Joshua 14
(Verses 8-13)
I just had to make a special journal entry for this small passage of scripture.
I absolutely loved reading how Caleb boasted - in the Lord. He was so thankful that he was 85 years old and in as good shape as ever! He's even talking about "driving the Anakites out of their land"!
For some reason, it strikes me funny when "characters" in the bible say or do something that makes them more "human" - in my eyes. I truly believe the bible is the inspired word of God, the living word, and I fully trust that these people existed. They were real! But, I've been reading or hearing about these people and their stories since I was little and there are some cases that they almost become "fictional" to me.
That's why I appreciate hearing an old man bragging about being as strong as he was in his youth - that he can travel and fight as good as he did before! I just just see him kicking his leg up over a chair as he said it too, just in case they didn't believe him. Grampy used to do that...
There's a powerful message in his Caleb's testimony. At first he appears to be proud - a self-reliant soldier. Although he begins by saying what he had to "do" to maintain his health it quickly becomes apparent that he wasn't tooting his own horn. He said "for my part, I followed the Lord, my God, completely."
He was simply giving credit where credit was due! He continued by saying, "the Lord has kept me alive and well."
Indeed He did. Just as He had promised.
Caleb's testimony reminded me that when we are truly witnessing, we are not talking about ourselves, but about God.
God uses our stories, but all the glory is His! Amen!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Take a look in the mirror, girlfriend.
Joshua 4-13
More miracles! God parted the Jordan and His people (once again) walked on dry ground! Honestly, it's hard to believe that they are going to turn away from God again. It's just a matter of when.
As I was reading this passage, I'm embarrassed to admit that I wasn't exactly cheering for the Israelites. I was fist pumping God, excited that He showed his power again but I couldn't help but think, "They don't deserve all that God has done for them."
Wow. Self-righteous much?
But really, I couldn't help but think about how much God has done for the Israelites. I mean, He did A LOT! And it's not just what He's done for them, but how many times He's forgiven them!
And Moses has already prophesied that they are going to turn their backs on God again! "Why, those ungrateful, disobedient, sandal wearing, cloud following...."
Then the light bulb flickered.
How have I been any different? How many times have I expected God to give me HIS best, when I was so unwilling to give him MY best?
It's caused me to change the way I look at obedience. It's made me want to please God.
Even though I know that God knows my heart inside and out...there are times when I don't. I know my salvation is not about acts but I kind of like having a "tangible" way to show God that I love Him back.
Boy, it's real easy to see the faults in others, eh? Maybe I ought to take the plank out of my eye next time I look in the mirror.
More miracles! God parted the Jordan and His people (once again) walked on dry ground! Honestly, it's hard to believe that they are going to turn away from God again. It's just a matter of when.
As I was reading this passage, I'm embarrassed to admit that I wasn't exactly cheering for the Israelites. I was fist pumping God, excited that He showed his power again but I couldn't help but think, "They don't deserve all that God has done for them."
Wow. Self-righteous much?
But really, I couldn't help but think about how much God has done for the Israelites. I mean, He did A LOT! And it's not just what He's done for them, but how many times He's forgiven them!
And Moses has already prophesied that they are going to turn their backs on God again! "Why, those ungrateful, disobedient, sandal wearing, cloud following...."
Then the light bulb flickered.
How have I been any different? How many times have I expected God to give me HIS best, when I was so unwilling to give him MY best?
It's caused me to change the way I look at obedience. It's made me want to please God.
Even though I know that God knows my heart inside and out...there are times when I don't. I know my salvation is not about acts but I kind of like having a "tangible" way to show God that I love Him back.
Boy, it's real easy to see the faults in others, eh? Maybe I ought to take the plank out of my eye next time I look in the mirror.
Is seeing the ONLY way to believe?
Joshua 1-3
The book of Joshua was only 24 chapters so I read them over a couple of days. Most of the book is an account of the wars that were fought and what land was given to which tribe.
