Today, Saturday, I am off to the nursery to pick out new shrubs to replace the ones my precious puppy has destroyed. Ouch to the purse! It is a good thing that dog is cute.
Sunday is Palm Sunday, resurrection week begins. We have a lot of wonderful worship planned for this Sunday and night. I can't wait until Sunday.
Ya'll have a great weekend! Don't forget the Challenge. Declare yourselves holy each night and consecrate yourself to see the amazing things the Lord is doing among us.
Sunday is Palm Sunday, resurrection week begins. We have a lot of wonderful worship planned for this Sunday and night. I can't wait until Sunday.
Ya'll have a great weekend! Don't forget the Challenge. Declare yourselves holy each night and consecrate yourself to see the amazing things the Lord is doing among us.
More Wisconsin Pictures
This one has to be my favorite. The Word- opened to my testimony-the book of Joel.
There is story behind this picture-one I hope to tell one day.
Me and Shelley Gallamore, the event coordinator, whose birthday is Sunday. Happy Birthday Shelley!
Me and our Worship Leaders!
43 Comments:
Here it is, 3:45 in the morning...and I am not sleeping. But I will not be brought down. I got up to do my reading and to pray and to come on here.
I admit, today's reading was rather boring for me. I settled on the idea of what is my "allotment"? What is my inheritance or my portion? I want it to always be from the Lord and not from this world. I want to be like the Levites, and have my portion BE the Lord. And may God help me be able to drive out the evil from my midst.
Declaring myself holy, and waiting on the Lord's wonders.
Morgen
Happy Saturday, friends.
Whew, this week flew by! Morgen, I too found today's reading to be boring. I've been thinking a lot about all the prayer requests yesterday from those with sudden and dramatic hurts! I wanted to compose some comforting thoughts, and suddenly my mind created an acrostic poem from the word COMFORT. I humbly share it with you all.
C hrist is with us
O h how he comforts
M arvelous insights
F lames of hope
O pening our hearts
R evealing
T ruths
C ome to God
O nly he can give
M ysterious peace
F orgiveness of weakness
O vercoming strength
R efreshment for the weary
T roubles relinquished to him!
May God give each of you what you need today, and may we praise him for that! Thank you, Lord.
Peace,
Michelle in New England
I'm back after reading yesterday's nighttime comments to say that I WAS doing so well on the "no candy" obedience challenge I gave myself last month. Then, after my daughter's Bridal Shower last week, a half dozen extras of cute little favor jars full of JELLY BEANS came into my house!! Jelly beans have always been my downfall, and DOWN I fell! Arrrgghhh! You know what, I'm just going to finish the silly, delicious little things today, and start over tomorrow. (Just thought we could all use a wee bit of comic relief here.)
I looove this fellowship. Thank you all so much for sharing, friends.
Peace,
Michelle in New England
Dear Beloved Ladies ~ That is what you all have become to me. Precious. Treasured. Dear to my heart. Sweet. Spending time this morning thanking God for making this group possible.
As much as I've been enjoying all your comments, I am heavy with burden to all of the sadness. Michelle, thank you for your poem! As I read it I thought back a couple of days ago to what Beth said on her video (Woman's Bible Study I go to on Thursdays). She was telling us that we ALWAYS have hope no matter what our situation is. Hope, Biblically speaking, means an anxious expectation - fully expecting Jesus to show up in our situation! That is what each of us can plant firmly in our minds, and hold on to. My prayers are with each of you in your individual situations.
The closer we get to God, it seems the more we get attacked. We each are seeking him with all of our hearts. The enemy is opposing this...Ladies, PRAY. Every time your heart is burdened, sad, worried. Stop and chat about it with God. Thank him that he is with you. Like Michelle said, he will give you what you need. We may not see it right away, but we have to know and believe that he's got our back. He's looking out for us, and he will not let go of us.
So many of you are having sleeping issues. I've said this before about my mom having sleeping problems. Daily, we are praying. We are seeing glory. I'm going to ask her this weekend to give me a couple of her favorite verses that she has memorized, from saying so many times! God's word, living inside her is coming out, and the enemy has to flee. God, is getting the glory as she has been overcoming this problem she has had so,so many years. I will share her verses with you all.
Teeny, in NC ~ Guess what? That is what everyone calls my 93 year old grandma! But, my siblings and I call her "Mema." Monday she turns 94 and she is going strong. She lives in a private, assisted living home a couple of miles from my house with 7 other "oldies." :) It's a very loving environment that God opened up to me last year. She keeps me informed on all the important things going on in the world-and not so important things! nothin' slips by this 'old bat,' which she refers to herself as. That is what her license plate said! I never know what is going to come out of her mouth. Keep her in your prayers as she is not saved yet.
