Good morning friends and happy Saturday! I hope that this day can be a day of rest and relaxation for you, or even better, a day (safely) spent with family or friends. Today we finish the book of Joshua. Despite yesterday being one of the most painful readings I have done so far on this journey with you, overall I enjoyed the book of Joshua. I enjoyed the scenarios, the narrative, and the moral questions that it raises about war and peace. What are your thoughts on Joshua? I'd love to know.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about people?
What did I think of Joshua as a whole? What did I learn?
Would Jesus say amen to this?
- My Thoughts -
Maybe I'm a pessimist, or maybe it's just because I know the story of the Bible but whenever I get to a part in the Bible where it says "We will never turn away from God!" I just laugh to myself knowing full well they are going to turn away from God in about 5 minutes. I don't say this to judge them though, I say it as a counter against my own human temptation for sin. I sin against God and God's people at least twice every day and 500 times on a day when I drive home in rush hour. I wish I could have a little notification that would go off reminding me of the covenant I made with God.
I don't have that, but I hope that you can have that with someone in your life. One of the greatest strengths of the Methodist church was it's focus on Wesley's "band groups." These were accountability groups that not only supported one another during crisis, studied with one another daily, but also acted as the little notification reminding them of the covenant and the walk they were on with God. Having an accountability partner doesn't mean we are weak, in fact, author Brene Brown writes that admitting our vulnerability for shame is one of the bravest things we can do. Who in the church or in your family/friend circle can be an accountability partner for you as you study God's word with me?
Share your own thoughts below in the comments!
Prayer:
God, as I close out another one of your wonderful books of knowledge and life I give you thanks. I'm thankful for the person I am when you are part of my life. So today I ratify with you once again my covenant with you. I will be yours, and you will be. So be it. Put me to work, give to me your peace and wisdom, and let me walk as a child of the light. Amen and amen.