Joshua 10:40-42
40 So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the Lord God of Israel commanded. 41 And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, as far as Gibeon. 42 And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.
This passage is summing up all Joshua did to "clear out" the promised land for Israel. The key to this passage is two phrases: one in verse 40 and one in verse 42. The first phrase is "just as the Lord God of Israel commanded." And the second one is "because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel."
Oh how smoothly our Christian walk would go if we could use these two statements to begin and end the summary of anything we did. We ventured out on the Lord's leading and the success is because God did it. How often do we take actions based on our initiative and pray that God brings it to fruition? Or how many times have you received clear direction from the Lord, but tried to accomplish it with your own ideas and strength?
Chapter 9 of Joshua already showed us what happens when we rely on our own strength. Today's passage really shows that the best plan is to wait for God's initiative and rely on God's strength.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Don't Rely On Appearances
Joshua 9
14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
I suggest reading all of Joshua 9 to get the whole story, but verses 14 & 15 show the mistake made. Israel was deceived into peace because it acted without consulting the Lord. Joshua relied on his own perception. And that perception was wrong.
I'm learning this lesson more and more every day - how I perceive any situation is nothing compared to what my Lord knows. And that's the difference, I perceive but the Lord knows. Who would you rather rely on?
And not only in a situation like this but every situation, bring it before the Lord.
14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
I suggest reading all of Joshua 9 to get the whole story, but verses 14 & 15 show the mistake made. Israel was deceived into peace because it acted without consulting the Lord. Joshua relied on his own perception. And that perception was wrong.
I'm learning this lesson more and more every day - how I perceive any situation is nothing compared to what my Lord knows. And that's the difference, I perceive but the Lord knows. Who would you rather rely on?
And not only in a situation like this but every situation, bring it before the Lord.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Following the Leader (5-28-2008)
Joshua 6:2-9
And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor." 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” 6 So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord.” 7 And he said to the people, “Go forward. March around the city and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the Lord.”
8 And just as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the Lord went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the Lord following them. 9 The armed men were walking before the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the rear guard was walking after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually.
This section here is a little difficult for me to approach. I say this because I wonder what I would do if Joshua was my leader? If I was a trained man of war and was told to just march around a walled city then shout, what would I do? Would I question my leader and his abilities because this just seemed off the wall? Would I be whispering among the ranks that he was doing it all wrong? Would I be the one who caused many to distrust my leader and his abilities? Or moreover to cause others to go against a man God put into place?
I know that at one time in my Christian walk, I would be this person. Let's just face the facts, I was this person. At least in the workplace. Thankfully the Lord has been teaching me submission and not only that but teaching me to be glad to submit, first to Him and then to the other pastors and leaders I work with.
As a quick note, I am not saying to blindly follow someone just because of their position. I am however saying that unless they are un-biblical with what they say or do, you should be checking yourself. Is this leader not following the path the Bible puts before us or is it that this leader doesn't do things that you believe are best?
How do you know? Matthew 7:15-21 gives a clue. Remember, if you are sowing discord you may fall into this group that Jesus talks about.
If you do find yourself questioning, please pray for your leader.
Rom 13; Titus 3:1-3; 1 Tim 2; Rom 15:30
And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor." 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” 6 So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord.” 7 And he said to the people, “Go forward. March around the city and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the Lord.”
8 And just as Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the Lord went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the Lord following them. 9 The armed men were walking before the priests who were blowing the trumpets, and the rear guard was walking after the ark, while the trumpets blew continually.
This section here is a little difficult for me to approach. I say this because I wonder what I would do if Joshua was my leader? If I was a trained man of war and was told to just march around a walled city then shout, what would I do? Would I question my leader and his abilities because this just seemed off the wall? Would I be whispering among the ranks that he was doing it all wrong? Would I be the one who caused many to distrust my leader and his abilities? Or moreover to cause others to go against a man God put into place?
I know that at one time in my Christian walk, I would be this person. Let's just face the facts, I was this person. At least in the workplace. Thankfully the Lord has been teaching me submission and not only that but teaching me to be glad to submit, first to Him and then to the other pastors and leaders I work with.
