"For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below."
Joshua 2:11
Joshua 2:11
My Take-Aways
Something Old:
Deuteronomy 33:26-27
"There is no one like the God of Israel
He rides across the heavens to help you across the skies in majestic splendor.
The eternal God is your refuge
and His everlasting arms are under you."
This is MY God!
Something New:
Joshua 1:13
"The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest."
How tender of the Lord to recognize their need for rest.
I also loved how He assured Joshua that He would not leave or abandon him.
Something to Do:
Be willing to serve God when called even if it seems risky.
25 Comments:
Hi Wendy,
I loved all the verses you highlighted today and I also enjoy the study of Rahab. If any of you are looking into a fictionalized, but in depth study of Rahab, you might like Francine Rivers' book Unashamed. Francine Rivers takes the scripture and tells the "back story" for many of the women in the Bible. She tells the story of Tamar, Rahab, Mary, Ruth, and Bathsheba. They are quick reads and they add a layer of emotion in compelling ways. I really liked them.
My verse for today was Deut. 33:3
3 Indeed, he loves his people;
all his holy ones are in his hands.
They follow in his steps
and accept his teaching.
I also liked how Moses went through Jacob's blessing and embellished on them.
It was sad to read of Moses dying, but good to read of faithful Joshua. Deut. 34:9
9 Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
I need to remember that I am held in His Hand because I follow His steps and obey His teaching. I would like people to say of me "Now Karen was full of the spirit of wisdom because Jesus laid His hand on, and His life down for her." May I model a godly life and may others see Jesus, my mentor and mediator, in me.
Karen, Basel
Happy Monday to all! What a wonderful and blessed weekend! Today's verse that stuck out to me was Joshua 1:9
This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
What a wonderful promise to hold close to our hearts as we begin another week!
Thanks for the wonderful message, Wendy! I will continue to pray for your book proposal and all your dear friends at P31! What a blessing they are to this life!
Have a wonderful day and I look forward to getting back on and reading everyone's comments!
In Him,
Bethany-OH
I will say a prayer for your friend Melissa's mom Becky. It so moved me when you choked up over her. I've always wished I was more transparent with my feelings like that; growing up with such an angry father in my house, I have a hard exterior. It's not that I don't have those feelings; but no one sees them. I love that vulnerability when I see it.
I noticed today that the tribe of Simeon was not included in the blessings Moses recited. Bible scholars believe that by this time, the Simeon tribe had become so insignificant that they were absorbed into the tribe of Judah.
I love the number of times Joshua was told by God to be "strong and courageous". We can take refuge in these words too because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go too.
Aren't we blessed that we know that the Lord our God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below? Praise Him!
Happy Monday ya'll
Morgen
Wendy
Thanks for your tenderness!
Still Praying for you all.
Diff: Deut 34:7
Apply: Joshua 1:9
I too have learned to appreciate the story of Rahab. She stepped out with boldness. :)
Sorry I don't have more time to comment.
Have a Blessed Day everyone!
Lynn - OR
Good Monday morning GIG's,
Karen, it's good to see you back in your usual spot starting our day off with wonderful information. Thanks for the book recommendation on "Unashamed". I have added it to my post-wedding summer reading list :)
I really enjoyed this weekend's posts! Wonderful sharing!
New from today's reading: That the Lord himself buried Moses (Deut 34:6) I agree with Wendy on this nugget. It is just amazing!
Also new: Rehab's role in aiding the spies. This does make me want to read more about the women of the Bible.
To do: Like Rehab, be proud to be able to serve the Lord, even when it is very risky to do so. He will reward obedience.
Have a blessed day, friends.
Peace,
Michelle in New England
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Back to School they Go...Happy Monday Everyone!
My New:
Yes, God can use anybody! (If we’re willing and obedient) This year I saw Christ revealed: (Josh. 2:21) “the scarlet rope hanging from the window” that saved Rahab and her household-symbolic of the blood of Christ. Also ~ Heb. 11:31 & James 2:25
“The blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanseth us from all sin” (I John 1:7).
