Who gets to label the other? It is typically the superior person in the relationship. Joshua wanted to apply the right label. Then he discovered he was a commander standing in the presence of The Commander. He immediately fell in line. This is always the right way to relate to God.

I wonder how many problems we could solve for ourselves if we remembered who is really in charge here? 

Presidents love looking presidential. Autocrats love employing subjects to whatever end pleases them. Bullies love getting their way. Blessed are the Pushy, you may have heard, because they always get ahead. As Joshua discovered, you never want to get ahead of God.

My bride, daughter, and son-in-law are sliding down the mountain trails above our resort. I accompanied the younger ones yesterday while my bride played with our granddaughter. I get our newest Baby Girl all to myself today. We will practice crawling, rolling, dining, and napping. She is napping now. We both love naps.

The snow is beautiful. The mountains are majestic. It is easy to remember who is in charge here. Only God could create such a wondrous place. 

Joshua was named Commander of the Expedition when Moses died. It did not take long for him to figure out who was really in charge. How has God labeled you? You are his most precious possession. You are his beloved son or daughter. He loves you with an everlasting love. 

This is security. Trusting Jesus for the free gift of eternal life is accompanied by a grip too great to loosen. God never lets us go. 

Since God is in charge here, and since you belong to him, what does this make possible? The simple answer is, “Whatever he wants.” What adventures await you today? Lucy will awake soon. We will laugh and play and eat. Then we will nap again. This is the best adventure yet!

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I will enjoy the adventures of this day.

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Our Father, thank you for calling us your own. Thank you that you are in charge now and forever. Thank you that nothing can wrench us from your grip. Thank you for majestic mountains and baby girls. Amen.