Jennifer Renee, you, my sweetie-pie, are tucked close to my heart. I do believe God is smiling down on your Joshua Challenge and has brought you to a place to be loved and prayed over. The enemy would try to tell you not to spend so much time on the computer, but that is how you are getting God's Word. I will be watching for your daily posts, which I hope continues (daily) after our Joshua Challenge ends. :)
Well, my sissy and BIL, who live 3 hours from here, are not going to make the celebrations. Her MS is in her back and she's flat in bed at the moment. We planned the events cuz her spring break begins today. She has never missed one of my boy's parties and it's killing her. Also, not to be with Mema, on her big day. In the 4 years she has had MS she has been mostly in remission, still able to work, she's a reading specialist in her district. God has her attached to him and is in control. He's busy working in her life at the moment.
After reading the chapter, I was wishing it was a 'vlog' day, myself, as I knew Wendy, bless her little heart, could teach us something! Maybe next time reading through we'll see more, ladies! The word, "but" (15:63) made me stop and think. They failed to drive their enemies out because of their lack of faith.
My To Do: I want my faith, 100%, not a percentage less! I believe in God. My faith is in God.
Praying today for our group,
Love, Lori
Michelle, there we go again, typing at the same time! All this talk about Jelly Beans, is making me want to go out and buy some! ha-ha! Thank you, we all could use some smiles today! Hugs, Lori
Hey, GIGs,
Doesn't it feel better to know that you're God's soldier at war with the Evil One because he hates the love God has planted in your heart, rather than a victim to random suffering and violence? The hard stuff is still hard, but doesn't it help to know that God has your back and that you're doing what He wants you to do? It always makes me feel better about adversity - though hard is just hard.
I thought the land descriptions were boring, too, and really wondered why the Bible publishers don't just add a map right there - Karen, I'm headed to your website next - but I did think the last story in Joshua 17 was a bit interesting.
The way that it sounded to me was that Joseph's descendants were too lazy to drive out the Canaanites, so they just let them live there. Eventually they enslaved them, but they still refused to put forth the effort to move them out - or to clear the land that they wanted so they'd have more space; which, it seems, they'd have if they'd get rid of the extra people that they were supposed to.
It makes me wonder what else is going to happen to them - I'm sure God has something else in mind besides them sitting back, fanning themselves, watching the slaves do their work. He hasn't liked complaining or disobedience so far. What will their consequence be? What will MINE be? While this Daniel fast was pretty temptation-free at first, it's been getting harder as my schedule gets busier and when certain times of the month enter the picture. I've stuck with my list of approved foods, but I haven't been happy about it - I haven't obeyed with my whole heart - just my stomach! Michelle, right now your jelly beans are my grilled chicken sandwich ... am SO looking forward to one of those! ... but I think I need to go thank God for my bumper crop of bananas right now .... I do not want to resemble those Israelites any more than I already do!
Happy Weekend Everyone! I am sitting at my kitchen table looking outside to beautiful sunshine that God has blessed TN with this morning. This weekend is going to be great! I am taking Will to two birthday parties today for kids in his class and then tomorrow he will be a part of a special Palm Sunday celebration where the kids come down the aisles carrying palm branches. They do a form of this each year and it is always a special time. I am anticipating God doing wonders among us this week as we go into this important time. I will be praying that we all will stand strong in our Joshua challenges as this week progresses. God wants to do some wonderful things, let's pray and keep the enemy at bay and see what He will do! I had given up FB but I did get on there for a brief moment yesterday to post on Melissa Taylor's wall about her mom and also to email back my elementary school pal about our classmate that passed from cancer. I did not feel any conviction about either of those, I think it was ok :)
I agree with you all that the reading was, well, boring. I will be the first to admit I did not read every name of every town. What I did notice was that it mentioned several times that they did not drive all their enemies out and that they remained among them. As Wendy said this week, that will come back to haunt them and will end up being a stumbling block as they are influenced by their ways, worship of their idols and intermarry with their women. My to-do was to make sure that when God tells me to rid myself of all that is a stumbling block that I do it. I thought of a situation just recently where I read a book that was a non-Christian fiction book. God has asked me not to do that, they are a stumbling block for me and they set up strongholds in my mind. Even though the book talked about faith and God in it, it also had some descriptive thoughts of some of the characters in it that cause me trouble. Unrealistic expectations of romance, those kinds of things. I just can't go there and it is one of those things I have to keep out of my Promised Land or it will cause problems just like the Israelites enemies did them.
Michelle I love the acrostic and am going to write that in my journal. You had me laughing at the jelly beans. I wanted a soda last night something terrible but I drank my water instead :)
Morgen, hope you get some rest today. I woke up like that yesterday morning from terrible dreams. I slept better last night and feel not as tired today.
You all have a blessed weekend.
Love In Christ,
Brandee, TN
Matthew Henry tells us in chapter 15: Judah and Joseph were the 2 sons of Jacob on whom the Reuben's forfeited birthright fell. Judah had dominion and Joseph had a double portion.These 2 tribes were the first to be seated, provided for before surveys. Judah's land was the southern country and Joseph's land was the northern country. Caleb was part of Judah's tribe, while Joshua was part of Joseph's (Ephraim).
