In Joshua 8, we read about the Israelites and their second battle with the city Ai after an initial embarrassing loss. Their first campaign against Ai failed because of sin. As a consequence of the sin, God chose to allow Ai’s army to rout out the Israelites.
After being cleansed from the sin that brought defeat, they were given a second chance to go into battle. This time God was with them and brought victory in the battle. After defeating the city of Ai, Joshua showed proof of God’s presence by impaling the defeated king on a pole and placing him at the entrance of the city. Then he went and gave praise to God by building an altar and placing sacrifices to the Lord upon it.
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Where do we find the proof of God’s existence today? How do we know that Jesus is alive? The proof is found through the relationship we have with Him. This relationship comes through the Spirit that resides in all who call on the name of the Lord. The proof is found in changed lives because of the work of Jesus. The love that grows for the world around us is proof of the presence of Jesus in us.
In the early church, following Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we read…
“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1.3
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What is the proof that you look to in your own faith journey? What is it that you can point to that shows the presence of God in your life?
Along with proof comes praise. We are to be quick to turn and give praise to God for all that we have received from Him. At the end of time as we know it, all of heaven and earth will praise God.
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” – Revelation 5.13
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All of our spiritual gifts, natural giftings, and all the blessings we have received through our faith in Jesus, will be given back to Him out of praise and worship. We will turn and give our entire being, all that we have gained in Him, back to Jesus as our praise and worship to Him. In return, Jesus will turn to the Father and give all things, from all who are in the heavenlies, and give back everything to the Father out of His love and adoration of Him.
In the end, all creation will praise the one who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb, and all things will be under the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
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Our purpose is to love God and our neighbors, and to go and make disciples.
We have the promise that Jesus will be with us to the very end of the age.
We have the privilege of making the plans on how to love those within our sphere of influence and how to make Jesus known in the world.
Through God’s presence, He will bring about the success in what we do for Him.
We have the proof of Jesus being alive as He lives in and through us.
We can and will praise Him today and forevermore, honoring Him with our everything.
Just a Thought…
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Have a blessed day!