Acts 3

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”   And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. vv.6-7

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This is miraculous healing.  It wasn't that he slowly started to build muscle in his legs and feet and then start baby steps but BAM! full, complete healing in the moment.  This will be what healing looks like when the Kingdom of God is here and in those with gifts of healing.  There will be no need for doctors and medicine and therapy just Jesus power.  Notice too that his healing isn't dependent on him being a believer first.  Peter acts with no explanation to him of a process but only by the name/character  of Jesus Christ through faith.  We do see in the next verse (v.8) that this man becomes a believer because he goes to the temple right away.  His fist steps are to God!  When something miraculous and joyful happens in your life where do your first steps go to?

Acts 2

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day... For David did not ascend into the heavens." vv.29,34

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David was pretty legit dude, godly man, one of the most well known men of the Old Testament and highly praised even in the New Testament as well.  We see in these verse that David died and "is dead" a present truth and that he didn't go to heaven.  So I have to ask myself if David, this highly anointed by God Himself man, didn't go to heaven when he died what makes me think I am?  We know from other scriptures that David will be in God's kingdom so the question instead maybe is where did David go when he died and what happened when you die and when does one go to heaven?  We know that as believers today we will inherit the kingdom and be raised with Him in glory.  I'm not trying to promote or slip in an idea of purgatory at all but trying to understand what death means and what's next and what does scripture say over the tradition of most believers thinking all are in heaven once they die.  So how does this change your understanding?  Or how else could you interpret this passage?  Can you find a verse in  scripture that says we go to heaven when we die?

Acts 1

And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen  to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”  vv.24-25

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Even after Jesus' earthly ministry there were still twelve specific apostles to carry out specific commissions from the Lord, different from just any disciple/believer of Jesus Christ.  We see and know there were many followers of Jesus and even in this choosing between Justus and Mathias it seems like a close tie of who'd be chosen among the twelve.  There is a difference in scripture when the word apostle is used verses when disciple is used.  Not all disciples are apostles and not necessarily all apostles are disciples (i.e. Judah Iscariot).  We have to discern in scripture what are specific commissions for these apostles and what are commissions for us as believers of Christ.  I know I'm excited to have a special commission one day from Jesus Christ but until then I'm not going to try to make some else's mine.  Yes we can learn from certain commission on how we can be in our mindset, actions or other ways but outcomes aren't always the same because it wasn't a specific sending of Jesus to us or our hope may whither if we don't see the same results we do in scripture.  The coolest thing to note is that Jesus elected the twelve before when He was here on earth and they want Him to elect the twelfth even when He's not physically present.  In what ways do you know you're a disciple of Jesus?  What are some specific apostleship commissions you see in scripture that are for a certain group or person?

Joshua 24

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth... And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” vv.14-15

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The famous verse that is in almost every Christian household "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  And well said and aspire to for every believer and their household!  Unfortunately it is usually looked over or not really thought about these days.  I love these words of Joshua in this last section of his parting words before he dies. He tells the Israelites to fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth.  He doesn't start listing off the Ten Commandments or rules, but appeals to their heart and mind as setting those straight that will then follow how to walk the way God desires.  In sincerity is to not just do it religiously, but as ones desire to, not just to each his own desire but in truth, one truth, God's word.  And if that all seems evil to serve the Lord than let each decide who they will serve.  God doesn't force anyone to believe in Him.  The biggest obstacle the Israelites would face is not just their enemies but theirselves of who they'd choose to worship that would cause their fall or their victory.  Joshua was encouraging them to have the fore-mind to decide who they were going to serve no matter what, that being Jehovah or other gods. So what have you decided?  And how will you implement that in your household than just being a verse on the wall?

