“Now therefore give me this mountain…” (Joshua 14:12a)
This is the second devotional concerning Caleb’s mountain. Caleb was 40 years old when Moses promised him his mountain, his inheritance. He is now 85 years old, as he petitions Joshua, to “give me this mountain.” As you read the previous devotional “It’s All How You View the Mountain,” think about Caleb’s perception of his inheritance; about how he knew that God had given him this mountain and that He would also give the power to take this mountain.
However, to receive this mountain, you must obey, and you must undergo a dying of the flesh and a renewing of the Spirit. To receive the benefits of your mountain, your inheritance, you have to travel a road of:
- The cost of being a disciple of Christ; denying anything that would come first in your life to replace Christ: family, friends, wealth, reputation, and even your own life (Luke 14:26-33)
- Persecution, trials, and tribulations; knowing the world will hate you (John 15:16-18; Romans 5:3-5)
- A walk of faith, or of Christ (Galatians 2:20) and not of sight (Hebrews 11:6)
- A life led by the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, and living in the Spirit; being controlled by the Spirit 24/7 (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 9:24-27; Ephesians 5:18)
- Your armor must be Christ and His Righteousness (Ephesians 6:11-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 13:12d, “the armour of light”)
- You must have a resolve to not turn back, no matter the cost (Daniel 3:16-18; 6:10)
- You must have the desire to endure unto the end because your eye is on the Prize (Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Child of grace, if you are at the crossroads; if you are at the bank of the River Jordan, deciding whether to cross over and claim your inheritance by waging war on the enemy in the power of the Spirit of God; or to turn back because of the evil report that there are fenced cities and giants in the land, and that you are a grasshopper in your sight and in theirs, for they are stronger than you; then please be still and count the cost of both choices. If you turn back you will be defeated and fall in the Wilderness to doubt, fear, and unbelief; and you will not receive the benefits of the inheritance.
But if you cross over; determined to follow Joshua (Christ) completely (body, soul, and spirit); determined to walk in the power of the Spirit; determined to take this mountain because God gave it to you in Christ; determined to slay the giants in your life by His power – then you shall have your mountain. “… Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
Child of grace, the difference between Joshua and Caleb, and the rest of Israel was – they heard God; they saw the value of Canaan; and they believed God (or obeyed God by Faith). Numbers 14:24 says, “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” If you have been born again, you have the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit. So, place your feet in the water and see it part; go in and possess your inheritance. The man that mines for gold must (1) stake his claim; (2) dig; (3) sift; (4) endure; (5) then reap the gold.
No it is not easy, you must (1) confess Christ (Romans 10:9-14); (2) study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15); buy the truth and sell it not (Proverbs 23:33); (3) obey the Commandments of God (Matthew 22:37-40); (4) seek to know Him (Philippians 3:7-14); (5) run the race with patience and holiness (Hebrews 12:1); (6) endure unto the end; (7) then receive the crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
But praise God, it will be worth it. (1 Corinthians 15:57) “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Each of the born again children of grace have different paths to follow to their mountain; but all will go through the fire to be purified and refined for the Master’s use. For it is in the fire of trials and tribulations that patience is produced. When patience has her perfect work, you will be perfect, entire, wanting nothing (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).
At this very moment, child of grace, bow your knee to God in prayer, confessing your doubt, fear, and unbelief; and cry out, “Lord help my unbelief. Lord, I am at this very moment turning my body, soul, and spirit over to You. I yield my all to You. Take me and use me in Your Kingdom’s work. Lord, allow me to get up by the Power of Your Spirit and say, ‘Give me this mountain.’ I confess, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Philippians 4:13). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”
Jesus will say: “Rise up and walk. The Faith I have placed in you will allow you to claim your mountain. Now obey Me, exercise this Faith, and follow Me (Hebrews 11:6). Suffer with Me and you shall reign with Me.” (See 2 Timothy 2:12; 3:12; 1 Peter 4:13; Romans 8:17.)
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