Judges 18, Proverbs 26, Hebrews 11

The people of the tribe of Dan were evil. They not only invaded and destroyed a peaceful, hamless country. They also stole Micah's idols and his priest. His priest wan't exactly loyal, since he followed the most money and influence, but the treachery of the Danites is inescapable. A striking fact is that they remained idolaters down through the years to the Babylonian captivity. When the tabernacle resided at Shiloh, they still refused to turn from their sin.

Humans would have given up  on them. But we know that through seventy years of captivity, the hearts of the people turned back to the Lord. He kept His covenant even when the Danites broke it. God never gives up on us.

The  foolish, lazy, and dishonest will reap what they sow. A wise person stays far away from them.

The contrast between the "heroes of faith" and the Danite tribe, along with fools, the lazy and dishonest, is stark. The chooice is ours to make and the consequences are clear.

I say, with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Judges 1, Proverbs 9, 2 Timothy 2

Is God satisfied? The Lord told Moses and Joshua--and both men told the people--that God would give them all the land and that they should drive out all the inhabitants. But for some reason, the Israelites stopped short. A few excuses are mentioned, such as "chariots of iron" and determination on the part of the inhabitants of certain cities or regions. But that's all they were - excuses. Since when is God limited by mere facts? It can be easy to get most of the way through a difficult project, become comfortable with the victory so far, and rationalize putting off any further actions. "I just need to rest a while," we think. But that thought can turn into "This is enough for me. I'm satisfied." The question ought to be, "Is God satisfied?"

Is God pleased? Wisdom works hard. Folly drinks stolen water. Wisdom fears the Lord and gets to know Him. From a personal, loving relationship flows the desire to please God, to do whatever He asks. Wise people are students of the Bible who learn from God.

Is God finished? There is no half-way or almost-there stopping point with Jesus Christ. Warriors, athletes, and farmers all know this. The real truth is found in verse 12. "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him." Also, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (verse 15) Jesus Christ completed His work on the cross and His will is for us to stay faithful to Him for the rest of our lives, no matter what happens or how hard life becomes.

Joshua 24, Proverbs 8, 2 Timothy 1

Just before Joshua died, he called the leaders of Israel together for one purpose: to seal in their minds and hearts devotion to the One True God. He reminded them of all the mighty works of God on their behalf in the past and he cautioned them about the future consequences of changing their minds and following other gods.

Remembering what God has done for us in the past is a powerful tool for sealing our commitment today. Joshua's famous statement in verse 15, ". . . Choose this day whom you will serve . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," voiced what the rest of the people also decided.

There was just one catch. They had to put away their idols. Is it shocking to discover that they possessed idols at this point in their saga? Take a moment to assess where you are in your journey. Do you carry around idols, even though you say you're following God? The consequence of continuing with them is that we become unable to worship and follow God as long as we hold anything back. And that leads to personal chaos.

Choosing to follow God means choosing wisdom over wealth. But the end result is incredible wealth. Does this mean the Lord will give us "silver" or "gold" or "rubies" if we follow Him? Maybe. Maybe not. Tangible silver, gold or rubies, anyway. When we choose to follow the Lord instead of any other thing, that question becomes irrelevant. Our focus changes. We recognize the wealth of our relationship with Him. Verses 30-36 mirror the caution Joshua gave the Israelites. Choose the Lord, because any other choice brings death.

We cannot judge the faith of a person by the outcomes in his life. Paul, by the time he wrote this chapter, had been betrayed by most of his followers in Asia. He actually uses the word "all." He also mentions Timothy's "tears." Life was terribly hard, with little evidence of reward. But Paul never forgot the real wealth of his choice.

Joshua 23, Proverbs 7, 1 Timothy 6

Don't let your guard down. Joshua reminded the people of all the mighty things the Lord had done for them. Then he said, in essence, "Don't let your guard down in the future." They had fought battles and the Lord won them. But it wasn't over. Because it's never over. There are always temptations. The only way they witnessed God-sized miracles like the parting of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho was because they listened to God and obeyed what He told them to do. The key to obedience and hearing God speak is a relationship with Him. Joshua knew this. That's why he told them to remain faithful to the Lord and never follow other gods. When we are in a close, personal relationship with God, when we listen to Him and obey what He tells us to do, we'll see Him accomplish God-sized things through us, too.

Don't let your guard down because it is never over.Proverbs 7 reads like a story. A cautionary tale. The chapter begins by telling the reader the secret for avoiding the scenario that follows. It is never over. Temptation is everywhere. Only keeping and treasuring God's words will prevent falling.

Keep fighting and don't let your guard down. Another kind of temptation is money. Keeping the words and doctrine of Jesus Christ produces godliness (v 3) but failure to do so produces chaos and haughtiness. Staying pure and in right relationship with the Lord is described here as a fight. (12) So no matter who we are, or what century we live in, we must stay on guard, fight off temptation, read the Bible and pull in close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Then we can say, along with Paul and Joshua, that as our days on earth end, we are content, remembering all the God-sized work accomplished by Him through us.

Joshua 22, Proverbs 6, 1 Timothy 5

Well-meaning intentions can easily be taken the wrong way. Caution on both sides is advised. The Israelites became so agitated over what they perceived as the motivation for the actions of the two-and-a-half tribes that they prepared for war. The two-and-a-half tribes should have stopped to think how their actions might be interpreted by the rest of the nation. A little communication before the deed would have gone a long way. If our actions might be seen as something sinful, it might be best to back up and trust God to take care of the situation. When we try to "help" God it can make His job caring for us more difficult!

Stop to think about the consequences of your actions before you act. Or in the case of the "sluggard," consider what will happen if you stay lazy. Every action does have a consequence. Satan's favorite ploy is to blind us to the truth by dangling pleasure before our eyes. Wise people see around the pretties to what lurks behind.

Actions have consequences. The church was charged with caring for "real" widows: those who had no husband or living children, who were over the age of sixty. Why the rules? Because of the sinful actions of some. Paul also gave more cautionary instructions about accusing an elder. Stop. Think.

If we will always follow this exhortation to stop and think before we act or speak, we'll avoid much heartache and make God's job easier!

Joshua 21, Proverbs 5, 1 Timothy 4

The Framework. The Levites, since they were priests and not warriors or farmers, were given cities scattered throughout the Promised Land. They needed places to live among the rest of the people. An interesting note is that five of the six cities of refuge were given to the Levites. The priests were in charge of the law and a "slayer" would have to wait for the death of the current high priest before moving back home. So we can see how God designed His nation to be ruled by His laws, carried out by the priests who should be godly men. It was set up to run beautifully. Did it? not always~because people fail. But God gave them the tools and framework for optimal operation.

The Pattern. God gives us the pattern for wisdom in chapter four. But in chapter five we find that everyone doesn't follow the pattern. Because people fail. But optimal living only happpens when we stay within the framework and follow the pattern.

The Result. Proverbs five constrasts two lifestyles, and so does 1 Timothy four. Failure to live a disciplined life has disastrous consequences. But following the Lord's instructions ends in the salvation of many.

Joshua 20, Proverbs 4, 1 Timothy 3

Reading about the cities of refuge again reminds us that God planned for forgiveness. It also illustrates part of His character: a place to find hope for the future when our circumstances might do us in. Another truth shines up at me from this page. The people had to go along with God's plan and actually designate the cities as refuges. They had to agree to let those people live, no matter what emotions might overtake them. Sometimes following the will of God goes against our emotional instincts.

Living wisely requires discipline. Choose to hear instruction (i.e. read the Bible), memorize scripture, guard your heart so that you aren't carried away by your emotions, only speak what is honest and true, make sure your eyes only see what they should and be careful where you go. Then you will be tuned in to the Lord's frequency.

Pastors and deacons are to be wise, disciplined men. Their wives must be also. But really, shouldn't the descriptions found here fit us all?

The great mystery is how God became man. It is no mystery how to live in wisdom, or to know that we need to forgive. But we can only do it by the grace of God, through the Holy Spirit, imparted to us because of the mystery.

Embrace the Mystery.

Joshua 19, Proverbs 3, 1 Timothy 2

Possess the land. Dividing the land between the seven remaining tribes was accomplished by casting lots at the door of the tabernacle in Shiloh. The priest, Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal leaders conducted the process. In the Old Testament, casting lots was one way God spoke to men. So God actually directed the division and they all knew it. It might have been easy to quibble among themselves over the borders, but not when they knew for certain God laid it out.

