John 20-
22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
Prior to Jesus’ death on the Cross, the Holy Spirit wasn’t able to dwell inside of people. (John 14)
29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus was speaking to Thomas in this verse but God is referring to US today! We are believers who haven’t physically seen Jesus!
2 Samuel-
3 And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
For 20 years the Israelites mourned and sought after the Lord YET STILL they had idols in their homes!!! How often do our actions not match up to what we’re saying??? Vs 4 says they “put away their Baals and Ashtoreths”, really they needed to DESTROY them!
3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Samuel was the son of Hannah who’d prayed for a son and gave her son over to full time ministry at the temple under Eli. We see that Samuel had sons and vs 3 “but his sons did not walk in his ways.” It is imperative that we teach and train our children Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. I still remember Lisa Reed’s message at WBS last year on Hannah and how she only had a few years with her son! We need to make the most of the years that we have with our children, raising them up in the Lord and praying for them.
The people of Israel asked Samuel for a King. Vs 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
8 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us.
Here they had the ultimate ruler, God as their King. They were able to consult with Him through the Priest yet still they looked at other nations and wanted what other men had! They rejected God as their King.
Lord, thank you for this new day. Help me today to remember you are King and in charge of my day-to-day activities! Help me to instill I my children what you want them to know God and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach them.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
John 19- 1 Samuel 5 and 6-
John 19-
Vs 3 they struck him in the face.
I’m always saddened when I read the crucifixion, the gory details of what Christ endured on MY behalf, because of MY sins. God, I’m sorry for my sins and I thank you for the forgiveness you give me daily!
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
From this chapter, it seems that Pilate believed that Jesus WAS in fact the Son of God! Just like Pilate, we think we can do things…we don’t acknowledge God or depend on Him or consult Him. We need to give God the glory He deserves and know that He controls our life!
1 Samuel 5 and 6-
I love this chapter how, in the presence of the ark, the Philistines “god” had “fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD”
1 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, "Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people." For death had filled the city with panic; God's hand was very heavy upon it.
19 But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them,
I’ve always been SO curious as to what happened with the ark. God sent plagues and tumors, made cities break out in chaos, and if you looked inside, He killed people for that! I know it was captured but other times when it was captured, they sent it back!!!
Vs 3 they struck him in the face.
I’m always saddened when I read the crucifixion, the gory details of what Christ endured on MY behalf, because of MY sins. God, I’m sorry for my sins and I thank you for the forgiveness you give me daily!
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
From this chapter, it seems that Pilate believed that Jesus WAS in fact the Son of God! Just like Pilate, we think we can do things…we don’t acknowledge God or depend on Him or consult Him. We need to give God the glory He deserves and know that He controls our life!
1 Samuel 5 and 6-
I love this chapter how, in the presence of the ark, the Philistines “god” had “fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD”
1 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, "Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people." For death had filled the city with panic; God's hand was very heavy upon it.
19 But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them,
I’ve always been SO curious as to what happened with the ark. God sent plagues and tumors, made cities break out in chaos, and if you looked inside, He killed people for that! I know it was captured but other times when it was captured, they sent it back!!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ruth 3-4 John 16-
I love the story of Ruth and how she is such a good example for women to follow! In these 2 chapters, we see her being patient and also humble. Laying at the feet of Boaz then waiting to hear whether or not he was going to marry her I’m sure wasn’t easy for Ruth! You can tell too that Ruth respected Boaz, where he says, “you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor”. He also calls her “a woman of noble character.” We also see how God rewarded Ruth for her faithfulness by placing her in the line of Jesus. Vs 17 they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. The elders had also prayed a blessing on her, that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel (vs 11).
John 16:7
Jesus explains to the disciples how the Holy Spirit can’t come until He has departed and ultimately has paid the penalty for sin. Vs 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help guide and convict us and intercede for us!
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
What a great depiction, the mother giving birth in pain but once the child is born, her anguish turns to joy! I love how vs 22 says “no one will take away your joy”. Nehemiah 8:10b “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." We can always find joy because “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Great verse that I’ve memorized! We’re not promised an easy life here on earth, vs 33 says we “WILL” have trouble. Still, God is good and He’s in control and says we can still have peace through times of tribulation. I really enjoyed studying James last year in how we can persevere through trials!
John 16:7
Jesus explains to the disciples how the Holy Spirit can’t come until He has departed and ultimately has paid the penalty for sin. Vs 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
God, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help guide and convict us and intercede for us!
