Scripture

Joshua 5:7
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.

Observation

As a result of God’s miraculous parting of the Jordan River, fear grips the hearts of the nations that occupy Canaan. All of the men of military age from the previous generation who had come out of Egypt died in the wilderness because of their unbelief (Numbers 14:26-30), so an entire generation does not bear the sign of the covenant. At Gilgal, God instructs Joshua to circumcise this new generation of sons. Following the circumcision, the Israelites celebrate the Passover at its appointed time. The day after the celebration, when the Israelites ate the first produce from the Promised Land, God’s miraculous provision of manna ceases. The chapter ends with Joshua meeting the “commander of the army of the Lord” in preparation for the battle of Jericho in chapter 6.

Understanding

The world, our nation, our families and even the church suffer from the same dilemma that faced the Israelites – a generation has grown up not knowing that they are children of God. Because of sin, rebellion, apathy and compromise, parents (paternal and spiritual) have allowed their sons and daughters to not fully understand, embrace and fulfill their identity as being “In Christ”. We have neglected to pass on our faith to the next generations; forgetting God’s command to remember and recite the Law; to impress them on our children when we sit at home and when we walk along the road (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Void of this sense of self they have fallen prey to the voices of the enemy, society, the media and the fallen culture of the day and are being formed into an image other than that as children of the King (Romans 12:1-2). Just as was needed after the wilderness crossing in order to impart a sense of identity, legacy and election, our sons and daughters need to receive a sign of consecration. At the coming of age, we do well to invite our sons and daughters, through some significant rite and symbolism, into covenant relationship with God. We need to usher them into their own personal experience with the Living God, as God has no grand-children. God has to be their God and not just the God of their forefathers. Annie and I took advantage of the opportunity to bless Tim and Leah before the church where we offered each a token possession that would act as a symbol of remembrance and identity. We chose and spoke over each one a verse that communicated destiny and promise and then we invited the church to pray for them and to covenant with us in raising our children in “…the way that they should go” (Proverbs 22:6). Just last week, at my son’s wedding, with tears in my eyes I was able to echo the sentiment of the Apostle John, who said, “it gives me no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth” and I praised God that the inheritance that He has given me live in light of New Covenant identity.

Life Application

Scripture

Joshua 4:24

²⁴ He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

Observation

In Chapter 3, the Israelites experience a miracle – God dries ups the Jordan where they are to pass, carrying the Ark of the Covenant.  This chapter gives more details regarding this miraculous passage of Israel through Jordan and shows God’s desire to memorialize it.

What stood out to me is Joshua’s obedience.

Joshua listened and was obedient to God.  God says choose 12 men to pick up 12 stones (1 each) and put them in the middle of the Jordan River; Joshua responds by having 12 stones picked up by 12 men (1 stone each) and placed in the middle of the Jordan River. 

Understanding

According to this account, there doesn’t seem to be any hesitation, any question, any argument…God speaks, Joshua responds in obedience…then Joshua speaks and the Israelites respond in obedience.

What is the end result? 

Life Application

Sometimes I wish God’s hand in my own life was this clear and succinct…where, in less than a page of text, God asks that something is done and, by the end of the page, we see the results, the celebration/reward (Joshua is exalted) and the reason (so God’s power and provision is remembered).  But I think that’s where the trust comes in.  We have to move in bold obedience even when we don’t understand, even when we don’t see the end results in the near future, even when there’s not a logical explanation.

Also, we must take time to remember what God has done in the past…and share that with our family, our friends, our children…so that God can continue to be glorified and honored. 

God, I thank you that you’ve got the big picture forever in mind – that I don’t need to know or understand the details but to simply trust that you’ve got my best in mind.  May I move in steadfast obedience towards the things you call me to.

Also, may I remember the way you’ve shown yourself real to me in the past.  In a culture where we are constantly looking for the next best thing, may I take time to recognize, remember and share what you have done for me before and what you are doing today – in ways that honor and glorify you and draw others to you – not as some magical genie, but as an incredible seeker and lover of my soul who desires relationship with me. 

