most believe Mary was in her late teens.
Always wondered when David wrote the 23rd Psalm. If it was when he was out in the fields with the sheep, then he wasn't even old enough to fight in Israel's Army! Today in Israel the mandatory three years of military service for boys begins at 18. So he could have very well written this as a 14 or 15 year old.

In my prayer group this week we spoke of that little girl who invited my Nana to come to the Mission in Brooklyn. I rejoice at individuals coming to Christ, all the angels in heaven rejoice! I rejoice that my name is written down there. I rejoice and marvel at the Hand of God in generations, family, my family, your family, God's family.

When the LORD wanted Inland China reached 150 years ago, He chose young Hudson Taylor. When the LORD wanted a devotional book written to challenge the soul, He got a young man named Oswald Chambers to give chapel talks to the British Troops in Egypt in WWI and had his wife, a court stenographer, take down every word he gave and My Utmost For My Highest was born after he died!, the best loved devotional book ever written! he wrote in his journal, after witnessing the loss of a child in a family, "Death does profoundly alter life."
In the next World War, when the LORD wanted a book written about the Cost of Discipleship and the author to live out what he was writing, "the first line which read, "When Jesus calls a man, He bids him, 'Come and die,'"He worked in a Nazi Concentration Camp through a Lutheran pastor in his 30's by the name of Deitrich Bonhoffer. He was executed days before he would have been saved by forces defeating Hitler.

When He wanted the Auca Indians reached, He called young Jim Elliott to lay down His life in his 20's. Before his death he wrote, "He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." He also wrote, just a few years before his death, "I must not think it strange if God takes in youth those I would have kept on earth till they were older. God is peopling Eternity, and I must not restrict Him to old men and women."

In the past century, God entrusted the movement of His Spirit to Youth For Christ
Out of it came 2 young men, Billy Graham and Bob Pierce,
Think of what God did through them! BGEA, World Vision, Samaritan's Purse continue to bless the world.
Then in the 1960's The Jesus Movement
New music.

Today God is at work. All is not lost! I am so encouraged when I am around Christian young people with dreams and vision and a heart to do something wonderful for the Kingdom of God!


He entrusts us today.

Be faithful to His dear cause.

2. The Name
Jesus

Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation"
son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and, Moses' Aide and successor as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan

Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate

The Names the Jews picked for their children had great significance.
What they were, what they believe they would be, what God instructed them to name them, Jesus and John.

David= beloved, leader
Joseph= May he add
John= God has been gracious
Peter= rock

3. His Work was Reflected in His Name.

He shall save. He is the Savior.
His people the lost sheep of the house of Israel, in the first instance; for they were the only people He then had. But, on the breaking down of the middle wall of partition, the saved people embraced the "redeemed unto God by His blood out of every kindred and people and tongue and nation."
Jews
Gentiles
From their sin.


They obeyed fully! God's will was done on earth as it was in heaven.

When the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born to a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law.
That woman was Mary. Her husband to be was Joseph. Joseph and Mary were both given instructions. They both obeyed perfectly. Joseph gave Him the Name, Jesus.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Virgin Birth

The Virgin Birth of Christ
Isaiah 7.10-14
Matthew 1.18-25

Some things are beyond explanation or our finding out. The Virgin Birth is in that category. We are to be in awe and wonder of this miracle. While science continues to uncover mysteries of our universe many of the things of God remain beyond us. We do better to report the scriptures than editorialize them, much better.
We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers.

We can say along with Mary in wonder, "How will this be?" (Luke 1.30-37) but the complete understanding was not for her or us. There comes a point where faith must take over. Herein is so often where we struggle: we want to know how God is going to work. Most of the time He does not satisfy our curiosity. The explanation of Gabriel is still shrouded in mysterious secrecy.

Much of the way God works is mysterious and secret.
We are given enough information to obey Him but not too much so that our faith is hindered. So many of can say with the Apostle Paul that we are "perplexed, but not in despair." (II Corinthians 4.8)

Mary believed, Zechariah questioned God's Word. Mary took the Word of God to her heart. Zechariah stumbled as he mulled it over in his head. That is so often where our problem lies: in our head! Luke 24:38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" Troubled hearts and doubting minds are fraternal twins. Believe! Faith chases the doubts and troubles away.