Joshua 23

“Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed. v.14

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I hate good byes.  They always seem so awkward, or maybe it's just me.  But I need goodbyes too.  I regret it if I don't get to even just give a quick hug to someone that I may never see again.  I feel like I have to say goodbyes a lot because of people moving, me moving, deaths, etc.  Well Joshua is saying goodbye here and his farewell speeches are in these last two chapters of the book of Joshua.  His goodbye isn't just because he's moving, he's about to die. He is old now, easily over 100 years old.  Notice how he says he's going "the way of all the earth."  All die and return to dust (see Ecclesiastes) and that includes this amazing godly man Joshua.  His departing words aren't talking about himself, but of remembering what the Lord did and encouraging them on to follow the Lord whole heartedly for the future.  As I am leaving a ministry and a community I have been a part of and lead my specific area for over five years I'm passing the baton and saying my farewell.  It's a bitter sweetness.  I know the Lord is leading me on to the next journey He has for me but I'm going to miss this  people and place so much.  I have felt loved well and trust that those taking on my job after me have the heart for the ministry to continue on it's good work.  As Nancy DeMoss Walgamuth said in a comment on Joshua's parting words, "You want them attached not to you but to God's Word."  And that's exactly what we see Joshua saying here in his last words and definitely what I hope and strive for too.  Joshua never takes credit for God's work, he continues to point people to God all his days. 
What are goodbyes like for you?  How can you leave people more attached to God than to you?  Has anyone been that influence on you?  What was it about them?

Joshua 22

“The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, He knows, and let Israel itself know—if it is in rebellion, or if in treachery against the Lord, do not save us this day. v.22

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How often do we judge on the appearance of things without knowing the reality?  Well that's what's happening here.  The two and a half tribes on the west side of the Jordan have built an altar and all the tribes on the east side of the Jordan are furious as they assume they are offering sacrifices to another god.  Leaders from the ten tribes as well as many priests go to check it out and talk to their brethren on the other side of the Jordan as to this altar.  They are quick to make a speech as to what treachery they see and astonished they are at this rebellion.  Then the others get a chance to speak up and clear up confusion.  They start out saying they still love their One true God, that they are not rebelling, that it's not what they think.   They're given a chance to explain and say that God knows their hearts and they know as well that if they are doing it in rebellion God will turn away from saving them.  Their reason for building the altar was to preserve God's faithfulness and the unity with all the tribes of Israel no matter what side of the Jordan they're on.  This miscommunication is resolved and everyone is pleased.
How often are you quick to judge on appearance or jump to conclusions?  Do you let both parties speak when trying to resolve an issue?  Try this week to be more aware in areas of miscommunication of how you will choose respond?

Joshua 21

All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty-eight cities with their common-lands. v.41

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Now we read of the land for the Levites.  Remember they didn't receive a land inheritance for the Lord God was their inheritance (Josh.18:7), but they were to receive cities within every tribe for where they were to live (Numbers 35:8).  And this tribe of Levi being the smallest of the twelve tribes seems to have the most cities: 48.  Crazy right!  This wasnt something we ever see any of the other tribes complain about in comparison.  This was at the command of God, providing abundantly for the Israelites whose work as being priests, singer, and the duties in the temple.  Just as much as God loves a joyful giver, we see God gave abundantly, liberally and joyfully.  Ought we not do the same for missionaries that we don't just give them our leftovers or whatever they need to get by.  Now it may appear that the Levites had the most cities but the land it self may not have been as much as what the other tribes had as Levites had more like cities and suburbs whereas the other tribes had surrounding land to expand outward (acreage would definitely show Levites land was smaller).  But the best part was that every tribe had Israelites in their land inheritance.  The Levites were the ones that had the Law of the Lord and would therefor be a presence of God's way among each tribe.  Praise the Lord we can have a Bible in every house to know God's way!   Do you have someone in your community that is a reminder of God's ways to keep you in check?  How have you seen the Lord abundantly provide for missionaries that don't receive a "regular" paycheck? 

Joshua 20

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwelt among them, that whoever killed a person accidentally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood before the congregation. v.9

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Now that the land is settled they are reminded to set up cities of refuge just as they did before.  These cities were for a man to flee and find shelter till his trail if he accidentally murdered someone.  The interesting thing I just picked up on is that these are already inhabited cities.  Theses are cities in someones tribe.  There are three appointed on one side of the Jordan River (where 2 1/2 tribes were) and three appointed the other side (where the other 8 1/2 tribes were), all conveniently placed so that all the tribes had one easier to get to than another.  All the cities were up upon mountains, that they might be a great distance from the avenger probably.  What's even more interesting is that all these cities are the priests cities.  The priests didn't have one land inheritance like the other tribes but were spread out and given land among all the tribes of Israel.  Matthew Poole's Commentary says the reason for this is:

partly that these causes might be more impartially examined and justly determined by them, who are presumed best able to understand the law of God, and most obliged and likely to follow it in their judgment, and not to be biassed by any affection or corrupt interest; and partly that their just reputation with the people, and their good counsels, might lay some restraint upon revengeful persons, who might be inclined or tempted to follow the man-slayer thither, and endeavour to kill him there.

