14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
I love that last part.
Hind sight is always 20/20, right? Well, I can't help but think the Israelites are really weak people. This is at least the 3rd or 4th time they've been warned to not turn their back on God. I can feel what's coming.....I find myself thinking, "why are you so stupid....", but then there's a little voice in my head telling me I'm the same way.
Scott talked about how patient God must be, to put up with and still love the Israelites, even through their many short-comings. I liked his analogy of his relationship with his kids, and how frustrated he gets with them, when they don't act like he wants.
I've heard it said that real love is knowing someone's faults, and loving them anyway. That is definitely true of God. He knows that we are going to mess it up, before we do.
more later
tp
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Joshua 23 - t
I love what you wrote yesterday, Chris. I think the same thing applies today.
“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 7 Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. 8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.
the thought of completely eliminating sin in my life....in terms of influences around me........that's something I don't really think about. I always try to be the "good influence" on the situation, but probably don't realize the damage its causing me.
more to come
“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 7 Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. 8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.
the thought of completely eliminating sin in my life....in terms of influences around me........that's something I don't really think about. I always try to be the "good influence" on the situation, but probably don't realize the damage its causing me.
more to come
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Joshua 22 -knut
5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
As I read today the word careful hit me. This shows me how intentional I need to be to love and obey God. He knows it won't happen on accident and is giving me this instruction be careful... seriously getting into his word daily is one part, holding Him close to me throughout the day is action I need to follow through on more consistently.
Joshua 17-22 - t
I decided to lump a lot of the allotment text together. I'm sure theres some golden nuggets in there, but I'm not scholarly enough to figure them out.
This is an excerpt from chapter 22
10 When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. 11 And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, 12 the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.
I'm not sure I'm willing to go to war with my fellow people, because they aren't following God's law. It turned out okay in this instance......but, I think its great to have the accountability in place.
Short today.....hopefully, it will pick up as the reading gets more interesting.
This is an excerpt from chapter 22
10 When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. 11 And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, 12 the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.
I'm not sure I'm willing to go to war with my fellow people, because they aren't following God's law. It turned out okay in this instance......but, I think its great to have the accountability in place.
Short today.....hopefully, it will pick up as the reading gets more interesting.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Joshua 16 - t
This seems too straight forward.
I think there is more here than meets my eye, intially. I'm going to do some research on this chapter............stay tuned.
Do you ever have that feeling that God wants you to investigate something more?
I found out that some people believe that Ephraim and Manasseh are the forefathers to the United States and Britian. That sounds crazy to me. I think you can read anything on the internet. Trouble is.....I found a LOT of references to it. The argument was more over which one represents the US, than if its true.
This is the story about Jacob blessing 2 of his grandchildren (Ephraim and Manasseh) the same as he blessed his own sons. But, he did something a little unexpected. When he reached out his hands to put on their heads,.....he crossed his arms. There's always somethin' isn't there? So, the younger got the blessing from the right hand.....even though Joseph positioned them in the appropriate order. Why is it always the weak leading the strong....the young leading the old.....its always backwards and upside down.
I don't have any great revelations here........just putting some more of the pieces together in my head.
I like how I can edit these posts to continue the thoughts.
Let me know if you either of you have more to add to my rambling
I think there is more here than meets my eye, intially. I'm going to do some research on this chapter............stay tuned.
Do you ever have that feeling that God wants you to investigate something more?
I found out that some people believe that Ephraim and Manasseh are the forefathers to the United States and Britian. That sounds crazy to me. I think you can read anything on the internet. Trouble is.....I found a LOT of references to it. The argument was more over which one represents the US, than if its true.
This is the story about Jacob blessing 2 of his grandchildren (Ephraim and Manasseh) the same as he blessed his own sons. But, he did something a little unexpected. When he reached out his hands to put on their heads,.....he crossed his arms. There's always somethin' isn't there? So, the younger got the blessing from the right hand.....even though Joseph positioned them in the appropriate order. Why is it always the weak leading the strong....the young leading the old.....its always backwards and upside down.
I don't have any great revelations here........just putting some more of the pieces together in my head.
I like how I can edit these posts to continue the thoughts.