To check out the discussion or to join in click here.

– Rei

Scripture

Joshua 3:7

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

Observation – What does it say?

Understanding – What does it mean?

God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called.

When I got my first offer for a paid ministry position, one year had passed since graduating from Bible College. I had been working selling paint and was minimally involved in my local church. When I got the offer, I literally laughed out loud. “No way!” I thought.

I felt unequipped to say the least. I always saw youth pastors as guys that were really cool, who had the answers and were great speakers and charismatic leaders. All characteristics I would never use to describe myself. I met with a respected mentor and asked him what he thought I should do, explaining clearly that I didn’t feel ready. I’ll never forget what he said. “Levi, when will you ever be ready?”

It was true. After much prayer, a visit to the church and several confirmations from God, we made the trip from Eugene, OR to LA for the position. I had said yes, not because I felt ready but because I felt called. I really had no idea what I was doing. Yet God caused me to be incredibly fruitful! He equipped me, gave me favor and used me to lead many young people to Christ and to teach them what it means to follow Jesus. It was incredible!

Life Application

Step into the things God is calling me to, trusting he will supply what I lack.

Scripture

Joshua 2:11

¹¹ No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.

Observation

We often talk of God’s love…so big, so great, so expansive, so forgiving.  However, this same God is ALL POWERFUL – powerful to heal and provide, yes…but also powerful to reconcile and even destroy. 

The spies are sent to Jericho to “scout the land.”  They discover that the land is full of fear, dread and panic.  The people in and around Jericho have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea and destroyed the Amorite kings…the same Lord that I call my comforter and healer and provider was seen by these people as something to be feared BUT in that, they recognized that God was all powerful and reigned “supreme.”

Understanding

We get a picture here that God’s will WILL be done. 

Exodus 14

The Pharaoh played games with God’s people – first holding them captive as slaves, brutalizing them, then going back and forth about whether or not he would let them go free.  Then when he finally let them go, they chased after them through the parted Red Sea and essentially got swallowed up and drowned by the sea once the Israelites had safely made their way through.

Numbers 21

Sihon refused to let the Israeliltes pass through his country. In response, Israel fought them and took their land.

Then Og – the last of the giants – tried to oppose them and were “utterly destroyed.”

Romans 8:31 – What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

There is no doubt that God is WITH the Israelites and there seems to be little doubt in anyone’s mind that if they seek to take over Jericho, it will be done.

Life Application

So, what does all this mean for me/us today?  As I’m reading this, two things come to mind.  First, I don’t know about you, but I want to be on God’s side in any battles; opposing Him does not seem to bode well for those who choose that path.  Second, I must be diligent in seeking out the lost who may currently be on the “wrong side” of those battle lines.  Though we may not be suiting up and physically walking into battle today, there is definitely a spiritual battle taking place all around us.  Am I doing may part to win lost souls for Him?  Am I doing it to the best of my abilities?

Heavenly Father, may my heart be on fire to serve you and you alone.  Furthermore, may I see through your eyes – as I see lost souls, may I be open to being used to win them to you.  Keep me ready, keep me humble.  May I remember that there is nothing more important during my time here on Earth than this.  Use me today.  Amen. 

To check out the discussion or to join in click here.

– Rei

James 5:16
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Observation

In this last chapter of the epistle written by the brother of the Lord, James covers three issues.

He begins the chapter by condemning the selfish rich who oppress the poor, hoard their wealth and exploit their workers. He warns them that their self-indulgent lifestyle is a recipe for ruin and judgment. James then encourages the believers to be patient and steadfast as they wait for the Lord’s coming; even in the face of suffering. He lifts up Job and the prophets of old as examples of those who have been blessed as they persevered. He cautions regarding grumbling against one another and invites the brothers to deal with each other in the simplicity of honesty and integrity. Finally, James gives exhortation and examples of how to operate in fervent and effectual prayer. He spotlights Elijah’s ministry of power and miracles as an example to follow; closing the chapter and book by pointing out the profit and blessing of turning a sinning brother or sister back to the faith.