As a quick note, I am not saying to blindly follow someone just because of their position. I am however saying that unless they are un-biblical with what they say or do, you should be checking yourself. Is this leader not following the path the Bible puts before us or is it that this leader doesn't do things that you believe are best?
How do you know? Matthew 7:15-21 gives a clue. Remember, if you are sowing discord you may fall into this group that Jesus talks about.
If you do find yourself questioning, please pray for your leader.
Rom 13; Titus 3:1-3; 1 Tim 2; Rom 15:30
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Titles to Identify Jesus (John 1) - Day 1
The Word (John 1:1-5)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In this first paragraph of John 1, Jesus is identified as “The Word”. The characteristics of “The Word” are as follows:
A) In the beginning “The Word” existed
B) “The Word” existed with God
C) “The Word” is God
D) All things were made through “The Word”.
E) Nothing was made without “The Word”.
F) In “The Word” is life.
(We will cover Light on Day 2)
Note: we are going over all the titles that identified Jesus in John 1 – today, wherever you see “The Word” exchange it with Jesus.
The Greek for “The Word” is “logos” and is used in the New Testament 330 times, but 7 of those times it refers to Jesus. Logos simply means word, but it is used several different ways as translated into English (saying, speech, account, etc.) As it refers to Jesus, think of Divine Expression. (Substitute “the Divine Expression” with “The Word” in points A-F above).
There are three Hebrew words that have been translated into English as “word.” Two of them are generally translated as commandment, but the third “peh” not only has commandment, but is tied closely to “mouth” or “blow” (think of the creation of Adam (Genesis 2:7 – note: the word “breath” is related to “divine inspiration”) or when Jesus breathed on the disciples (John 20:22) and told them to receive the Holy Spirit. And "peh" can also be used as "portion" (Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. - Psalm 119:57).
As you think about this title for Jesus, think about this very concise word study: Jesus is the Word: Divine Expression, commandment, divine inspiration, and portion. Do you see Jesus this way?
Friday, March 7, 2008
Acknowledging Your Guilt
Luke 23:39-43 ESV
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Verses 40-41 really show the heart of this thief. Though he was a criminal and sentenced to death, he still acknowledged that his punishment was just. How often do we reap the consequences of our mistakes and we cry "unfair"?
Now, really take this to heart - can you honestly look at the sins in your life and believe that you justly deserve death? Even though we have trusted in Christ, I believe some of us actually don't grasp that just one sin in our life earns death - eternal separation from God the father.
Back to the criminal on the cross - he blamed no one but himself. He believed he deserved death. But he also believed Jesus was who He claimed to be - the Messiah. The criminal didn't have a fancy prayer covering all the points of salvation, he just looked at Jesus and asked Him to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom.
And this may be the best way to come to Jesus - don't try to fix your life before you approach Jesus. Just come clean with Him. Let Him know that you understand that some of your actions have made you deserving of death - justly deserving of death. Confessing your sin actually means that you are agreeing with God about sin. Coming clean in this instance is agreeing with God about sin and the consequences of sin.
And the second part of this is just as important. Asking to be included in Jesus' kingdom. You are acknowledging Christ for who He is (believing with your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord).
Do you agree with God of what you deserve for sin? If so, how much more should you praise Jesus for taking away that consequence? For taking away the wage of sin? For giving us eternal life through Him? For becoming part of His kingdom?
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Verses 40-41 really show the heart of this thief. Though he was a criminal and sentenced to death, he still acknowledged that his punishment was just. How often do we reap the consequences of our mistakes and we cry "unfair"?
Now, really take this to heart - can you honestly look at the sins in your life and believe that you justly deserve death? Even though we have trusted in Christ, I believe some of us actually don't grasp that just one sin in our life earns death - eternal separation from God the father.
Back to the criminal on the cross - he blamed no one but himself. He believed he deserved death. But he also believed Jesus was who He claimed to be - the Messiah. The criminal didn't have a fancy prayer covering all the points of salvation, he just looked at Jesus and asked Him to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom.