Let me know if you either of you have more to add to my rambling
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Josh 14 -continued knut
it wouldn't let me post a commet on yours--
After reading 14 myself yesterday I really didn't have any new takes but I like your thoughts. To help us avoid that thought about getting stuff for being faithful we can be reminded of what we discussed regarding the Levites lack of land inheritance.
over slept today, but I will catch up this weekend. have a great one!
After reading 14 myself yesterday I really didn't have any new takes but I like your thoughts. To help us avoid that thought about getting stuff for being faithful we can be reminded of what we discussed regarding the Levites lack of land inheritance.
over slept today, but I will catch up this weekend. have a great one!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Joshua 14 - t
.....because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
that's the challenge.
Caleb first appears as one of the 12 spies sent into the promised land. 10 of the spies came back and were scared by what they saw. They spread word among the people about how big the people were, and how strong the city defenses were. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones that stayed strong in the faith in the Lord. I found this cross referenced in Numbers 14......ish
I have to be a little careful with this one. I can easily go to a place in my brain, where this is telling me that if I follow him wholeheartedly.....then I get stuff.
I don't think that what is being said here. To me, its more along the lines of
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
this is the way that Caleb was "blessed".
that's the challenge.
Caleb first appears as one of the 12 spies sent into the promised land. 10 of the spies came back and were scared by what they saw. They spread word among the people about how big the people were, and how strong the city defenses were. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones that stayed strong in the faith in the Lord. I found this cross referenced in Numbers 14......ish
I have to be a little careful with this one. I can easily go to a place in my brain, where this is telling me that if I follow him wholeheartedly.....then I get stuff.
I don't think that what is being said here. To me, its more along the lines of
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
this is the way that Caleb was "blessed".
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Joshua 13-knut
4 But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the food offerings presented to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.
Twice in this chapter it mentions the tribe of Levi does not get an inheritance--at least not one of this world. I researched the tribe a little more I see they were very faithful to God, they were not seeking rewards and inheritance of this world.
For me its another reminder to be careful not to hold on too tight or worry too much about the tangible things I can acquire now but to spend more of my time and energy focused on getting closer to God and serving his purpose. I think I need to be reminded often...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Joshua 12 - t
I don't have too much today. This one is pretty straight forward.
If you follow God's will, he will accomplish great things through you........
If your ways are wicked, it will lead to destruction................
Have a good one!
If you follow God's will, he will accomplish great things through you........
If your ways are wicked, it will lead to destruction................
Have a good one!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Joshua 11 - t
As the LORD commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.
I find this intriguing. Dad and I talked about this one a little bit this summer, as we were driving the boat, in the no-wake zone, headed out to the big lake. The more I study and read the old testament...the more I realize how much faith I've put in Moses. The fist 5 books are attributed to his writing. Divinely inspired, of course. And now, reading through Joshua I come across this one. Joshua was following orders that he was given by Moses....who in turn was given them by God. I'm not saying I'm doubting, but its a lot to put on one guy.
We've talked about the willingness of Moses and Joshua to follow God's direction, implicitly, over the last couple of books. I find myself asking the question again. Would I have enough faith, to believe and follow the course, if I was in Joshua's shoes? I guess he did see what could happen if he didn't follow God's plan when Achan took the loot from Jericho.
I did a little reading this weekend on Josh 10, and the "never ending day". I find it funny! Talk about focussing on the wrong thing. The fact that God provided a way for the Israelites to accomplish their goal, is the ticket! Not how did he do it, and did he do something he said he wouldn't do......therefore the Bible isn't a reliable source of information. It makes me laugh when people try to discount the bible based on things like this. It takes more energy to try to refute God, then it does to follow and believe.
I heard something similar to this recently, in talking about when Abraham received his call from God, and something written in the new testament. Did he receive his call in Ur, or after........WHO CARES!!!! You're missing the point.
Anyway. I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm a little depressed at the loses of the Tigers, and Lions.
Stay strong in his word
I find this intriguing. Dad and I talked about this one a little bit this summer, as we were driving the boat, in the no-wake zone, headed out to the big lake. The more I study and read the old testament...the more I realize how much faith I've put in Moses. The fist 5 books are attributed to his writing. Divinely inspired, of course. And now, reading through Joshua I come across this one. Joshua was following orders that he was given by Moses....who in turn was given them by God. I'm not saying I'm doubting, but its a lot to put on one guy.
