"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember he might things He had done for Israel."
Joshua 2:10
Joshua 2:10
My Take Aways:
Something Old:
Joshua 1:32
"Instead the people of Asher moved in among the Canannites..."
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." Sometimes we get so weak and weary in the battle, we just decide to give up and settle down. Here of late I am fighting not to give up and settle down-the battle is difficult-
Something New:
Judges 2:22-23
"I did this to test Israel."
It was nice to hear the reason they "failed" to drive out the people. I pray that I pass any test the Lord gives me.
Something to Do:
Teach the next generation so they will acknowledge the the Lord and remember the mighty things He has done.
Compare:
Judges 3:7 with Deuteronomy 12:3 concerning Asherah poles
Judges 217 with Leviticus 2:5 concerning spiritual prostitution
Big surprise what God said could happen is happening.
19 Comments:
Ah, the sleeplessness has got me tonight. I've been up for a few hours, but I'm enjoying it as deliciously quiet and peaceful "found" time. I caught up on yesterday's comments, explored the scripture sites Wendy recommended a few days ago, as well as some others, read today's reading, and watched Wendy. (I'm sipping a Swiss Miss Mocha Cappucchino cocoa which I found in the half price bin at the grocery store today. Yum! :)
My Promise Verse for today was chosen with ALL the prayer requests in mind, including of course little Gabriel as he faces surgery today: Isaiah 43:1-3
"Do not fear,for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
My nugget for today: Judges 3:19 "But when Ehud reached the stone idols near Gilgal, he turned back."
Ehud had been "raised up a rescuer" by the Lord to save the sinful Israelites. He did not complete his mission, but then the site of the stone idols seemed to jar his memory or bring him to his senses or something, because he then returned and killed King Eglon, setting in motion the events that would lead to 80 years of peace.
My to do: Like Ehud, I must remember to do what the Lord desires of me. I need this Bible study to help me stay in God's word, and conquer my sins of judgement, short-temper, and words that tear down instead of build up and encourage. With the help of the Lord, Wendy, and all of you, I feel I am making steady progress in all these areas, and I am being rewarded with blessed peace in my heart!
Peace,
Michelle in still-rainy New England
P.S. Morgen, I usually have to submit my post twice, like many others.
Good Morning! ~ Wendy, today we took away much of the same thoughts.
This familiar passage just breaks my heart this morning!
First of all, we are reminded once again about the key to success:
Joshua 2:7: “serv[ing] the LORD throughout [our] lifetime”
We see how the generation of Believer’s failed to pass down their faith strongly to their children, and look what happened?
Their disobedience to God caused them to mingle with and give into the other nations – who would become forever “thorns in [their] sides, and their gods [would become] a constant temptation to] them” (Judges 2:2:3).
My New: “warfare to [the] generations of Israelites…[to see if] they would obey the commands the LORD had given to their ancestors through Moses” Judges (3:1-6). Realizing just now, that warfare began a long time ago, and continues today!
Aahh, they began intermarrying and serving their gods. Oh my goodness, which lead to...
A feeling of “great distress” (Judges 2:15). A forever pattern began and continues today. And, our precious Father, keeps rescuing us and drawing us back to Him. He’s a jealous God, so looking for people with open hearts and a desiring attitude to follow Him, whole-heartedly.
Clearly the pattern is given to us today:
Disobedience
Punishment
Repentance
Deliverance
My To Do: To not lose sight of all God wants me to do while living here for a blink of an eye, on earth:
* Reveal God to those around me
*Glorify Him by being obedient to His Word
*Not compromise myself with the world around me
{partial obedience = disobedience}
Oh my goodness, do we have a lot to ponder over today! My heart so wants my husband saved and my boy’s to whole-heartedly serve the Lord, sharing their passion with their offspring. I want all of my descendant’s names’ written in the Book of Life, all of us living in eternity together.
Praying today, Lori
Today is a busy day for me with it being end of the month/end of the quarter, so I have to post quick like.