MH says the 7 tribes were too well pleased with their current condition(status quo?); they were slothful; they would have to build cities, drive flocks, carry family to strange places, and experience hardships by going to their land. By God's grace He has given us the title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan; we don't enter the rest(knowing this gives us) by faith, hope, joy setting our affections and conversation above. Why?
Christ is our Joshua-providing our land of inheritance in heaven.
Morgen, good question-what is our allotment? God wants us to praise Him in whatever condition our health, family,and corner of the world He has placed us.
Chapter 18 tells us they set up the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Now the Israelites had a place of worship. Isn't it good for us to also have a place to gather with other believers and worship?
Heb.13:15-16 says,"Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (NAS)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Linda from Ark.
Every day KLOVE e-mails out their 'Bible verse of the day.' I thought today's was pretty relevant to what we've been talking about. I love His timing! so here it is:
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
~ 1 Corinthians 16:13, NLT
Michelle, I loved the acrostic poem and have also copied it in my journal.
For Joshua 16:10, my bible side notes states, "the Israelites valued the convenience of having slaves more than the importance of obeying God." After all God had done for them, they were still self-absorbed. Is this not me also? Some praying to do today.
Clinging to the verse Hebrews 10:23b "for He who has promised is faithful."
Have a great weekend and may we lay our palms down welcoming Christ in our lives,
Gaylene
Michelle...That is a beautiful acrostic...Thank you...Jelly beans are my downfall too...just had 1 last night...don't even know how it ended up in my mouth...I felt so bad.
Lori...I am so sorry about your sister...praying she will feel better soon...
My nugget is Joshua 17:18...the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh are complaining that they do not have enough land and that the Canaanites are too strong to overcome...Joshua tells them "and you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots"
Nothing is too strong for my God and with His help I can overcome any stronghold
Blessings,
Sue
My heart is a little stubborn lately, I seem to have to read/listen/etc to things multiple times before they penetrate and sink in. In these times, especially, I am so grateful for this blog. Hearing/reading things from so many different perspectives really helps bring things that I don't "get" right away home. Bless you all.
Morgen, you knocked my socks off right off the bat, as I have recently fallen down and been called to repentance for an idol that I was white-knuckling, trying to fix on my own. Your words about God being our portion are so perfect. I long for that!
*as an aside, there must be some serious spiritual warfare, because I woke up at 1:20am on Friday morning and couldn't fall back to sleep until after 4:30am - and ONLY after I finally turned to the Word to comfort me. Interesting to hear that a few of us seem to be struggling with this...
I didn't get much from the reading, more from you guys' comments, but I do have to praise God for introducing me to my study bible. I wish I could upload pictures on this blog, it has everything from maps on how the isrealites entered certain regions and how the territories were mapped out as well as commentary and references. If anybody is at all interested, I HIGHLY recommend it! (I have the NIV by Zondervan).
Have a BLESSED weekend all, keep praying and sharpening our sword, cause I think we're becoming quite a thorn in the enemy's side :)
Love love love from the PacNW
Hello All! I just wanted to pop in with some GOOD news after reading of all of the sad news over the past day or two. You all had prayed for my friend Blair and her husband John who has MS and had a tumor removed along with his pancreas... Well, we almost lost him about 10 days ago, but God was faithful in answering prayers for healing. This past Thursday, he came off the ventilator and opened his eyes for the first time in 20 days! PTL!
I'm with you all on the boring read today. I'm glad to hear others felt the same way as I was feeling guilty while glossing over the lists. I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Kate in VA
The part of today's reading that got my attention was 17:17-18.
One thing that Joshua told the tribe of Ephraim and Manasseh was that they were a great people and had great power. Joshua gave them the mountain and he told them they were going to cut down the woods and they would drive out the Canaanites even though they had iron chariots and even though they were strong.
I realized that even though my enemies might be strong my Lord is stronger and He will fight my battles.
Romans 12:19 says, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (KJV)
In reference to Palm Sunday, Matthew 21:7-11, this is something I learned. When Jesus was riding into Jerusalem a multitude of people spread their garments on the ground and other people cut down branches from the trees and laid them on the ground for Jesus to walk on. Then the multitudes cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest" (VS 9). Just a few days later these same people wanted to crucify Jesus.
To let all my new friends know, I do think of you all as friends and not just gigs, hope that's ok, I'm doing much better as far as the emotional struggles I was going through this week. A part of it was that I was feeling very lonely and missing my Spiritual mom. We usually email several times a week but not this week because she's been busy. I still haven't heard from her but I know she loves me. Thanks for the prayers.
My comment didn't appear so will try again.
What is my inheritance/my portion? Each were assigned certain cities.
Lori: Loved the definition of Hope. Will be praying for your Mom and sister.
Michelle: Loved the COMFORT acrostic and copied it in my journal.
