Write it Down

The entire Israelite community assembled at Shiloh where it set up the tent of meeting there; the land had been subdued by them. Seven tribes among the Israelites were left who had not divided up their inheritance. So Joshua said to the Israelites, "How long will you delay going out to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your father's gave you?"

As the men prepared to go, Joshua commanded them to write down a description of the land, saying, "Go and survey the land, write a description of it, and return to me. I will cast lots for you here in Shilh in the presence of the Lord." Joshua 18:1-3; 8

I remember well my days at C3 church in Oxford Falls, Sydney, Australia. Ps Phil Pringle would often preach about the need to write things down. Having things written and on paper made them real, having photos made them visual.

Today at work I talked to the team about the Mirror Test, a John Maxwell concept. I spoke to them about how they valued themselves determined how they treated others. Last week I spoke to them about insight. The need for insight is great. Why do I do what I do? Why do I see others like I do? Today was another rung in the self-awareness ladder.

Several weeks ago I asked each one to find pictures of where they wanted to be in 10, 20 years time and stick them on their office walls. I led the way by being first. I found just having the pictures there it lifted my self- esteem. The pictures told me I was valuable and capable of going to a place I was not yet in. Today we went on a guided tour of the offices and heard about each person's dreams. It was good to do. Now we all know what the others want and have a better idea of how they see their future and therefore can iAd one another in reaching that goal. Scripture tells us to urge one another on to good works.

For some reason the people Joshua was addressing had failed to take their promised land. Many people do not take their promised land. Disappointment tags them. We all face disappointment, which it turn demoralises us and causes us to lose hope. Pictures keep us focussed on our hope and urge us on. Joshua told these people to go through the land and write it down. They were getting the picture.