18/11/2011 - DO NOT BE NEGLIGENT

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Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?

Joshua 18:3

The land that God promised to the children of Israel had been distributed among them, but seven tribes failed to take possession of what was theirs by right. Then Joshua, their leader, addressed his people and warned them not to neglect what God had given.

Today millions of Christians are not enjoying abundant life. For many the Gospel – the true Promised Land – is nothing but religion. However, my brethren, be aware of this truth: the kingdom of God must be taken by force and only those who act in this way can take possession of it (Matthew 11:12)! So it is not until we set out hands to work and fight, taking our position in Christ, that something will be given to us.

All the Lord\’s servants who are in leadership positions have an obligation to feel from Him when is the right moment to guide their people as to fulfillment of their duties as Christians. He who does not do what he is supposed will never see the Father’s work taking place in his life. Whatever your need might be, once you know that a certain blessing is yours, do not stand still but rather strive and take possession of what was given to you. Failure to possess what you received from God is negligence! There is no use in praying to the Lord for Him to heal you, for instance, because the cure for all diseases was already guaranteed when Christ bore our wounds, therefore we no longer have to suffer for any of them. The same is true concerning the sin that dominates many children of God: Jesus has already suffered them! For this reason those who serve the Almighty must never allow sin to rule over them. Furthermore, it is their right to enjoy peace, because the chastisement for our peace was upon Him (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Taking possession of the promises is our obligation, because he who does not strive and struggle shall receive nothing. As the Israelites had to possess the land in the past, today we must take hold of our heritage: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you do not believe in the Word, you do not believe in the Lord because the only way to believe in someone is to believe in what he or she says and promises, so those who do not believe in God or do what He commands do not believe in Him. 

The land had already been given to Israel at the time the Almighty had promised. My brethren, your blessing was given to you when the Lord made known His promise for your life. So embrace it, take possession of what belongs to you in God. Do not make the mistake of failing to possess what you learn in the Word. Many Christians act this way but they end up in despair crying out for the Father to achieve victory and get rid of evil. All you have to do is hear the Word, believe and fulfill was has been commanded. In this way, you shall not be disappointed!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares