Can God Be Trusted? Studies one summer took me to Joshua to prepare for Sunday School lessons and to Daniel to prepare for VBS. What do these Old Testament Bible characters have in common? Previously, we have been looking at the story of Joshua; now, let’s jump over to the book of Daniel. We first meet Daniel and his friends marching off to Babylon as captives. Moving to Babylon was certainly unexpected! This wasn’t in their plans; not how they expected their lives to turn out. Here are these Jewish boys from Jerusalem taken away from their homes and …
The Wrath of God
I grew up in a time when there were no full time sports channels on television. We discovered international sports, such as alpine skiing, figure skating, and gymnastics, by watching a Saturday afternoon program called ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” Remember the introduction, “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat?” That’s what we have in the story of the Israelites and their victory at Jericho followed by their defeat at the Battle of Ai. In Joshua 6 and 7, we discover two contrasting characters for study, Rahab and Achan. Let’s be honest. We have wanted to ask, “Why …
Success Is?
Success is ____________________? (Fill in the Blank) How does the world measure success? (God measures differently!) Why take Jericho? It was the first city the Israelites encountered after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It was an important border town and crossroads intersection. It was essential to advancing; all roads led through Jericho to divide Canaan. What would be the best strategy? Watch out for the archers stationed on the walls. Surround the city and cut off supplies, food, and water. Utilize both battering rams and scaling ladders to weaken the walls and gates. God’s Instructions did …
Confidence in God
Joshua’s first major task was to get the entire nation across the flooded Jordan River. Here in Arkansas, we have learned first-hand about flood waters this spring and readily recite the new motto, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” To enter the Promised Land required crossing the river. Joshua 3: 7-13 “And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you …
Things God Taught Me
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30: 21 Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to have a cloud to lead us by day or a pillar of fire by night? Too often we wander off God’s path and go our own way, thinking we know what’s best. Perhaps current circumstances have thrown you off course. You feel lost and abandoned. You’re in transition and facing important decisions. The last report from the doctor was not good. Cutbacks at work …