A couple of interesting notes: 1. Dan got more because they took the initiative and fought for it. 2. East was always referred to as "toward the sunrise" but west was either "west" or "at the sea."

Follow instruction. God speaks to us through His word today and when we read the Bible, we know for certain Who it is that we hear. Proverbs 3 is instruction we cannot quibble over. If we will follow what we read here, our lives will be full, meaningful, and satisfying. We will "occupy the land" in a spiritual sense the way the Israelite tribes did in the physical sense.

Pay attention to details. 1 Timothy 2 opens with instructions for a quiet and peaceable life: prayer for all those in authority. Then Paul goes on to instruct a quiet and peaceable church function. It can be hard to accept our roles when we listen to the voices of culture around us. But when we recognize God speaking through the Bible, we won't quibble over details.

Joshua 18, Proverbs 2, 1 Timothy 1

Joshua's question to the remaining tribes tells on them. "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?" Here they were, at last, in the Promised Land. And yet seven tribes watched their fellow Israelites take charge of their inheritance while hanging back and waiting. Waiting for what? That was what Joshua wanted to know. As God's mouthpiece, we can be sure Joshua voiced the question for God.

Were they afraid? Maybe. Lazy? Mm. Maybe. We don't know why they waited. But when Joshua broke it down into instructions, they obeyed. They conducted a survey, wrote the results in a book, and cast lots. Sounds very modern to me. "Conquer Your Enemies in Three Easy Steps."

Wisdom equals receiving God's words and treasuring His commands. When we do these things, God is our shield, guard and guide. Proverbs 2:21 says, "For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it." Maybe the seven tribes needed to deal with a sin problem. Failure to receive God's words and treasure His commands leads one down a dark road. The seven tribes stood at the intersection. It was time to choose.

Paul instructs Timothy to teach sound doctrine: the reason for the law was to show sinners the truth about themselves, and the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ saves them from their way. Two, Hymenaeus and Alexander, stood at the intersection and chose the wrong way. Paul and Timothy chose the right way.

Is God calling you to choose His path? Is He leading you in a direction you hesitate to follow? Be like the seven tribes and stop procrastinating. God will break it down for you, step by step.

Joshua 16, Psalm 150, 2 Thessalonians 2

Ephraim and Manassah, the tribes named for the sons of Joseph, had overlapping territory since the cities for Ephraim were in the land of Manasseh. Ephraim included Bethel and Luz, the sites famous for their significance in Jacob's life. Do your children know the landmarks of your spiritual heritage? Do you tell stories to be handed down of what God has done? Jacob told his stories, and so when these tribes inherited the cities, they could gain courage for their own battles from him.

When we praise the Lord for His mighty acts, it inspires praise for everything else. And praise tells our stories.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of a truth he had already taught them. (See verse 5.) They were nervous and shaken by what someone else said. Hearing the truth over and over is reassuring when we are frightened or unsure. Paul tells them to "stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." (v. 15)

Just as it was important then, it is important now to not only "stand fast and hold on" ourselves, but to hand down to our children and grandchildren the faith stories they can hold on to.

Joshua 15, Psalm 149, 2 Thessalonians 1

Joshua 15 details the borders, and cities within them, that outlined the land Judah would inherit. This was a huge area and included the city of Jerusalem. It was up to the people to take the land for themselves. Caleb's land lay in part of this area and he drove out three real giants. He put muscle where his mouth was. He acted on the faith he had already verbalized. Faith is only as good as the actions based on it. Faith is the glove on the hand.

Judah was not able to drive out the inhabitants of Jerusalem with the result that they had to share space. The Bible gives no reason for this failure, nor does it outline specific, serious consequences. The situation apparently was simply not as ideal as it could have been. The Judah-ites may never have known what could have been. When we fail to act in full faith, we miss opportunity and may never even realize it. But that doesn't excuse our failure or negate it. God knows.

Psalm 149 describes the pairing of faith with action a little bit differently. When the people are full of praise and worship, when their joy overflows, then they are prepared to go out with the sword. "This honor have all His saints." This verse (9) refers to us even now. Verse 3 describes being filled up completely with praise; our bodies overflow with it in dance and song. Only at this point do we have what we need to fight and win. I believe this describes the filling of the Holy Spirit and the power He provides.