This Bible study and your comments are blessing me and teaching me so much!
Again when we ask, we receive...Zelophehad's daughter asked and received two springs.
The tribes didn't obey and possess the land so they allowed the people to remain in the land. This would harm them in the future leading them to worship their idols and intermarrying.
Have a great weekend to all of you.
Teeny in NC
wow, I am LATE in the challenge. And usually I just lurk in the background reading away. Have a great weekend everyone!
Morgen, I see you're now keeping my hours, ha ha smile. Usually I can't sleep. Some nights I take something to help me sleep. For a while I was using Benedryl to do this, I know that's not its purpose, but now I use Melatonin.
Since this is an open blog weekend here's a poem I wrote around twenty years ago. Maybe on some open blog weekends I'll start sharing some of my poems that God gave me when I was going through difficult times twenty years ago.
Life isn't easy and no one said it would be but when trials and tribulations come against us we must remember to do these things. We must keep the faith and keep a smile on our face. We must keep trusting in God for he will make a way when there seems to be no way. Our trials and tribulations may seem like they'll never end and at times we may be in great pain. But we must remember to keep God on our mind and give him the praise at all times. We may not understand why we go through so many things but God never fails to give us a positive reason. He said in his Word He'll always be there and he'll never put more on us then we can bear. He said he'll never leave us nor forsake us and when the end finally comes we will become victorious.
I told my Spiritual mom about our group here and she is very happy for me. She is still hoping, however, that when I move I will find a women's Bible study to join. My church doesn't have one. We do have a weekly Bible study that my pastor teaches.
This part of the Bible is all new to me. Today's reading reads like a plat book or a legal document full of legal land descriptions. Not very exciting for me to read - but to the Israelites, it described their portion of the promised land - I imagine this was very exciting and important to them.
The thing that jumped out at me today is that every tribe described so far has left some former inhabitants in the land. God specifically told them to clear everyone out and they are not. I will be anxious to see how this plays out down the road.
The thing that occurs to me (after yesterdays reading) -- they are not WHOLEHEARTEDLY following the Lord's instructions. They seem to be doing what they think is "good enough". Why didn't they cleanse the land? Did they not believe God would still be with them...were they afraid to step out in faith?
My to do: Where am I settling for good enough? Where am I not committing wholeheartedly? Oh, Lord, I pray you will show me because I want to claim my inheritance in You to the fullest!
Have a good weekend!
Tara
Beautiful, true words in your poem, Jennifer Renee. They touched my heart.
I went back to bed around 5 for a couple of hours and got enough zzzz's that I feel pretty good right now.
My 14 yr old son is having friends over tonite, and we have a busy Palm Sunday in church, with a confirmation celebration afterwards, followed by an Easter Cantata I'm singing in.....
so if I don't talk to you tomorrow it's cuz I'm busy outside of my home.
Wave those palms friends...The Savior of the world is coming!
Purified in Him. Waiting on His wonders!
Morgen
Lori,I'm so sorry your sister is ill, and sorry that she will miss your celebration. Last weekend, my sister, and this weekend, yours! Take lots of photos for sissy :)
Morgan, glad you napped, and may you sleep peacefully tonight.
Kate, wonderful news about John! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Nancy, praying for you and Tom.
Jennifer Renee, I am so glad your mood is brightening. I enjoyed your poem and look forward to more on the weekends.
Praying for all those in need.
Michelle in New England
To all of you sisters that have been blessing me beyond measure, I have a prayer request for my dad who is not saved. He is being transferred to Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville as I type this. He was admitted into the hospital last night and they aren't equipped to treat him in his small town hospital.They have detected an infection that is trying to shut down his heart, lungs and kidneys. I'm flying out tomorrow to be with him and family.
Please pray for God's mercy and healing and for us to again witness to this good man who doesn't know Jesus as his Saviour.
Sorry this is rushed but I have so many things to do before I leave.
Thank you sooooo much for your prayers and I'll let you know when I get back.
Karen - central OR
Karen, may the Lord protect you as you travel, and protect your heart and mind and soul with a calming assurance that He is with you in this trial, and that He is with your dad, as well. Praying for you, your dad, and your family.
Michelle in New England
Karen - Praying for your dad and for safe travels and a heart of God's peace which passes all understanding...
I have to share this - I wonder if it will make you laugh as it did me tonight. When my 3 1/2 year old, Ellie, was saying her "night night prayer," she added at the end, "and please, God, heal my wedgie." ha, ha, ha!
k
Just getting back on to let you know my plans have changed. My dad passed away so now I'm flying to Virginia to my hubby and then we will drive to Tennessee. Michelle and Kate I so appreciate your
encouragement and God bless your little one Kate. That did make me smile. Hug your loved ones! The last time I got to tell my dad I loved him was this past Sunday.
I covet all of your prayers! Thank you so much!
