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THE LORD SAID STAND UP
Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down to the ground before the ark of the Lord after Israel had been defeated at Ai, but the Lord told Joshua that his self-abasement should end.
The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?” -- Joshua 7:10
THEY REMAINED TO TALK
Concerning the tribe of Reuben, Deborah sang:
In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart. Why did you stay among the campfires to hear the whistling for the flocks? -- Judges 5:15-16
When the call to battle was sounded, the tribe of Reuben organized, not a military force, but lively debates and discussions - a counterpart, perhaps, of ineffectual committee meetings of our day.
WHEN DISCUSSION IS FATAL
After hearing Paul’s eloquent defense, Festus and Agrippa retired to discuss the affair, and apparently never moved beyond the point of discussion.
They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festusm, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” -- Acts 26:31-32
A WORK TO BE FINISHED
Many a good work, begun with resolution and enthusiasm, has dwindled to inaction. Paul advised the Corinthians:
Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. -- 2 Corinthians 8:11
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