1. God has given Israel total victory in southern Canaan, and immediately the action moves to the north . January 17, 2010

3. Joshua 11 1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things , that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, 2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west, 3 And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.

4. 4 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. 5 And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom , to fight against Israel. The greatest army Mechanized

5. The BKC indicates that these armies were getting ready to march on Joshua at Gilgal, But he was already on the way to meet them here. Joshua believed in the adage, "The best defense is a good offense." He was constantly on the attack.

6. 6 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for tomorrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough (exterminate) their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. 7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. Why not keep the horses and chariots? Good weapons Make them more powerful as an army.

7. Psalms 20 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God. God's people must remember His Name; We must put all our trust in Him. "Tomorrow, I deliver them up all slain before Israel." That's God talking !!

8. "Be not afraid" John 14 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Fear can't continue in the Presence of Peace. Jesus gave us His Peace; Receive it and enjoy it.

9. 8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephoth-maim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining . 9 And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him : he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.

10. 1 Corinthians 10 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man : but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it . The Lord is all that we need; His Provision is sufficient. "I'm in a tight spot ; I don't know what to do."

11. God proportions our trials to our strength, and our strength to our trials. Joshua's obedience in destroying the horses and chariots, shows his self-denial in compliance with God's command. The possession of things on which the carnal heart is prone to depend, is hurtful to the life of faith, and the walk with God; therefore it is better to be without worldly advantages, than to have the soul endangered by them. Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary

12. Anything in which we put our trust , becomes a god unto us.

13. What kind of problem are you facing? God is the Problem-Solver. Go to Him; do as He says.

14. God might tell you, as he did Joshua, to get rid of something you think you need. Something you depend on. Something that makes you more self-sufficient.

15. Or God might tell you to do something positive:

16. God has the answer to your need; Trust Him . Do everything His Way. There are no shortcuts; We can't cut corners and finish the race.

17. Psalms 119 33-34 Teach me, O Lord, The Way of Thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy Law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. God's Way is the only way to be blessed. We need to not only know the laws of God, But we need to understand The Way.

18. Dear Friends and Supporting Churches: We had a white Christmas in Moldova this year! We experienced temperatures about 10 degrees for several nights. I want to give thanks to the Lord for all of you who have helped us either by prayers or financial help. The Lord has brought us through another year here in ministry and we are excited about what He will do in this work in 2010.. So to all of you! Have a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year Bro Archie January 17, 2010