Karen - cent. OR
Precious Jesus,
Bless Karen and her family at this time in her life. I am grateful, Lord, that you gave her a time to tell her dad that she loved him. I know that you will be with her in every step she takes for Your Word says that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Just wrap your strong arms around her and hold her up so she may feel your grace and mercy. I leave her in your hands as You are our great and marvelous Comforter.
I posted for today on Friday's post...I feel so stupid. I hope that you will go back and read. I guess I need to get to bed myself.
Matthew 21:9 in celebration of tomorrow,
Jeanne
Almost Palm Sunday.......
Yes, I too, found the reading boring. But then I had to think of what it means to the Jewish nation and the Jews around the world. They were given all that God promised, however, they disobeyed in not destroying the inhabitants. So 3,000 years or so later they only have a nation on a very small portion of their promised land. I read recently that their nation is surrounded by enemies(knew that), but they are only one bomb away from the total destruction of Israel (didn't think about that). How must that feel? Do they live in daily terror?
I too feel under attack from the enemy. Difficulty sleeping, weird conflicted nightmares when I do, and just at a time when I want to feel my best for my upcoming Tuesday Palm Sunday service (thanks again for all your help personalized prayers for the residents) I am having a bout with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. On top of that my fractured tailbone is acting painful again. But with God's help I am going to be part of his plans for me.
Tonight I went to a Rock and Roll dance and fundraiser for the Special Populations group. All day I felt lousy but I went and danced with those very special people with canes and crutches and developmental disabilities. To see such shear pleasure and joy and love they exude wiped away any pain I felt. Tomorrow I celebrate Palm Sunday at church and Monday prepare for Tuesday's adventure. I hope not to spend too much time in the bathrooms, but if I have to it is O.K. Satan is not going to keep me home!!!
I wish I had the time and space to comment on each one of your trials on a name to name basis. Please know that I am praying for your concerns, have empathy for your grief, and celebrate your joys as well.
I said this Easter would be momentous for me. For the first time in my life I know there is not a group outside the city gates waiting to stone me again and again. All this praise from me because Jesus died for me and those sins are forgiven!!!!
I have quite a deal of experience with the visually impaired. I believe they can sometimes see more clearly than the sighted because they are not bogged down with appearances.
I must, in fact, admit to turning off the video portion of Jon Courson so I can hear the word more clearly without distractions.
So goodnight from SW Florida and celebrate Palm Sunday! And if you want real live palms, you'all come on down! Blessings and love, Dixie
Karen - I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. You and your family will be in my prayers.
I too have fallen victim to the sleepless nights tonight. Satan seems to be attacking all of us. Or at least I know he is attacking me and my family. I want to thank you all for the posts that I have read tonight (or should I say early Sunday morning). They have helped calm my heart and soul.
I am praying that the Lord will be with us all and that we all remain strong in our faith! ANd that goes double for me.
I so appreicate all you wonderful ladies!
Amanda
Karen in OR - I'm so sorry about your father's passing. May God surround you with His love and care in the coming days. May He give you peace that passes understanding. May He keep you calm as you make decisions regarding his last service. ((((HUGS))))
Michelle and Jennifer Renee - thanks for sharing your acrostic and poem. They're beautiful.
Dixie and the others - it seems we are all under attack lately. Praying that we stand strong!
Today was a lesson in patience for me and the enemy tried very hard to attack. My DS1 headed back out to college and on the way to the airport we were met with the mother of all traffic jams. Half a mile from the airport we found ourselves on a detour due to a closed road. Then we got lost. The GPS insisted on taking us back to the closed road. An hour and a half later we dropped him off to the gate. But it made us terribly late for DS2's Bible Quiz - 40 miles away. DH said we should just go home but my DS2 and I insisted on forging ahead. More traffic. We got there 20 minutes after the competition started. THEN DS2 said he needed to go to the bathroom. Oy. Well inspite of the delays and agitation, their team won first place! They were so good. Those bible verses came just like that. I am amazed at those kids.
When things calmed down DS2 and I realized God had His hand in the situation. 1. If our van did not need repairing, I would have driven and DH would have missed it.
2. If we had plenty of time to get the competition, DH would have asked that we drop him off at home so he can play poker.
3. Being detoured and lost gave us more time with DS1.
4. We prayed a lot during the traffic.
So, in the end, it was a Romans 8:28 moment.
Well, I'm tuckered out. Going to sleep and will share more about the readings tomorrow.
Goodnight and SWEET dreams, everyone.
Karen, like the others my prayers r with yu. You know I believe Satan is mad that he can't get a foothold on any of us. For sevveral months I've had trouble sleeping so that's not a discouraging point for me. Not too discouraging anyway. However,I might be sleepy in church today.
Dixie, I know my dad would love some of your palm trees. I'm also praying for yu.
Karen in OR, my prayers are with you for safe travels and for comfort as you mourn. I am very sorry to hear about the death of your father, and I join all the night-owls who sent you words of encouragement.
