Today's Passage: Joshua 17-18
Have you ever known that God has just blessed you in some way? I certainly have. God has been so kind to my family over the years through relationships, finances, and many other aspects of life. I often pray for God to move in a great way regarding specific life circumstances in which I find myself. God, in His time, answers my prayer and blesses me in a great way. Sometimes though, if I'm honest, the blessing looks a little different than how I pictured it in my head.
The Israelites find themselves in a similar situation. They, particularly Joshua, have asked God to grant victory through battle so they may inhabit the land. God gives the Israelites victory, yet the people still were not inhabiting the land. Joshua bluntly asks the people, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?" (Joshua 18:3). God had done the work, but the people were awkwardly hesitating to accept God's blessing. Ironic isn't it? I think we do this pretty often in our daily lives. We shouldn't be surprised when God blesses us, and when He does we should lovingly accept His blessing. I pray that we don't become blind to the blessings God gives us.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 15-16
These two chapters are a written map, for lack of a better term. They describe how part of the promised land west of the Jordan River was divided among God's people. The ideal way to study this passage would be with a map of Canaan so that we could trace the boundaries that Joshua is describing. However, while reading all of the very detailed boundaries in this passage I was reminded of a great piece of information about the composition of the Bible.
I am sure that many of you know people who think that the Bible is not completely true. Others of you may know people who think the stories in the Bible are just as mythical as Zeus and Hercules. I recently learned some interesting facts about the Bible while reading the book The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex Mcfarland. One of the things that jumped out to me was that if you take the Bible and compare it to both ancient historical text and ancient mythical text you will find that it is written almost exactly like a historical text and nothing like a mythical one. The important fact to take in to account here is that it wasn't until the last 500 years or so that real places and people in history were frequently used in fictitious or mythical stories. Before that all fictional stories were made up almost completely from scratch. So for someone to claim that the Bible is fiction they must agree that its writers were centuries before their time.
So next time you are reading a passage that is a list of someone's descendants or the boundaries of someone's land, remember that those details are just one more proof in the authenticity of the scriptures.
These two chapters are a written map, for lack of a better term. They describe how part of the promised land west of the Jordan River was divided among God's people. The ideal way to study this passage would be with a map of Canaan so that we could trace the boundaries that Joshua is describing. However, while reading all of the very detailed boundaries in this passage I was reminded of a great piece of information about the composition of the Bible.
I am sure that many of you know people who think that the Bible is not completely true. Others of you may know people who think the stories in the Bible are just as mythical as Zeus and Hercules. I recently learned some interesting facts about the Bible while reading the book The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity by Alex Mcfarland. One of the things that jumped out to me was that if you take the Bible and compare it to both ancient historical text and ancient mythical text you will find that it is written almost exactly like a historical text and nothing like a mythical one. The important fact to take in to account here is that it wasn't until the last 500 years or so that real places and people in history were frequently used in fictitious or mythical stories. Before that all fictional stories were made up almost completely from scratch. So for someone to claim that the Bible is fiction they must agree that its writers were centuries before their time.
So next time you are reading a passage that is a list of someone's descendants or the boundaries of someone's land, remember that those details are just one more proof in the authenticity of the scriptures.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Today's passage: Joshua 13-14
The first chapter consists of the land of Canaan being split up between the tribes. The Levites were excluded because the Lord was their inheritance (13:14, 13:33). They were set apart to minister unto the Lord night and day. This also included managing and caring for the things of the tabernacle. The background on the role of the Levis can be referenced in Numbers 1 and 3.
In chapter 14, Caleb makes a request, which was actually a promise given to him by the Lord through Moses forty years earlier. This chapter shows the joy and fulfillment of being faithful to God, who is always faithful. In his obedience to spy out the land earlier, he did not shrink back in fear. He also came back with a "Let's go get it" attitude. Most of the other spies came back with reports that terrified the people and discouraged them from going in and taking the land that God promised them. It is because of his courageous obedience to the promise that enables him to come to Joshua and request the land that was promised him when Moses was alive.