Is there someone in your life you live with or near that you can go to for refuge in a matter that gives godly counsel as these Levites do?

Joshua 19

When they had made an end of dividing the land as an inheritance according to their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun.  According to the word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked for, Timnath Serah in the mountains of Ephraim; and he built the city and dwelt in it. vv.49-50

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Joshua goes last.  Once all the tribes of Israel had figured out and taken their land then Joshua gets his.  This army general of Israel for the past forty plus years isn't the first to get his big city but the last.  We never see him complain that because of his ranking he should be first to receive.  And even at that the city wasn't already built for him, he did one final big task at the end of his days and that was building a city to dwell in, no small task.  He didn't expect others to build his city or finally be the one to be served.  Joshua embraces the "dirty work" just as much as he embraced the battles.  Also, Joshua seemed to have been able to ask for whatever land he wanted, where he chose was within his home tribe of Ephraim.  There's always something about home isn't there?  No matter how much you may travel or live far away for years, at some point later in life many end up right back where they started (not in the sense you didn't go anywhere but the family and culture of their upbringing is what feels like home to them).  
How do you embrace the "dirty work" of your job?  Where would you like to settle and call home? Why?

Joshua 18

Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you? v.3

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They're wading in this water of life yet are afraid or just content getting their feet wet.  The Israelites are in the promised land yet are slack in possessing it.  Perhaps it's the fear of them being nomads their whole life wondering in the wilderness that they're not ready to build and possess a stable home and life.  Perhaps they were tired from all the battles.  They seem to need the whole survey of the land, the whole picture, an exact measuring, before they could make a decision.  Of course they wouldn't have just taken land without the lot cast by the priest as an answer from the Lord, but slackness in asking and laying hold of what God said He was giving to them.  Joshua hasn't yet laid hold of his inheritance as he first will make sure everyone else has theirs.  Joshua stirs the last seven tribes to do their part so that he can do his part for them.  Oh how we all need someone like Joshua in our lives to call us out and challenge us not to be slack in taking God's promises, but to take them confidently.
When do you become slack in possessing what God has promised?  Are you afraid of the norm you've always known?  Are you exhausted and want what appears easier?  Are you needed to get the exact details before you make a decision?

Joshua 17

And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, 18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.” vv.17-18

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Make the most of what you have.  
Here we read of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh complaining about their lot of land being too small for them.  They were two of the biggest tribes of the twelve and received some of the biggest portions of land, yet they were not content with that.  They came to Joshua with this plea for another lot of land and Joshua, being from the tribe of Ephraim, could of easily showed favoritism and done so, but he didn't.  What Joshua did do was point out land already on their territory they should use and that being the mountain country.  Joshua's responded with a view of themselves they didn't put together, that because they are so great it should be no hard task to cut down the wooded area to its farthest extent and drive out the Canaanites.  Yes they'd have to work at what they wanted and it not just be handed to them.  Joshua even encouraged them with the words of God that spoke through Moses, "When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (Deut. 20:1).  How often in our own lives we want the blessings and inheritance with Christ without the discipline or work to put in it of studying or memorizing scripture or making sacrifices or not waging spiritual warfare.
Are you content with the territory or place in life God has given you?  Or do you feel more constrained?  How can you choose to make the most of what you have and do the hard work for what it is you want?

Joshua 16

And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers. v.10

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This is a very short chapter that seems pretty mundane.  These next few chapters are like reading a deed of people's land divisions.  And if we don't know the map of the area it's really hard to picture and stay focused as you read.  Well in chapter sixteen we read of Ephraim's lot.  After all those years of wondering in the wilderness and then years of battle as they entered the promised land they are now finally getting their settling spot, the land the Lord promised them as an inheritance.  Now as with any move we all have made there comes it's hardships.  I once moved in to a house that had a sceptic tank that cost a fortune to get pumped so the owners of the house (my housemates) had us not flush when we went number one and we'd spit our toothpaste in a bucket with the running water to then throw the bucket of water outside when it got full.  It was a hassle, but we did it for almost two years.  Well this land that each tribe was inheriting had it's hassle, but they weren't expected to live with them, they were expected to defeat that hassle.  Their hassle was the Canaanites and they were to drive them completely out of the land, but we read that they did not do so.  This wasnt just putting up with a nuisance, this was disobedience to what God commanded them to do.  A one time hassle or burden of responsibility turned in to an enduring hassle because they didn't step up to take care of what they should have done in the first place.  What burden or responsibility have you experienced in a new home or place?  And how have you taken it on?