It was sad saying good-bye to our faithful servant Moses, but, thankfully we have his obedient assistant leading the beloved Israelites, who by now if we are honest, look a tad–bit like ourselves! Right off the bat he gives them (what God tells him) the qualifications to be successful in life. Clearly it is stated: (Josh. 1: 8 & 9)
*Study the Book of Instruction.
*----How often? Continually!
*Meditate on it day and night.
*Be sure to obey everything written in it.
*Do not be afraid or discouraged.
*The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
*The benefits: You will prosper and succeed in all you do.
My To Do: To obey when I’m lead by His whispers.
To not be discouraged – because God is with me wherever I go.
Looking forward my friends, to studying Joshua with you all!
Wendy, Praying for your team, Melissa Taylor, and Becky. May God be everything she needs today and may he turn her weakness into strength where He gets the Glory.
Oh, Morgen, God is pulling out your vulnerability and you look more beautiful my friend!
May God's hands remain on your book proposal, now that they are out of your hands!
G. & P. By the time I checked out your website re: the pray and fast, it was over. But, will try again tonight. There were wonderful resources on the topics of prayer and fasting!
Susan, what a "lifting" weekend you had!
Hugs and prayers coming from AZ to you all! Lori
Glorious Monday All…..Just has to be,
Oh where to start….Wendy….Thanks!! You brought a great bunch of us together (I'm hoping you will continue) "Your our shepherd". We are all lifting you and P-31 team up in Prayer. Especially for Tracie Miles and Melissa and her Mother Becky and their families.
Jeanne …Happy belated 60th birthday!! ….and for your wisdom. Your comments are always are special to me.
Karen….Because of your faithfulness and help teaching us all that is exactly how I picture you… “full of the Spirit of wisdom.” Nice to have you back.
Morgen…your heart….today I believe God is making your heart more transparent with feelings. You opening up…right there I saw a glimpse of it. I also noticed how often he said strong & courageous.
Michelle…I didn’t know either the Lord buried Moses.
Lori…Thanks for the “clearly stated”….and how you have them in order…This was put in my notes and would like to make a tassel with it attached to it.
Oh you are ALL giving me so so so much. THANKS!!
My verse today too was on Rahab…..Wendy and how you put she was used…..It took me to My Lenten Plan devotional book a (6 min) (some great strength) each morning read to our family before we start the day. …
The devotion read:
They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. (Mk. 15:21
It was customary to take a zig-zagged route to the site of crucifixion to make a spectacle of the condemned criminal. Jerusalem’s streets were narrow and winding and, because of Passover, very crowded. Here we see the cross for the first time. Normally, just the cross beam was carried. The vertical beam was already fixed in place at the site.
An ominous chord is sounded in that Jesus didn’t carry his own cross, as was customary. Apparently he had been beaten so badly in the scourging, he was unable to do this.
Think about Simon of Cyrene. It wasn’t as though the Roman soldiers had asked for a volunteer and Simon had raised his hand saying, “I’ll do it”. He was simply passing by and out of the blue he was “pressed into service” to carry the cross.
a lot of crosses come that way. Why this? Why me? Simon should be the patron saint for those who carry these kinds of crosses. He is given no introduction. No farewell. He is never to be seen again.
He carried the cross, not knowing why, or where he was going. But he wasn’t lost. He was following the Lord.
Spent some quiet time with the Lord.
follow & fear the Lord
Rhonda
Deut 34:7 Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, andhe was as strong as ever. What a blessing! I pray that for myself-God keep me strong and use me for your glory- I don't want to rust out I want to burn out in a blaze filled with your glory.Whatever life brings I pray that my brief moment here will point people to the giver of life- the Living Christ! To Him be blessing and glory and honour and power forever and ever! Love each of you.
