Getting Rid of the “ITES” in Your Life

Posted on June 18, 2019 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

Recently I listened to a wonderful teaching by Brian Simmons from the book of Joshua that really hit home for me.  I am going to share a very small piece and hope it will hit home for you.

I am sure you do not need to be convinced that in this life we have trials (John 16:33). Yip, the Word warns us, and it is most definitely true.  How we deal with those trials is where the rubber meets the road.

Joshua found himself the leader of the Hebrews who were coming out of the wilderness into the Promised Land.  He may have had a different vision as to how this was going to play out.  But in reality neither Joshua nor the Hebrews were going to simply walk into the Promised Land.  They had to deal with the “ites” – the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite and the Jebusite.  The Lord promises Joshua that as he faces these “ites” he will know that “the living God is among you and He will assuredly dispossess from the…‘ites’” (Joshua 3:10).

Dr. Simmons gave us the meaning for each one of the “ites.” YIKES, what I learned is that in life we too have to face to conquer the “ites”.  They are part of our fallen human nature.  Here is a very short version of the character traits that the various “ites” represent: materialism; anger; self-confidence (when I think I can do it alone); lack of vision or passive; unwillingness to learn; pride; and fear.  Well the book of Joshua thankfully also provides the plan for success that God gave to Joshua so that he could defeat the “ites.”  Are you ready to receive it?   Here it is:  “Meditate on the Word day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”  (Joshua 1:8-9).

Getting rid of the “ites” was not easy for the Hebrews.  In fact some of them never got the job done and it resulted in problems for future generations.  But we need to look at where they failed and know the Word is still true today.  We can be victorious over all the “ites” in our lives.  Let us meditate upon the Word and seek the strategy that Holy Spirit will lovingly reveal to us.  I am convinced that the Lord wants to face the “ites” with us.  We are not alone, unless we choose to turn our back on him.  With Him ALL things are possible!!  So lets do this and stand strong and courageous!!

Have a GREAT day ladies…walk into the day free of any and all “ites” that would dare come against God’s precious girl, that’s YOU!!  With HIM, you’ve got this!!

Blessings,

Pat

Written by Pat Wenzel: Rev. Patricia Wenzel is the founder and director of a state wide prayer ministry, PRAY New Jersey Inc. since 2002.  The ministry is committed to praying for and blessing those serving in authority positions in our state, particularly in government.  The ministry is also committed to equipping the saints to pray for those serving in government.  The vision and ministry is guided by the Word of God, in particular 1 Tim. 2:1-4 and Is. 61:11.  Pat is thankful for the ministry of America’s Keswick.  She graduated from Women of Character in July 2008. 

The Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 34-36, Matthew 26:51-75 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “Trials should not surprise us, or cause us to doubt God’s faithfulness. Rather, we should actually be glad for them. God sends trials to strengthen our trust in him so that our faith will not fail. Our trials keep us trusting; they burn away our self confidence and drive us to our Savior.” – Edmund Clowney

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Galatians 6:14 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

 

 

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