The way you report (facts and/or opinions) can affect people greatly.

It’s not going to be easier, people of God. There are deceivers, discouragers, dividers, desolation – there be giants up ahead. But no, no, no – don’t turn back. You are the people of God. Stick to the plan, His plan, and you will see great and marvelous things.

If you know and have considered this truth, even if you are outnumbered 2 to 10, tell those who are falling away. If it is God’s message, He will back you up, and you would not want to be in the other side.

And when you have seen, and experienced, the great and marvelous things God can do – don’t take it lightly! How annoying it is for us to grumble, doubt and complain! God will forgive us when we confess and repent, but don’t push it. Don’t disqualify yourself from the rest of the adventure.

Your eyes should not be on the land of the promise, but on the God of the promise.

It was God who commanded the Israelites to “spy out the land”. They were to check it out: what kind and how many people were there, what kind of kind of defenses do they have, is the land fertile for farming, etc. God could’ve just commanded them to just all go together, like in Jericho, so we know God has something in mind.

Their report was correct, it was objective – good, clean facts. But what comes after is the interesting part. With the same facts come different conclusions, depending on who is giving it. Perspective, or as Stephen Covey refers to in his book – Paradigm, determines how we respond to the facts. This is a valuable concept, whether in business or in personal / family life.

And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” (Numbers 13:33 ESV)

How you see yourself, how others see you, how God sees you

What is unity? Unity is not merely the absence of conflict, it is not merely peace nor harmony. Unity is being as one toward a specific goal or value. It is more evident, and even strengthened, through opposition – externally or internally. David describes brothers in unity as good and pleasant, like the anointing oil for Aaron when he was set apart to be high priest.

It is not enough to be in the status quo..

(And because it is World Cup Season, unity is very like a well playing football / soccer team.)

There are distractions everywhere. I have to immerse myself in His Word. It’s the only thing I can, and should do.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Colossians 4:5 ESV)

Why make the best use of your time? There are many reasons. This is an attempt to list up some.


・ God made you with the ability to do so
・ Jesus' death gave you freedom to do so
・ God's Holy Spirit gives power to do so
・ As disciples we are commanded to do so
・ Husband, parents were charged to do so
・ It's beneficial in the future to do so
・ We become good witnesses when we do so
・ We become encouragements when we do so

Beautiful imagery of Redemption and Restoration: “Awake, awake, put on your strength. Put on your beautiful garments. Shake yourself from the dust and arise. Be seated. Loose the bonds from your neck.”

You know, God really just wants for us to put our trust in Him. As an eternally wise, eternally strong, eternally loving Father to his children. He does not force this on us, but lets us realize this for ourselves. And He wants us to “play well with others”, most especially with our brothers and sisters.

Don’t be a “downer”. Be a bearer of good news & peace. Bring good news of happiness, salvation – pointing others to God who reigns.