One little part of a word. From Latin it means a negative or reversing force. Three letters: dis.
But how we let those three letters creep into our lives. Instead of being content, we harbor discontent. Instead of loyal, we are disloyal. Instead of being heartened by the beauty and promise, we are disheartened by the challenges. Instead of being filled with belief in God’s power, we fill ourselves with disbelief. Instead of courage, we are discouraged. Just like the Israelites. One but and then dis…
366 times the bible tells us to not be afraid. One for every day of the year, including leap year. God tells us to be strong and courageous. God gives us good things. God gives us strength. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4b).
But we add the “dis” to God’s gift. We reverse course, when God tells us to move ahead. We bring the negative, to God’s positive power.
What dis’s are you allowing in your life? Where can you replace those three weak, negative letters with three great and powerful ones instead: GOD?
Finally, I’m not much of a gambler. I understand math well enough to know when the odds are against me. But in our lesson today Caleb made a pretty big wager. He could have placed his bet on the side of, well, everyone else, or he could have placed his bet on the side with God. Just FYI: God’s side always wins. If you are betting on the other side, it might be time to check your wagers. Any place in your life that you acknowledge that “the bible says… but…” you’re on the wrong side of the odds on that wager, even if everyone else seems to be with you.
My Answers:
5.
But
6.
a.
He risked the repercussions of going against the entire nation, but in reality, it cost him nothing . He was on the right side of the bet
b.
All. The 10 others who had gone in to the land, plus the “whole assembly” was groaning
c.
Not alone, but I have as part of a family and church.
7.
a.
Moses, Aaron and God
b.
Blame leaders, assume God is not responding to our prayers because He is responding the way we want
The Notes are Good 