Thank you, RHONDA...you made me go back and read Jeanne's, late night-owl, comments! It was a post God knew I needed to read! Jeanne, your words are mine exactly! I turned 50 last year as we were all reading through the Bible together...it was a blessed present from my Father to draw me to His Word like He did through Wendy and our encouraging group of gals! But, oh my heart became so heavy because I realized just how badly I had failed in rearing my own 2 sons. I had thought I was doing everything the right way, by taking them to church and getting so involved in every student activity...but, like you said, I was not reading the scriptures to them, I was letting the "church" teach them; this was all I knew as this is what was modeled to me. You never know what you are missing out on, when you are not spending daily Q.T. with the LORD. My 2 boy's are still at home...Daily I pray that the LORD will allow me to make up for lost time. My oldest is reading diligently, but my 16 year-old is not. He's very into sports, basketball, and friends. He keeps me on my knees! I'm praying earnestly what to do about this, as at this age you can't 'make' them read the Bible. Daily I ask for wisdom. Their father, you know is not saved. I know God is equipping me to be the spiritual leader for the time being. I know He always had his hands on me, it might have taken 50 years till I began reading His Word....but, He did pursue me because Jesus was in my heart. His hands are on my sons. But, ahhh, I just so badly want them to experience, daily, the faith that I have now - the scriptures alive and active, in them,not just words! Not on / off the path, but, glued to the feet of Jesus! Abiding in Him. Walking along with Him...aaahhh, it's my prayer! That, too is why I'm so burdened for all of our children on this blog. I've been crying out to Jesus every morning that you all would see what I have seen...those of you with little ones, read the scriptures to them. Daily. Year by year. Pass down your faith to them. Start when they are born.
Happy, happy be-lated bday, dear, sweet Jeanne! Guess what? We went to "OUTBACK" too! yum! Your little Nicholas is a lucky grandchild! I've spent many moments thinking how fun it will be one day to have grand-children!
Rhonda, KNOW how blessed you are that you are able to do a morning devotional...thank you for sharing!
Love to see your name sweet Lynn! Not too many of us oldies from last year!
Bethany, I'm praying for a home church for you guys!
Karen, Francine R. is the best author! I have not read Unashamed and plan to get it now!
Hugs, Lori
Good morning, all.
Wendy, thank you for the update on Melissa's mom. I prayed for her and Tracie's family last night during the prayer and fasting event at our church. I also lifted up Perrin and Baby Claire plus the host of unsaved spouses. They are doing it again tonight and tomorrow night starting at 7 pm PST. Anyone can also send a prayer request and they will pray and/or read it live. The website again is:
http://prayandfast.org/
Jeanne, it's nice to have you back as our closer. :)
There were so many nuggets today and I have not had a chance to read my commentary yet. But the verse that came back to me was Joshua 1:9. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." God used this verse in my son's lips to do something that I was afraid to do: submit to my husband. It was very hard to do because of the situation. Loice, like you I didn't think he deserved it but God had other plans. It happened last summer and I blogged about it.
I think it was Lori who gave the info re the dew. Thank you, that was great. Jeanne, thanks for the exposition from Matthew Henry.
After I finish reading the commentary and if I find something worth sharing, I will return. Until then, have a blessed day everyone.
Wendy.I think the LORD had so much love for Moses that he had tiers in his eyes as he buried him. I cant think of any one else in the BIBLE where this occured.He may have had some of his angles present also.Anyway we will all know someday.BB
That God Himself buried Moses really jumped out at me. How amazing - you KNOW Moses was loved!
I wondered about the spies. The last time they were supposed to move into the land, they sent spies and ended up being very disobedient. If they now know that it's really time to go, why are they sending spies again? I don't remember the details of how they actually get in there. Was it just that they had a divine appt with Rahab, or were they not listening again??
God, please help me learn from these Israelites and be a good listener!