Wise parents do not obligate themselves to explain everything to their children. Wise trusting children do not ask for a comprehensive explanation. Obedience is better than knowledge.

A virgin pledged... God saw that His Son would be cared for as He grew in a family. He is a God of incredible details. He takes care of His people.
Here is what we are told by the prophet and what Matthew records as being fulfilled.



1. The Virgin Will Be With Child.
Miracle
God, the Father, moving on Mary so His Son will enter the human race for its Savior.
Miracles suspend the natural order.
It highlights the supernatural. The beginning and the end of Jesus' life on earth.

A Sign
- of God's love for Israel and the whole world.
A distinguishing mark, a remembrance
Human and Divine life combined!

A Wonder.
Magnificent, excellent, splendid

This set apart Christ's birth from its conception. This was extraordinary. It shows that we could not bring about redemption ourselves. It shows God taking the first step. He didn't ask Mary. He told her.



2. She shall give birth to a Son.
The Son of God. John 3.16 The Greatest Gift. Was e'er gift like the Savior given?
The Holy One of God. Matthew 1.20
Firstborn of Mary
First born among many brothers (John 1.12, Romans 8.29)
The Messiah

3. One of the the many Names will be Immanuel.
"That which describes His Attributes.
God with us.
We have beheld His Glory. John 1.14
Jesusi
The Good Shepherd
The Way, the Truth and the Life
The Resurrection and the Life
That Great Shepherd of the Sheep.
Savior
King of Kings

R.A. Torrey:
The Real Christ

Doctrinally, it must be repeated that the belief in the Virgin birth of Christ is of the highest value for the right apprehension of Christ's unique and sinless personality. Here is One, as Paul brings out in Romans 5:12 ff., who, free from sin Himself, and not involved in the Adamic liabilities of the race, reverses the curse of sin and death brought in by the first Adam, and establishes the reign of righteousness and life. Had Christ been naturally born, not one of these things could be affirmed of Him. As one of Adam's race, not an entrant from a higher sphere, He would have shared in Adam's corruption and doom—would Himself have required to be redeemed. Through God's infinite mercy, He came from above, inherited no guilt, needed no regeneration or sanctification, but became Himself the Redeemer, Regenerator, Sanctifier, for all who receive Him. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Contentment

Philippians 4.4-13

How to be content

Many pursue this all their lives and never attain it.
Very challenging in Philippi and on Long Island today as well as many places on the earth.
Tool of advertisers to make us feel the lack of it.
Living among a consumer driven culture and the rabble can affect us.
Our own sinful nature can come through in envy and jealousy.

Contentment

Not to be confused with complacency.
Holy discontent not bad, by itself discontentment is a miserable dead end, it is a terminal disease of the soul if not directly dealt with. It eats away the good things and finds companionship with the bad.

What is contentment?
*sufficient for one's self, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support. The ability to stand alone. Not needing things to prop me up.
*independent of external circumstances
*at peace and accepting one's lot, with one's means, though the slenderest. Explains why poor people can be the most content.


How do I become and remain content?

1. Rejoice Always
In the LORD
He will never leave you.
Your name is written down in heaven.
Jesus Never Fails!
Lit. Be exceedingly glad / inappropriately cheerful

Independent of external circumstances- Look for the good in the adversity, the pain. Look for the rainbow in the storm. Dance in the rain!
Thomas Edison's factory fire.

Thomas Edison's laboratory was virtually destroyed by fire in December, 1914. Although the damage exceeded $2 million, the buildings were only insured for $238,000 because they were made of concrete and thought to be fireproof.
Much of Edison's life's work went up in spectacular flames that December night. At the height of the fire, Edison's 24-year old son, Charles, frantically searched for his father among the smoke and debris.
He finally found him, calmly watching the scene, his face glowing in the reflection, his white hair blowing in the wind.
"My heart ached for him," said Charles.
"He was 67 - no longer a young man - and everything was going up in flames. When he saw me, he shouted, "Charles, where's your mother?"
When I told him I didn't know, he said, "Find her. Bring her here. She will never see anything like this as long as she lives."
The headlines the next day read:
EDISON SEES HIS VAST PLANT BURN; Inventor and Wife Direct Salvage Work as Ten Buildings Go in $7,000,000 Fire. Explosion in Film Factory at 5:20 o'Clock Followed by Others as Blaze Sweeps On. All of 7,000 Employes to Report Today and Rebuilding to Begin.


