Arise and Abide

Reading Judges 2:6-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The pattern of Israel following the LORD but then returning to other gods. The people who were faithful died and then the people no longer acknowledging the LORD. The people abandon the LORD, and the LORD brings them back. God’s plan to change the world is us. God uses His people to help and rescue His people. Our nature to go back to selfish ways. The key piece to God using us to change the world is God’s own Holy Spirit. We are part of God’s plan. Reaching out to people who need restoration and rescue through Jesus.

Reading Joshua 24:19-33 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Finishing the book of Joshua. The people committed themselves saying, “We will serve the LORD…” twice. Joshua knows the people will fail and the need for a savior. Don’t worship idols doesn’t seem like a big ask.  Joshua pushing the people to consider the consequences of turning away from God, Jesus urged the disciples to count the cost of following Him.  The consumer culture of instant gratification can cause us to go to modern idols.   Luke 14:26, the freedom of surrender.  

Reading Joshua 24:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joshua, letting go of any leadership he has over the people, offers them the choice of following God or turning away. The importance of remembering. Recounting their story all the way back to when Abraham was with his family, his father Nahor, worshiping idols. God is faithful to His promises. Matthew 6:24, you cannot serve two masters. The story going back to Abraham’s father Nahor worshiping idols shows that it doesn’t matter where you started from, what matters is trusting God and living by faith. What it looks like to serve the LORD Matthew 20:25.

Reading Joshua 23:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joshua gives the people an encouragement, instructions, and a warning.it is tempting to lose sight of where you are going when there is a change in leadership, Joshua gives all the glory and credit to God. Instructions to not turn from God, neither to the left nor the right and the danger of churches being distracted by political morality instead of biblical truth. Intentionally cling tightly to God. God’s word has come and is coming to fruition.

Reading Joshua 22:1-34 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joshua’s encouragement in 22:5. Israel was afraid the two and a half tribes were going to bring trouble on all of Israel. The two and a half tribes were afraid the rest of Israel may exclude them from future worship. Israel’s first response was to prepare for war, then sent a delegation to speak with the two and a half tribes to gather more information. They are set at ease when they hear their hearts on the matter. Coming to judgments without all the information, without hearing out a person’s heart on the matter. The importance of communication.

Reading Psalms 61:1-8 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David cries from the ends of the earth. Being scattered, overwhelmed, and how God draws us to Himself. God’s presence, brings protection, and gives us peace. When we are overwhelmed and do not feel safe, we can feel alone. Matthew 5:3. When we are in the struggle, we need to purposefully move our mind back to God, who is near and is drawing you close. Sanctuary, literally meant “tent” just like the Tabernacle. God chooses to live and dwell with people. Deuteronomy 5:29, “Oh that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would proser forever. John 15:13-17, there is no longer a master/slave relationship; now there is friendship as were are adopted into the family of the promise.

Reading Joshua 22:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jumping from chapter 11 to chapter 22. God helping Israel clear out the land, dividing the land, Caleb getting his allotment of land, the daughters of Zelophehad getting their land. Some of the tribes failing to fully drive out the people. Cities of Refuge established. Joshua’s encouragement to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh. Joshua does not want the distance, or the natural barrier of the Jordan river keep them from staying rooted in the LORD, Jeremiah 17:7-8. Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:11. Following Jesus means making disciples and being discipled.

Reading Joshua 11:1-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Israel once again is faced with a collective of kings and their armies seeking to destroy Israel. God once again says “do not be afraid”. Isaiah 31:1, trusting in military might and not in the LORD. Joshua killing the descendants of Anak, the giants that the people of Israel were afraid of when they first sent spies into the land.  Joshua’s victories came because of His obedience to the instructions God gave Moses and Moses gave to him. We have a call to obey and follow Jesus.

Reading Joshua 10:16-43 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Israel’s history of wishy-washy obedience seeming to come to an end. Victories continue coming from the LORD as they obey. The confidence boosting/faith building moments of victory. The repeated encouragement to not be afraid or discouraged but to be strong and courageous.  Keeping eyes focused on God and the call He has put on your life will go well for you and your life.

Reading Joshua 10:1-15 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Gibeonites’ deception was an act of faith that the LORD would do what the LORD said He would do. Jacob’s deception and the consequences of his lies. The Gibeonites were known to have strong warriors. Just like all the other victories, this was an act of God. The LORD through them into a panic and the hailstorm that killed more than the Israelites killed with their swords. The LORD didn’t use the Amorite kings to take out the people who tricked God’s people into a treaty, instead He rescued them.  Even in the Old Testament we see examples of people turning to God.