Understanding

Elijah was nothing special

As I read the biblical accounts of those who performed great exploits and miraculous deeds, it’s easy to look at them as a select handful of people to whom God gave special wisdom, insight, courage and strength; supernatural gifts and empowerment that was only available to the elite – those few whom God culled out of the heard and anointed unto these mighty deeds. Yet James points out that Elijah, perhaps the boldest and most dynamic prophet of the Old Testament, and one who would surely qualify as one of the super-saints described above, was a mere human being. This prophet who challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, who defied evil Ahab and Jezebel, and whose prayers held back the rain from the skies, was nothing special; no different than any one of us. His only qualification was that he was willing to say yes to the call of God on His life. He had no special ability other than availability. All of the righteousness that made every miracle, every healing, every display of God’s power possible – even resurrection from the dead! – was provided by God to a surrendered servant. It reiterates the tried and true statement that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.

Life Application

I can be as special as was Elijah

This truth is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it encourages me to know that, as I live a life that aligns me with the perfect will of God, I can position myself to be used by God in ways as miraculous as those chronicled in the pages of scripture. Yet, on the other hand, I am now without excuse; other than my own laziness, apathy and sin, for the reason why God’s power is not moving in and through me. Since I, like Elijah, qualify as a mere human being, I pray that I would believe, obey and act with the same faith he exercised that allowed God to bring such glory to His great Name.

Scripture

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Observation – What does it say?

In his continuing instruction to believers everywhere, the brother of Jesus and now pastor of the church in Jerusalem, James, wants his audience to understand the marks of true wisdom. He makes a distinction between wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual and has demonic origin and the true wisdom that is from heaven.

Understanding – What does it mean?

True wisdom is displayed through a good life, good deeds and humility.

Many people are said to be wise and understanding because of their eloquent speech, good arguments, and ability to win verbal debates. But according to scripture, none of those things are included as characteristics of the wise.

Life Application

Honestly evaluate my wisdom.

Ask God for wisdom!

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Scripture

James 2:17

¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Observation

James was written to the Jewish believers in Jesus as a letter of encouragement and teaching.  They had been victims of harassment of some kind and were being taken advantage of by their rich neighbors (1:2; 2:6).  He wrote these discouraged disciples to encourage them not to lose heart. But he also wanted them to understand that as disciples, it was not enough to simply have faith…but, rather, they needed to have “practical, living, everyday faith” – which, for James, equaled good works.

Understanding

We cannot call ourselves Christ followers just because we show up at church on a Sunday or because we believe there is a God (v 20) or just because we profess to be one.  We are called to be God’s hands and feet in the world, to serve others (1 Peter 4:10), to LOVE others – even those who make it difficult (Matt. 5:44).

Why?

God spreads the kingdom through the church.

Our good works are open to observation by others; faith is not; therefore good works make faith visible.

I remember hearing several years ago (here at DSC) that our mission in life is “to know God and make Him known.”  That has stuck with me to this day and it’s something I pray over my children almost nightly.  Faith is knowing God; but works is a part of making Him known.  As Christians, in pursuit of making Christ followers, we cannot have one without the other.

Life Application

We are called to take care of the poor, the down and out, the hungry, the widows and orphans…and not for the glory of us – to be known as “good people,” but for the glory of God and as an extension of His love.  (Matt 6:1-18, James 1:27; James 2:8).

So…go love on somebody! <3 

Dear God, it is such an HONOR to be used by you.  May I take TODAY to purposely look for ways to make you known…ways that I can pour out Your love and mercy and grace on those around me.  Please open my eyes to the opportunities.  Thank you for the resources you’ve provided for me to do so – whether that be time, talent or resources.  May I pursue both faith AND good deeds!…seeking both to KNOW you and MAKE YOU KNOWN.  In your name we pray.  Amen.

To check out the discussion or to join in click here.

– Rei