Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Joshua 5
The act of being circumcised makes most men cringe; it does me, what about you? Then a military man waiting to go to war for his country must really be anxious over this. But as stated in the 2nd paragraph it was the most power act of dying to self and living to God.
Joshua 5: 2-8
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Now imagine being told in our society today to go and make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time (to the sons, not each man again). Apparently, all during the forty years of waiting in the wilderness, none of the sons born during that time had been circumcised. Now God commanded that this be done. Then Joshua circumcised their sons. Circumcision was always a powerful act of consecration to God. In it, an Israelite said “I’m not like the other nations. I listen to God and do what He says I should do.” It was stepping out in faithful obedience and identifying yourself as one of the LORD’s people. It was renouncing the flesh and the world. It was dying to self and living to God. They stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed: Obviously, this was suicidal from a military standpoint. All the men of fighting age were made completely vulnerable and unable to fight. So, not only did Israel cross over the Jordan at a militarily undesirable place (right in front of Jericho, the strongest military outpost of the Canaanites), they also incapacitated their army for several days. They did this because they trusted God, and His directions, instead of their own wisdom.
I love verses thirteen through fifteen. So can we be a leader like Joshua in our daily walks for the Lord? Lead yet be lead and have a servant’s heart?
Joshua 5; 13-18
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Here Joshua met Jesus, Jesus the Captain of the Lord's nation army, having submitted to the Father, a man under authority, yet having authority himself. A man who recognized what true authority is. Oh, that we would realize that we don't have any right to rule unless we ourselves are ruled. So Joshua, the leader over the people and yet being led. "What do you want me to do Lord?" The real heart of a servant. So the Lord didn't have much for him to do, "Just take your shoes off. The ground where you're standing is holy." So much as the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, the command to remove his sandals, so also to Joshua.
Joshua 5: 2-8
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Now imagine being told in our society today to go and make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time (to the sons, not each man again). Apparently, all during the forty years of waiting in the wilderness, none of the sons born during that time had been circumcised. Now God commanded that this be done. Then Joshua circumcised their sons. Circumcision was always a powerful act of consecration to God. In it, an Israelite said “I’m not like the other nations. I listen to God and do what He says I should do.” It was stepping out in faithful obedience and identifying yourself as one of the LORD’s people. It was renouncing the flesh and the world. It was dying to self and living to God. They stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed: Obviously, this was suicidal from a military standpoint. All the men of fighting age were made completely vulnerable and unable to fight. So, not only did Israel cross over the Jordan at a militarily undesirable place (right in front of Jericho, the strongest military outpost of the Canaanites), they also incapacitated their army for several days. They did this because they trusted God, and His directions, instead of their own wisdom.
I love verses thirteen through fifteen. So can we be a leader like Joshua in our daily walks for the Lord? Lead yet be lead and have a servant’s heart?
Joshua 5; 13-18
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Here Joshua met Jesus, Jesus the Captain of the Lord's nation army, having submitted to the Father, a man under authority, yet having authority himself. A man who recognized what true authority is. Oh, that we would realize that we don't have any right to rule unless we ourselves are ruled. So Joshua, the leader over the people and yet being led. "What do you want me to do Lord?" The real heart of a servant. So the Lord didn't have much for him to do, "Just take your shoes off. The ground where you're standing is holy." So much as the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, the command to remove his sandals, so also to Joshua.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Joshua 4
Joshua 4:4-8
4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” 8 So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been[a] in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.
Now the interesting thing to me about this is when they came to the Red Sea, Moses stretched forth his rod and the Red Sea was parted. They went through on dry land, but with the Jordan the Lord is now testing their faith and developing their faith. He let the priests get their feet wet. Walking right into the edge of the river, getting their feet in the water, stepping out now really in faith.