I found myself skimming through a lot of Joshua. However, when I went back to begin journaling what I had underlined, I realized there were quite a few things that touched my heart and lessons to be learned in this great book.
First, I loved the little "pep talk" God gave, directly, to Joshua. He tells him three times "be strong and courageous!" He also tells him not to be discouraged, or afraid, and to keep His laws. He promises to be with him just as He was with Moses!
"I will not fail you or abandon you." (1:5)
That must have meant a lot to Joshua because I'm sure he questioned his ability to follow in the steps of Moses.
The people even assured him that they would "do what he commanded and go where he sends them" and mimicked the words of their God - "be strong and courageous!"
I imagine people were tempted to "compare" Joshua's leadership to that of Moses. In fact, the bible records moments when they said to him, "the Lord instructed Moses...."
Joshua could have fallen into a trap of self doubt but instead he marched on knowing that God was with him and that he had a very specific purpose!
Both he and Moses had their own part to play and Joshua must have been able to recognize that. He understood that the nation's true leader was God and THAT never changed.
Only the instrument He used.
True to his word (was there any doubt?) God went ahead and showed them favor long before the Israelites took their first step into battle.
Joshua sent two spies into the promise land much the way Moses did, to "size up" the competition. However, this time...the outcome was very different. They ran into a prostitute and this is what she told them:
1. I know the Lord has given you this land.
2. We are all afraid. EVERYONE is living in terror.
3. We have heard the Lord has made a dry path for you.
4. Our hearts are melted in fear!
5. NO ONE has the courage to fight.
6. Your God, is the supreme God.
7. Jericho will be conquered.
Imagine!!! Knowing you are going to war and the opposition is scared to death of you! They do not have the courage to fight!
God HAS gone before you!
Just as God said, waaaaay back in Exodus, people are hearing the great things He has done for them!
In chapter 2 verse 24 the spies went back to the people and told them, "the Lord is going to give us the whole land for sure! All of the people in the land are terrified of our people!!"
Um, yeah. Hasn't God been telling them that all along?
Why is we have to see for ourselves or even hear it from someone else before we believe that what God says is true?
The book of Joshua was only 24 chapters so I read them over a couple of days. Most of the book is an account of the wars that were fought and what land was given to which tribe.
I found myself skimming through a lot of Joshua. However, when I went back to begin journaling what I had underlined, I realized there were quite a few things that touched my heart and lessons to be learned in this great book.
First, I loved the little "pep talk" God gave, directly, to Joshua. He tells him three times "be strong and courageous!" He also tells him not to be discouraged, or afraid, and to keep His laws. He promises to be with him just as He was with Moses!
"I will not fail you or abandon you." (1:5)
That must have meant a lot to Joshua because I'm sure he questioned his ability to follow in the steps of Moses.
The people even assured him that they would "do what he commanded and go where he sends them" and mimicked the words of their God - "be strong and courageous!"
I imagine people were tempted to "compare" Joshua's leadership to that of Moses. In fact, the bible records moments when they said to him, "the Lord instructed Moses...."
Joshua could have fallen into a trap of self doubt but instead he marched on knowing that God was with him and that he had a very specific purpose!
Both he and Moses had their own part to play and Joshua must have been able to recognize that. He understood that the nation's true leader was God and THAT never changed.
Only the instrument He used.
True to his word (was there any doubt?) God went ahead and showed them favor long before the Israelites took their first step into battle.
Joshua sent two spies into the promise land much the way Moses did, to "size up" the competition. However, this time...the outcome was very different. They ran into a prostitute and this is what she told them:
1. I know the Lord has given you this land.
2. We are all afraid. EVERYONE is living in terror.
3. We have heard the Lord has made a dry path for you.
4. Our hearts are melted in fear!
5. NO ONE has the courage to fight.
6. Your God, is the supreme God.
7. Jericho will be conquered.
Imagine!!! Knowing you are going to war and the opposition is scared to death of you! They do not have the courage to fight!