Joshua 15

So Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.  Now it was so, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?”  She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. vv.17-19

Read chapter 15
Othniel and Achsah.  Two new people in the Bible we read of for a brief moment in Joshua.  Caleb just finished conquering a land where giants lived and before he decided to conquer another land he gave the opportunity for someone else to step up to the plate and trust in God being greater than those giants.  His request is twofold as he also adds that he will give his daughter as wife to whoever is able to do it.  This was probably his way of providing for his daughter a man that will protect her but also a godly man who's faith is strong in the Lord.  This same man, Othniel, is the first judge we read of who becomes leader of the Israelites once Joshua dies (see Judges 3).  Caleb as Othniel's father-in-law probably had great influence on him leading his people and more-so trusting in God.  Achsah is a woman who we see seems very similar to her father: bold.  Just like Caleb declared he wanted the land of Anak and so was given it as a blessing from God, so Achsah declared she wanted springs of water and her father gave it to her as a blessing.  I love the relationship you see between this father and daughter: the daughter isn't afraid to approach his daughter, they have a deep relationship and affection toward one another.  It's not a spoiled daughter begging her father for more.  It's a daughter who knows her father loves to bless her and in her request for springs, he chooses which springs to give her.   How can you be a man like Othniel or a woman like Achsah?
Luke 11:9-13 brings this home to us in asking our heavenly father for things:

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  If a son asks for bread[d] from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Joshua 14

Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said. v.12

Read chapter 14
Caleb is speaking here.  The same Caleb that went with Joshua and ten others to spy out the land of Canaan forty-five years ago.  And Caleb, if you remember, was the one that believed God would give them that land rather than fearing the giants that they saw that caused the others to doubt.  Caleb and Joshua were the only ones with the right perspective realizing how great their God is to these little giants rather than focusing on how big the giants were.  Jim Boyce puts it this way, "Compared to the giants, the Jews seemed like grasshoppers. Caleb and Joshua looked at God rather than circumstances, and when compared to God, the giants were as grasshoppers."
Well it's been forty five years since this happened and Caleb still remembers God's promise to Israel and is taking claim to it now.  Caleb is 85 years old and just as strong as he was when he was 45 years old with the strength for war (v.11) and ready to take the mountain where the giants lived.  Just look at his vigor.  Just because he's old he's not taking things easy, he's still going strong ready to battle the giants because of the Lord's promise.  "Faith will give you strength. And, on the other hand, unbelief and rebellion will sap your strength"(Nancy Leigh DeMoss).  Caleb had showed amazing faith after God in his  forties and that continued on into his eighties.  Choose to press hard after God now, that in your eighties your faith will be just as strong.
What is your perspective of the size of God to the size of your troubles?

Joshua 13

Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed. v.1

Read chapter 13
I laughed when I read this first verse of this chapter at the retreat of Joshua being old and advanced in years.  How funny it is that the writer (Joshua) notes it and that God says it flat out to Joshua.  Made me wonder if Joshua didn't realize or wanted to admit that he was getting old.  Joshua at this point was around 100 years old, yet still all the promised land wasn't conquered.  Now the Lord isn't telling Joshua to get on the battle field at 100 years old and fight, but He's still using Joshua as a leader to guide the Israelites in what they are to do as well as take a "desk job" to help divide out the land conquered to the twelve tribes of Israel.  Just because Joshua was very old we see that he's still being used by and serving the Lord.  Joshua had grown from a youngster under the tutelage of Moses, then was a warrior in many many battles and then took over after Moses died to lead the Israelites into the promised land God had for them.  Joshua wasn't just doing a job looking forward to retirement to just sit back and let someone else be the leader, his job was his ministry and God used him in different ways throughout the different seasons of life he was in all the way to the end.  A friend just told me the other day "if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life."  I wonder if this was true of Joshua.  No matter what season of life you're in today, how can you choose to serve the Lord to your utmost today, tomorrow and years from now?