Wendy, I'm praying for your P31 team. Last year when working with Renee about a conference, spiritual warfare in this way became real to me. She began to pray for protection for our families while we were talking on the phone, and my son started screaming in his crib. When I got there, he had blood running from his mouth down his chin and onto his clothes. I cleaned him up, but he had no cuts, open sores, anything to explain the blood. It was scary! I can't imagine what all your families experience over the months before SheSpeaks.
Good afternoon Ladies from drizzly New England!
I realized when reading the blessings of Moses that the tribe of Simeon isn't mentioned. Anyone know why?
Joshua 1:1-9. The Lord tells Joshua 3 times to "be strong and courageous." When God repeats himself, he means business!
I'm fascinated that Joshua who had seen the Plagues in Egypt, walked through the Red Sea, eaten manna and drank water from a rock, and delivered a good report when 10 other spies were afraid, had to be reminded by the Lord to be strong and courageous.
I am encouraged that the Lord will understand when I also need to be reminded He is with me and to be strong and courageous.
Stephanie,
This is what I found on the internet re Simeon's exclusion:
Genesis 49 records, “Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not you into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (vs. 5-7). These scriptures are in reference to their actions in Genesis 34:25-29.
Joshua 19:1 explains that as a result, the Simeonites did, in fact, intermingle with the “inheritance of the children of Judah.” The Levites were also mixed with the other tribes, and dwelt in the cities (Josh. 14:3-4).
These Scriptures record how Jacob’s words were fulfilled—the tribe Simeon was divided and scattered among the other tribes! Although they were not cursed, they missed out on the same blessing the others had received.
Good afternoon all,
I had to read and study and watch (vlog) and read (comments) before I felt really ready to pull out my own nuggets today, but I think I got it (or I finally was able to listen to the Spirit give it to me)
Rhonda, I really appreciated your bit about carrying the cross - that definitely spoke to me as I have certain people in my path right now that I'm not sure why God put them there and I don't want to carry that burden. Thank you for that call to repentence!
I appreciated how the Lord loved Moses, and showed it in so many ways. He was firm in his discipline, as always, but full of love in that he showed Moses where the people he loved and interceded for would settle, and in personally burying him, and ALSO in keeping him strong and healthy beyond his years. This speaks to me that the absolute best thing we can do is follow the Lord's commands - there is PROOF that he will sustain us if we trust him to do so!
I was also touched by how many different parties told Joshua "be strong and courageous!" Moses, then the Lord, then the tribes of Reuben, Gad and 1/2 Manassah. He really had full support of his community and the ultimate leader (God).
And finally, I love that God used a prostitute to help the spies and secure her and her family's salvation in the process. She could have so easily given these guys up to the king's men and probably gotten a ton of money or some reward, but instead she risked her and her family's lives, to ultimately save them. God gave her the sight to see how this battle would end, and gave her an opportunity to follow him. A lowly prostitute, the heroine :)
Lori, thank you for pointing out the chord - after studying a bit I also read that the scarlet chord was symbolic of the passover blood, and later of Christ's atonement. Again, love how it's all woven together. God is so good :)
Have a great day brothers and sisters!
Hello Again!
Not by me but thru me I pass this on.
Joshua 1:3." Wherever you set (foot)" (i.e. sole or can be interpreted soul as was pointed out to me)" you will be on the land I have given you."
New to me - I learned the Israelites only at the very most went on to possess 1/10th of the land that God had already given them.
To do - you know I usually close with keep on, keeping on and now have added and push to the outer limits. Am I pushing myself to the outer limits of my soul in what has already been given me by the Lord? Please don't let me waste the other 9/10ths of what I have been given.............
Short but oh so sweet!
Blessings, Dixie in Florida
P.S. I wasn't going to say anything on here until next open Blog but felt I had to share....
I'm glad you posted Dixie. Thanks, your words are a treasure.
Karen
The Lord buried Moses. When I read this again for the 2nd time I still said-How great is our God!