God HAS gone before you!
Just as God said, waaaaay back in Exodus, people are hearing the great things He has done for them!
In chapter 2 verse 24 the spies went back to the people and told them, "the Lord is going to give us the whole land for sure! All of the people in the land are terrified of our people!!"
Um, yeah. Hasn't God been telling them that all along?
Why is we have to see for ourselves or even hear it from someone else before we believe that what God says is true?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
...the end of book five.
So it turns out I really enjoyed the book of Deuteronomy. It was basically a review of the first four books of the bible.
It gave me many glimpses of God's character and how faithful His love is - even when we are stubborn and rebellious. There were a lot of great verses in this book about fear and loving God.
Jesus himself quoted this book a few times during his ministry. When he was asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, He answered them:
I also loved one of the messages that Moses tried to get through to the Israelites in this chapter. He explained to them that God didn't chose them as a nation because they were a great people but simply because He loves them and because He made a promise to their ancestors.
It's that simple.
God keeps His promises. Love Him with all your heart, mind and soul.
Yes, Deuteronomy was a great book.
It gave me many glimpses of God's character and how faithful His love is - even when we are stubborn and rebellious. There were a lot of great verses in this book about fear and loving God.
Jesus himself quoted this book a few times during his ministry. When he was asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, He answered them:
I also loved one of the messages that Moses tried to get through to the Israelites in this chapter. He explained to them that God didn't chose them as a nation because they were a great people but simply because He loves them and because He made a promise to their ancestors.
It's that simple.
God keeps His promises. Love Him with all your heart, mind and soul.
Yes, Deuteronomy was a great book.
A legacy worth living for....
Deuteronomy 12 - 34
The finish line is just around the bend! I can see the end of this book as I round the corner!
Although there have been many truths and encouraging passages in this book, there has also been an awful lot of rules and regulations for a time period that is really hard for me to relate to.
I found myself "skimming" as I read about how the Israelites weren't supposed to plow with an ox and a donkey together, or wear clothes made of wool and linen woven together.
Seriously?
Are we supposed to apply these rules today? Do we ignore them? Simply dismiss them as they are for people "a long time ago in a land far away...."?
What was their purpose? How do we decide which rules do apply today?
So many questions...and like I mentioned earlier - it makes for a long read.
That's why I get so excited when a passage, or a promise, such as the following, comes along!
"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the Lord, your God, is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory." (Chapter 20:3-4)
That, my readers, is a GREAT promise!
Moses is using the last days, weeks and months of his life to tell the Israelites over and over again, that God will either bless them greatly...or curse them greatly. It's their choice.
And just like we do as parents, he spends double time in warning mode - telling them in great detail of how they will be cursed.
He explains how easy it is and how it brings God great pleasure to bless them, if they only "love the Lord and keep His commands, laws and regulations by walking in His ways."
He reminds them that God's laws aren't secrets, or held in distant places but have been revealed in a very clear way.
He even writes a song for Israel to memorize! An easy way for them to remember his teachings! How funny is that? I used to do the same thing with my children when they were younger to help them study for tests!
Before He died, Moses made sure the people of Israel knew that Joshua was their new leader and a prophet. He wanted to be sure they knew they weren't going to be "shepherdless."
...and so ends the life of Moses. Just like that. I came to the paragraph and read of his death. Four verses.
Like a breath.
It reminded me that we are all the same. People will read of our death, in the paper - a couple of paragraphs (if we're lucky)....just like Moses.
Our life, like Moses', will be as a breath. A mere vapour in the big scheme of things.
Moses left a great legacy. He was a human instrument in the creation of the nation of Israel. He lead them our of slavery, unleashed the ten plaques against Egypt, he guided the freed slaves for 40 years, he carried down the law from Mount Sinai and he prepared God's people to enter the promised land.
But above all that, he was a man that loved and obeyed God.