We long for perfection because we were created in God's image. We live with imperfection because of sin in the world. In our current situation rejoicing always is therapeutic! One day perfection will come!
Romans 8.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons,

I Corinthians 13.9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears




2. Be Gentle Outwardly
Keep your mouth shut.
Keep your heart in tune with Jesus. Gentle Shepherd
Keep your focus on God's Kingdom.


3. Do Not Worry About Anything.
To be troubled with cares
Jesus told us not to worry about food and clothing. Paul adds anything.

We have to cast our cares upon Christ or we will be troubled by them.


4. Pray About Everything
WithThanksgiving!
when we come before God in the hour of trouble, remembering his great goodness to us in the past, and therefore thanking him, we ought to have faith enough to believe that the present trouble, about which we are praying, is sent in love.

God's peace
Transcends all understanding
Guarding hearts
Guarding minds
In Christ Jesus


5. Think Wholesomely.
The joy of a good conscience.
The gladness of God's just.

6. Live Realistically
Know what it means to live in plenty
Know what it means to live in want

7. Remember where your strength comes from!


V.13 endynamoō
Psalm121 The Whole Psalm

So many blessings
Such grateful hearts
Contentment with godliness is great gain.



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving

Giving Thanks

Because of strep throat and all its symptoms I was not able to conduct the Thanksgiving Service last evening at our church. While I am still wobbly this morning this has not diminished my gratitude one iota!

Like many holidays, Thanksgiving evokes memories in my heart as far back as I can remember. One of those memories are when our church fed the homeless of our community. This was long before the Main Street area became the place to eat with all sorts of restaurants. Back 20 years ago it resembled a bombed out area, with many street people and people just getting by. A group from our church would put on an extraordinary dinner each year. Other churches helped. One of those, Calvary Chapel, now carries on this work in their area. Last year over 2,000 people were fed a hot turkey dinner.

I remember my Dad being home on that Day. Even though he went to heaven a few months ago, the memory of that man, his love for his family, his God and his country and life itself remain very much in our hearts.

In my life over the past 8 years, new places have to e set around our table. Our family is growing. How thankful I am for my grandchildren!

I'm thankful that the LORD called me to be a pastor. I enjoy serving Him and His flock in this way. Over thirty years ago, in a little upstate church, a lady named Lee Milligan, put together a food pounding for my family forThanksgiving. While she and many of those dear folks are with Dad in heaven today, that act of love still resounds in my heart and mind.

May each of you have a very blessed Thanksgiving! May you make some wonderful memories! God bless you!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Being Thankful For The Greatest Blessing



Philippians 3.20-21

Phone call from Jay Bergers this week, his prayer, thankful for our family, for God's family, for good health, but more than anything that we know You Jesus!

Our country's heritage has in it a Day dedicated to giving thanks to the LORD God Almighty.

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. We give thanks for our country today and pray that God might heal its every flaw.

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of the heavenly lights (James 1.17)
As we sang this morning, knowing you Jesus, there is no greater thing!
There are so many blessings associated with knowing Jesus!
We only have time to look at a few this morning.

As we thank God for His Indescribable Gift, let us be thankful that as believers in Christ Jesus:

1. Our Citizenship is in Heaven.

We have been born from above. It is now our home country.

Our names are written down there!

Politeuma Grk word, politics are at the forefront of the news. Jesus is LORD! This world is not our home.

We belong to heaven. Our actions should reflect where our citizenship is.
We are getting ready for heaven.
That is our goal.


2. We Eagerly Await A Savior From There.

Look for.
Look up! Luke 21.28

Expect. Looking for Jesus to come soon.
We purify ourselves. I John 3.3

With the turmoil in the Middle East (God's Time clock) we realize that the LORD foretold this, our hope is in Him.