We've talked about the willingness of Moses and Joshua to follow God's direction, implicitly, over the last couple of books. I find myself asking the question again. Would I have enough faith, to believe and follow the course, if I was in Joshua's shoes? I guess he did see what could happen if he didn't follow God's plan when Achan took the loot from Jericho.
I did a little reading this weekend on Josh 10, and the "never ending day". I find it funny! Talk about focussing on the wrong thing. The fact that God provided a way for the Israelites to accomplish their goal, is the ticket! Not how did he do it, and did he do something he said he wouldn't do......therefore the Bible isn't a reliable source of information. It makes me laugh when people try to discount the bible based on things like this. It takes more energy to try to refute God, then it does to follow and believe.
I heard something similar to this recently, in talking about when Abraham received his call from God, and something written in the new testament. Did he receive his call in Ur, or after........WHO CARES!!!! You're missing the point.
Anyway. I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm a little depressed at the loses of the Tigers, and Lions.
Stay strong in his word
Friday, October 14, 2011
Josh 10 -knut
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.
I was doing a little research on Josh 10 and found it seems this little versus creates quite a ruckus. I saw bible scholars (maybe self proclaimed--I didn't check references) arguing it does not translate into the sun literally stopping in the sky another argued the combination of sun and moonlit night created the effect of a longer day to aid the troops. Aethist point out if true it creates a conflict with promises in Genesis.
I'm not smart enough to figure all that out. Since I believe God is the creator of everything its pretty easy to believe if he chose too he could have performed the miracle of halting the sun and moon in the sky. But maybe this translation to isn't perfect literally--I don't know. I'm an analytical person that likes everyting to work out and make sense mathematically, but I have also learned there are some ways of God I won't fully understand until I'm face to face with him. I have plenty of life experiences proving God is with me that more than overcome my lack of understanding of every word and message contained in the bible. I will continue to pursue more knowledge and understanding but sometimes I just have to have faith.
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.
I was doing a little research on Josh 10 and found it seems this little versus creates quite a ruckus. I saw bible scholars (maybe self proclaimed--I didn't check references) arguing it does not translate into the sun literally stopping in the sky another argued the combination of sun and moonlit night created the effect of a longer day to aid the troops. Aethist point out if true it creates a conflict with promises in Genesis.
I'm not smart enough to figure all that out. Since I believe God is the creator of everything its pretty easy to believe if he chose too he could have performed the miracle of halting the sun and moon in the sky. But maybe this translation to isn't perfect literally--I don't know. I'm an analytical person that likes everyting to work out and make sense mathematically, but I have also learned there are some ways of God I won't fully understand until I'm face to face with him. I have plenty of life experiences proving God is with me that more than overcome my lack of understanding of every word and message contained in the bible. I will continue to pursue more knowledge and understanding but sometimes I just have to have faith.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Joshua 9 - t
27 That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the LORD at the place the LORD would choose. And that is what they are to this day.
Woodcutters and water carriers! Serving God.
Thats all I have to say about that!
Woodcutters and water carriers! Serving God.
Thats all I have to say about that!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Josh 7
Sorry, guys. these have been pretty crazy days. i've been reading the chapters and your notes, but haven't been great about keeping up. Some times it's easier for me at night, so here goes.
The thing about the old testament that is kind of interesting is that God the Father is an active participant. Over the years, I have spent considerably more time in the new testament and Jesus gets all the press (righfully so). Because we know he doesn't change, we know he must be the same today as he was in Joshua's day. What was clear in Deuteronomy and has been true in Joshua is God does not like to compete with anything in our lives. Verse 12 "I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction." I guess the good news is we aren't likely to get stoned (with rocks), but it seems clear, but we are going it alone.
As I think about applying this to my life, it seems fairly straightforward. I do the same thing with Zach and Alex - I'll help them if they follow my directions. If they don't, it's up to them. I make lots of decisions every day and on most of those decisions, I don't consider whether they are consistent with God's teaching. If I'm not making these decisions in "God's way", I need to realize, I'm moving forward without the power of God with me. That seems like a pretty stupid choice, on paper.