Joshua 12

the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; v.10

Read chapter 12
Whenever you think of Jerusalem in the Bible, one typically thinks of where Jesus lived or the capitol of Israel where David, Solomon and other kings ruled.  Yet the city of Jerusalem had another history before Israel lived there.  Here we see it was in the land of Canaan with a king over this city.  (This king is actually one of the five kings who was taken and hanged back in chapter ten.)  Even before Canaanite world of this land it has been discoverd that Egyptian had rule over Jerusalem and possibly it's first settlement.  We don't see till many years later after Joshua had conqured it when King David makes it officially the capitol where God's temple resides.  In "its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed 2 times, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The oldest part of the city was settled in the 4th millennium BCE, making Jerusalem one of the oldest cities in the world" (Wikipedia).
We also look forward to the New Jerusalem noted Revelation 21.  So as you think about Jerusalem may you be in wonder of it's full history and desire for the New Jerusalem.  What city do you desire to go to and why?  What would be the draw for you to visit Jerusalem in the past, today and in the future?

Joshua 11

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord had commanded Moses. v.20

Read chapter 11
I know, I know.  Seems like God is such a horrible god when you read this verse that He hardened their hearts and utterly destroyed them showing no mercy.  Where's the merciful, loving God in this occurrence?  Well we can understand this wording that is similar to other areas of scripture, like the harding of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 4 & 7.  What is more than taking this one verse out of the whole is that these nations that Israel was destroying by the hand of God were peoples who had were acting continually contrary to the Divine will of God. "It was the design of God’s providence not to soften their hearts to a compliance with the Israelites, but to give them up to their own animosity, pride, confidence, and stubbornness" as Matthew Henry puts it. God was giving them over to themselves that their free will chose.  The Lord hardening their hearts is just the culmination of where their free will led them to be destroyed.  Not everyone comes to God like the Gibeonites  came to Joshua (see Joshua 9) to ask to be spared.  God knows their hearts if they would believe the signs or not and gave them up to that.  We can't just imagine this cold blooded killing, but perhaps more-so a swift destruction as we see how quickly the land was conqured and given to the Israelites.  How do you take and understand passages like these?

Joshua 10

“Sun, stand still over Gibeon;
And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
13 So the sun stood still,
And the moon stopped,
Till the people had revenge
Upon their enemies. vv.12-13

Read chapter 10
The longest day probably ever we read here.  The sun stood still for about a whole day.  This was at the request of Joshua to the Lord as they were fighting their enemies.  Just like many of us can think there are not enough hours in a day to get all we want done, so Joshua must have wanted this to be a one day battle and nothing more.  The Lord heeded his prayer and let it be so.  There has never been a day like that since (v.14) where the sun stood still as much as we may pray for the same thing.   Joshua's day was long enough to bring out victory which has been told for generations of God's sovereignty (which if their were a sun god he would've had to bow down to Our God Almighty).  Our days may be short but we can choose how we use that time that will bring honor to God.  How we use our time for God's glory also has an effect on others around us.  Oh how our prayers should be more "Lord come in your kingdom" more than "Lord make the day longer."
If you got to make a day in the past longer for whatever reason which day would it be and why?  

Joshua 9

Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.  So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.vv.14-15

Read chapter 9
Deception comes even in the "good times."  Joshua and all of Israel are feared by the nations for the rumor throughout the surrounding nations of what their God had done for them.  So because of this fear of the God of Israel men from Gibeon disguise themselves so that they can make a treaty with Israel under a different reason that will ultimately save them even when they are found out who they really are.  The leaders of Israel are curious and ask questions, yet Joshua and the leaders ultimately trust in their own discernment than even to think to ask the Lord, as it seemed probably so innocent to them.  Yet it is noted this is clearly the mistake they made: "they did not ask counsel of the Lord."  So it's revealed only three days later who they really are and because of the covenant made with them and their honor to it so that the vow they made with God as their witness, the Gibeonites are spared from being destroyed.  They were to live but as slaves to Israel as a curse of their deception.  When do you find yourself making decisions without asking the Lord for wisdom and end up being deceived or regretful of not seeking the Lord first?