This reading was good and one of the main things I got out of it was to separate myself from "the world". This doesn't mean not to love everyone, but I must look different than they do and I must obey even when it is difficult. This is very hard to do and sometimes I cross the line and I behave like the Isrealites did. I thank God he is a forgiving and redeeming Lord. May He help fuel the fire in my heart that desires to honor only Him. Forgive me Lord when I fail. Amen.
Praying for all...and purifying myself in Him.
Morgen
Hi Everybody,
Praying for all…Thanks Wendy for the updates on Gabriel. May they know and feel his comfort.
….Trials: Today I can see they are ALWAYS for the better and HIS purpose.
My nuggets for today:
Judges 3:7-15
These verses provided for me some very helpful principles to help me understand how God deals with people…
– God is angry with the sin of the people (verse 7). He permits them to be oppressed by the pagan king of Aram — for 8 years he oppressed them (verse 8).
– In verse 12 they again offended God, so he permits the occupation of Jericho (“the city of Palms”) — the Israelites served under that ruler for 18 years (verse 13-14).
– But… in verse 9, when Israel turned (“cried out”) to God, then the Judge Othniel was raised up as a leader to deliver them — and they experienced peace and freedom for 40 years (verse 11).
– Again, when Israel turned back to God, at a later date, he blessed them with a fresh leader –Ehud — who secured the peace for 80 years (verse 30)!
These verses to me are very straight forward:
“Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The Lord has eyes for the just
and ears for their cry.
The Lord’s face is against evildoers
to wipe out their memory form the
earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears
and rescues them from all distress.
Psalms — 34:15-18
One more thought I had…
*When I was reading in Joshua…. I wondered why he left some nations unconquered?? Question answered: Judges 2:22-23: I did this to test Israel-to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the Lord as their ancestors did.” 23That is why the Lord left those nations in place….Lead me to do a lot of pondering about myself….The trials I endure….(infertility, the situation with my son)….I hear Him saying to me today….Rhonda I did this to test you to see whether or not you would follow me. When I cried out….The Lord heard me and rescued me from my distress.
Thank You Lord…May I always follow you,
Rhonda
It seems the Israelites did fine as long as they had a Godly leader alive and present with them (Moses, Joshua, a judge). But when that person died, they sort of 'lost it'. I guess they needed a 'babysitter'. Maybe the Holy Spirit is our 'babysitter' today. (always there to keep us on track.)
Mary A.
IN
What a wonderful time this has been with you dear daughters of God. I'm a sponge soaking up God's Word and your comments with insights. Thank you for your sacrifice of your time.
Ehud, a left-handed man, became God's right hand man. Israel was serving the Moabites for 18 years due to Israel doing evil in God's sight. But the people cried out to God.(Our merciful God answered.)
In Joshua 4:19-20, after Israel crossed the Jordan River, Joshua had them erect a monument (to God) from 12 stones, representative of the 12 tribes. This was at Gilgal. Ehud saw these stones and remembered the Lord's power, probably. Also, the Moabs had their stone idols at Gilgal.
Ehud had a message from God for King Eglon. Did he ever. Not only did their king die,but so did 10,000 of the Moabite's strongest and able-bodied warriors. Peace was in the land for 80 years.
God's Word is definitely filled with drama and not boring. It's great to see how our Lord moves. He is so creative.
Please Lord move in our hearts and our families. You are the One and Only God, the Risen Savior.
Remember, when the people cried out to the Lord, He answered. I would like to hear someone tell me they have a message from God for me. (Hopefull it would be a good one.)
Friday's almost here, but Sunday's coming.
Please intervene for the New England states in asking God to stop the rain. My daughter and family live there and so do other believers.
Have a wonderful day all.
Linda from Ark.
I need some faithful prayer warrior help! My coworker (Jim) fell ill at work yesterday. We just heard from his son and it appears he has prostate cancer that has spread to lungs, bone, etc....We will know more facts later today.
Please rally with me as I pray for him and his family. This is hard news to hear.