3. He Will Bring Everything Under His Control.
He is control. Sin still rampant.
He does ride out His purposes on sin's results.
Ex/ grief group, Hurricane Sandy, erc.
Be careful not to share this with others this before they have discovered it themselves.

Maybe you are down this morning over the situation in the nation or the world. Things seem out of control? He will bring everything under His control!

4. We Shall be Like Him!
One Day!
I John 3.2
Soon.
Revelation 22.20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!






Sunday, November 11, 2012

Working Out your Salvation



Philippians 2.12-13

Working out your salvation, the ongoing work of God's Spirit within these jars of clay, these earthen vessels.

Working out your salvation. Each of us has a path to Christ and a personal walk with the LORD after salvation that obviously needs attention. In fact so much that we are to do it with fear and trembling! We all have dark sides to our souls which need restoration. We all have had similar experiences and at the same time unique experiences which are ours alone.

Working out your salvation is the most important thing you can do. It concerns me that many people who say they are Christians are not giving it the priority it deserves... That their walk with Christ is so fruitless and they don't seem to be bothered by it.

What does it mean to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?


1. Obedience to Christ
Following His Spirit, being led by the Spirit. Romans 8.12-14
Keeping in step with His Spirit. Galatians 5.25
Living By the Spirit Galatians 5.16

This is an inner surrender.
Often difficult, always rewarding.

Obedience is sweet.
Obedience is peace.
Obedience is joyful.

Continuing to love the LORD with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself. This will be going on until we meet Jesus.


2. With Fear and Trembling
Work= bring it to completion
Consider what is at stake! We are talking eternity here. We are talking destiny. How horribly entangled one can get caught up in current events, in the worries and cares which have not a wit to do with eternity, with those besetting sins.

Work out your own salvation: What Paul does mean is he calls the Philippians to put forth real effort into their Christians lives. This is not to work their salvation in the sense of accomplishing it, but to work out their salvation - to see it evident in every area of their lives, to activate this salvation God freely gave them.
“The believer must finish, must carry to conclusion, must apply to its fullest consequences what is already given by God in principle . . . He must work out what God in His grace has worked in.” (Muller)


3. Allowing God To Do His Work in You.
Cooperating with the LORD
Illus- Dr. Prescribing medicine. We must cooperate by taking it.
What has God prescribed for us?
Reading His Word
Books of Substance Paul to Timothy, "bring me the parchments."
II Timothy 4.13
Encourage us
Challenge us
to take risks, to be daring, to humble us, talk to people, Stephanie, the medical student. Peter, the man looking for a job in Burger King Thursday morning. We need to be around other believers but we need to engage lost souls. Souls for whom Christ died. Tony, at Peter Pan this week.
It is God Who gives me the desires, and then the capacity to fulfill the desires.

Spurgeon:
If I meet with any man who says, "I have no need to examine my self any more, I know I am saved, and therefore have no need to take any further care," I would venture to say to him, "Sir, you are lost already. This strong delusion of yours has led you to believe a lie." There are none so cautious as those who possess full assurance, and there are none who have so much holy fear of sinning against God, nor who walk so tenderly and carefully as those who possess the full assurance of faith. Presumption is not assurance, though, alas! many think so. No fully assured believer will ever object to being reminded of the importance of his own salvation and the need to continue to work it out.

The Author of souls is the Author of our salvation. He is the only One Who can speak peace and help us. God is the Enabler. It is His work alone.
To live more like Christ.
Use every effort! Labor earnestly with meticulous reverence.


Obey the LORD. Pray, Search me O God.
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Allow God to complete His work in you.
God help us to be faithful.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

God Speaks In The Storm

God Speaks In The Storm

Psalm 29

A fascinating Psalm, written by David
David was a lover of nature. This Psalm speaks of the destructive force nature can unleash. We saw this in Hurricane Sandy.

What is God's Word saying?