20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
What a great depiction, the mother giving birth in pain but once the child is born, her anguish turns to joy! I love how vs 22 says “no one will take away your joy”. Nehemiah 8:10b “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." We can always find joy because “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Great verse that I’ve memorized! We’re not promised an easy life here on earth, vs 33 says we “WILL” have trouble. Still, God is good and He’s in control and says we can still have peace through times of tribulation. I really enjoyed studying James last year in how we can persevere through trials!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
John 13- Judges 17-19
Judges 17-19
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Since there wasn't a King, I assume there wasn't an enforcer to punish wrong or uphold the law.
Micah made idols for himself which then became the idols of the Danites. Today is "Earth Day" and people worship creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25) Even though Micah hired a man to be his "priest", since he was worshiping idols, this wasn't pleasing to the Lord and his idols and priest were taken away.
A man had a concubine who became unfaithful then went back to her fathers house. The man went to retrieve her and bring her home. On the journey back, staying in this foreign town, men of the city wanted to have sex with the man but raped and abused the woman instead. Had this woman been faithful and not left the man, this whole scenario would have been different. Sometimes we really have to examine what actions we will take because they can have grave consequences.
John 13-
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
He showed us the full extent of His love by saving us from sins through dying on the cross!
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus has given us an example how to act, how to serve and how to show love so we can follow His example.
Reading verse 21, "Jesus was troubled in spirit" how difficult to be Jesus and know in advance everything that is to come. To know that Peter, the one who Jesus loved vs 23, was going to deny Him 3 times. To know that Judas was going to betray Him. Also, to know that Satan had entered into Judas and was in His presence.
The devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot (vs 2). As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him. (vs 27)
Here's Judas who had been in the presence of Jesus, seen His miracles, yet didn't believe and left himself unguarded where the Devil used him as his tool. Those who aren't Christians need to know that if they aren't with God, they are against God and that Satan can and might use them to do evil things! Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Galatians 5:13b "Serve one another in love"
Our life as Christians should show a genuine love for others and a service to them!
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Since there wasn't a King, I assume there wasn't an enforcer to punish wrong or uphold the law.
Micah made idols for himself which then became the idols of the Danites. Today is "Earth Day" and people worship creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25) Even though Micah hired a man to be his "priest", since he was worshiping idols, this wasn't pleasing to the Lord and his idols and priest were taken away.
A man had a concubine who became unfaithful then went back to her fathers house. The man went to retrieve her and bring her home. On the journey back, staying in this foreign town, men of the city wanted to have sex with the man but raped and abused the woman instead. Had this woman been faithful and not left the man, this whole scenario would have been different. Sometimes we really have to examine what actions we will take because they can have grave consequences.
John 13-
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
He showed us the full extent of His love by saving us from sins through dying on the cross!
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus has given us an example how to act, how to serve and how to show love so we can follow His example.
Reading verse 21, "Jesus was troubled in spirit" how difficult to be Jesus and know in advance everything that is to come. To know that Peter, the one who Jesus loved vs 23, was going to deny Him 3 times. To know that Judas was going to betray Him. Also, to know that Satan had entered into Judas and was in His presence.
The devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot (vs 2). As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him. (vs 27)
Here's Judas who had been in the presence of Jesus, seen His miracles, yet didn't believe and left himself unguarded where the Devil used him as his tool. Those who aren't Christians need to know that if they aren't with God, they are against God and that Satan can and might use them to do evil things! Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Galatians 5:13b "Serve one another in love"
Our life as Christians should show a genuine love for others and a service to them!
John 12-
Judas stealing money, Mary sitting at Jesus' feet, Martha serving.
23Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
28Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
31Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
32But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.
48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.
23Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
28Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
31Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
32But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.
48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Judges 15-16
Samson served Israel for 20 years. Some of the things he did in life weren't very "God pleasing". Staying with a prostitute, and then falling in love with a Philistine girl who ended up betraying him. It seems that his weakness was women, and it was the love for the wrong woman that ultimately cost him his life. He could have led Israel longer had be not confided in Delilah. Still, when captured, God heard Samson's prayers and restored his strength one last time and Samson was able to destroy more Israelites through his death than he did while alive!
Again, we see a manipulative woman and can learn how not to act towards the men in our lives! ""How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?" Vs 15 and vs 16 "with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death."
We see too in this chapter that Samson seeks "revenge" a lot! Ultimately we know that vengeance is the Lord's! (Hebrews 10:30)
Again, we see a manipulative woman and can learn how not to act towards the men in our lives! ""How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?" Vs 15 and vs 16 "with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death."