Trusting Jesus;
Morgen
Wendy, praise God for the good news on Gabriel. Continuing to pray for him during his surgery today.
Mary, I read your post last night. Praying that God be with your son and that the judge will have wisdom. The truth will come out.
In light of all the sadness that is happening this week, this comment by Jon Courson caught my attention: In response to their question on who shall go first. God responded in Judges 1:2 And the Lord said Judah shall go up; behold I have delivered the land into his hand. Jon Courson said, "Where do we begin?...Start with Judah. Judah means "praise." Praise always has priority in warfare...Praise paves the way to victory. When you're discouraged and don't know what to do, call for Judah. Lift up your hands, bow your knee, express your heart energetically and watch and see how the enemy is beaten back."
I have been doing that a lot of lately. DH is not talking much these days. He gets upset when I ask him questions. So I just let him be - and only speak when spoken to, basically. But I find myself singing this song a lot, I don't even know the title "We stand and lift up our hands for the joy of the Lord is my strength. We bow down and worship Him now how great, how awesome is He. Together we sing, everyone sing, Holy is the Lord, God Almighty, the earth is filled with Glory. Holy is the Lord, God Almighty, the earth is filled with His glory...." I hold on to that phrase: "The joy of the Lord is my strength" and it gets me through the day.
Back to the reading. It saddened me that the Israelites failed to complete the task God gave them. Jon Courson summarized chapter 1 as follows:
"What's keeping us from inheriting the blessings of God? Is it that we cannot drive our enemies out because, like Judah, our eyes are fixed on past problems (iron chariots)? Is it that like Manasseh, we will not drive them out because we think we can control them ourselves? Or is it due to any one of a number of other unnamed reasons Ephraim and Zebulon, Asher and Napthali failed to drive the Canaanites from the land God had given them? While the reasons for our failure may vary, the ROOT cause is the same. The failure to obey what God commands is always the result of failure to believe what He has promised. Grab hold of the promises of God, gang, and through them drive out the enemies that keep you from enjoying His presence."
Have a blessed day everyone.
Hi there everyone and Happy Easter! (Just fyi - the first time I was typing this entry, my computer all of a sudden shut down and started running some update. So, I'm not calling my computer the Enemy, but you know sometimes....
Ok, I gleaned some of the same insights that you all did. However, I zeroed in on:
1 - Judah traveling with the Kenites and settling among the people there in the wilderness. I see in my own life how I just go off and do my own thing without praying first and seeking the Lord's guidance OR, I often will get the opinion of someone else (my husband, a godly friend) but still not seek the Lord's guidance. Yep, here I am settled in in the wilderness...
2 - In Chapt 1:22 Joseph's descendants attacked the town of Bethel. Interestingly, Joseph's father Jacob (Israel) had his first encounter with the LORD at Bethel which he called the "house of God". Back in Genesis 28:15 I am paraphrasing... I am with you and I will protect you...one day I will bring you back to this land. "I will NOT leave you UNTIL I have finished giving you everything I have promised you." Emphasis mine.
I recognize that this was before the covenant on Mr. Sinai with God through Moses. But a promise IS a promise!
For those not enjoying our perfect spring weather in NC, I am hoping that it will come your way very soon!
Love,
Dawn T.
I wanted to make a comment about Judges 2:1-4 but I couldn't figure out how to put my thoughts into words.
Wendy, I had a comment from the same place you did.
2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
I'm surprised that the first generation who made it into the promise land did not continue telling their children and grandchildren what God had done for them. I've often thought about the generations of today and all the children who don't know Jesus. I've heard children cursing and have heard about them throwing bottles and rocks at things like vehicles. I start wondering what happen. Why haven't the parents and grandparents taught them better? I do know children pick up a lot of things from their parents. I want to believe that the grandparents and great grandparents knew God and worshiped Him but I feel like some of that knowledge did not get passed down. I used to have a friend whose neighbor had a five year old daughter. This little girl would walk around with a pacifier in her mouth and at the same time be cursing. This was one time I really wondered where the teaching of God stopped.