Joshua 8

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city.  So those in ambush arose quickly out of their place; they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and they entered the city and took it, and hurried to set the city on fire. vv.18-19

Read chapter 8
Man is the Lord an amazing army commander!  This is an ambush plan God gave Joshua and the Israelite army to carry out to destroy Ai.  Of 30,000 soldiers of Israel, 5,000 lay in wait to ambush the city once all the men of Ai go after the rest of Israel into the desert pursuing to fight them.  Definitely goes to show you the importance of guarding your home basis that it's not only about the front lines in battle.  When have you seen or experience ambush of a base or part of your life attacked that you didn't give any guard to till it was too late?
Well just like Moses at the battle over the Amalekites in Exodus 17 when he held up his hands and rod the Israelites were winning, so Joshua kept his javelin raised and pointed at Ai till the battle was over with Israel winning.  Just because the Israelites won the battle didn't mean it wasn't hard, exhausting, draining - even for Joshua to hold a heavy metal pole up for so long is no easy task.  Who have been supporters in your life to help you in the battles no matter the length or size of the battle?  And how has that strengthened both of you?

Joshua 7

So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel by their tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken.  He brought the clan of Judah, and he took the family of the Zarhites; and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man, and Zabdi was taken.  Then he brought his household man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. vv.16-18

Read chapter 7
Achan's sin.  Just after the Jordan River waters were split for Israel to cross and then the fall of Jericho, no sooner did the Lord's anger burn against Israel; and no one knew or understood why.  Joshua seems so confused seeing they lost in battle against Ai when he knew the Lord's promise and deliverance.  Thankfully God tells Joshua why  and it's because of someone's sin.  Notice it's not like a court system today of trying to prove who committed the sin, but God boils it down right before their eyes to the one single man: Achan.  He knew he wasn't suppose to take the plunder of Jericho and covet, yet he did anyway probably justifying himself it was okay for we see his repentance of knowing what he did.  What may be hidden to man is not in the slightest hidden to God.  I wonder if Achan was in any agony before he was convicted by God?  When have you tried to hide a sin from not only people but from God?  What was the outcome?  Even though Achan admitted his wrong he still had to face the punishment: stoning.  We don't read that his admitting was a repentance, yet either way we thank Jesus for taking our due of sin.

Joshua 6

You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days.  And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. vv.3-4

Read chapter 6
This is not your typical siege: no warlike preparations were made.  As Israel is preparing to take down Jericho as God commanded, it was the people of Jericho that shut themselves in.  Jericho, a city that flourished with art and nature, locked themselves up so-to-say not wanting to believe the reality of their destruction and judgment of God.  Israel's tactic wasn't to intimidate the people of Jericho with all their weapons of war rather their symbol was carrying the ark around the city in silence- this showed that this victory was of God- and sound trumpets at the final march on the seventh day that seems more like getting ready for a festival than a battle.  This wasn't a siege that lasted for years or even months to make the people starve, it only lasted seven days.  It seems a very absurd thing the people of Israel were to do: walk around the city walls once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day.  Benson's Commentary suggests this was of God, "that they might learn to take new measures of things, and to expect success, not from their own valor, or skill, but merely from God’s appointment and blessing; and in general, not to judge of any of God’s institutions by mere carnal reason."
I always wondered how big this city was for this to be possible, at least to walk around a city seven times.  Yet these long marches around the city were to deepen the impression of God on those in Jericho as well as I'm sure it made a deep impression on the Israelites as well of Jericho their enemy.  How has God taken you on a seemingly ridiculous route or task of His promises that you might learn to lean on God in a new way?

Joshua 5

Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year. v.12

Read chapter 5

The end of the manna.  The whole time they were wondering in the wilderness from Egypt to the promised land of Canaan they ate manna.  40 years of eating the same thing until they entered the land of Canaan and enjoyed it’s produce of the land.  We know they complained in the wilderness about the manna like they were sick of it but I wonder that after having it for forty years if they ever missed it.  Some of my friends were born and raised in another country where they ate rice and beans almost every meal every day but when they came to the USA they enjoyed the food for a time but would always prefer rice and beans on their plate.  That’s what their palate was accustomed to.  Surely too food straight from God has to be pretty darn amazing as I like to call berries I pick off bushes God’s candy.  What is something in your life God provided that you took for granted and missed once it was gone? (Think of an item or a person or a place)

Joshua 4

And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. v.8

Read chapter 4

Ebenezer.  A lot of people know that word from a song or know it as the name of Scrooge in the play A Christmas Carol, but do you know what the word means?   Well this chapter helps us put a visual to what it means to “raise my ebenezer.”  Joshua had the Israelites take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River they just crossed and set it up on the shore as a remembrance and representation of the miracle God just did for them.  Now these weren't just small rocks they picked up but huge stones that they had to take up on his shoulder to carry (v.5).  Raising an ebenezer is a symbol of God’s goodness and miracle He did in their lives that every time they saw these twelves stones on the bank of the Jordan they would remember.  