I'm pretty sure I won't free a nation in my lifetime, (although that's for God to decide) but do pray that my legacy is that of Moses.
I want to be known as someone who loved and obeyed God.
...with ALL my heart.
The finish line is just around the bend! I can see the end of this book as I round the corner!
Although there have been many truths and encouraging passages in this book, there has also been an awful lot of rules and regulations for a time period that is really hard for me to relate to.
I found myself "skimming" as I read about how the Israelites weren't supposed to plow with an ox and a donkey together, or wear clothes made of wool and linen woven together.
Seriously?
Are we supposed to apply these rules today? Do we ignore them? Simply dismiss them as they are for people "a long time ago in a land far away...."?
What was their purpose? How do we decide which rules do apply today?
So many questions...and like I mentioned earlier - it makes for a long read.
That's why I get so excited when a passage, or a promise, such as the following, comes along!
"Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the Lord, your God, is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory." (Chapter 20:3-4)
That, my readers, is a GREAT promise!
Moses is using the last days, weeks and months of his life to tell the Israelites over and over again, that God will either bless them greatly...or curse them greatly. It's their choice.
And just like we do as parents, he spends double time in warning mode - telling them in great detail of how they will be cursed.
He explains how easy it is and how it brings God great pleasure to bless them, if they only "love the Lord and keep His commands, laws and regulations by walking in His ways."
He reminds them that God's laws aren't secrets, or held in distant places but have been revealed in a very clear way.
He even writes a song for Israel to memorize! An easy way for them to remember his teachings! How funny is that? I used to do the same thing with my children when they were younger to help them study for tests!
Before He died, Moses made sure the people of Israel knew that Joshua was their new leader and a prophet. He wanted to be sure they knew they weren't going to be "shepherdless."
...and so ends the life of Moses. Just like that. I came to the paragraph and read of his death. Four verses.
Like a breath.
It reminded me that we are all the same. People will read of our death, in the paper - a couple of paragraphs (if we're lucky)....just like Moses.
Our life, like Moses', will be as a breath. A mere vapour in the big scheme of things.
Moses left a great legacy. He was a human instrument in the creation of the nation of Israel. He lead them our of slavery, unleashed the ten plaques against Egypt, he guided the freed slaves for 40 years, he carried down the law from Mount Sinai and he prepared God's people to enter the promised land.
But above all that, he was a man that loved and obeyed God.
I'm pretty sure I won't free a nation in my lifetime, (although that's for God to decide) but do pray that my legacy is that of Moses.
I want to be known as someone who loved and obeyed God.
...with ALL my heart.
If the shoe fits (and doesn't blister my feet)....
Deuteronomy 5-11
After reviewing the commandments, (you'd think they would know them off by heart by now) Moses, again, stresses that they need to be careful and obey all of them. He repeats, "if you love God with all of your heart - God will greatly bless you."
If they don't - they will be destroyed just as their enemies have been.
So, he's reminded them of the commandments, but now he's about to give them a set of regulations that will teach them how to demonstrate their unique relationship with God.
He explains to them, for the upteenth time, that these laws are for their own good. To help them prosper.
He warns them never to foget that it was God that brought them to where they now are.
I needed that reminder, too. It easy to forget (or take for granted) that when my "land" is flowing with milk and honey and things are going great, that it was God that brought me there.
I was born in an absolutely, beautiful, free country - - that was God.
My amazing childhood, surrounded by family that loved me no matter what - - God too!
My loyal friends that are so much fun to hang out with and allow me to lean on when I need support - - God.
Two beautiful children that I was blessed beyond measure with - my heavenly father.
A partner to share life's valley's and mountains with, someone who has my back, no matter what -- God planned that one, as well.
A home, car, money to buy food, clothing and whatever might come along - all God!
I could keep going...
Often times, the journey is rough along the way.
For the Isrealites, they were slaves but God delivered them. They were hungry - God fed them manna.
They were thirsty and water flowed from a rock - coincidence? I think not...