It seems like once Joshua died the children of Israel stopped serving God. I believe I would continue serving the Lord because of how He has blessed me.
I'm praying for Gabriel. Years ago I did a five minute message for a missionary service that I called, Is there a doctor in the house? My final statement was, "Doctors do the surgery but God does the healing. I'm claiming healing for Gabriel and Peace for his parents.
I m continuing to pray for Melissa. She's a very sweet person with a lot of encouragement for others.
Wendy, I'm continuing to pray for you and all of Proverbs 31.
Dixie, let us know how things went last night if you haven't already. I still have to read the comments for today. I thought of you while I was in church and said a prayer for you.
May I ask for prayers on behalf of the Tran family please? I just found out a few minutes ago that their son Benjamin passed away this morning from brain cancer. He's the boy I asked for prayer for on March 13. I know he is with Jesus now but how do you tell that to a single mother who just lost her son? The mom's name is Alicia and the siblings are Michael, Andrew and Sarah. Thank you.
Just sent my prayers for this family Grace and Peace...Continue to keep them in prayer.
Just a quick thought as I don't have much time right now. I looked up the significance of the 'left hand' notice of Ehud. Check out the following site:http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/judges6.htm
It tells about the meaning of the names and that we need to meditate and praise. WOW. that is what I needed today. Love this study and love the comments of all of you fellow studiers.(is that a word?)
Thought I got this posted a few minutes ago but when I checked it hadn't posted. So hopefully it doesn't post twice. It is sunny and warm here in IN today! Thankful and praising God for the beauty springing forth this week. What a beautiful Holy Week.
Dear Heavenly Father, Eternal Source of Love, You see and know the precious love we hold for our husbands, children, families. You see and know our love for dear friends and their families. You want the best for those we love, even more than we do. You already see and know all the many needs and anxieties that stir in our hearts. Please send Your Spirit to lift us up, to help us feel Your comforting Presence. We, Your children, ask for Your protection and care, for ourselves and for those we love. Amen
As we learn about generations forgetting God's law, I am being called to speak to my children with more conviction about the promises of God. The Holy Spirit will provide the opportunities and the words. I just pray for the courage and the faith. I have a responsibility to my children and grandchildren to do my best to continue to share God's Love with them.
I will be away from home for the rest of Holy Week, I may be able to read but not contribute. Have a blessed Easter-- for me, this will be a weekend of JOY and GRATITUDE! Thank you Jesus for your great sacrifice and for new life in You!
Blessings and prayers for all,
Jacque
Your comments today have really blessed me. In the past few days God has put in the forefront of my mind an issue that needs to be tackled in a new way. Michelle in New England, your comment about Ehud being jarred and turning around to complete the task he was given really hit home for me. For the past year I have been burdened about praying more specifically, fervently, and zealously for the leadership, ministries, and direction of my church.
We have a prayer group that has been weekly meeting for over a decade, however, the focus is not specifically these things. That was the initial intent and these things are prayed for, but I know we need to focus more even more intently on these issues. We are dealing with people who are comfortable and do not want to venture forward into the territory God has allotted them. There is a group that previously served on leadership that have dramatically pulled back in serving and many who simply are not (visibly) growing. Consequently, even though the Holy Spirit is evident in our church, we are not gaining any ground for Christ's kingdom, more like treading water.
I realize this is a huge spiritual battle that needs to be addressed and bathed in prayer if we want to see our church grow and flourish.
My dilemma is to discern how to go about making this happen. Lord, I need wisdom right now! Our existing prayer group is comprised of ladies who are 25-40 years my senior, and I have been able to join them a few times. However, the time they get together does not work for me most of the time and I really want to pray! I have been stuck because I do not know who to ask to pray with me faithfully about these issues, or to go about starting another group who's intent is to pray specifically for these things, or to mention my concerns about the issues God has laid on my heart to pray about to our established prayer group.