Grace-and-Peace, you illustrated wonderful defenses to the attacks in your post! You saw the hand of God even in the trials! Thank you for sharing!
Michelle and Jennifer Renee, thank you also for your creativity and for putting into poems and acrostics, words that build us up and encourage us. You bless us all!
Today as I read about the further land divisions, some things really struck me. The first was that Joshua told the other 7 tribes to get busy and take possession of the land that would be their allotment! He says in Jos. 18:3-4 "3 Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you? 4 Select three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to explore the land and map it out. They will then return to me with a written report of their proposed divisions of their new homeland. "
He wasn't doing it for them. He was telling them to go do it and to follow Gods will while they did.
How often do I wait without action for God's promises to fall into my lap? How often do I overlook my part in making it happen? Do I listen to my spiritual guide when I am told "go do it?" Something to really ponder.
The second thing that struck me and puzzled me was Jos 19:15
15 The towns in these areas included Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and BETHLEHEM—twelve towns with their surrounding villages. (emphasis mine)
Did I read that right? Bethlehem was in the allotment of Zebulun? It is called a city of Judah and the birthplace of David! I looked it up in studylight.org and this is how it is listed:
Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)"
a city in Judah, birthplace of David
a place in Zebulun
Are there two cities of the same name? I looked on the map and yes there are two cities of that name; Bethlehem Haglilit is in the area of Zebulum, west of Nazareth and south of Haifa. The other Bethlehem; birthplace of David and our Savior Jesus, is just south of Jerusalem. Wow, I never knew!
Matthew Henry says this about Jos. 19:10-16
" 2. Though there were some places in this tribe which were made famous in the Old Testament, especially Mount Carmel, on which the famous trial was between God and Baal in Elijah’s time, yet it was made much more illustrious in the New Testament; for within the lot of this tribe was Nazareth, where our blessed Saviour spent so much of his time on earth, and from which he was called Jesus of Nazareth, and Mount Tabor on which he was transfigured, and that coast of the sea of Galilee on which Christ preached so many sermons and wrought so many miracles."
It is still so amazing to me to see how the OT and NT intertwine!
I wish you all a joyous and awe-inspiring Palm Sunday! Dixi prayers and praise for Tuesday!
Karen, Basel
Dear Karen,
My prayer is that you will feel God's presence and comfort at all times during this period of grieving. Cry your heart out, as you know, without a doubt, God hears your every word. He is with you and he is listening to you right this very moment. May you feel his tender hand holding on to you. When the pain seems more than you can bear, know that God will carry your burden. Draw upon his strength. "I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
My grandpa (Mema's husband) died on the same day that your father did. Each year, my thoughts will be with you at this time.
Hugs, Lori
Dear Jeanne,
I believe in way or another, God drew each of us to this Bible Study for a reason. You are right where he wants you to be: In a place that you can go where we all, “encourage one another –and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
The enemy is coming in and robbing you of the pure blessing that God has given you. You spoke of maybe thinking that you were spending too much time on the computer…remember what did we read last week? How does God tell us to be successful? “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it...this is my command” (Deut. 8 & 9). During this difficult period of your life where you are missing your sweet mom, the Lord has given you us! Isn’t this sweet of him? Don’t let Satan rob you of God’s special way to carry you through this difficult time. Satan opposes God’s plan for you. He wants to keep you dwelling on the yesterday’s...the what-if’s...the I-wishes... Abiding in him, focusing on him, lifting up praises to him, thanking him, loving him today and tomorrow, and sharing his love with those all around you. Love you, sister! You are a treasured blessing to all of us on the blog.
Hugs, Lori
Dixie, I sure wish I was close enough for a palm! The church we're going to right now doesn't do anything with palms on Palm Sunday, and I missed it! Might have to cut down some bamboo with my kids this week so that we can reenact that 'parade.' Something else that you said caught my attention: about Israel being only one bomb away from destruction. Have you ever read 'The Last Jihad' series by Joel Rosenberg? He combines Biblican prophecy with the 'what if this is the very last days' theory with current events and so talks a lot about what might happen throughout the world. It's fiction, of course, but along the lines of what world events could lead up to the Tribulation and the Rapture ... really interesting reading! I'm excited now to be reading through some of the scripture that he based his predictions on .....
With that said, today's reading wasn't very exciting. I'm heading off to try the map website again, but it didn't work the last time I tried it. The only thing that stood out to me was that one tribe couldn't hold on to their land, so they finally captured it, killed off the natives, and renamed it. Isn't that what they were supposed to do in the first place? It makes me wonder why they waited - and why they expected their disobedience to work out. Do I do that? Do I follow my own plans instead of God's and then get grumpy when it doesn't work the way I want? I'm sure I do ... I need to be a better listener and follow the Mapmaker!
Happy Sunday(Palm Sunday!)