Moses taught them that those circumstances, those times of trials, were allowed by God to humble them so they would never think it was on their own strength and engery that made them wealthy.
He also noted that even when God disciplined them, He did it to help them...as a parent loves their child.
I find myself rereading little details that could be easily missed. Small details that uncover God's great power! "Their clothes didn't wear and their feet didn't blister and swell during the 40 years they were in the dessert!"
...and I'm sure they appreciated it!
Oh! How He loves us!
After reviewing the commandments, (you'd think they would know them off by heart by now) Moses, again, stresses that they need to be careful and obey all of them. He repeats, "if you love God with all of your heart - God will greatly bless you."
If they don't - they will be destroyed just as their enemies have been.
So, he's reminded them of the commandments, but now he's about to give them a set of regulations that will teach them how to demonstrate their unique relationship with God.
He explains to them, for the upteenth time, that these laws are for their own good. To help them prosper.
He warns them never to foget that it was God that brought them to where they now are.
I needed that reminder, too. It easy to forget (or take for granted) that when my "land" is flowing with milk and honey and things are going great, that it was God that brought me there.
I was born in an absolutely, beautiful, free country - - that was God.
My amazing childhood, surrounded by family that loved me no matter what - - God too!
My loyal friends that are so much fun to hang out with and allow me to lean on when I need support - - God.
Two beautiful children that I was blessed beyond measure with - my heavenly father.
A partner to share life's valley's and mountains with, someone who has my back, no matter what -- God planned that one, as well.
A home, car, money to buy food, clothing and whatever might come along - all God!
I could keep going...
Often times, the journey is rough along the way.
For the Isrealites, they were slaves but God delivered them. They were hungry - God fed them manna.
They were thirsty and water flowed from a rock - coincidence? I think not...
Moses taught them that those circumstances, those times of trials, were allowed by God to humble them so they would never think it was on their own strength and engery that made them wealthy.
He also noted that even when God disciplined them, He did it to help them...as a parent loves their child.
I find myself rereading little details that could be easily missed. Small details that uncover God's great power! "Their clothes didn't wear and their feet didn't blister and swell during the 40 years they were in the dessert!"
...and I'm sure they appreciated it!
Oh! How He loves us!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Because He first loved me.
Deuteronomy 4
In chapter 4, Moses begins getting into the laws and regulations the Israelites will be living by in the new land.
Before he digs into them, he tells the people one of the purposes of these laws. He says that if they obey them carefully, their wisdom and intelligence will be displayed to other nations.
He says, "What great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on Him?"
He also warns them - if they don't obey God, they will be scattered and destroyed, worshiping idols of other nations. Almost immediately his warning turns into prophesy. He's actually telling them that this will happen and when it does, when those bitter days have come upon them far into the future, they will finally return to the Lord and listen to what He tells them.
"For the Lord God is merciful - he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant He made with your ancestors." (4:30,31)
It really is a beautiful chapter outlining God's wonderful love and never ending faithfulness and how He's chose to reveal Himself to us through trials, miracles, wonders, awesome power, war and terrifying acts!
Moses asks them - "Has anything this great ever happened before? Has any nation heard the voice of their god - or been rescued by their god?" (4:32,33)
I think not! If only people (not just then, but now) would open their eyes and see for themselves how great is our God! They just can't get past the rules they have to follow and commands they are called to keep.
I was at small group last night and we talked about how people get so stuck in the past, to the point where they can't move forward. They chose to stay buried beneath the rubble of their hurts and sin. If only they knew the freedom that comes from letting God grab hold of their heart and heal them.
It's so sad to me the people that go through life without God. Without the hope of a brand new future and eternal life. Who wouldn't want that? They just can't understand that they can know the creator of the universe in a very real and personal way. They assume He's far off and distant and it's a "made up" relationship that we've created.
What they don't realize is the more you experience God in a personal way, the more you want to return that love. Following His commands is a way we can do that. We don't do it out of guilt (well, some do) and we don't do it to make others feel bad (unfortunately some do that too).