At the camp I work at we have The Stone Pile and it’s a place for a new believer to place a stone on as their ebenezer where they accepted Christ as their Savior.  What is your ebenezer (or multiple ones) to remember God’s goodness and work in your life?

Joshua 3

and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest),  that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, andwere cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. vv.15-16

Read chapter 3

Did you realize there are two times God parts the waters for Israel to cross?  The first time, and most well known occurrence, is with Moses in the Exodus crossing the Red Sea (Ex. 14).  Yet here we see the second occurrence with Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan river.  Now we have the note here that it was during the harvest season, which meant that the Jordan River was overflowing, the strongest time the river was during the year, so this was no wading across an easy shallow river.  There was no way they could have crossed the Jordan as speedily and safely as they did without the miracle of parting the waters.  I mean the whole nation of Israel crossed the Jordan to enter the land of Canaan, that was probably a million or two men, women and children plus all their possessions to carry.  As when Moses raised his staff over the Red Sea to part the waters, here the moment the priest stepped into the Jordan water’s edge the river split.  Now it must have been a pretty wide path for them to cross the river as scripture notes that the waters coming from upstream piled up a great distance away.  God can and does do similar miracles similar to Jesus feeding the thousands a couple times and healing multiple blind people.  Did you know of these two miracles of the parting of the waters?  What are other miracles you’ve seen multiple times in scripture or in life today?

Joshua 2

Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. v.1

Read chapter 2

Rehab.  An amazing well known woman of the Bible.  Unfortunately she has a title attached to her name like John the Baptist, but her title isn't one I don't think most people would like: Rehab the Prostitute.  Yes she was a prostitute but that’s not the end of her story.  Rehab is not an Israelite, she and the whole nation of Jericho are afraid of the Lord God at this point in history knowing all that the God of Israel had been doing for them and were afraid to be next to be taken out by God.  Yet Rehab is to be the only one that has faith in God as we read in the famous hall of fame chapter in Hebrews 11:31.  She must have had a word from God ("So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17) to let these spies in as well as the two spies knowing out of all the homes to go to, to go to hers to hide.  This act of faith leads her in to an amazing blessing, not only saving her and her family from destruction but Rehab marries an Israelite named Salmon who becomes a great great grandma to king David and ultimate a part of the genealogy to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5)!  She may have the title of a prostitue but that didn't stop her from faith in God and turning her whole life around to become a worshiper of Him with blessing upon blessing.

Dont let a past sin or title hold you to what potential you can still have for faith in Christ.  What might that sin or title be (that someone or you give yourself) that you need to look past and show faith God is calling you to?

Joshua 1

Be strong and of good courage... Only be strong and very courageous...Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage...Only be strong and of good courage. vv.6,7,9,18

Read chapter 1

The baton has been passed from Moses to Joshua.  Moses is not dead and Joshua is to lead the Israelites into the promised land.  Did you notice the words “Be strong and courageous” appeared four times in this one chapter?  The Lord said it directly to Joshua three times and then the people of Israel said it as well to Joshua.  The Lord is speaking directly to Joshua and encourages him in leading the people which is no easy task and God knows it or else He wouldn’t have said be strong and courageous three times.  We will see as we explore the book of Joshua what all he would face and need this boldness, but just as Joshua didn't know what  all was to come, neither do we know what’s all to come in our life.  Yet the Lord tells us to be strong and courageous as well as in 2 Timothy 1:7, “The Lord did not give us a spirit of timidity but of power, love and self-discipline.”  I like how the people also encouraged their new leader with the same words as God used, that must have really made it hit home for Joshua.  What do you feel the Lord is telling you to be strong and courageous in your life right now?  How can you encourage any leader in your life with these same words?