Here is another example of faith and working power. The Thessalonian Christians suffered persecution, but Paul reminds them of the power of God  to overcome and destroy enemies. It is Jesus Christ who actually does it for us. We just have to engage.

Verse 11: " . . . That our God would . . . fulfill . . . the work of faith with power."

Joshua 14, Psalm 148, 1 Thessalonians 5

Joshua divided up the land among the tribes for their inheritance west of the Jordan before they had conquered it. What faith! Not only that, but Caleb, the other spy from forty years earlier, who along with Joshua believed and trusted the Lord, wanted to inherit (and thus fight to conquer) the part of the land famous for its giants. And he was 85 years old! These men are certainly "Heroes of the Faith" for me. When I face my "giants" I'll remember them.

How do stars and waters, sea creatures and cattle, hail, snow and wind praise the Lord? Through obedience. Doing what they were created to do. My ultimate praise to God is also obedience. Even if I'm afraid, I will follow the example of Caleb.

In case we wonder what obedience looks like, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5. After assuring us of the ultimate triumph, he gives exhortations for right living. Living this way will bring praise to the Lord.

Joshua 13, Psalm 147, 1 Thessalonians 4

Joshua was old and had fought many battles for control of cities in the Promised Land. But God said, "There remains very much land yet to be conquered." I wonder how it felt to hear those words and know they were true. Yet I do hear them every day. "So much to do and so little time." The victories of my past are, indeed, past. I have to look forward. God also told Joshua to go ahead and divide the land among the tribes so they would know where their inheritance lay. Chapter 13 details what had already been conquered east of the Jordan.

Seeing at least part of the dream already come true and settled surely must have motivated the warriors to keep fighting for the rest. So take time to savor your victories thus far--but not too much. Remember them, then move on. Go take the rest of your inheritance.

"The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those whose hope is His mercy." (Psalm 147:11) This is the key to victory and ultimate peace. It is the Lord who does all the great things listed in this Psalm, not a man or woman. (See verse 10) We can trust Him to provide. And then we need to praise HIm for having done so.

If we want to know how to live in the "land" the Lord has given us, how to act as occupiers, 1 Thessalonians 4 tells us.

1. Remain sexually pure. In those days and in these, it is exceedingly difficult to stay pure. Not only does temptation abound, but so does social acceptance of any sort of deviant behavior. This point is crucial, however.
2. Lead a quiet life. Work to support yourself and love your fellow Christians. This means minding your own business! Paul did actually say those words.
3. Keep the end in mind. Peace comes from knowing how the story ends.

Joshua knew how it would end, David knew, and Paul knew. We do, too.

Joshua 12, Psalm 146, 1 Thessalonians 3

Pure victory. All-out, absolute, unequivocated, complete, total, without-a-doubt victory. That was the end result of the battles Moses and Joshua fought. If God is for us, indeed, who can be against us? Thirty-one kings and their armies were completely wiped out. The land belonged to the Israelites.

Who is the King of the land? The Lord is. "Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help." (verse 3) Don't put your trust in earthly princes because they'll let you down every time. The Lord is a wise, righteous, benevolent ruler.

Paul was on pins and needles of anxiety over the Thessalonians until he found out that they had remained faithful to the gospel. It seems in verses 1-4 that his physical afflictions had left him so scarred that he was afraid for the Thessalonians to see him. That maybe they would be disheartened by seeing him. But warriors do bear scars. Paul heard back from Timothy that they were still living proof of the victory of salvation.

Victory. It requires trusting the Lord as your general, and engaging in battle ourselves. It can also mean physical persecution and certainly does mean spiritual and emotional persecution by Satan. We will be wounded and we will have scars. But scars, while recalling the wounding experience, indicate healing. We can trust the Lord to bring us through to complete victory.

Joshua 11, Psalm 145, 1 Thessalonians 2

The last battle Joshua fought may have been the most intimidating to him as he faced it. The enemy army was "as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude . . ." (verse4). Why was Joshua anxious? One might think each victory would make the following battle easier for him. But when God begins to work, the enemy realizes things are serious and goes to work, too. Each battle thus becomes more intense than preceding ones. However, what Joshua and his army knew from experience was that God would win. He was their General. Only this certainty could have given them the courage they needed to fight.