We follow Him because we love Him, we want to return His love.
It's like a friend that keeps on forgiving you over and over again. You've been caught talking behind her back numerous times. You've stood her up, ditching her for other plans or other friends. You use her, keep her around for what she can give you, lend you or do for you. You apologize, sometimes because you mean it...most times because you are just expected to.
And she forgives you. She continues to forgive you. She keeps loving you. Keeps giving you gifts, lending you things. Running errands for you, when you don't even ask. She sticks up for you and speaks greatly of you, even when you aren't around.
Eventually something inside you clicks and see what a great friend she truly is. In fact, never has there been as great of friend as she. For some reason, she loves you so much...and you just gotta love back.
You start doing things for her. You meet her for coffee, even when it might not be convenient. You take time out of your busy day to pick up some things for her when she's filling ill. You watch her kids. You drive her places. You lend her your car. You do all of these things because you love her.
Not so that she will love you.
...'cause she already did.
And that is why we follow God's commands. Not so that He will love us.
...but because He already does.
And eventually ya just gotta love back.
In chapter 4, Moses begins getting into the laws and regulations the Israelites will be living by in the new land.
Before he digs into them, he tells the people one of the purposes of these laws. He says that if they obey them carefully, their wisdom and intelligence will be displayed to other nations.
He says, "What great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on Him?"
He also warns them - if they don't obey God, they will be scattered and destroyed, worshiping idols of other nations. Almost immediately his warning turns into prophesy. He's actually telling them that this will happen and when it does, when those bitter days have come upon them far into the future, they will finally return to the Lord and listen to what He tells them.
"For the Lord God is merciful - he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant He made with your ancestors." (4:30,31)
It really is a beautiful chapter outlining God's wonderful love and never ending faithfulness and how He's chose to reveal Himself to us through trials, miracles, wonders, awesome power, war and terrifying acts!
Moses asks them - "Has anything this great ever happened before? Has any nation heard the voice of their god - or been rescued by their god?" (4:32,33)
I think not! If only people (not just then, but now) would open their eyes and see for themselves how great is our God! They just can't get past the rules they have to follow and commands they are called to keep.
I was at small group last night and we talked about how people get so stuck in the past, to the point where they can't move forward. They chose to stay buried beneath the rubble of their hurts and sin. If only they knew the freedom that comes from letting God grab hold of their heart and heal them.
It's so sad to me the people that go through life without God. Without the hope of a brand new future and eternal life. Who wouldn't want that? They just can't understand that they can know the creator of the universe in a very real and personal way. They assume He's far off and distant and it's a "made up" relationship that we've created.
What they don't realize is the more you experience God in a personal way, the more you want to return that love. Following His commands is a way we can do that. We don't do it out of guilt (well, some do) and we don't do it to make others feel bad (unfortunately some do that too).
We follow Him because we love Him, we want to return His love.
It's like a friend that keeps on forgiving you over and over again. You've been caught talking behind her back numerous times. You've stood her up, ditching her for other plans or other friends. You use her, keep her around for what she can give you, lend you or do for you. You apologize, sometimes because you mean it...most times because you are just expected to.
And she forgives you. She continues to forgive you. She keeps loving you. Keeps giving you gifts, lending you things. Running errands for you, when you don't even ask. She sticks up for you and speaks greatly of you, even when you aren't around.
Eventually something inside you clicks and see what a great friend she truly is. In fact, never has there been as great of friend as she. For some reason, she loves you so much...and you just gotta love back.
You start doing things for her. You meet her for coffee, even when it might not be convenient. You take time out of your busy day to pick up some things for her when she's filling ill. You watch her kids. You drive her places. You lend her your car. You do all of these things because you love her.
Not so that she will love you.
...'cause she already did.
And that is why we follow God's commands. Not so that He will love us.
...but because He already does.
And eventually ya just gotta love back.
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