I pray that I continue to move forward in my walk and call that God has on my life.
Prayed for Melissa and her mother and the P31 family. Continued prayers.
Good Evening ladies!!!!
Happy Monday!
Wendy, I love your enthusiasm and I was also very excited to start Joshua. I was talking to my oldest brother about how I loved Joshua. He told me to be patient because he was coming back as a main character. I'm sad so see Moses go. Moses had a very special relationship with God(34:10)
It is so endearing to see how much you love your P31 team. I can't imagine how difficult this time is for Melissa. Both of my parents battled cancer and thank you God are surviving. It makes me sick to think of losing my parents. They are my best friends. That was the hardest time in my life watching them go through surgery and then treatment. Now I see the stress they have with their follow up appointments with the oncologist hoping that their labs and scans are okay. Cancer is awful. It never really goes away.
My verse today is Joshua 1:13
"The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest"
How wonderful that the Israelites can now understand that the Lord brought them out of slavery to lead them into a place of rest. That gives me such peace.
I also loved how God tells Joshua to follow the book of instruction and to study every day and every night.
I hope that I can continue to follow God's book of instruction for me and allow him to lead me into a place of rest.
Amy- I was also thinking, "oh no!" and thought the spies would mess up them entering the promised land.
Lori- You are such a wonderful mother and I know that God will take care of your children because he has taken care of me. My father is an atheist(he is a man of fact). My parents wanted us to have a religious background and I went to 12 years of Catholic grade school. I do believe that I got something out of it, but I missed the point. I have struggled with faith for a long time. I am 28 now and God found me. My mom does not read scripture and we do not pray together as a family. My oldest brother is a christian and he as well as others have been very strong role models. God reaches us in any way he can and I believe he will reach your oldest boy. I wasn't ready and God helped me be ready for his word. Keep the faith honey, I know it works!
Ladies, you have a wonderful evening! I look forward to your comments tomorrow!
Kristin-Wisconsin
Jeanne & Lori ….. raising children love your encouragement…This is something I really enjoy about one another in this bible-study….a great encouraging group….Tonight in my reading for tomorrow…these two words pop-up: “great leader” (Js.3:7 and Js.4:14). I’m not for sure what the Great one above wants me to say here tonight ….but I believe he want me to tell all of us tonight who are raising the next generation to be this to our children “great leaders”. A part of my bible story ….one of my exiles was being barren for 4 long years. He has given us 2 special gifts (2 sons)…He has blessed me to be a stay at home Mom….I know many do not have a choice at this….but can I encourage you to read what God’s word says about raising children. How he wants us parents to be a “great leader” My belief is children just want us…not things. They watch us so much and do what we do. When ever I feel guilty about a certain discipline....I will go read this in his word:
Sirach 30: 1-13
The Training of Children*
1He who loves his son chastises him often, that he may be his joy when he grows up.
2He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and boast of him among his intimates.
3He who educates his son makes his enemy jealous, and shows his delight in him among his friends.
4At the father’s death, he will seem not dead, since he leaves after him one like himself,
5Whom he looks upon through life with joy, and even in death, without regret:
6The avenger he leaves against his foes, and the one to repay his friends with kindness.
7He who spoils his son will have wounds to bandage, and will quake inwardly at every outcry.
8A colt untamed turns out stubborn; a son left to himself grows up unruly.
9Pamper your child and he will be a terror for you, indulge him and he will bring you grief.
10Share not in his frivolity lest you share in his sorrow, when finally your teeth are clenched in remorse.
11Give him not his own way in his youth, and close not your eyes to his follies.
12Bend him to the yoke when he is young, thrash his sides while he is still small, Lest he become stubborn, disobey you, and leave you disconsolate.
13Discipline your son, make heavy his yoke, lest his folly humiliate you.