Do we live our lives in this same courageous obedience? Do we exercise our faith in the promises of God? I highly recommend Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest reading for July 8. He poignantly discusses the exercise of our will to believe God, submit to God, and obey God. It kinda reminds me of Caleb--
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today's Passage: Luke 1
So now we can all rest assured that the game of charades is Biblical! No, I'm kidding...But what this miracle turned out to be certainly served God's purposes. As I was reading that particular section of this chapter, I was thinking of how it must have been for Zechariah. This man was a priest who honored God. But, when Gabriel the angel appeared to him, he was afraid and his response was in disbelief (hence his period of being mute.) The interesting part (at least I thought) was that Zechariah had been praying for this. Then when God answered his prayer, he's in shock and disbelief.
How often do we pray and petition God for things and then when he answers us, we respond in disbelief and give credit elsewhere! I know I have done this in the past. I encourage you to think for a moment about how God has and is answering your prayers, so that you and I might respond appropriately!
The second thing I wanted to point out in today's passage of Scripture is the foretelling of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Many of us might be familiar with Luke 2, especially during Christmas time, as we reflect on the birth of Christ. Here in chapter 1 though, we are also able to see the somewhat paradoxical nature of happenings. John the Baptist, the one who would later be a great preacher/teacher for Jesus, had similar, yet different births. For example, the angel appearing, the fear, the somewhat questioning of happenings (except Mary readily believed). I bring this up, because in my mind it serves to further validate and give evidence to the Virgin birth of Christ.
So now we can all rest assured that the game of charades is Biblical! No, I'm kidding...But what this miracle turned out to be certainly served God's purposes. As I was reading that particular section of this chapter, I was thinking of how it must have been for Zechariah. This man was a priest who honored God. But, when Gabriel the angel appeared to him, he was afraid and his response was in disbelief (hence his period of being mute.) The interesting part (at least I thought) was that Zechariah had been praying for this. Then when God answered his prayer, he's in shock and disbelief.
How often do we pray and petition God for things and then when he answers us, we respond in disbelief and give credit elsewhere! I know I have done this in the past. I encourage you to think for a moment about how God has and is answering your prayers, so that you and I might respond appropriately!
The second thing I wanted to point out in today's passage of Scripture is the foretelling of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Many of us might be familiar with Luke 2, especially during Christmas time, as we reflect on the birth of Christ. Here in chapter 1 though, we are also able to see the somewhat paradoxical nature of happenings. John the Baptist, the one who would later be a great preacher/teacher for Jesus, had similar, yet different births. For example, the angel appearing, the fear, the somewhat questioning of happenings (except Mary readily believed). I bring this up, because in my mind it serves to further validate and give evidence to the Virgin birth of Christ.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 11-12
This is one of those classic Old Testament passages that can make your eyes glaze over as you read it...Joshua fought so-and-so king and won. Then he fought so-and-so and won. And then he did it again. And again. We don't recognize the names or the places, but we know that Joshua was faithful to do it just like God said and he was victorious time after time.
Did you ever stop to think why these names and places aren't too prominent anymore? They stood up to God's man (and therefore, God) and they were wiped out. They chose to fight against the will and plan of the Almighty...how did it work out for them? The Old Testament is full of stories where people try to show that they are stronger than God, but every one of them ends like this.
That is, every one in which God's man does what God says. When God says "go and do it this way", and God's man goes but does it his own way, watch out! The story of Saul is a perfect example of someone who was called and blessed by God until he steps out and chooses to ignore God's instructions. God quickly takes His hand away and Saul's entire household pays the price.
Are we stepping out in boldness when God says "go"? Are we trusting that no one can stop our Almighty God? Are we being careful to do it God's way and not our own? If so, you can expect a list of victories in your own life!
This is one of those classic Old Testament passages that can make your eyes glaze over as you read it...Joshua fought so-and-so king and won. Then he fought so-and-so and won. And then he did it again. And again. We don't recognize the names or the places, but we know that Joshua was faithful to do it just like God said and he was victorious time after time.
Did you ever stop to think why these names and places aren't too prominent anymore? They stood up to God's man (and therefore, God) and they were wiped out. They chose to fight against the will and plan of the Almighty...how did it work out for them? The Old Testament is full of stories where people try to show that they are stronger than God, but every one of them ends like this.
That is, every one in which God's man does what God says. When God says "go and do it this way", and God's man goes but does it his own way, watch out! The story of Saul is a perfect example of someone who was called and blessed by God until he steps out and chooses to ignore God's instructions. God quickly takes His hand away and Saul's entire household pays the price.