And this may be the best way to come to Jesus - don't try to fix your life before you approach Jesus. Just come clean with Him. Let Him know that you understand that some of your actions have made you deserving of death - justly deserving of death. Confessing your sin actually means that you are agreeing with God about sin. Coming clean in this instance is agreeing with God about sin and the consequences of sin.
And the second part of this is just as important. Asking to be included in Jesus' kingdom. You are acknowledging Christ for who He is (believing with your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord).
Do you agree with God of what you deserve for sin? If so, how much more should you praise Jesus for taking away that consequence? For taking away the wage of sin? For giving us eternal life through Him? For becoming part of His kingdom?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
What is Good?
Psalm 53
2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
From this verse, and from Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler, there is none that do good except God alone.
So do we give up? Not exactly. The hint is in verse 2. God looks to see if any understand or if any seek after God.
So what is our first step to do good in God's eyes? Try to understand God. Okay, we can't completely grasp God, but He has given us enough tools to understand Him as much as wants us (as individuals) to. He gives us His word (the Bible) for instruction (I Tim 3:16-17) and His Holy Spirit dwells in us (I Cor 6:19) for wisdom and guidance.
The next step is intertwined with the first step: Seek after God. What better way to seek after God than to learn and do His word. To rely on His Holy Spirit to direct us through His word. And for us just to talk to Him consistently through prayer.
You may not be able to do good, on your own. But if you rely on the Holy Spirit (which is God - and He alone is good) to direct you in seeking out God through His word and prayer, you choose to emulate the goodness that can only come through a faith in Jesus Christ and a surrender to Him.
2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
From this verse, and from Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler, there is none that do good except God alone.
So do we give up? Not exactly. The hint is in verse 2. God looks to see if any understand or if any seek after God.
So what is our first step to do good in God's eyes? Try to understand God. Okay, we can't completely grasp God, but He has given us enough tools to understand Him as much as wants us (as individuals) to. He gives us His word (the Bible) for instruction (I Tim 3:16-17) and His Holy Spirit dwells in us (I Cor 6:19) for wisdom and guidance.
The next step is intertwined with the first step: Seek after God. What better way to seek after God than to learn and do His word. To rely on His Holy Spirit to direct us through His word. And for us just to talk to Him consistently through prayer.
You may not be able to do good, on your own. But if you rely on the Holy Spirit (which is God - and He alone is good) to direct you in seeking out God through His word and prayer, you choose to emulate the goodness that can only come through a faith in Jesus Christ and a surrender to Him.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Worth Another Try
Luke 13:6-9
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
I see myself in this parable. Not the fig tree nor the vinedresser, but the man ready to cut the fig tree down. I'm learning not to be like this man, but I can see many of my old attitudes. How many times have you looked at the actions or words of another Christian and thought "they should know better"? Or "I don't see evidence of Christ in their lives"?
Well, I guess you know who the tree is. Now which role do you play: the man or the vinedresser? Are you ready to scrap that unfruitful person or give them nourishment? It may be that unfruitful person has not had a good vinedresser (mentor) and all they need is that time with someone who can lead them through the scriptures (make sure they have plenty of nourishment).
So what is your choice? Shall you out of frustration be judgmental or shall you out of love be nourishing?
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
I see myself in this parable. Not the fig tree nor the vinedresser, but the man ready to cut the fig tree down. I'm learning not to be like this man, but I can see many of my old attitudes. How many times have you looked at the actions or words of another Christian and thought "they should know better"? Or "I don't see evidence of Christ in their lives"?
Well, I guess you know who the tree is. Now which role do you play: the man or the vinedresser? Are you ready to scrap that unfruitful person or give them nourishment? It may be that unfruitful person has not had a good vinedresser (mentor) and all they need is that time with someone who can lead them through the scriptures (make sure they have plenty of nourishment).
So what is your choice? Shall you out of frustration be judgmental or shall you out of love be nourishing?
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