Month: April 2016

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 23; Joshua 24:14-15 (day five)

The challenge and importance of “remembering” is communicated throughout the scriptures. [Moses Song (Exodus 32), Joshua’s farewell (Joshua 23), Paul’s words to the Ephesians (Acts 20), Jesus’ instruction to the disciples and believers at the Last Supper (Luke 22), the letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2)] All of these leaders saw the danger and consequences of forgetting what God has done and promised.

What is it about the human heart that creates this spiritual amnesia? Why do we so easily forget? Maybe it is because we try to make our faith about subjective feelings rather than knowledge and understanding. Sometimes what we feel and think “in the now” overtakes what we know and have experienced with God and His ways.

Some implications of “forgetting”: attendance and desire to worship God on a weekly basis, regard and hunger for study and meditation on God’s Word, fellowship and accountability of biblical community, and the love and willingness to meet the material and spiritual needs of people. The stakes are high. REMEMBER!!

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 23; Joshua 24:14-15 (day four)

You would have thought that Israel would have understood that God was true to His word.  They had seen His hand at work for Israel…they had been reminded over and over from Moses and Joshua of His deliverance…they had experienced firsthand His provision…yet, Israel failed to be obedient and found God true to His word in judgment as well.  We could be hard on them…why couldn’t they learn?

God has given us some commands as well.  Do not seek revenge…forgive…turn the other cheek…ask and it shall be given you…do not worry…walk in faith…walk in the Spirit.  Why don’t we obey Him?  We’ve seen Him at work, we’ve been reminded over and over in sermons and bible studies, He has even done mighty works in our own lives…why do we struggle to obey?  We are told that we need to spend time with God daily in bible study; we should pray and ask God’s counsel; and we should wait on the Lord.  Maybe we need to make a commitment that we will serve the Lord!  Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity.

Re:Verse reading—Joshua 23; 24:14-15 (day three)

“So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” Love is a movement of the will. Gravity is a curvature of space and time. Love is not gravity. But we often think of it as such. We speak of “falling in love”, and by that we mean moving toward another person–helpless as a meteor caught in earth’s gravitational field. That’s not how the Bible speaks of love. The scriptures teach us that love’s first gear is the heart, that is, the will: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” We will not drift into love with God. If we would love God, we must “be very careful to love” him. Joshua tells us to do what Moses taught him: Remember, talk about, teach about, and serve the Lord.

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 23; Joshua 24:14-15 (day two)  “But you are to cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day.” Vs. 8

Joshua had seen the nation of Israel as far as he could go. Another moment of transition was upon them, and these words were a fitting end to his ministry. They were a reminder that although God had delivered nations, lands, and blessings to the people of Israel they were still surrounded by foreign cultures that were in opposition to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God’s past deliverance is not a get out of jail card from all future trials and temptations. Joshua’s counsel to his people was to remember, tell the stories of God’s faithfulness, and hold true to the word.

When we are freed from sin and places of darkness it is common to have a period of clean living followed by a return to the old life. If you are delivered from darkness it stands to reason that those temptations haven’t disappeared. God wants us to remember where we’ve been, and how he freed us from bondage so that we will not repeat those mistakes. Cling to his word, trust his promise, live in his mercy.

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 23; Joshua 24:14-15 (day one)

“Be strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses”–23:6

Joshua is an old man by this time.  Some scholars say he is 110 years old!  Long history with these people.  He knew their fathers and grandfathers.  The Exodus and the wilderness years.  Years of conquest.  He has seen it all.

As they begin to “get settled” in a new home, Joshua has some last words for them.  Not NEW words.  In fact, in his last address Joshua essentially tells them what God told him 30 years before. (Compare 23:6 with 1:6-7)

Pay attention to God’s word!  Don’t alter it or water it down!  Stay true!  As you do, God will continue to provide His powerful help.

It is our message too, and, I believe, the reason FBCSA exists.  “God blesses those who approach Him through His word”.  Courage required.  Blessing promised.  Some things change.  This never does.

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 9 (day seven)

“So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask the counsel of the Lord.”–v 14.

It was a lesson learned for Joshua.  Painful.  Embarrassing.  Valuable.  Before you make a decision, ask God for His counsel!

Other heroes eventually reach the same conviction and practice.  “David inquired of the Lord.”–1 Samuel 30:8.  Also 2 Samuel 5:19.

Same with our Savior.  Jesus never made a decision without spending time alone with the Father.  Seeking counsel.  Surrendering His own desires and perspective.

Us?  The jury is still out, I think.  It is hard to find time for prayer.  Being still is a demanding task.  Waiting, discerning the right question, facing honestly whether we are willing to hear and obey–tough assignments all.  So, and this is my fear, sometimes we SAY we will pray more than we actually DO. New Pastor. . .nation. . .guidance.  What would God say, if we asked HIM for counsel?

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 9 (day six)

If you want my personal opinion, I do not think the outcome would have changed all that much even if Joshua had sought God’s counsel after meeting with the Gibeonites. The only change would have been that Joshua and the elders would have not looked so foolish. It is clear the Gibeonites acted out of a proper fear for the God of Israel; they acted in faith. I can’t presume to know; the Bible doesn’t hint one way or another, but like Rahab before them I believe God would have blessed their faith.

So, then what is the purpose of Joshua 9:14, “So the men…did not ask counsel from the Lord.” If the outcome likely would have been the same, why bother saying that at all. It is an essential part of the story because the emphasis in Joshua is God’s dynamic relationship with his people in the conquest of Canaan. He will lead them; he will fight their battles. The invitation is clear, “Come to me, seek my counsel. Meet with me and hear my voice.” Joshua and the men neglected that relationship. And we can too. Heed God’s invitation; it is where peace, contentment and joy is found.

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 9 (day five)

Up to this point, there was a key ingredient in the progress and effectiveness of the Israelites: a word from God. God told the people when and how to cross the Jordan. He gave instructions on what to do after crossing. He provided guidance on the logistics of attacking Jericho. God also provided divine instruction for the ambush and destruction of Ai. Yet, when deciding the course of action with the Gibeonites, the Israelites stray away from the formula. (see Joshua 9:14) There was no word from the Lord because they did not seek it.

We must recognize there is more to this world than just the reality of the physical and material world. Scripture is clear about the spiritual world as well. Ephesians 6:12- “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Scripture gives this same insight for making good decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”