1. The LORD God Almighty is powerful. vs.4, 7-9

Breaks the cedars of Lebanon. Last night I brought a turkey breast that had thawed out to my daughter's, Theresa, home for her to cook. We had a mini Thanksgiving Dinner! Sort if a precursor to the Day we celebrate in 3 1/2 weeks. My son-in-law was a Boy Scout. He made a fire pit in their yard with some beautiful stones that he got from a job south of Montauk Highway. He had Tristan and bring him wood from the wood shed he built in the back yard. He split some of these pieces into smaller ones to use as a base. There was oak and a beautiful lighter wood with a familiar fragrance. It was cedar! Solomon used the cedar of Lebanon in building the temple. They brought them into the port  of Joppa then hauled them across the Plain of Sharon and up into the Judean hills to Jerusalem. I told my grandson how wonderful God was in providing wood for us to enjoy, even in making fire! No record of cooking until after the fall of man but God is so powerful,  He provided in His creation, the ability for us to cook! He is the LORD God Almighty!

2. The LORD God is in control. v.10
Over the remnants if the storm!
I love the relief efforts the church, the people of God are doing. Our denomination, independent churches (Kevin Henesy), Samaritan's Purse here.

Over heaven and earth forever!

3. The LORD God is with us. v.11
Strength
Blesses us with peace

There are special blessings for those who are here this morning.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Whatever Happens


Philippians 1.27-30

We have some challenges facing us as believers. Those who do not know Christ chalk up things to fate or bad luck or karma. But we have the LORD God as our Father In heaven, Jesus as our Savior and the Shepherd of our souls. We have to wrestle through the LORD being in control and allowing His people to suffer. The question, "Why?" often comes to our minds if not to our lips as well as we face life and its complexities.

Sometimes we can make some sense out of our struggles. Many times they make no sense at all. We don't understand. We try to figure it out and it is exhausting. Wrestling with our thoughts can leave us limp.

We cannot possibly figure out the workings of God in His Kingdom. Those who believe they can will be disappointed. The answer to the question, "Why?" and many times the solution are things beyond our grasp. What we need to pay attention to is our conduct. Our faith and how we behave is paramount in God's Kingdom.

Paul, the apostle, tells us of his personal experiences with this.  His conclusion, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in manner worthy of the Gospel. Let the good news come out.

He did. He was literally and figuratively, "Bound For Joy."  He understood some things and the others gave him opportunity to look for God's blessings in his pain. 

Whatever happens...

1. Very Difficult Days
In our hearts we felt the sentence of death. II Corinthians 1.8-11
Ever felt like that? Maybe now. 

Financial Stress, Time Pressure can make life difficult. Family relationships with difficult people can do that.

Overwhelmed by life our hearts can become heavy to this point which the Apostle Paul speaks of. 


2. Let Down by Those You Are Depending On.

At my first defense... II Timothy 4.16-18

v.12

Ever felt abandoned? That usually comes when we  are in need.
The very people Paul had led to Christ now deserted him. He stood alone to find out he was not alone. 4.17 
He came away from this difficult experience with a closer fellowship with the LORD. He emerged with a greater faith and assurance of God's help.


Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel when...
3. Not Getting the Answer to Prayer I was asking for.

My grace is sufficient.  II Corinthians 12.7-9

Perplexed but not in despair.  II Corinthians 4.8

Perhaps the greatest area we struggle in is when we pray for someone to be healed and they are not. How about praying over a financial need and that need is not met immediately, and you have faithfully tithed?

4. Having Things Said About Me That Are Not True
Thomas A' Kempis wrote that this can be used to humble us, to cause us to not think too highly if ourselves, to make sure we are doing things for God's glory.
The challenge for us is to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
That means:
*Not lashing back.
*Not defending ourselves (The LORD is our Defender) 
*Submitting to Him, imitating Him. He often did not answer.
Paul learned this (Philippians 1.15-18).