Are we stepping out in boldness when God says "go"? Are we trusting that no one can stop our Almighty God? Are we being careful to do it God's way and not our own? If so, you can expect a list of victories in your own life!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 9-10
Joshua is probably my favorite book in the Bible. I think he is such a fascinating Old Testament figure. When I look at Joshua and see how great a leader he was I am amazed. He had to follow one of the greatest leaders of all time. Can you imagine stepping into the role of leader after Moses? So when we get to a passage like this in chapter nine, I take comfort.
Joshua leads these people fearlessly. Chapter nine shows us two things that are very important. First, that even the greatest leaders make mistakes and second that not consulting God can lead you down a road that you do not want to go.
When I look at Joshua’s life and all of the things that God accomplished with him at the helm I am amazed. He was in leadership during an awesome time in Israelite history. Even he made mistakes though. When we strive for greatness and we want to be a leader that God can use and that people will follow sometimes we make ourselves believe that perfection is the only way. Joshua gives us an out in chapter nine. Even he makes a mistake by making this treaty. However, he shows his amazing leadership when he sticks to his word and when his people who are following him do not harm the Gibeonites.
The second take away for me relates to Joshua’s blunder, as well. When we take God out of the picture and do not consult with him, we may be in trouble. God still protected the people and still has plans for them, but I think it is very important that in the scripture it is mentioned that they did not inquire of the Lord. God takes care of them and there are not any major repercussions, but scripture did not add in that piece of information for nothing. We must inquire of the Lord and seek Him and His wisdom on decisions. My prayer for us today is that when we are facing decisions and weighing through our options that we would inquire of God and see what He has for us on the subject.
Joshua is probably my favorite book in the Bible. I think he is such a fascinating Old Testament figure. When I look at Joshua and see how great a leader he was I am amazed. He had to follow one of the greatest leaders of all time. Can you imagine stepping into the role of leader after Moses? So when we get to a passage like this in chapter nine, I take comfort.
Joshua leads these people fearlessly. Chapter nine shows us two things that are very important. First, that even the greatest leaders make mistakes and second that not consulting God can lead you down a road that you do not want to go.
When I look at Joshua’s life and all of the things that God accomplished with him at the helm I am amazed. He was in leadership during an awesome time in Israelite history. Even he made mistakes though. When we strive for greatness and we want to be a leader that God can use and that people will follow sometimes we make ourselves believe that perfection is the only way. Joshua gives us an out in chapter nine. Even he makes a mistake by making this treaty. However, he shows his amazing leadership when he sticks to his word and when his people who are following him do not harm the Gibeonites.
The second take away for me relates to Joshua’s blunder, as well. When we take God out of the picture and do not consult with him, we may be in trouble. God still protected the people and still has plans for them, but I think it is very important that in the scripture it is mentioned that they did not inquire of the Lord. God takes care of them and there are not any major repercussions, but scripture did not add in that piece of information for nothing. We must inquire of the Lord and seek Him and His wisdom on decisions. My prayer for us today is that when we are facing decisions and weighing through our options that we would inquire of God and see what He has for us on the subject.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Today's Passage: Joshua 7-8
The other day someone was telling me about a time in her life, several years ago, that she had become a lesser version of herself. A good friend of hers called her out for her grumpiness, meanness, and just all-around bad behavior as a friend. As she told me about it, it was evident that she was hugely grateful to that friend for having the tough conversation in order to save their friendship...and more, help her become a greater version of herself. As I listened to the story, I wondered if I would have had the courage to confront a friend. I'd like to think I would, but I also know my tendency to dance around the issue, say what I think people want to hear...and avoid confrontation at all cost.
The way that Achan and his sin were dealt with seems extreme and a little harsh, but I'm afraid that too many Christians have slipped over to the other extreme: apathy. Real love is not afraid to address sin in the life of a friend because real love wants the absolute best for a friend. Real love wants to make the other person better, encourage him, spur him on, and sharpen him. And sharpening is a painful process...often for both parties involved. I have been challenged by today's passage to start showing REAL LOVE to the people around me. This will bring great freedom to relationships! If I'm consistently showing REAL LOVE to them, my friend won't have to wonder about my sincerity when I initiate a tough conversation...and I won't have to wonder when that tough conversation is initiated by a friend.
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