We see too in this chapter that Samson seeks "revenge" a lot! Ultimately we know that vengeance is the Lord's! (Hebrews 10:30)
Monday, April 20, 2009
John 11- Judges 12-14
Judges 13-
Even before Samson's birth, God had specific rules that the Angels of the Lord gave to his parents. I find it interesting that this passage doesn't say the "wifes" name, she's just Manoahs wife. I think too that it's great that Manoah believed his wifes story and wanted to know more from the Lord so he prayed "8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."
Judges 14-
This passage with Samsons wife is so sad. It's a great reminder for me not to pressure or nag or bother my husband!!!
16 Then Samson's wife threw herself on him, sobbing, "You hate me! You don't really love me. You've given my people a riddle, but you haven't told me the answer." "I haven't even explained it to my father or mother," he replied, "so why should I explain it to you?" 17 She cried the whole seven days of the feast. So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press him.
Vs 19 says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson in power. He then killed 30 men. It also says that he was "burning with anger". This verse reminds me of Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin".
20 And Samson's wife was given to the friend who had attended him at his wedding.
Does this verse mean that Samson gave his wife away to someone else???
John 11-
What a great passage of scripture where Jesus shows His power to others! Lazarus was sick, Jesus knew in advance he'd died. He comes to Martha and says "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
I thank God for that eternal truth! If I believe in God, I will never die a Spiritual death, I'll continue to live on in Heaven with God!
Both sisters had faith, believing if Jesus had been present during Lazurus' sickness, that Jesus would have been able to heal him. He says to take away the gravestone which people questioned! Jesus says vs 40 "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see he glory of God?" He then prayed to God...such a beautiful prayer (John 11:41-42)
Lazarus came out of the tomb very much alive and not all who witnessed this miracle, put their faith in Jesus!!! How do you see a man raised from the dead, who's been dead for 4 days, and not believe that Jesus is God's Son? What did people think He was???
I also had to point out something SO awesome about Scripture. We know there were 40 different authors and hundreds of years between Genesis and John. Reading today, Jesus went to a Village called "Ephraim" which is the same name mentioned in Judges 12 :)
God I thank you that you hear me, and God that you always hear. I thank you for the scriptures, that we can read them and compare them and understand them and believe in them!
Even before Samson's birth, God had specific rules that the Angels of the Lord gave to his parents. I find it interesting that this passage doesn't say the "wifes" name, she's just Manoahs wife. I think too that it's great that Manoah believed his wifes story and wanted to know more from the Lord so he prayed "8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."
Judges 14-
This passage with Samsons wife is so sad. It's a great reminder for me not to pressure or nag or bother my husband!!!
16 Then Samson's wife threw herself on him, sobbing, "You hate me! You don't really love me. You've given my people a riddle, but you haven't told me the answer." "I haven't even explained it to my father or mother," he replied, "so why should I explain it to you?" 17 She cried the whole seven days of the feast. So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press him.
Vs 19 says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson in power. He then killed 30 men. It also says that he was "burning with anger". This verse reminds me of Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin".
20 And Samson's wife was given to the friend who had attended him at his wedding.
Does this verse mean that Samson gave his wife away to someone else???
John 11-
What a great passage of scripture where Jesus shows His power to others! Lazarus was sick, Jesus knew in advance he'd died. He comes to Martha and says "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
I thank God for that eternal truth! If I believe in God, I will never die a Spiritual death, I'll continue to live on in Heaven with God!
Both sisters had faith, believing if Jesus had been present during Lazurus' sickness, that Jesus would have been able to heal him. He says to take away the gravestone which people questioned! Jesus says vs 40 "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see he glory of God?" He then prayed to God...such a beautiful prayer (John 11:41-42)
Lazarus came out of the tomb very much alive and not all who witnessed this miracle, put their faith in Jesus!!! How do you see a man raised from the dead, who's been dead for 4 days, and not believe that Jesus is God's Son? What did people think He was???
I also had to point out something SO awesome about Scripture. We know there were 40 different authors and hundreds of years between Genesis and John. Reading today, Jesus went to a Village called "Ephraim" which is the same name mentioned in Judges 12 :)
God I thank you that you hear me, and God that you always hear. I thank you for the scriptures, that we can read them and compare them and understand them and believe in them!
John 10- Judges 9-11
Judges 9-11
Abimelech approaches people and asks if it's better to be ruled by 1 person or 70 people. He then took the liberty of murdering the 70 except for one!
22 After Abimelech had governed Israel three years, 23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against Abimelech. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.
31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. 54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.' " So his servant ran him through, and he died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home. 56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
Judges 10:31 says that people were stirring up the city against Abimelech. A good reminder that words and grumbling can accomplish a lot of good or harm!
I love when God uses women to accomplish His plans! Here, people have gathered into a tower and as Abimelech approaches to burn it and all the people inside, a woman dropped a millstone on his head!