We have the same certainty. And we also face escalating battles as God's victories become more numerous in our lives. But this chapter ends with the end of wars. Peace came when all the enemies were dead. We are headed toward an end of wars, too. Heaven is our reward for fighting until the last enemy is dead. But we have to remember Who our General is so we will ". . . not be afraid of them . . ." (verse 6).

Psalm 145 describes the peace after wars are over. God is the Victor and His kingdom is glorious. It is also the description of the warrior's heart. Calm can reign in the middle of chaos because of what the Lord has done. This is where our mental and spiritual focus needs to be.

Joshua and his army took the spoils of war for themselves--gold, silver, precious gems. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he has fought battles, a war even, to tell them the gospel and that they are the spoils of war for him, the great reward.

This is why we fight--to win souls who will be our joy, our "crown of rejoicing" when they are "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming." (verse 19)

Joshua 10, Psalm 144, 1 Thessalonians 1

Fight and Win. The great victory of Joshua and the Israelites over the five kings and their cities of the South land illustrates the victory of a Christian in complete obedience to God. When the Lord said, "Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand . . ." Joshua took Him at His word and and marched all night to Gibeon to engage the enemy. His faith and trust were so strong that he told the sun and moon to hold still until the enemy was vanquished. God rewarded Joshua's trust by halting the sun and moon. Then He finished off the escapees with hailstones.

Remember Past Victory. David experienced the same kind of victory. He recognized that it was the Lord who did it. And he and his kingdom lived the reward of peace and prosperity.

Anticipate Future Victory. The Christians in the Thessalonian church received great power through the Spirit when they trusted Christ. And their changed lives were a testimony to all the neighboring regions.

Just as the victories of Joshua, David, and the Thessalonians became a testimony to the world, the victory of God in our lives shows to our circle of influence what a might God we serve. But victories don't happen without battles.

How to Win:
1. Put on your spiritual armor.
2. Engage the enemy in the name of the Lord.
3. Trust Him to fight for us and win for us.
4. Believe the victory from the beginning.

Then watch what God does and enjoy the peace He gives.

Joshua 8, Psalm 142, Colossians 3

Joshua 8 opens with these words from the Lord, "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed." Joshua's army had just suffered a major setback but God encourages them. Verse 3 says, "Joshua arose . . ." He got up and made plans which were then carried out. These were not just any old plans that he dreamed up. They were God-given instructions. And this time everyone obeyed. When the battle was over, Joshua set up a memorial and read the scripture--all of it.

The stone memorial stood for generations reminding the people of the reward of obedience and the faithfulness of God to keep His promises. When we suffer a set-back, remember to not be afraid or dismayed. Set it right and then claim the power of God to move forward, following His guidance.

David was afraid and dismayed when he hid in the cave from Saul. But in the end, he recognized that the Lord would provide victory.

If you're wondering what the plan is, how to move forward, what to do, it's found in Colossians 3. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (verse 2) There's our focus. Start acting like who you are: a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ, an ambassador for Him.

From verse 12 through the rest of the chapter we find instructions for moving forward. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Col. 3:23-24

Joshua 7, Psalm 141, Colossians 2

Joshua 7 is an ugly picture of sin and defiance that resulted in horrible judgment. There were actually several scenes.

1. The sin
2. The defeat in battle because of the sin
3. Joshua's anguish over the defeat when he didn't understand it, including his conversation with the Lord
4. The judgment

Sin always is more costly than we imagine it will be. Defiance against God always ends in destruction. The scene that grabbed me was Joshua's and his question of the Lord. "What will You do for Your Great Name?" This is the bottom line. It is all about God's Great Name. God's answer comes in the form of instructions. The first is "Get up!" Don't lie around feeling sorry for yourself. Here's what to do . . .

In times of great stress, when we don't understand what is happening, take it to the Lord, and don't lie around feeling sorry for yourself. Get busy doing what you know to do.

David knew the hazards of sin. In Psalm 141, he asks the Lord to keep  him pure.

Achan wanted treasure and tried to get it the wrong way. He was so focused on the things he saw that he couldn't see or obey the Lord. The real treasure is all wisdom and knowledge in God the Father and Jesus Christ. When we follow the treasure map - the Bible - we will solve the mystery and gain all the wealth found in the knowledge of God.