5. When someone sins against you... Matthew 18

Stand firm
Believe
Suffering is worldwide and multifaceted.
Look at Paul's sufferings:
vs. 12-18

Whatever happens takes in everything. 
Whatever you are going through today, Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
Whatever happens in the future, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel. (Including the upcoming elections)
The LORD will help us do this. As we yield to His Spirit, He will shine through us.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Every Good Promise



Joshua 23.14-16

The LORD Is Faithful To All His Promises



Famous Farewell Speeches

Lou Gehrig

Martin Luther King's "I've Been ToThe Mountaintop"

Lincoln's
My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.  May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.  And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand." – Irish Blessing

"Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you."
– Dale Evans

"Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together?  I guess that wouldn't work.  Someone would leave.  Someone always leaves.  Then we would have to say good-bye.  I hate good-byes.  I know what I need.  I need more hellos." –Charles M. Schulz

"Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again." – William Shakespeare

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." – Dr. Seuss

"Saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it" – Trey Parker.

"This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. It is, instead, the end of the beginning" – Winston Churchill.

"Never say good-bye because good-bye means going away, and going away means forgetting." – Peter Pan

"Gaze up at the stars knowing that I see the same lsky and wish the same sweet dreams." – Elizabeth Barret Browning

"Think of me fondly when we've said good bye. Remember me, once in a while. Please promise me you'll try. When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free, if you ever find a moment spare a thought pfor me." – Andrew Webber

Look How Joshua bade farewell to Israel:
The LORD is faithful to all His Promises

Farewell speeches are interesting. Joshua was a gifted leader and a great general but he gave the glory to God at the end. The focus on his speech was not himself and "his" accomplishments but on the LORD. The focus was on the LORD's Promises.


1. He has made promises. V.14a
We make them. Try to keep that word "promise"at a bare minimum as you live.
We break them. Keep them even if it hurts. (Psalm 15.4) It is rare.
He keeps them. He is a Promise Keeper.

*Live close to the LORD. V.15-16
Don't see what how far away from Him you can live and still belong to Him. See how close you can get to Him.

*Keep way from evil.  Hebrews 12.1

*Continue to follow the LORD. Hebrews 12.1-3
We are in a marathon, not a sprint. Training is different. The race is different. Cross Country, much of the race is unseen. It requires mental discipline, a predetermination to persevere no matter what.

2. His Promises are Good. - vs. 14,15

*Pleasant The ones which address our difficult times bring those rainbows of His love and peace.
*Beneficial The benefits of God's great love are super satisfying!
*Agreeable they do something deep within us. Food that doesn't agree with me.

God's promises are based upon His holiness and love and aimed at the best for us... To be like Him, to have all surpassing peace. They are for our good. They are to bring Him glory through the way we live.


3. He Keeps His Promises. vs. 14,15

He is not slow.
He is faithful.
Jesus never fails.
We are not deserted.
He is the Truth. It is impossible for God to lie
We will not be cast down!

NOT ONE THING HAS FAILED OF ALL GOD SPOKE.
God's Word is true and is attested all around.
 Here they are in the land.
Their enemies were subdued by God.
 The land is flowing with milk & honey.
All God said, He did.
He will do the same for us today.

He is loving to all He has made.

The greatness of the history of this people was truly His Story, the result of Divine Action. That is true of His Church as well.
It is the LORD!
We ought always to pray and not give up. Luke 18
We are to contend earnestly for the faith. Jude 3
We are to hold fast to the LORD. Deuteronomy 30.19-20


Here we are in America, just prior to a national election. Billy Graham urged his fellow Americans to vote for those who will uphold Biblical Values. This is also the time for us as Christians to call upon the LORD, lean upon His Word and trust the promises He made to all nations in trouble.

As we conclude our Journey through Joshua we look at the Promises of God and the call from the LORD to trust in Him with all heart. We have heard the call to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Let's go on with Him leading us today! If we do that we have His Promises to stand and lean upon.







Sunday, October 14, 2012

Joshua, An Example of Christian Leadership



Joshua 19.49-51

Joshua had instructed his own tribe, the Ephramites on what to.
We spoke all about last week. .. The sons of Joseph.

Remember how they wanted more land?The real problem was that they had not possessed the land God had given them.  They were resting on the fact they were Joseph's ancestors. Lots of complaining but not much conquering. 

Joshua gave them 2 directions. Clear the forest in the hill country and take on the Canaanites in the Jezreel Valley, today the Bread Basket of Israel.