10:6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
Judges 10:6-16 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, "We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals." 11 The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!" 15 But the Israelites said to the LORD, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now." 16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel's misery no longer.
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served idols, again!
18 years, the Israelites were oppressed. They served other gods and forgot God! God said to cry out to the gods they've chosen but, they repented of their sin, throwing the idols out and God showed grace and mercy again.
11:27 I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites." I like that this verse Jephthah has a clear conscience and is able to say with truth, "I have not wronged you". I need to be careful of whom I wrong so I can say that too with a clear conscience!
Jephthah's family drove Jephthah away but when they needed help, they searched for him and asked him to be their leader!
This chapter, Jephthah made a vow to God that he'd sacrifice the first thing that came out his door if the Lord would let him win the battles against his enemies. This reminds me to watch what I promise the Lord! The first thing out of his door was his only child, his daughter. This is different from when God tested Abraham with Isaac. Verse 39 says that her father did to her as he had vowed, meaning he sacrificed his daughter to God!
John 10-
14-15"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."
The Jews ask Jesus to tell them if he's the Son of God. He responds saying "I and the Father are one" and the Jews pick up stones to stone him! (Vs 31)
Thank you God for the gift of eternal life! Thank you Jesus for laying down your life on your own accord! Thank you that no one can take me away from you Lord.
Abimelech approaches people and asks if it's better to be ruled by 1 person or 70 people. He then took the liberty of murdering the 70 except for one!
22 After Abimelech had governed Israel three years, 23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against Abimelech. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.
31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. 54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.' " So his servant ran him through, and he died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home. 56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
Judges 10:31 says that people were stirring up the city against Abimelech. A good reminder that words and grumbling can accomplish a lot of good or harm!
I love when God uses women to accomplish His plans! Here, people have gathered into a tower and as Abimelech approaches to burn it and all the people inside, a woman dropped a millstone on his head!
10:6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites.
Judges 10:6-16 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, "We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals." 11 The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!" 15 But the Israelites said to the LORD, "We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now." 16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel's misery no longer.
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served idols, again!
18 years, the Israelites were oppressed. They served other gods and forgot God! God said to cry out to the gods they've chosen but, they repented of their sin, throwing the idols out and God showed grace and mercy again.
11:27 I have not wronged you, but you are doing me wrong by waging war against me. Let the LORD, the Judge, decide the dispute this day between the Israelites and the Ammonites." I like that this verse Jephthah has a clear conscience and is able to say with truth, "I have not wronged you". I need to be careful of whom I wrong so I can say that too with a clear conscience!
Jephthah's family drove Jephthah away but when they needed help, they searched for him and asked him to be their leader!
This chapter, Jephthah made a vow to God that he'd sacrifice the first thing that came out his door if the Lord would let him win the battles against his enemies. This reminds me to watch what I promise the Lord! The first thing out of his door was his only child, his daughter. This is different from when God tested Abraham with Isaac. Verse 39 says that her father did to her as he had vowed, meaning he sacrificed his daughter to God!
John 10-
14-15"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."
The Jews ask Jesus to tell them if he's the Son of God. He responds saying "I and the Father are one" and the Jews pick up stones to stone him! (Vs 31)
Thank you God for the gift of eternal life! Thank you Jesus for laying down your life on your own accord! Thank you that no one can take me away from you Lord.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
John 9- Judges 8-9
John 9-
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
When things happen that we don't expect, we should see it as an opportunity that God's work might be displayed in our life! Also, verse 4, what a great reminder for US that as long as it is day, we must do the work of God!
31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
Judges 7-8
Gideon started out with 32,000 men and God told him to keep 300 of them! Vs 8, So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the 300. Vs 10, God tells Gideon that if he's afraid to attack, go hear what the men in camp are saying. A man had a dream that confirmed Gideon should attack! With trumpets, jars and 300 men, they defeated the Midianites.
Judges 8-
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian." 23 But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."
Gideon gave God the glory for his wins over Midian and knew who really was in charge and would rule over the people! They experienced 40 years of peace.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.
If we always start off our prayers with thanksgiving, we should never forget the things the Lord has done! The Israelites forgot God! Help me Lord to always remember your blessings, especially the gift of your Son!
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
When things happen that we don't expect, we should see it as an opportunity that God's work might be displayed in our life! Also, verse 4, what a great reminder for US that as long as it is day, we must do the work of God!
31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
Judges 7-8
Gideon started out with 32,000 men and God told him to keep 300 of them! Vs 8, So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the 300. Vs 10, God tells Gideon that if he's afraid to attack, go hear what the men in camp are saying. A man had a dream that confirmed Gideon should attack! With trumpets, jars and 300 men, they defeated the Midianites.