I was praying last summer weekly with one of my friends who belongs to this prayer group on a separate night, but knowing how busy her life is, I feel guilty asking her to commit another hour to prayer. I have previously addressed this problem to her and she is in agreement, but she may be stuck in the middle with being faithful to what has already been established versus going in a different direction.
Grace and Peace--your comment about where to start--to praise, is exactly what I am doing. No matter what battle I face, I continue to praise Him. It is my desire to follow Him wholeheartedly and in complete obedience. I covet your prayers for courage, wisdom, faithfulness, and deliverance as I face the territory that needs to be conquered.
Thankful for Jesus at my side and all my online cyber GIGs,you bless me every day,
Kim in IL
Dear Lord Jesus,
Purify me, and sanctify me so I’m set apart from this world. Not in a way that I’m better than the rest, but in a way that I truly can love and show compassion with a deep desire from my heart. I do not want any conceitedness in me or any judgmental thoughts. Truly, I want to see those around me through your very eyes. I want to listen with empathy in the same way that you hear us everytime we lift up a request to you. I so want to please you. Thank you for pursuing me when I continue to act like the world at times. Thank you for surrounding me with sweet Believer’s that day by day dig deep into your precious word. Thank you for your watchful eyes that are over our sisters traveling. In their sorrow allow them to still reveal your loving ways. Be everything they need today. Hold on to them tight and keep them underneath your protective wing. Comfort them and sprinkle encouraging Believer’s around them, to get them through. Touch those that need healing, place wisdom over the doctor’s and guide their hands in order to complete your perfect will. Let none of us forget that You alone, are sovereign. That you never stop loving us. That you never stop caring for us. That we are attached to you. Thank you for giving your son to live in our hearts with us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides us, too. We love you dear Lord, with all of our hearts, with all of our minds, and with our whole body! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Grace and Peace, I’m asking God to open up your DH. Spend time in prayer thanking God for all of his attributes…focus on everything that you love about him. Thank the Lord for all of these things about your DH. Ask God to reveal to you ways that you can bless him and serve him. Maybe it’s just an encouraging pat on the shoulder, or an encouraging word, or maybe serving a favorite dessert or dinner. Maybe just extra time at home, he could be feeling stressed from work. And, like you said, ‘for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ God will guide you and will allow him to open up at the right time. Don’t push, just show compassion and love, and continue to request wisdom, & insight. Lord, open him up, draw him close to G & P, unite them together so that their love covers everything. May he have loving words to share and may she show him respect while waiting patiently for your time. Thank you for the songs you are giving her to hum.
My boys are both gone working at a baseball game, so I’m blessed now to fit in a double walk. The weather is beautiful, and I think the Lord knows that extra prayers for our group are in order! Praying for you and sending lots of hugs!!!
Jennifer Renee, I loved what you said, “Doctors do the surgery but God does the healing.” So, so true!
Sending love your way, and thank you to each of you who shared today! What a blessing you are to me! And, those of you quiet ones…don’t get too quiet! The quiet men, are all we need! Smile!
Lots of love, Lori
Grace and Peace: Your comment about starting with praise really was what I needed to hear. No matter what is happening in my life; lift my hands to Him and offer Him my praise. It was like a weight lifted off of my shoulders reading and understanding those words. Do not dwell on my circumstances. Stop; raise my hands and praise Him! I love it!
Morgen
What hit home with me today is that every time the people cried out to God, He answered. He always answers. I just needed to be reassured of that and God knew (knows) that.
And again, disobedience has a price that must be paid.
His, because I CHOOSE to serve the one and only living God, and because He first loved me!
Gaylene
Oh, GIGs! Your comments are filled with such wisdom. Thank you! Many nuggets in today's reading.
Grace & Peace, I too am praying for your DH. I agree so with Lori's comments on just loving him and letting him see Christ in you.
Having boys that enjoy yucky movies, I thought that the story of Ehud would make a pretty good thriller kind of a movie! Mercy! Not a pleasant visual at all!
Looking forward to tomorrow's reading.
Hugs!
Susan
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