So this is very important for every one of us to really develop in that full relationship with God, it has to be that relationship of faith…FULL FAITH. God is bringing them/us into a new relationship of faith. Before they sought, before they stepped in, they saw the sea parted, but now God is letting them take one step further and saying, "Go ahead and step out in faith. Get your feet wet."
I really like the verses thru the Chapter about the stones. They were commanded to take these stones out of the bottom of the Jordan River, where the priests were standing holding the Ark of the Covenant. When they came up on the other side, they were to put these stones in a heap. And As God and Joshua had commanded. That this may be a sign among you that when your children (or the disciples we are to be growing as Christian men) ask their fathers (or friends) What’s the importance of these stones? You can tell them, that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord and these stones shall be a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And so the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded.
It is interesting to me that God desires that His power and His truth be carried to future generations via a pile of rocks. That we never forget what God has done for us. Again, this is our charge as Christian men to spread God’s word. I also thin about how many times rocks, stones, foundation or cornerstone terminology is used in the Bible to illustrate an event, a teaching, etc.?
4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” 8 So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been[a] in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.
Now the interesting thing to me about this is when they came to the Red Sea, Moses stretched forth his rod and the Red Sea was parted. They went through on dry land, but with the Jordan the Lord is now testing their faith and developing their faith. He let the priests get their feet wet. Walking right into the edge of the river, getting their feet in the water, stepping out now really in faith.
So this is very important for every one of us to really develop in that full relationship with God, it has to be that relationship of faith…FULL FAITH. God is bringing them/us into a new relationship of faith. Before they sought, before they stepped in, they saw the sea parted, but now God is letting them take one step further and saying, "Go ahead and step out in faith. Get your feet wet."
I really like the verses thru the Chapter about the stones. They were commanded to take these stones out of the bottom of the Jordan River, where the priests were standing holding the Ark of the Covenant. When they came up on the other side, they were to put these stones in a heap. And As God and Joshua had commanded. That this may be a sign among you that when your children (or the disciples we are to be growing as Christian men) ask their fathers (or friends) What’s the importance of these stones? You can tell them, that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord and these stones shall be a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And so the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded.
It is interesting to me that God desires that His power and His truth be carried to future generations via a pile of rocks. That we never forget what God has done for us. Again, this is our charge as Christian men to spread God’s word. I also thin about how many times rocks, stones, foundation or cornerstone terminology is used in the Bible to illustrate an event, a teaching, etc.?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Joshua 3
Joshua 3:15-17
15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
The verses above and some of the prior verses in Chapter 3 are showing us a teaching. A teaching from God about faith and trust. He was showing the people for a second time how powerful his promise and protection is. The first time was at the Red Sea with Moses. Now with Joshua and the 12 from the tribes of Isreal carrying the ark. God is showing that he will deliver on his promises if His people will just believe in Him. The 12 priest carrying the ark must step in the Jordon by their faith first, then God will part the waters. Thus the lesson: your faith in God will receive His promise. And trust by Isreal in God is developing. Is it 100% yet? Im not sure. But s/ we not trust God regardless of our hardship. It is a "full faith in scenario" or not? Why isn't it that simple?"
15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
The verses above and some of the prior verses in Chapter 3 are showing us a teaching. A teaching from God about faith and trust. He was showing the people for a second time how powerful his promise and protection is. The first time was at the Red Sea with Moses. Now with Joshua and the 12 from the tribes of Isreal carrying the ark. God is showing that he will deliver on his promises if His people will just believe in Him. The 12 priest carrying the ark must step in the Jordon by their faith first, then God will part the waters. Thus the lesson: your faith in God will receive His promise. And trust by Isreal in God is developing. Is it 100% yet? Im not sure. But s/ we not trust God regardless of our hardship. It is a "full faith in scenario" or not? Why isn't it that simple?"
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Joshua 2
1.Joshua 2:9 - and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land 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.