Judges 8-
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian." 23 But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."
Gideon gave God the glory for his wins over Midian and knew who really was in charge and would rule over the people! They experienced 40 years of peace.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.
If we always start off our prayers with thanksgiving, we should never forget the things the Lord has done! The Israelites forgot God! Help me Lord to always remember your blessings, especially the gift of your Son!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Judges 5-6 John 8-
Judges 5-6
2 "When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves— praise the LORD!
9 My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!
31 "So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength." Then the land had peace forty years.
1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help. 7 When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9 I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land.
God, help me Lord to not worship anything but you, if there are idols in my life (5:6), convict me of it Lord and any evil I may have in me(5:1)! Help me to continually willingly and voluntarily offer myself for your service God(5:2,9)!
10 I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me." 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." 17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.
25 That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.29 They asked each other, "Who did this?" When they carefully investigated, they were told, "Gideon son of Joash did it."
30 The men of the town demanded of Joash, "Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal's altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it." 31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, "Are you going to plead Baal's cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar."
(Judges 6:25-31) We notice in this passage that Gideon's FATHER was a Baal worshiper. Here he'd heard all that God had done for the Israelites but his own family had turned away from worshiping God and did what was detestable in His eyes, idol worship. For Gideon too to ask God "WHY" all this had happened to Israel.
34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. 36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- 37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." 40 That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
(Judges 6:34-40) God was SO patient with Gideon! An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said he'd be the one to save Israel and yet Gideon on multiple occasions asks questions and asks for signs! Also, after being told to tear down the Baal idol, he fears man so much, he takes it down at night when no one is watching!
Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
God, when you come to me wanting me to do something, help me to have the right response! Help me too God not to get caught up in the "why" but to try to focus on the task at hand and what You want accomplished.
John 8
3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
What words did Jesus write in the sand? Knowing the hearts and minds and deeds of ALL the people gathered around, He convicted each of them and that's why they walked away. God, we are ALL guilty of sin, help us to realize that we're no better than anyone else.
Pharisees 21Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. 23But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
"You will die in your sin" and believe "the father of lies." (Vs 21 & 44) Thank you for sending Jesus who's not of this world, to save us! (vs 23)
45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
Lord, help me to keep your word (51) and to not seek the glory of men.(vs 50) Help me to live a life that pleases you (vs 29) Thank you God for setting me free (vs 32). Help me cling to the truth (vs 43). Remind me that only Jesus Himself is the only person who can ever say "can you prove me guilty of sin?" (vs 46)
2 "When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves— praise the LORD!
9 My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!
31 "So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength." Then the land had peace forty years.
1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help. 7 When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9 I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land.
God, help me Lord to not worship anything but you, if there are idols in my life (5:6), convict me of it Lord and any evil I may have in me(5:1)! Help me to continually willingly and voluntarily offer myself for your service God(5:2,9)!
10 I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me." 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." 17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.
25 That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.29 They asked each other, "Who did this?" When they carefully investigated, they were told, "Gideon son of Joash did it."
30 The men of the town demanded of Joash, "Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal's altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it." 31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, "Are you going to plead Baal's cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar."
(Judges 6:25-31) We notice in this passage that Gideon's FATHER was a Baal worshiper. Here he'd heard all that God had done for the Israelites but his own family had turned away from worshiping God and did what was detestable in His eyes, idol worship. For Gideon too to ask God "WHY" all this had happened to Israel.
34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. 36 Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- 37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." 40 That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
(Judges 6:34-40) God was SO patient with Gideon! An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said he'd be the one to save Israel and yet Gideon on multiple occasions asks questions and asks for signs! Also, after being told to tear down the Baal idol, he fears man so much, he takes it down at night when no one is watching!
Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
God, when you come to me wanting me to do something, help me to have the right response! Help me too God not to get caught up in the "why" but to try to focus on the task at hand and what You want accomplished.
John 8
3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
What words did Jesus write in the sand? Knowing the hearts and minds and deeds of ALL the people gathered around, He convicted each of them and that's why they walked away. God, we are ALL guilty of sin, help us to realize that we're no better than anyone else.
Pharisees 21Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. 23But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
"You will die in your sin" and believe "the father of lies." (Vs 21 & 44) Thank you for sending Jesus who's not of this world, to save us! (vs 23)
45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
Lord, help me to keep your word (51) and to not seek the glory of men.(vs 50) Help me to live a life that pleases you (vs 29) Thank you God for setting me free (vs 32). Help me cling to the truth (vs 43). Remind me that only Jesus Himself is the only person who can ever say "can you prove me guilty of sin?" (vs 46)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Judges 3-4 John 7-
4 They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.
We are not supposed to test God but we see in vs 4 here that God tests us! We need to learn how God wants us to respond during those times of testing, are we going to pass or fail?