The thing about the old testament that is kind of interesting is that God the Father is an active participant. Over the years, I have spent considerably more time in the new testament and Jesus gets all the press (righfully so). Because we know he doesn't change, we know he must be the same today as he was in Joshua's day. What was clear in Deuteronomy and has been true in Joshua is God does not like to compete with anything in our lives. Verse 12 "I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction." I guess the good news is we aren't likely to get stoned (with rocks), but it seems clear, but we are going it alone.
As I think about applying this to my life, it seems fairly straightforward. I do the same thing with Zach and Alex - I'll help them if they follow my directions. If they don't, it's up to them. I make lots of decisions every day and on most of those decisions, I don't consider whether they are consistent with God's teaching. If I'm not making these decisions in "God's way", I need to realize, I'm moving forward without the power of God with me. That seems like a pretty stupid choice, on paper.
Joshua 7-8
24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor.
If we don't act honorably in the sight of God.....we can bring down everything around us. With him we can accomplish tremendous things. If we are carrying covered sins, buried under our tents, it can mean complete destruction in our lives.
That's about all I want to write on that one. I can feel the weight of that one bearing down.
Thank God for Jesus, and the grace he brings!
If we don't act honorably in the sight of God.....we can bring down everything around us. With him we can accomplish tremendous things. If we are carrying covered sins, buried under our tents, it can mean complete destruction in our lives.
That's about all I want to write on that one. I can feel the weight of that one bearing down.
Thank God for Jesus, and the grace he brings!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Joshua 5-6
“Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” This is a sentence that should never be uttered. Isn't once enough?...hahaha. I'm just kidding. I understand what it means.
Sometimes God works in really strange ways. Circle the city for six days and return to camp. I wonder what the people within the city walls must have been thinking. No doubt they had heard of the Israelites, and the covenant that God had made with them. And this is what they get?.......all the people circling the city and saying nothing.
I wonder if we look that ridiculous to non-believers today? If God asked me to do something like that, would I be willing to do it? Or, would I think I was crazy to think that's what God really said to do. I don't know. I think it must have took incredible courage for Joshua to deliver God's plan to the people. If this plan was to work, it would be completely up to God. There was no military strategy to fall back on. In fact, the army inside the city could have attacked them at any time.
We talk at church frequently about putting yourself in a situation where you will undoubtedly fail, unless God shows up. I think that's exactly what Joshua did. That is one of the best illustrations of COMPLETE faith in God, that I can think of.
I think its an amazing story
Sometimes God works in really strange ways. Circle the city for six days and return to camp. I wonder what the people within the city walls must have been thinking. No doubt they had heard of the Israelites, and the covenant that God had made with them. And this is what they get?.......all the people circling the city and saying nothing.
I wonder if we look that ridiculous to non-believers today? If God asked me to do something like that, would I be willing to do it? Or, would I think I was crazy to think that's what God really said to do. I don't know. I think it must have took incredible courage for Joshua to deliver God's plan to the people. If this plan was to work, it would be completely up to God. There was no military strategy to fall back on. In fact, the army inside the city could have attacked them at any time.
We talk at church frequently about putting yourself in a situation where you will undoubtedly fail, unless God shows up. I think that's exactly what Joshua did. That is one of the best illustrations of COMPLETE faith in God, that I can think of.
I think its an amazing story
Joshua 3-4
I decided to lump these 2 chapter together, because they make 1 complete story.
I love reading these old testament stories. The magnitude and wonder of what God was doing must have been amazing to the Israelites. To collectively see, without a doubt, the miracles that God was raining down on them.......it makes me a little jealous.
I just got back from a church retreat called MAN UP! We talked a lot about hearing the whispers of God, and leading your family accordingly. Joshua strikes me as a great example of this idea. He was listening for God's words in this life. The only way to hear God's voice is to be in his word daily, and to not be carrying sin in your life. (either by practice or by forgiveness) But, if Joshua didn't pass that word on to the rest of the people, the message wouldn't have gotten very far. The priests needed to be instructed what to do with the ark of the covenant. And the people needed to be ready, and cross appropriately.
This is something we, as leaders of our families, must do. Put ourselves in a situation where we can hear God's urgings, and then react. Pass that word on to our kids.