I also had trouble with the reading the last couple days. I also did not read every town, and yes it would have been very helpful to have a map. The one thing I pulled from the readings is related to some of the tribes not being able to drive out some of the Caananites. It reminds me to be aware of those around me. We can't be around God loving and positive people all the time. This could have been laziness on the Israelites part, but maybe also a test from God to see how we handle situations with those types of people. Do we join in the negativity and poor behavior of others or are we able to walk past. Does the enemy suck us in?
Amy-I was surprised by the Israelites making the Canaanites slaves. That surprised me.
Michelle-Thank you for the beautiful poem, I will also be writing this in my journal
Lori-MS is a terrible disease and I am sorry to hear that your sister is having a flare and not able to get out of bed. It is amazing the things we take for granted like being able to pop out of bed and start our days.
Amy-I love K-love! I was actually introduced to Proverbs 31 through Klove. The have Renee and Lysa's daily shows airing on KLove.
Kate-I had mentioned to Lori my sadness for her sister who has MS. So glad to hear the good news about John. I can't imagine the challenges he has faced with having MS and then having to undergo the very complicated surgery he did have(I am a gastrointestinal nurse and have worked with that patient population). Glad to hear that he is turning a corner.
Karen-I am praying for you and your family and hoping that you have very safe travels. I am so sorry to hear about your father.
Thank you all for our blessed little community and Wendy for bringing us together. You all are amazing and give me such great encouragement every day. Thank you for that. I pray that you all enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Kristin-Wisconsin
Karen, I add my prayers to those here for your family. I too, have lost a father. Don't be afraid to cry. Did you know that you are so special to God that He collects your tears in a special bottle? Ps. 56:8 He made tears to be a healing thing.
I think we are all struggling with the reading this week. I have read ahead thru tomorrow as I won't be home to do it. In Ch. 21:45 there is some encoura-gement. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true. If the Israelites could depend on Him to fulfill every promise, then we can too. He promises He will never leave us or forsake us. He says if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. We can bank on it. Everything He has spoken comes true. He said He would rise the 3rd day, and PTL we serve a risen Savior! When I look at all the new flowers and the budding trees it reminds me of the resurrection. Every spring we have the evidence....that He arose.
Have a great week.
Jan TN where it is back to cold, cloudy and dreary.
Hey, y'all! I agree this was a somewhat boring reading as well. But then I remembered that there is a purpose for each Scripture--not that I always get it! I'm struggling for those nuggets too!
Karen, I am holding you close to my heart! I lost my precious Daddy right before Christmas, and it's hard! He was a "young" 86, and in great health. I talked with him on the phone 2 hours before God called him home. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Karen in Basel--thank you for the explanation of the 2 Bethlehems. It makes a little more since now.
We're in TN at the moment, and enjoyed Palm Sunday with my in-laws. The service was beautiful--but I had to laugh(quietly!) when some of the little boys marching down the center aisle with their palm branches were hitting each other on the backs of the heads...kids will be kids!
Hugs!
Susan
Susan, you did not happen to be in northern TN did you? The boys were doing the same thing in our service this morning :)
Karen, prayers are coming your way during this time. Know we all are lifting you up.
See you all tomorrow...
I love the pictures! Quite a few of our ladies are reading along with you in the old testament. Your insights are great for bringing meaning to a sometimes hard to understand part of scripture.
Hi all, I haven't done today's reading yet. I didn't get any sleep last night except for maybe fifteen minutes around 7:00 this morning. I then went to church. We got out around 2:30 but my ride had things to do so I didn't get home until 4:30. I'm tired and just in a down mood right now so I may do today's reading tomorrow.
Lori, you made me smile last night when I read that you called me sweetie-pie. You made me feel very young. However, I'm not that old. I'm only forty but I feel like I should still be in my twenties. You also made me feel cared about. I'm a very sentimental person.
Until tomorrow.
Thank you Ladies for the encouraging comments.
The readings I do admit, were pretty boring and had some difficulty following through. I do love Wendy's vlogs because it allows us to focus on our golden nuggets, of what the Lord wants us to take away from the readings.
I have also been working on Joshua's challenge and am very happy to see how God has allowed me to rearrange my schedule.
As we embark to another week of reading His word. I pray that we continue to be determined with our readings and focused on what the Lord is revealing us in our daily walk especially as we are starting the Holy week. I am very excited on how many blessings we are going to have and going to be unto others as we continue with Joshua's challenge and reading God''s word.
Have a good night all of you and have a Blessed week!!
Thank you all for your encouraging words, pls pray for me that as I read God's word that I may continue to allow God's word to transform me.
Thanks again!
Paola from Long Island NY
Hello Sweet Ladies, I wanted to share with you some verses my mom gave me that have helped her sleep.
First of all, she humbled herself and reached out to many to join her in praying for her. For many years she would not ask for prayer. She was too proud to admit a weakness. She realized how the Body of Christ praying is very powerful. God lead her to reach out to different people and even groups such as Christian, T.V., Daystar, & David Jeremiah.
