Month: January 2012

Joshua 11-12

Joshua 11 and 12-So far, after the Jericho incident with Achan, Israel has been obedient to God, giving Him the honor for the victories even though they could have said it was in their strength they did these things.

Joshua 11 and 12-So far, after the Jericho incident with Achan, Israel has been obedient to God, giving Him the honor for the victories even though they could have said it was in their strength they did these things. The one area they did in their own power, and they knew it, was with the Gibeonites. This chapter summarizes their obedience and then, even, attributes that to God’s power, which shows it is not by our might nor by our power but by what the Lord determines.

This reminds me of the book of Acts, although a violent version of the book of Acts. The church went out to conquer the world for Jesus, to bring them under the dominion of Christ, all under the power of Christ living in them through the Holy Spirit. Here we see Israel, under the power and direction of God, going out to conquer the land for God, bringing it under the dominion of God.

How are we doing in bringing the dominion of God into our world? Are we obedient in what He asks us to do, no matter how hard/harsh it may seem or do we try to get along with as little as we can? Do we recognize His hand in all matters of our life or do we attribute our place, circumstances, abilities, successes, etc. to ourselves? Are we, as it will state in Judges, doing right in our own eyes, which did not turn out too well for Israel? Or, are we joining in the work that God is already doing in the world?

Kind of short and different reading. A list of kings defeated by Moses and Joshua (actually God used them to accomplish His work in the world that He had placed them).

What kind of work is God wanting to accomplish through you in your area of influence?

Joshua 7-10

I found it interesting that Joshua 7 is a chapter of God’s anger against those who disobey Him and how one’s sin brings calamities on others. The parallel with Acts 5 and God’s anger over the lying of Ananias and Sapphira are amazing.

I found it interesting that Joshua 7 is a chapter of God’s anger against those who disobey Him and how one’s sin brings calamities on others. The parallel with Acts 5 and God’s anger over the lying of Ananias and Sapphira are amazing. Each was given at the beginning of the new adventure for Israel and the Church to show that God is serious about obedience. However, this type of event only shows up once in each testament; I wonder why?

There are other parts of chapter 7 that are interesting, but I will let you discover them.

Chapter 8 would be interesting to Achan. If he had obeyed God’s command to not take plunder from Jericho, he would have been able to take plunder from Ai. Sometimes we attempt to take God’s work and do it ourselves. We create trouble for ourselves as Isaiah tells us. If we wait on Him, as Isaiah and the Psalmist also remind us, we will be blessed because we trust in the Lord. I wonder in what areas of my life I am running ahead of the Lord.

Chapter 9 is a great description of Satan’s antics. He deceives us into believing lies in order for us to accept him and his values in our life. Verse 14 is the tell verse: they did not ask the Lord about the matter. How many times do we run ahead and do what we want, neglecting to ask God what He would have us to do? The danger is always compromise with the world.

It would be interesting to look ahead to see what role the Gibeonites would play in Israel’s downfall.

Chapter 10 shows us how Israel had to use its resources to defend the Gibeonites from attack. Their sin in not relying on God is now costing them manpower and time. But God was with them here because they were honoring their contract (which I still think they should not have honored the covenant because of the deception of the Gibeonites). God used this event to allow Joshua to conquer most of what we call Israel.

When we obey God, we succeed. When we disobey Him, we fail. However, even in that failure, God can still use us to accomplish His work in the world. However, there are consequences that we still must face (i.e., Moses could not enter the Promised Land, the Gibeonites become a thorn in the flesh, Achan dies, etc.).

So what are your thoughts?

Tomorrow’s reading will be shorter.

Joshua 1-6

I read through Joshua 1-6 this morning and found that Joshua was commanded to find his courage in God, was told to look to see what the Lord was doing, and, then, join Him in doing it, and, when he obeyed, God fulfilled His Word and made Joshua’s purpose evident to all around.

I read through Joshua 1-6 this morning and found that Joshua was commanded to find his courage in God, was told to look to see what the Lord was doing, and, then, join Him in doing it, and, when he obeyed, God fulfilled His Word and made Joshua’s purpose evident to all around.

Joshua carried with him testimonies of what the Lord had done (he and the twelve tribes). What are you carrying as a remembrance of what God has done for you? The purpose is for you to remember Him and for others to ask you why you have your remembrance as a tool of testimony.

Things got tough for Joshua, and you, but he still followed what the Lord had told him to do (chapter 5 is gruesome and odd but necessary).

Did you notice, at the end of chapter 5, that God presented Himself to Joshua due to his obedience?

This year is as we choose to obey what God has called us to do: stay away from the things God hates, cling to what God loves, focus our thoughts, actions, attitude, etc., on Him, and let His light shine through us. How are we doing?

I pray you see the same truths as Joshua did when he stepped into the Jordan River and found that the Lord is indeed good. I ask that God show you what He is doing in your area of influence. Be blessed today as you choose to bless Him.