Footnote for 30: 1-13: Sound discipline and careful education of children correct frivolity and stubbornness, prevent remorse and humiliation, and bring to parents lasting joy and delight, prestige among friends, jealousy of enemies, perpetuation and vindication of themselves through their offspring (1-6). Lack of discipline and overindulgence of children bring sorrow and disappointment, terror and grief (7-13).
I will see you all tomorrow. Hi Kristin-WI...I'm on here kind of late...The one above laid this on me...Your a blessing to us. Always enjoy you and Jeanne on our tail end.
Great Leaders….Let us be
Rhonda
One to Ponder: Do not handicap your children by making their lives easy.
Rhonds,are you starting to stay up with me?? If you get fed as I do after reading comments, you just can't not share what God has placed on your heart!!! Agree anyone???
Wendy, thank you for teaching us through 3 of the toughest books in the Bible. I have never been more blessed by God through His Word, your teaching, and the sharing that we GIG/FIG do than I have been these past 81 days!!!!
Loved Dt.34:1-12, esp. v.10~"There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." M.Henry(thank you G&P) said of this verse: "God's servants must die that they may rest from their labours, receive their recompense, and make room for others. When God's servants are removed, and must serve Him no longer on earth, they go to serve Him better, to serve Him day and night in His Temple...Servants of the Lord must die at last, in obedience to their Master, and be freely willing to go Home whenever He sends for them." OH! HOW THIS EXPLANATION GAVE ME COMFORT ABOUT MY MOMA AND HER "HEAVEN DAY" as Linda in PA wrote about on 3/13/10-Day 72. Wendy, I pray that this would bring comfort to Melissa and to anyone else who has shared in a Heaven Day of a loved one.[ Linda, I'll always cherish that name for such a glorious day for our loved ones who knew their Lord.]
Mr. Matthew Henry must have had a seat right beside the Lord during his lifetime....what wisdom from God!!!!
Lori,thank you for the info. about the scarlet rope's symbolism. Your listing of the qualifications is My to do: Your list (so I won't rewrite ;) ) "For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"...relates to 2 of my favorite songs that I listen to daily in the car while traveling to stay with my Nicholas (30 min. drive): "Everywhere I go, everything I do" by Charles Billingsly and "Where Can I Go From You, O Lord?" by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
About Rahab...have any of you sisters been in her shoes...past life, past sins so ashamed of that are as wrong as the life of a prostitute...only to have repented and then be forgiven by such a loving Father??? I have!! Thank you, Wendy, that you said "our past and present doesn't matter~our future can be used for God's glory..." even at 60 and 70, huh, Dixie??? ;)
Thankful for a future,
Jeanne
Rhonda,
Is your Lenten devotion from the "Little Purple (or black or white) Book" series? I love those! I get them at Advent and Lent and Easter season--this is the first time I didn't get one! I love the six minute idea and the ending of "Spend some quiet time with the Lord." Jennifer
I know Jeanne is the usual "closer",but this has been the only time that I have found in the past couple of weeks to comment. Although, I make time to read every one else's comments, I don't always have the time to share.
Wendy,every time I see your heart I tear up right with you! I am saying special prayers for you and your friends,you are all such a special group of women and I am honored to lift you up in
prayer :)
Grace and Peace~ My heart jumped when I read that you remembered Claire in your praying and fasting. With tears in my eyes, I thank you and I am truly touched.
Morgen~I don't know about your "hard exterior" I can see your heart in these comments,and the message you and Grace&Peace left on Claire's carepage made me cry!
I have been some what off track since Claire's last seizure a couple off weeks ago,but God has been giving me "strength and courage" through this study,Wendy and all of you! Claire likes to sit and "lilten to Wendy" too! She was out and about in her wheelchair this week end and love it. That baby of mine is an amazing gift!
I learned so much new today, one big thing was, as Wendy said, the tender heart of God as He buried His most faithful servant. Truthfully, some of these readings have been scaring me at the way God deals His punishments.Today, I saw how He loves us despite ourselves!
