It’s yours,you own it! But have you taken possession if you haven’t opened it?
Ownership or Possession
My husband gave me an ibi for Christmas. An ibi is a device that somehow takes all your photos from all your devices and stores them for easy access and gets them off of your phone, etc. I own an ibi. I have yet to possess the ibi because I am not comfortable having to try something new or different on a computer.. Things these days don’t come with written instructions y’all. I’m technically challenged and just keep putting it off even though I am certain it will make my life easier and more organized.
Own or Possess – Big Difference
There is a big difference in ownership and possession. If Walmart calls and tells you that you have won a 52” television, you own the television. You may be too lazy or keep putting off going to Walmart to possess the television (I know that ain’t so ;)) Even though you own it, you can’t watch it or enjoy it until you possess it. Anyone would be thrilled to win a brand new television, take it home and immediately begin enjoying the benefits.
How Long?
Joshua 18:3, MSG, “How long are you going to sit around on your hands, putting off taking possession of the land that God, the God of your ancestors, has given you?”
Joshua wasn’t intending to be humorous in this scripture, but I can’t help but chuckle at the blunt statement. Just tell them what You think! God had given the Israelites all this land to possess. They owned it, but had not possessed it. The words ‘putting off’ means to show oneself lazy. The people were hesitant to move forward and just kept things the way they were. They did not want to go to the trouble of possessing the land God had given them even though they knew it would be fabulous and beneficial. There were vineyards and orchards with abundant deliciousness and the work was already done. All they needed to do was take possession and enjoy the fruit of someone else’s labor.
Possess the Promises
Ephesians 1:3, HCSB, “Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.”
So many have received Christ into their hearts. They own their salvation, but have not taken possession of the promises of God. The land in Joshua 18:3 represents the Christian walk. We sit on our hands spiritually speaking and do not take possession of the promises in the Bible. Those promises are not reserved for heaven. God’s promises are intended for us to possess now. How long will you wait before possessing the promises of God?
First, Renew the Mind
II Corinthians 10:5b, NKJV, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
To begin possessing the promises, we must first renew our minds. Capture the thoughts that are negative and ungodly. Keep your mind focused on God and His word. Memorize scripture and keep it in the forefront of your mind. Do not allow negativity and stress to rule in your mind. Keep remembering that Jesus Christ is the truth. The Bible is the written word of God and He does not lie.
Secondly, Know the Promises
II Peter 1:4, HCSB, “He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.”
Secondly, we need to know what the promises are in order to possess them. Read scripture. Memorize the promises. Place cards and visual reminders to keep the scripture in the forefront of your mind. Take one promise at a time. For example, do you need peace in your life?
Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Romans 8:6b, “to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
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.”
Do Not Wait!
Some scholars have counted over 3000 promises in God’s word. They are for you to possess. Get off your hands and begin searching for the promises and living in truth.
Do you realize God has given these to you? What are you waiting for?
Paula Wallace
Hawk Nelson Live Like You Are Loved
Additonal Readings:
Great message and great ideas to remember His promises! God bless!