HeIsGreater

First Instincts and Prayer

Joshua 9:7, 14 7 The Israelites said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?” 14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Sometimes we need to listen to our first impression, our gut reaction, our immediate response. And I read some recentContinue reading “First Instincts and Prayer”

Humanity’s History in Two Words

Joshua 7:1 But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things;Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel. “Were Unfaithful.” There are two intertwining themes in our lives a human beings. The oneContinue reading “Humanity’s History in Two Words”

Stones to Remember

Joshua 4:5b-7 Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut offContinue reading “Stones to Remember”

Hear the Report

Joshua 2:11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Sometimes a report can knock the wind right out of us. It can take our breath away. It can makeContinue reading “Hear the Report”

Selective Memory

Joshua 1:17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. Sometimes we are very selective in what we remember and what we proclaim about ourselves. We stretch the truth and shrink the lies. We tell fish storiesContinue reading “Selective Memory”

Face to Face

Deuteronomy 34:10-12 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 who did all those signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power orContinue reading “Face to Face”

Call the Heavens

Deuteronomy 30:19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast toContinue reading “Call the Heavens”

Our Own Eyes

Deuteronomy 29:2-3 Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them: Your eyes have seen all that the LORD did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials and to all his land. 3 With your own eyes you saw those great trials, those signs and great wonders. Sometimes we get the privilege of seeingContinue reading “Our Own Eyes”

No Middle Ground

Deuteronomy 27:12 When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: … 13 And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: … Sometimes there is no middle ground. But we like compromise, give and take, a little for me and a little for you. ButContinue reading “No Middle Ground”

In Proportion

Deuteronomy 16:17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion tothe way the LORD your God has blessed you. Proportionality in giving. “To whom much is given, much is required.” To put this simply, if we have a lot, we should be able to give a lot. This is one of the principles aboutContinue reading “In Proportion”