Max loves football because I love football. Ben loves building things because I love building things.
They will learn to hear God's voice if they see an example of a dad that is living his life in such a way that God is able work through. That sentence is a little messy, but I think you get the idea.
I've read farther in Joshua and might lump more chapters together.
Joshua is an easy read for me. Almost an action/adventure movie type feel.
Have a good one!
I love reading these old testament stories. The magnitude and wonder of what God was doing must have been amazing to the Israelites. To collectively see, without a doubt, the miracles that God was raining down on them.......it makes me a little jealous.
I just got back from a church retreat called MAN UP! We talked a lot about hearing the whispers of God, and leading your family accordingly. Joshua strikes me as a great example of this idea. He was listening for God's words in this life. The only way to hear God's voice is to be in his word daily, and to not be carrying sin in your life. (either by practice or by forgiveness) But, if Joshua didn't pass that word on to the rest of the people, the message wouldn't have gotten very far. The priests needed to be instructed what to do with the ark of the covenant. And the people needed to be ready, and cross appropriately.
This is something we, as leaders of our families, must do. Put ourselves in a situation where we can hear God's urgings, and then react. Pass that word on to our kids.
Max loves football because I love football. Ben loves building things because I love building things.
They will learn to hear God's voice if they see an example of a dad that is living his life in such a way that God is able work through. That sentence is a little messy, but I think you get the idea.
I've read farther in Joshua and might lump more chapters together.
Joshua is an easy read for me. Almost an action/adventure movie type feel.
Have a good one!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Joshua 2
So, Joshua is preparing to move.......he sends out two of his best and brightest. Give them a fact-finding mission to undertake. And where to they go? To the house of a prostitute......hhhhmmmmmmm!
I read the chapter 3 times looking for the part when they assessed the weakness of the city and its defenses. We've been talking a lot about God's plan, and not our own within the context of Deuteronomy and now Joshua. Here's a theory.
I think the reason the 2 spies were sent to the city was for Rahab. To give her to opportunity to serve God, and to save her family. In her position it would have been much easier to give the spies up to the posse. It definitely would have helped her standing within her society. But, she didn't. God was giving her the opportunity to make the right decision.
So, Joshua's plan was to send in some spies to the city to look around......God's plan was to provide an opportunity for someone that feared and respected him, to serve him. God's plan was to use her as a pivotal character in the taking of the city.
I want to spend a little time thinking this one thru. There's a lot of ways my mind is taking this one.
How your faith effects people around you......Israelites effect on the people at Jericho.
How my plan isn't necessarily God's plan.......
How God can use ANYONE! Even the cast offs of society.
like Scott says......there's lot of meat on this one.
Have a good one!
I read the chapter 3 times looking for the part when they assessed the weakness of the city and its defenses. We've been talking a lot about God's plan, and not our own within the context of Deuteronomy and now Joshua. Here's a theory.
I think the reason the 2 spies were sent to the city was for Rahab. To give her to opportunity to serve God, and to save her family. In her position it would have been much easier to give the spies up to the posse. It definitely would have helped her standing within her society. But, she didn't. God was giving her the opportunity to make the right decision.
So, Joshua's plan was to send in some spies to the city to look around......God's plan was to provide an opportunity for someone that feared and respected him, to serve him. God's plan was to use her as a pivotal character in the taking of the city.
I want to spend a little time thinking this one thru. There's a lot of ways my mind is taking this one.
How your faith effects people around you......Israelites effect on the people at Jericho.
How my plan isn't necessarily God's plan.......
How God can use ANYONE! Even the cast offs of society.
like Scott says......there's lot of meat on this one.
Have a good one!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Joshua 1
I love the repeating line in this chapter, "be strong and courageous!"
I like how God is so encouraging to Joshua, and Joshua is in turn, encouraging to the Israelites. The people had been wandering in the desert for a LONG time. The must have been "worried" about God's plan. They must have been strong in their faith, and courageous. Yet, here they stand on the edge of the Jordan river, and God says to them, "be strong and courageous".
After all that time....they were about to reach the point where the rubber meets the road. The fulfillment of the promises they had talked about during back yard bbqs, and over fence posts.