Jeanne~ I have worn Rahab's shoes too! I praise God that I can now have my own scarlet cord to hang from my window, thanks to the blood of Christ!
I could go on some more,but morning comes early around here. So,good night my friends :)
Hey Everyone,
I will close out today's comments a day late :) I am a day behind. Back to school and the routine as of yesterday and the first of the week I have to get caught up on errands and things here around the house. I loved this reading for today! God telling Joshua to be strong and courageous. God using Rahab. I have always loved reading the story of Rahab. As Jeanne pointed out, she was a woman with a past. That is me! A woman with a past that God has redeemed and is using. I want to share my thoughts and some notes from my NIV study Bible that I posted on my blog last year when we read through the story of Rahab:
"This year I have been reading the NLT Chronological Bible with a group of women lead by P31's Wendy Pope. It has been such a blessing and neat experience reading daily with women from all of the country. Today we finished up Deuteronomy and into Joshua. First part I just loved was reading Joshua 1:7-9 where God is telling him to be strong and courageous. I made a note in my Bible that God is telling me the same thing today. That I am to be strong and courageous in what He calls me to do in my life as I daily walk with Him and that following His Word is the only way to live a life of true happiness.
The rest of today's reading went through the story of Rahab and how she hid the Israelite spies. After reading it in the daily Bible I went to my NIV that I use for studying and read the story again. I just love my Women of Faith NIV because it has all kinds of notes about scriptures and it has character sketches of the women of the Bible. The one on Rahab was so so great because it really spoke to me in my life about the things I have been through. It says, "Rahab surely needed to learn a new way of relating to men. Perhaps her restoration required the greatest faith of all-everyday choices, without drama or spotlight, to be chaste, to forgive, to trust again. Scripture reveals that she continued to hold on to the God who gave her a new beginning. ...the stigma of her past is overshadowed by the honor given her by God. And by choosing her- a Gentile sinner-God confirms that He is the Savior of all peoples, for all time and in all circumstances. Is there hope for a woman with a past, someone who has made bad decisions and given herself to a life of sin? Our enemy wants us to believe that nothing good can come from such wreckage. But Rahab's life demonstrates the benefits of believing God instead. When Rahab chose Him, He gave her a completely new life. And He set no limits on her potential as His child. None." I am so thankful that we do not have to be defined by our past. That what we were is all under the blood and in Christ we are a new creation. I love Jesus SO much! I will live everyday as Rahab serving Him because like her and like the sinful women who anointed His feet, a woman who has been forgiven much loves much!"
I love what you all have said today about our children. My heart is very burdened for Will right now as he is very burdened about his dad and his salvation. I have been writing about it on my blog. He has cried several times the past week because of John not being saved. His heart is very tender and I pray that I can be the spiritual leader he needs in his life right now as we pray for his dad to accept Jesus.
Happy Belated Birthday Rhonda and Jeanne! And Rhonda I loved the devotion about Simon. I am going to put that in my journal.
Off to get caught up on the 23rds comments....
Brandee, TN
Good evening,
Brandee...I'm glad to see I'm only a "day later" in commenting. Been doing the reading and I absolutely love the book of Joshua, just haven't gotten to the vlogs and comments.
Phyllis...I also noted that Moses was 120 yr, had his eyesight and was strong. I would love to be able to serve the Lord into my old age...Is 46:4 says even to our old age and gray hairs, He sustains us.
New...a verse that stuck out to me this time was Joshua 2:1...The Joshua son of Nun SECRETLY sent two spies. I see this as courageous on Joshua's part in that he had confidence that God was going to give them the land, but wondered if he did this based on the people's last response to spies being sent into the land. Was an interesting thought when I came across that...didn't know if anyone else saw that.
Wendy - praying for favor on your book proposal, that God would confirm the works of your hands.
Blessings,
Valerie
Louisville KY
Post a Comment
Home