Arise and Abide

Reading Joshua 9:1-27 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The difference between what we see and what God sees.  We can only see what is presented to us, God sees down into people’s heart. Israel relied on their own examination and do not consult the LORD.  The call for us to remain in a posture of humility so that we go to God for everything we need.

Reading Joshua 8:30-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Following the victory that came after defeat, Joshua and the Israelites take the time to worship the LORD their God. Worshiping God with building an altar, sacrificing, and reading the Word. The importance of taking time to remember God, His Word and promises, God’s covenant and all that God has done. Hearing again the words of Moses from Deuteronomy 20, regulations concerning war, versus one through four. The enemy is not people, the enemy is our selfishness, our propensity to sin, and the advisory who points fingers, accuses, and seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, all that God is doing in your life.  God’s heart has always been for us to return to Him.

Reading Psalms 60:1-12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A psalm useful for teaching. David pointing out the need to turn to God in the face of defeat and teaching that truth to his people. 2 Samuel 8 telling the story of the time this psalm was written and gives no word or sign of defeat. When we are being defeated or running into obstacles it is time to turn to the LORD. Joshua’s defeat then victory over Ai in Joshua 7&8. God will trample down the foes, He will kick down the walls, He will break down the walls, He will make the way. Turn to God, let go, and it will go well for you.

Reading Joshua 8:1-22 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The LORD now giving the instructions and giving the Israelites victory over Ai. This time the LORD lets them keep the plunder. Purging Achan from the people was a statement to the LORD that the people valued the LORD and His word more than any thing else, not following the example of Achan. Joshua learning to follow God’s lead and that following God’s lead requires us to obey His Word. Sometimes obeying means taking nothing for ourselves, sometimes it means receiving the blessing, the point is following in obedience. The reminder to not be afraid or discouraged after their loss to Ai.

Reading Joshua 7:1-26 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Israel won Jericho by the LORD’s hand, and now without the LORD’s help they were defeated when it looked like they should have easily won. Joshua blaming the LORD, and the LORD revealing the truth. One man’s choice caused the whole people group to be guilty of sin. The choice to turn away from God and live selfishly. Even though they have made it to the promised land, the sin problem is still not solved. The LORD is the real treasure in life.

Reading Joshua 6:20-27 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jericho’s impenetrable walls fall, not like in the movies portraying walled cities being conquered. Rahab’s home was attached to the wall. Witnessing the supreme might of God to give His people whatever He want’s them to have. Walled cities, fortified strongholds, hardened hearts, and God is moving in. God can break down the walls and move you into the life He has prepared for you. Surrender and let God in. Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith includes the people marching around Jericho in verse 30 and Rahab aiding the spies. Faith shows the reality of what we hope for Hebrews 11:1. James, Faith without works is dead, in faith God’s actions are brought to life.  

Reading Joshua 5:13-6:19(NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. This was God’s battle. Joshua understood that his job was to be obedient to the LORD. God’s method would not have worked in human strength. This was a gift of God to His people. Are you friend or foe? For me or against me? Neither. God is for truth, goodness, and for His perfect purposes.

Reading Joshua 5:1-12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Gen17:9 starts the original call to circumcision.  God provided the way across the Jordan, paralyzes the inhabitants of the land with fear, making room for all the Israelite males to be circumcised and recover safely, so that they will bear the mark of the covenant, the covenant that is the reason they are being given the land. The Israelites prepare themselves for battle by obeying the LORD, which was Moses’ instruction. Their Bodies bare the mark of the everlasting covenant. Part of God’s command is to celebrate. Ex.12:34 makes the way for foreigners to celebrate the LORD’s Passover. Circumcision was required to eat the Passover meal and celebrate. Mana was a blessing and a discipline for them to learn to trust God.

Reading Joshua 4:1-24 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Twelve people chosen to pickup stones from the middle of the river to set up a memorial for telling future generations. Each tribe was important and unified. Joshua being made a great leader in the eyes of all of Israelites at the hand of the LORD. It is the LORD who gives favor not our abilities, experiences, or who we learned from. The best leaders are the best followers. Jesus always followed the Father and calls us to follow Him. Following Jesus helps you become a great leader. Joshua 3:4, the people instructed to stay ½ mile away from the Ark. The place of atonement, the Ark’s cover, was not open and readily available for everybody to freely approach. Today Jesus has made atonement for us and made the way for us to approach and be in God’s presence.    

Reading Psalms 59:1-17 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David, the mighty warrior, goes to God for his protection and does not rely on his own strength and ability. God scoffs at the hostile and arrogant people. Waiting on the LORD is how David fights his battles. We are strong and courageous as we wait of the LORD and Glorify His name in the circumstances, we find ourselves in. Versus 6 and 14, the image of snarling dogs prowling the streets but going unsatisfied. We live unsatisfied until God comes and fills us.