When it's GO time.....are we ready to trust in God.
If you've been living a nomadic life for 40-ish years....you probably don't have the best military weapons, and training. Your numbers might not be really strong. You know the armies that you will face will be more prepared than you........and yet God says, "be strong and courageous".
We are also seeing our first glimpse of Joshua's military prowess. Leaving some of the tribes on the east side of the river. He has been described by some as the most brilliant military tactician of all time. I can't wait to read thru this book.
This one is striking a significant chord with me.....and my work situation. My workload has tripled, and is probably going to get worse. I find myself thinking about work as I sit at the soccer game, or when I'm watching the Tigers lose to the Yankees!!!! I'm thinking about all the things I have to get done in the morning. Or the things that are sliding are constantly poking up in the my psyche.
After reading this....I will approach today differently. If this is God's plan for my life right now.......he will work it out, and it will be spectacular. When I put myself in that mindset, its unbelievably comforting.
Have a great Day!
I like how God is so encouraging to Joshua, and Joshua is in turn, encouraging to the Israelites. The people had been wandering in the desert for a LONG time. The must have been "worried" about God's plan. They must have been strong in their faith, and courageous. Yet, here they stand on the edge of the Jordan river, and God says to them, "be strong and courageous".
After all that time....they were about to reach the point where the rubber meets the road. The fulfillment of the promises they had talked about during back yard bbqs, and over fence posts.
When it's GO time.....are we ready to trust in God.
If you've been living a nomadic life for 40-ish years....you probably don't have the best military weapons, and training. Your numbers might not be really strong. You know the armies that you will face will be more prepared than you........and yet God says, "be strong and courageous".
We are also seeing our first glimpse of Joshua's military prowess. Leaving some of the tribes on the east side of the river. He has been described by some as the most brilliant military tactician of all time. I can't wait to read thru this book.
This one is striking a significant chord with me.....and my work situation. My workload has tripled, and is probably going to get worse. I find myself thinking about work as I sit at the soccer game, or when I'm watching the Tigers lose to the Yankees!!!! I'm thinking about all the things I have to get done in the morning. Or the things that are sliding are constantly poking up in the my psyche.
After reading this....I will approach today differently. If this is God's plan for my life right now.......he will work it out, and it will be spectacular. When I put myself in that mindset, its unbelievably comforting.
Have a great Day!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Deuteronomy 34
Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eyes weren't weak, and he was still strong. He is probably the greatest Israelite leader. He performed great wonders.........and yet, back in the beginning Moses argued with God and didn't feel like he was worthy of sending on his mission.
It never ceases to amaze me what God can do, if we are willing to step out in faith for him. I have a million excuses why I could NEVER do something. I bet Moses felt that way too. Its so often the case that God uses the "least" to accomplish the most. The bible is littered with examples of this. Then why is it so hard to have faith the God really has a plan for my life?......... and its so much grander than the my plan,
The other thing that strikes me in this last chapter is that for all the things Moses did........he died alone. I think its funny that God let him see the promised land. Its almost a taunt. You can see it, but you can't touch it! But, his punishment wasn't so bad. He grew aged....without growing old. When God took him from this earth, he undoubtedly took up a special place in heaven.
Tomorrow starts Joshua
It never ceases to amaze me what God can do, if we are willing to step out in faith for him. I have a million excuses why I could NEVER do something. I bet Moses felt that way too. Its so often the case that God uses the "least" to accomplish the most. The bible is littered with examples of this. Then why is it so hard to have faith the God really has a plan for my life?......... and its so much grander than the my plan,
The other thing that strikes me in this last chapter is that for all the things Moses did........he died alone. I think its funny that God let him see the promised land. Its almost a taunt. You can see it, but you can't touch it! But, his punishment wasn't so bad. He grew aged....without growing old. When God took him from this earth, he undoubtedly took up a special place in heaven.
Tomorrow starts Joshua
Monday, October 3, 2011
Deuteronomy 33
In this chapter we read about Moses blessing the tribes of Israel. To each tribe comes a unique blessing or gift based on their personalities or actions.