Judges is all about the Israelites following God, then doing evil in His sight forgetting God then crying out to God and the cycle repeats itself!
6 They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.
Sometimes in life we just need someone to lead us! Vs 28, Ehud said "Follow me" and the people did!
28 "Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and, taking possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab, they allowed no one to cross over.
In Judges chapter 4, God uses 2 women to accomplish His plans!
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
Vs 9 Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman."
21 But Jael, Heber's wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.
John 4-
4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
It's sad to think that the people from Jesus' home town and even his family members didn't believe He was the Christ!
17If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
I like seeing how the minds of the people at the feast were trying to figure out exactly who Christ was and decide that if He wasn't Christ if someone more fitting could come along!
31Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
Verse 39 tells us that the people were still under the old Law and hadn't received the Holy Sprit yet because Jesus hadn't been crucified and the atonement for sin hadn't been made yet.
39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
We are not supposed to test God but we see in vs 4 here that God tests us! We need to learn how God wants us to respond during those times of testing, are we going to pass or fail?
Judges is all about the Israelites following God, then doing evil in His sight forgetting God then crying out to God and the cycle repeats itself!
6 They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.
Sometimes in life we just need someone to lead us! Vs 28, Ehud said "Follow me" and the people did!
28 "Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and, taking possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab, they allowed no one to cross over.
In Judges chapter 4, God uses 2 women to accomplish His plans!
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
Vs 9 Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman."
21 But Jael, Heber's wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.
John 4-
4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
It's sad to think that the people from Jesus' home town and even his family members didn't believe He was the Christ!
17If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
I like seeing how the minds of the people at the feast were trying to figure out exactly who Christ was and decide that if He wasn't Christ if someone more fitting could come along!
31Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
Verse 39 tells us that the people were still under the old Law and hadn't received the Holy Sprit yet because Jesus hadn't been crucified and the atonement for sin hadn't been made yet.
39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Luke 23- Joshua 11-12
Joshua 11-12
6 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots."
Having God on your side saying, don't be afraid, what peace and assurance that must have given Joshua and his men.
7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them,8 and the LORD gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. 9 Joshua did to them as the LORD had directed: 15 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. 16 So Joshua took this entire land:
Joshua was obedient and God was faithful to fulfill His promise of inhabiting a great land!
20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel,
God chose what people would be saved and what kingdoms would be destroyed.
23 So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
Vs 23 I love how it says "then the land had rest from war." We know that till the end of the earth, there will be wars till Jesus comes back!
12:24 Joshua's army ended up defeating 31 kings!
Luke 23-
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
It's so sad to see that Jesus was put on trial by his teaching! "He stirs up the people!" Instead, the crowd wanted a murderer and opposer of the law to be released!
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
Herod wasn't interested in believing that Christ was the Son of God, he just wanted to be amused. This reminds me of the passages 2 Timothy 4:3 says people won't put up with sound doctrine, they just want to have their ears tickled Matt. 16:4/Luke 11:29 says that a wicked generation seeks after signs and none will be given!
We see here too that Pilot sent Jesus to Harod who then sent him back to Pilot!
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
In all His pain and agony, He endured it all and asked for forgiveness for me, a sinner. Thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross so that we might live for Your glory! 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
Again, here the people just wanted to see a sign. Christ had the power to save Himself!
47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."
Here's one person who was affected by Christ's crucifixion. Jesus showing mercy and asking for forgiveness for others while on the cross had an impact on the centurion.
6 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots."
Having God on your side saying, don't be afraid, what peace and assurance that must have given Joshua and his men.
7 So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them,8 and the LORD gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. 9 Joshua did to them as the LORD had directed: 15 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. 16 So Joshua took this entire land:
Joshua was obedient and God was faithful to fulfill His promise of inhabiting a great land!
20 For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel,
God chose what people would be saved and what kingdoms would be destroyed.
23 So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
Vs 23 I love how it says "then the land had rest from war." We know that till the end of the earth, there will be wars till Jesus comes back!
12:24 Joshua's army ended up defeating 31 kings!
Luke 23-
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
It's so sad to see that Jesus was put on trial by his teaching! "He stirs up the people!" Instead, the crowd wanted a murderer and opposer of the law to be released!
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
Herod wasn't interested in believing that Christ was the Son of God, he just wanted to be amused. This reminds me of the passages 2 Timothy 4:3 says people won't put up with sound doctrine, they just want to have their ears tickled Matt. 16:4/Luke 11:29 says that a wicked generation seeks after signs and none will be given!