Joshua 2:11 - When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
2.Joshua 2:24 - They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
I picked up on the melting in fear and hearts melting. What a story of God's wrath for those that don't believe vs. those that do, meaning His people. But think of what these phrases, this type of information must had meant to the spies for the eventual battle - it must have been like getting vital information, military secrets. And other parts of the scripture, the bond that was made between strangers - the spies and Rahab. What does that tell us about being in community and fellowship with Christ?!!! Yes, there were "terms of engagement" for the pact but that in itself is an amazing story of how God will work in our lives daily. He can work in our lives immediately, on the spot.
Joshua 2:11 - When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
2.Joshua 2:24 - They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
I picked up on the melting in fear and hearts melting. What a story of God's wrath for those that don't believe vs. those that do, meaning His people. But think of what these phrases, this type of information must had meant to the spies for the eventual battle - it must have been like getting vital information, military secrets. And other parts of the scripture, the bond that was made between strangers - the spies and Rahab. What does that tell us about being in community and fellowship with Christ?!!! Yes, there were "terms of engagement" for the pact but that in itself is an amazing story of how God will work in our lives daily. He can work in our lives immediately, on the spot.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Wednesday - Joshua 1
Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Three times Joshua is reminded to be strong and courageous. And in verse 9 God emphatically makes the point. He is lifting Joshua up to be the leader of God's people. The leader that must follow after Mose's death. Joshua must lead God's people back towards the promise land yet keep them on task as instructed that they can only go so far on this journey home. God is very clear in his instructions to Joshua (just as Jesus was clear in His instructions to the disciples and ultimately even to us...): be strong and courageous, be careful to obey the law of Moses. Stay in the middle of the road, do not fall in the left ditch or the right ditch. Always have the Law ready and pray on it daily, follow it strictly, do not be afraid or discouraged because God is with you wherever you go.
Sounds like a text conversation we just had a couple of days ago about living in confidence with Jesus. But more importantly, the Gospel gives us this same message from Jesus...be strong, courageous in your faith, steadfast in your practice.
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Three times Joshua is reminded to be strong and courageous. And in verse 9 God emphatically makes the point. He is lifting Joshua up to be the leader of God's people. The leader that must follow after Mose's death. Joshua must lead God's people back towards the promise land yet keep them on task as instructed that they can only go so far on this journey home. God is very clear in his instructions to Joshua (just as Jesus was clear in His instructions to the disciples and ultimately even to us...): be strong and courageous, be careful to obey the law of Moses. Stay in the middle of the road, do not fall in the left ditch or the right ditch. Always have the Law ready and pray on it daily, follow it strictly, do not be afraid or discouraged because God is with you wherever you go.
Sounds like a text conversation we just had a couple of days ago about living in confidence with Jesus. But more importantly, the Gospel gives us this same message from Jesus...be strong, courageous in your faith, steadfast in your practice.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Revelation 22
Rev 22:11 - Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy."
Jesus is coming very soon and there is no more time for people to change and repent, the time is now or never. What if someone has read all of Revelations like we have and stilL is not ready to accept Christ, there is no hope for them now...
Rev 22:18-21 - I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Another warning from God and Christ but this time it is to anyone who may try to tamper or twist the scripture in Revelations. They will be cursed with the plagues and removed from the tree of life and not allowed to enter the Holy City. I assume that means they will be damned to the lake of fire for eternity. Think of all the warnings in Revelation, yet there will be some that never accept Christ. I pray for them all.
Jesus is coming very soon and there is no more time for people to change and repent, the time is now or never. What if someone has read all of Revelations like we have and stilL is not ready to accept Christ, there is no hope for them now...
Rev 22:18-21 - I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Another warning from God and Christ but this time it is to anyone who may try to tamper or twist the scripture in Revelations. They will be cursed with the plagues and removed from the tree of life and not allowed to enter the Holy City. I assume that means they will be damned to the lake of fire for eternity. Think of all the warnings in Revelation, yet there will be some that never accept Christ. I pray for them all.
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