I think this is true in life today. God gives us all talents and gifts to be used in the advancement of his kingdom. The part I sometimes have trouble with, is that I can see the blessings of others more easily than my own. In fact.....I become envious of the gifts of others, and spend more time dwelling on my "lack of talent", than I do on the gifts I have. I can almost hear the various tribes complaining about the blessing they have been given.
My goal for the week is to be more mindful of the blessings God has given me. And, to not look upon others talents as a competition, but as complementary tools in God's toolbox.
The other thing that strikes me, is that Moses blesses the tribes just after teaching them the song that talks about how they will turn away from God. Sometimes life has funny timing.
I think this is true in life today. God gives us all talents and gifts to be used in the advancement of his kingdom. The part I sometimes have trouble with, is that I can see the blessings of others more easily than my own. In fact.....I become envious of the gifts of others, and spend more time dwelling on my "lack of talent", than I do on the gifts I have. I can almost hear the various tribes complaining about the blessing they have been given.
My goal for the week is to be more mindful of the blessings God has given me. And, to not look upon others talents as a competition, but as complementary tools in God's toolbox.
The other thing that strikes me, is that Moses blesses the tribes just after teaching them the song that talks about how they will turn away from God. Sometimes life has funny timing.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Deuteronomy 32
Sunday Morning-
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal
Its a weird concept to me that God already knew his people were going to turn against him......so he gave them this song. So, they could hear the song and could understand the meaning, and were still going to turn away from him!
We humans are so weak, and so quick to turn to the latest "thing". We can see it in our society everyday. How often have you heard someone talking about the latest diet, or the the hottest Christmas gift for kids.....I think we are more interested in the what's the "latest and the greatest", than we are in the greatest truth!
I read thru the song, and see how it describes the actions of the people, and how foolish they are. And yet, I do those things everyday. If you would have asked me how Deuteronomy relates to my life, before I started reading it....I would have struggled for an answer. But, in its study, God has revealed a lot to me. Not in the exact words, but in the truths. I really liked how Scott put it the other day....he said something like, it might not seem like a bad thing to do, but God gives us warnings that this decision could lead to much more dire consequences down the road. That really hit me. I think he's right....
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal
Its a weird concept to me that God already knew his people were going to turn against him......so he gave them this song. So, they could hear the song and could understand the meaning, and were still going to turn away from him!
We humans are so weak, and so quick to turn to the latest "thing". We can see it in our society everyday. How often have you heard someone talking about the latest diet, or the the hottest Christmas gift for kids.....I think we are more interested in the what's the "latest and the greatest", than we are in the greatest truth!
I read thru the song, and see how it describes the actions of the people, and how foolish they are. And yet, I do those things everyday. If you would have asked me how Deuteronomy relates to my life, before I started reading it....I would have struggled for an answer. But, in its study, God has revealed a lot to me. Not in the exact words, but in the truths. I really liked how Scott put it the other day....he said something like, it might not seem like a bad thing to do, but God gives us warnings that this decision could lead to much more dire consequences down the road. That really hit me. I think he's right....
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Deuteronomy 31
The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’
The thing that really stands out from todays reading is how GRAND God's plan is. Moses is one of the greatest heros in human history, and God's plan was unbelievably larger than him. For all he did to further the mission of God, Moses didn't even get to see the promised land. Would I be okay with that?
Sometimes........most times........every time........I want to see the end of God's plan. My self centered attitude won't allow me to look past myself. I have often felt the nudging of God to do something, but have never stopped to think that maybe Max or Ben might finish what he starts in me today. Or, maybe it will be their children that still work towards the goal that I start. I think that put a completely different perspective on the things I do. It also changes my perspective on my kids.
Short and sweet today.
Have a great weekend!
The thing that really stands out from todays reading is how GRAND God's plan is. Moses is one of the greatest heros in human history, and God's plan was unbelievably larger than him. For all he did to further the mission of God, Moses didn't even get to see the promised land. Would I be okay with that?
Sometimes........most times........every time........I want to see the end of God's plan. My self centered attitude won't allow me to look past myself. I have often felt the nudging of God to do something, but have never stopped to think that maybe Max or Ben might finish what he starts in me today. Or, maybe it will be their children that still work towards the goal that I start. I think that put a completely different perspective on the things I do. It also changes my perspective on my kids.
Short and sweet today.
Have a great weekend!
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