Look at what the man of God does. He takes on the difficulties before him! He sets the example. He doesn't ask the people to do anything that he himself would not do! Busy night at the Grocery Store, George Akel, took off his suit coat, rolled up his sleeves and got out on the floor and helped us finish up. What an example!

Both Joshua and Caleb, in their old age, pushed the limits and had incredible break throughs! Their personal crowning achievements of their lives came in their 80's. With Joshua the LORD God had placed the future of the nation upon his actions. He worked faithfully into his old age.

This message is for all of us. Whether like me as a pastor or Dad's, The Family Shepherd, even if we are not conscious of it, unintentional leadership takes place. I have told you before of my Nana's influence on me. I saw her practicing the morning quiet time long before I heard someone say we ought to have one. The disciple desired to learn to pray after observing the Master's prayer life.

So we all need to develop these qualities whether we are in an official defined position or not.

1. Unselfishness
Joshua saw that the distribution of the land was complete before  he received his own inheritance. The city of Timnath was located in the hill country, a mountainous region which had its challenges. He was content to wait. He did not retire to be waited on but continued to work while he waited. 

The last thing Joshua thought of himself. He didn't think of his own interests until the nation was taken care of. When he did take it he remained within the confines of Ephraim. He had seen the whole land so he knew the best places. He put his integrity, his family, God's law and order ahead of any personal preferences or wants. How different God's kingdom is from earthly kingdoms. He waited the longest. Those who know Christ understand that.

I love the fact that he just did it too! He didn't talk about doing it. He did it!

2. Family Values
He received his inheritance among his brothers. His family values are first seen in how he valued his family. Although he was ruler of all the people he settled with his brothers. He quietly returned to private life when he completed the work. Congress functioned best when Congressman served for a short time and then returned home. Why does the poll yesterday reveal only 15% of the American people approve of Congress' work? Career politicians, perks and hidden benefits. Joshua was not like that.

The nation of Israel began with a family. The basis if  our teachings about the sanctity if marriage and the home come from the first five books if the Bible, or the Pentateuch, or what the Jews call the Torah.

Joshua knew this family which became a nation was a nation now of families. He kept them intact by obeying the LORD. Then he participated in it! He did not allow selfishness to rob him of family values.


 Humility. Pity those whose leader has ambitions. He will end up stepping on them to get where he wants. High service with low humility.


3. Submission and Humility
Joshua, in the spirit of Abraham, let others take the land. He could have chosen the finest of the land but he did not. The man who knows that the LORD God is with him, knows that God will bless Him wherever he goes. I love the exchange between Abraham and Lot. I Corinthians 10.24 ; Philippians 2.1-4 Mark 9.35
People who worry about getting ahead, increasing their power end up destroying themselves and others.

Some look at humility as a weakness, never admitting you are wrong. It is a strength of character. It is following Jesus. It was found in Moses, David, Daniel and Joseph. It putting others ahead of yourself. 


4. Honorable

Joshua was a man of honor. No faith like his ever existed in a selfish heart. This is a reason why the Christian leader needs to be man of faith. We do not find the best of men insisting on their rights. What a blessing Israel had in such a leader.

He was fair in all in his business dealings. He never used his position of authority for his on advantage. He could have personally benefited from decisions but he did not go that way. When his own tribe, the Ephraimites,  came to him with complaints he treated them fairly, without favoritism. Paul wrote about this to Timothy. Ex 23.3, Leviticus 19.15, I Timothy 5.21

Joshua is a wonderful example of Christlike service.

How we need strong Christlike leaders today! Pray the LORD of the Harvest for them.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Making Your Faith Work

Joshua 17.14-18

Making Our Faith Work

Joshua 17.14-18

 Last week we looked at Caleb. He was determined and vigorous. In his old age he went in and took the land promised to him. He kept the faith and finished well.

With the tribe of Ephraim and the half tribe of Mannasah we see the other end of the spectrum. They demonstrate how Spiritual sloth or laziness is to be guarded against in our lives.
It is interesting that It was the  descendants of Joseph had this problem. They seemed to have wanted the land handed to them without work.

Be careful not to take God's promises or His blessings as a substitute for doing your part. So often people want the benefits without following directions. This is human nature. People love the prophecies spoken over them but as far as personal responsibilities go, they take a far second. Within blessings come responsibility. 