We see here too that Pilot sent Jesus to Harod who then sent him back to Pilot!
34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
In all His pain and agony, He endured it all and asked for forgiveness for me, a sinner. Thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross so that we might live for Your glory! 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
Again, here the people just wanted to see a sign. Christ had the power to save Himself!
47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."
Here's one person who was affected by Christ's crucifixion. Jesus showing mercy and asking for forgiveness for others while on the cross had an impact on the centurion.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Joshua 9-10 Luke 22-
Joshua 9-10
14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.
24 They answered Joshua, "Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you." 26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them.
This story is so interesting. The men feared the Lord and didn’t want to be wiped out by the Israelites so they deceived Joshua rather than just come to him asking for mercy! Then, Joshua doesn’t “inquire” the Lord who I’m sure would have said these men are trying to deceive you! Still, Joshua spares there life after making an oath with them.
2 Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: "Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us." 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
5 kingdoms attacked the Gibeonites! How awesome to have had the confidence going into battle knowing the Lord was on their side and had given these 5 armies into their hands!!! Then, God thew STONES from the sky that struck more of the retreating soldiers!
12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
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. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
The sun stopped moving till the battle ended!
25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." 26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.
The 5 kings ran and hid in caves and Joshua pursued them! God said he’d delivered all the men into their hands!
As Joshua and his men conquered kingdoms, they left no survivors! This was because (vs 42) the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded.
Luke 22-
3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
This is something I haven’t studying at all! Satan’s ability to possess people, demons able to possess people and be cast out of people by the disciples.
In this chapter we see numerous examples of Jesus foretelling the future!
10He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." 13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. Then, Jesus says one of the 12 will betray me!
This reminds me of Pastor Mike’s message Sunday “Jesus came to serve, not be served.” 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus PRAYED for Simon. If Jesus prayed for people, what an example for US to pray for other people!
How appropriate to be reading Luke during the week of Easter!
14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.
24 They answered Joshua, "Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you." 26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them.
This story is so interesting. The men feared the Lord and didn’t want to be wiped out by the Israelites so they deceived Joshua rather than just come to him asking for mercy! Then, Joshua doesn’t “inquire” the Lord who I’m sure would have said these men are trying to deceive you! Still, Joshua spares there life after making an oath with them.
2 Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters. 6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: "Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us." 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.
5 kingdoms attacked the Gibeonites! How awesome to have had the confidence going into battle knowing the Lord was on their side and had given these 5 armies into their hands!!! Then, God thew STONES from the sky that struck more of the retreating soldiers!
12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
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. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
The sun stopped moving till the battle ended!
25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." 26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua gave the order and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. At the mouth of the cave they placed large rocks, which are there to this day.
The 5 kings ran and hid in caves and Joshua pursued them! God said he’d delivered all the men into their hands!
As Joshua and his men conquered kingdoms, they left no survivors! This was because (vs 42) the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
40 So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded.
Luke 22-
3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
This is something I haven’t studying at all! Satan’s ability to possess people, demons able to possess people and be cast out of people by the disciples.
In this chapter we see numerous examples of Jesus foretelling the future!
10He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." 13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. Then, Jesus says one of the 12 will betray me!
This reminds me of Pastor Mike’s message Sunday “Jesus came to serve, not be served.” 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus PRAYED for Simon. If Jesus prayed for people, what an example for US to pray for other people!
How appropriate to be reading Luke during the week of Easter!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Luke 18- Joshua 1-2
Vacation to Cambria, no Internet to post!
Luke 18-
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
I was just listening to Rob Biagi’s song this week about prayer. God answers prayer 3 ways, He says yes, no, or not today. I am so thankful that we’re able to come to God with requests! We don’t have to have an appointment, we can talk to Him anywhere, anytime! This verse is a great reminder for me to not give up on my requests, so I can see the full answer to prayer.
Luke 18: 8 when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Wow. We know that Jesus is coming back. Carlynn did a great WBS message on, do we doubt His return? He could come back today! We need to make sure we’re doing the work of God when He returns! We need to be evaluating our time and priorities, seeing where we’re serving, who are we witnessing to?
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
God thank you for this reminder how 1) we’re not to look down on others and compare ourselves and 2) how we’re to be humble, remembering we’re ALL sinners. Lord, help me as I struggle with this sometimes, I am a sinner, we’re all the same.