Next, she memorized 3 verses:
Psa 3: 4 & 5
Proverbs 3:24
Psa 4:8 (God's promise to you)
At night, she would pray these verses back to the Lord, thanking Him for His powerful Word.
Truly, it has been a miracle in her life; "the LORD gave [her] rest on every side" (Joshua 21:43).
Hope this will help some of you.
Praying for you sweet sisters.
Hugs, Lori
Hey GIG,
I pray that many of you are resting in the Lord right now as it is late, and we have Palm Sunday tomorrow. Hosanna in the highest!!!
Dear Lord, please give my GIG who are having trouble sleeping a good night of rest with your angels watching over them. Let them feel Your Presence if they do awake...breath Your Spirit on each one so they will feel comforted as only You can comfort. Thank you, Jesus for blessing them...In your name I pray, Jeanne
I know we are awaiting the scripture that Lori's mom uses.
Since so many of us are having to keep our sword sharp as we are becoming a thorn in our enemy's side as OLIVIA said.;), I offer a verse from Jer.15:20 (with my input for encouragement) "Then I will make you( women of this study) a fortified(strengthened) wall of bronze to this people(sadness, fear of the unknown, dreams, death). They(the enemy's weapons or choices for our lives) will fight against you but will not overcome(defeat, conquer) you, for I am with you to save(redeem) you and deliver(liberate) you. Beth Moore's comment on this verse:"Do not let the enemy steal one bit of the victory God has for you. We must not allow intimidation or fear to imprison us in any area. Remember, Satan can presume no authority in your life. He will do his best to bluff you. Don't let him." Thank you,Lord, for your Word and for Beth Moore.
As for the Israelites keeping the Canaanites for slaves and for them not going the extra 90% (DIXIE) ;-->
I think of the areas of my life that I am a slave to.... Def. of slave: one who has lost the power of resistance; a person who is owned by someone/something. Does this tie in with my Joshua Challenge???? Rom.6:16 says: "Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey--either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness." B. Moore says that we have exactly two options: we can be slaves to a loving God or slaves to sin. Door #3 only exists on "Let's Make a Deal".
Amy: I had watched Beth Moore on tv 2 wks. ago and she was teaching on your verse: 1 Cor.16:13. I had written it down and pulled it out this a.m. to read again before I left to do errands for Easter. She said, "Show courage even before you feel courage. In whatever challenge we have, we are to think of how a courageous person would act in that situation." I am constantly amazed at how gives us some of His same blessings when we are miles apart...but not from Him.
Sorry about so much from B.M., but I love me some Beth Moore!!!
I love me some Jesus too,
Jeanne
at March 27, 2010 10:57 PM
I pray that many of you are resting in the Lord right now as it is late, and we have Palm Sunday tomorrow. Hosanna in the highest!!!
Dear Lord, please give my GIG who are having trouble sleeping a good night of rest with your angels watching over them. Let them feel Your Presence if they do awake...breath Your Spirit on each one so they will feel comforted as only You can comfort. Thank you, Jesus for blessing them...In your name I pray, Jeanne
I know we are awaiting the scripture that Lori's mom uses.
Since so many of us are having to keep our sword sharp as we are becoming a thorn in our enemy's side as OLIVIA said.;), I offer a verse from Jer.15:20 (with my input for encouragement) "Then I will make you( women of this study) a fortified(strengthened) wall of bronze to this people(sadness, fear of the unknown, dreams, death). They(the enemy's weapons or choices for our lives) will fight against you but will not overcome(defeat, conquer) you, for I am with you to save(redeem) you and deliver(liberate) you. Beth Moore's comment on this verse:"Do not let the enemy steal one bit of the victory God has for you. We must not allow intimidation or fear to imprison us in any area. Remember, Satan can presume no authority in your life. He will do his best to bluff you. Don't let him." Thank you,Lord, for your Word and for Beth Moore.
As for the Israelites keeping the Canaanites for slaves and for them not going the extra 90% (DIXIE) ;-->
I think of the areas of my life that I am a slave to.... Def. of slave: one who has lost the power of resistance; a person who is owned by someone/something. Does this tie in with my Joshua Challenge???? Rom.6:16 says: "Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey--either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness." B. Moore says that we have exactly two options: we can be slaves to a loving God or slaves to sin. Door #3 only exists on "Let's Make a Deal".
Amy: I had watched Beth Moore on tv 2 wks. ago and she was teaching on your verse: 1 Cor.16:13. I had written it down and pulled it out this a.m. to read again before I left to do errands for Easter. She said, "Show courage even before you feel courage. In whatever challenge we have, we are to think of how a courageous person would act in that situation." I am constantly amazed at how gives us some of His same blessings when we are miles apart...but not from Him.
Sorry about so much from B.M., but I love me some Beth Moore!!!
I love me some Jesus too,
Jeanne
at March 27, 2010 10:57 PM
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