They were proud about their numerical size. At the census in Numbers they outnumbered every tribe except Judah. Sometimes it is better if you do not know these things. Numbering can create problems like overestimating our own importance, thinking we are privilege or allowing pride to replace faith.

They were blessed. Jacob had adopted them as his own and gave them a special blessing from the LORD  (Genesis 48). Joseph had kept the family alive during the famine and his descendants reaped the benefits.  The area given to Ephraim was a fertile and beautiful one, one of the most desirable in all the land. The richest lands have the strongest foes. The LORD is able to empower His people to conquer them all.

There were 2 possibilities presented by Joshua when they said that they needed more land. 
1. Clear the forest.
That is work.
Mr. Goulden's land upstate. Lots of work. Sweaty, hard, difficult, back breaking work. My Dad's garden, clearing it of stones when they moved there.
2. Drive the Canaanites out.
They were tough... already concessions were being made contrary to God's Word.

Their complaint, "We are too big for this little piece of land." 
They were descendants of Joseph, Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim. Pride had come in. Joshua basically was saying, "Put your money where your mouth is."v.15
They were large in numbers and small in courage. Sometimes it goes opposite. Galveston, Texas fire years ago. Out of control. Little FD from small towns showed up to help. Little company came up went right through the lines and up to the fire. The men jumped out, began to hose the fire, got under control, saved a great portion of the city. Celebration and presentation of a gift from the mayor of Galveston.
The had strong men, stalwart. Yet the little tribe of Benjamin possessed more land in proportional obedience than them. 

They blamed Joshua when they themselves were at fault. Another symptom of pride. The most courageous words are often, "I was wrong. You are right."

The real problem was that they had not possessed the land God had given them.  They were resting on the fact they were Joseph's ancestors. Lots of complaining but not much conquering. Too much talk diminishes progress. 

They were saying, " I am worth much more than I am being treated."

1. We need to "possess" what the LORD gives us. verses 14-15
Talents developed. 
Treasures invested. 
Time redeemed.

No excuses! Unfortunately they offered up several.
Complaints and excuses are twins. Thy complained and never got on to the work. They wanted more land but did not want to make the most of the opportunity given. They wanted to take property of others in the nation rather than be productive themselves. Looking for God to profit us with no effort on our part. This was greed and grumbling,  again often twins!

We must guard against the failure of faith and works. We live in one of the most unchurched areas of the country. In a place that had more millionaires than Beverly Hills, more population than 19 states! Long Island is our mission field

There is also the issue of favoritism here. This was Joshua's own tribe! They seemed to be expecting a special favor from him. I love it when a child or relative of a leader is around and they are working hard for the kingdom. 
The church is like Joseph's descendants. We have work before us. True we are highly treasured by the LORD. This did not exempt them from work.

We are in a spiritual battle. Jesus gives us the encouragement of telling us the end result. We will reign with Him!!!

2. Be faithful where you are. Stop crying for greater opportunities until you have done everything God is asking you to do in the place where you are. verse 16
Serve faithfully.
Give generously.
Think humbly.
With love binding them all together.

3. Put an axe to forests. Drive out the enemy. verses 17-18
The Jezreel Valley is the Valley of Armageddon. This is also called "The Bread Basket of Israel". Wheat, sunflower and corn are grown there today. It was a portion of land that would have greatly benefited the descendants of Joseph but their excuses kept them from taking it.
Act decisively.
Trust the LORD exclusively. Proverbs 3.5-6
Finish well.  II Timothy 4.6-8
The Greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all. Matthew 23.11

No weapon can prosper against those who belong to Jesus. These people had to be exterminated due to the attractiveness if their sins and to their own depravity.

Not a great deal of eternal things take place for eternity apart from Body of Christ. It takes energy and earnestness accomplish things for Jesus Christ. Ephraim needed to do this by himself.

Putting our faith to work is not easy. It is work. It takes mental, spiritual and physical effort. If we can "settle" for things we often will. Let's not do that! Let's not shrink back! Let's go in and take what God has given us! 
We have to decide what we are going to do with the time we have been given.