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Thank you for the blessing of my children and for allowing me to raise them and teach them and train them. I thank you God for Abigail especially, who’s trying God, she’s learning obedience, listening, and mostly, I thank you that she wants to pray God and is already memorizing your Word at 3! I pray God that my children will be saved by you, that you will call them to yourself God. Help me DAILY to instill YOU into their minds God. Give me endurance and patience Lord and forgive me of my sins when I’m impatient and frustrated.
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
How true, there is NONE righteous, no not one. Romans 3:10. Help us to remember that NO ONE is good except you God and Lord, that none of us deserve anything good!
22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
Vs 22 says you lack ONE thing. For this man, it was his love of wealth that kept him from following Christ. I think sometimes in our own life, we can make idols of things and people, a desire for material things, or making our children our first priority over God and spouse. We need to make sure we’re not holding on too tight to the things God has blessed us with. I love the song “Blessed Be Your Name” because it’s so true, He gives and He takes away. Just like in the days of Job, job lost so much! “When I survey the wondrous cross” the lyrics say “my richest gain I count but loss”, He demands my soul, my life, my all.” Vs 28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" Help me God to constantly be examining my life to purge what needs to go and to follow when and where you lead.
27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Joshua 1-2
What a great encouraging passage of scripture!
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
The truths God shares here with Joshua!
I am with you! Don’t fear! Be courageous! Don’t turn to the left or right. Don’t be terrified! Don’t be discouraged! Meditate on the Book DAY and NIGHT! Wow.
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.
Just as the passage in Luke we read how we’re all sinners, I like reading how God uses people of all circumstances to perform his will. Here in Joshua, the two spies are hidden by a prostitute! She feared the Lord more than she feared the guards and their King.
To read what Rahab shared with the spies, how the truth of God’s mighty works had been heard throughout the lands, people who weren’t God’s people feared Him 9 "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Also, Rahab knew that God was (and still IS) the God in heaven and on earth and had the power to save her family! (vs 12-13)
Luke 18-
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
I was just listening to Rob Biagi’s song this week about prayer. God answers prayer 3 ways, He says yes, no, or not today. I am so thankful that we’re able to come to God with requests! We don’t have to have an appointment, we can talk to Him anywhere, anytime! This verse is a great reminder for me to not give up on my requests, so I can see the full answer to prayer.
Luke 18: 8 when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Wow. We know that Jesus is coming back. Carlynn did a great WBS message on, do we doubt His return? He could come back today! We need to make sure we’re doing the work of God when He returns! We need to be evaluating our time and priorities, seeing where we’re serving, who are we witnessing to?
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
God thank you for this reminder how 1) we’re not to look down on others and compare ourselves and 2) how we’re to be humble, remembering we’re ALL sinners. Lord, help me as I struggle with this sometimes, I am a sinner, we’re all the same.
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Thank you for the blessing of my children and for allowing me to raise them and teach them and train them. I thank you God for Abigail especially, who’s trying God, she’s learning obedience, listening, and mostly, I thank you that she wants to pray God and is already memorizing your Word at 3! I pray God that my children will be saved by you, that you will call them to yourself God. Help me DAILY to instill YOU into their minds God. Give me endurance and patience Lord and forgive me of my sins when I’m impatient and frustrated.
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
How true, there is NONE righteous, no not one. Romans 3:10. Help us to remember that NO ONE is good except you God and Lord, that none of us deserve anything good!
22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
Vs 22 says you lack ONE thing. For this man, it was his love of wealth that kept him from following Christ. I think sometimes in our own life, we can make idols of things and people, a desire for material things, or making our children our first priority over God and spouse. We need to make sure we’re not holding on too tight to the things God has blessed us with. I love the song “Blessed Be Your Name” because it’s so true, He gives and He takes away. Just like in the days of Job, job lost so much! “When I survey the wondrous cross” the lyrics say “my richest gain I count but loss”, He demands my soul, my life, my all.” Vs 28 Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" Help me God to constantly be examining my life to purge what needs to go and to follow when and where you lead.
27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Joshua 1-2
What a great encouraging passage of scripture!
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
The truths God shares here with Joshua!
I am with you! Don’t fear! Be courageous! Don’t turn to the left or right. Don’t be terrified! Don’t be discouraged! Meditate on the Book DAY and NIGHT! Wow.
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.
Just as the passage in Luke we read how we’re all sinners, I like reading how God uses people of all circumstances to perform his will. Here in Joshua, the two spies are hidden by a prostitute! She feared the Lord more than she feared the guards and their King.
To read what Rahab shared with the spies, how the truth of God’s mighty works had been heard throughout the lands, people who weren’t God’s people feared Him 9 "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Also, Rahab knew that God was (and still IS) the God in heaven and on earth and had the power to save her family! (vs 12-13)
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