3 John

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. v.4

Read 3 John (only one chapter)

Now we have a letter from John to his friend Gaius.  It’s a letter of encouragement to his friend.  How sweet and good it is to give encouragement to friends as well as receive it too.  I know I love it and am fully of joy when I get random snail mail or messages from friends when I’m least expecting it but most need it.  Well one of my favorite verses in all of scripture comes from this short letter and that is verse four.  John is saying what brings him the most joy more than anything else in the world is to hear that his children are walking in truth.  His most joy isn't at a party with friends and family or isn't when he’s fishing down by the river, but when others are living for Christ who is truth.  We can be sure God our Father is in agreement with this as he inspired John in this letter, that God has no greater joy than to hear that we are walking in truth.

So one, send a friend a random letter or message of encouragement today.  Secondly, which truths are you going to choose to walk in today to bring your Father joy?

2 John

The Elder,

To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth v.1

Read 2 John (only one chapter)

Know who John’s writing to?  His wife!  Yes John the disciple whom Jesus loved, who penned the gospel of John and 1st, 2nd and 3rd John was married.  2nd John is a letter to his wife.  So why is it in the Bible?  Well for one there is still great teaching in this short thirteen verse letter that was for that time period of the Acts when this was written.  Most the teaching is continually about the importance of love as we saw in 1st John as well as being aware of other teachings.  I’m sure the husband and father of the household wanted to make sure his family wasn’t being deceived and continuing in the faith while he was away on missionary journeys.  This may not be some lovey-dovey letter between a husband and a wife but it does show the depth of their relationship.  John is conversing about truth with his wife, maintaining in contact while he’s away, encouraging her while she raises their children, and his desire to see her face to face and tell her every detail.  Today there isn't as much letter writing between husband and wife, but communication has increased exponentially since the time of John and his wife, yet communication between spouses, or any other relationships, seems to be harder and harder.  Why is that?  If you’re married or in a relationship, how can you make your communications be Christ-centered no matter what the discussion is about?

1 John 5

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. vv.3-4

Read chapter 5

We have read how to love others and of God’s love, and now we read of how to love God.  It says flat out right here: obey His commands.  Now if one just read that I would imagine someone getting all upset thinking it’s meaning this crazy cruel submission with a whip is how God commands people.  This is not it at all.  The following sentence for starters says His commands are not burdensome.  Like a child wanting to please their parents he or she does what they ask him or her.  Yes this pleases the parents and it pleases God when his children desire to please Him, but one thing my roommates parents said to me one day is that Courtney (my roommate) couldn't do anything more to make them proud of her and love her more for how much they already love her.  It’s the same with God.  There’s no work we can do to earn more of God’s love, so it’s not about works to make Him love us.  Obeying His commands ought to be our delight to show how much we love him, but knowing that it doesn’t make him love us any more or less.  I like that this verse even flips the thinking around in that it starts with how we love God and goes on how much more He loves us.  He loves us so much that He overcame the world and allows us to overcome the world with Him if we are generated of Him.  That seems to be man’s all in this world- how to overcome it.  Praise the Lord we don't have try and fail to do it because He already did and He’s our only way to overcome it as well.

Do you try to earn God’s love?  How can you change works for love to a desire to please Him?  What ways do you or others try to overcome the world apart from God and how have you seen this play out?

1 John 4

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. v.18

Read chapter 4

Live loved.  It’s a phrase I read in a book recently saying live as you’re fully loved.  Lived as you are fully loved by God.  Many don't live or believe this.  And if one doesnt believe they are loved by God fear sets in.  Fear of abandonment, fear of being forgotten, fear of death, and so on.  Yet perfect love cast out fear.  God is love and accepting and believing God’s love for you will cast out any fear.  Can you grasp Christ’s love for you?  The sum of the cross in that He died for YOU.  Do you know anyone that would die for you?  That’s pretty strong love.  Yes there may be a parent, spouse, friend that would die for you but no one would just die for someone they didn't think was worthy.  Yet Christ died for you because He does think you are worthy of dying for even if you don’t, even because you (and everyone) are a sinner.  If someone died for you you would probably spend the rest of your life trying to make it up to that person being beyond grateful.  Well there’s nothing we can do to make it up to the Lord for dying for us other than wholly accepting His gift of everlasting life with Him.  The future may be unknown but with Christ’s love for us we ought to face the future confidently and not in fear.  What fear needs to be cast out in your life to live fully loved?