Judges 19
What unfolds in these chapters is a very scandalous story that would definitely make it to the headlines of The New Paper if it happened in these times.
A Levite’s concubine cheated on him and then returned to her father’s house. However, he still loved her and pursued her there to ask her to return to him. After much delay at her father’s house, they finally set off for home.
They had to find some place to spend the night as it was late. At first, his servant asked him to spend the night in a Jebusites city. However, he refused to spend the night there because they were not Israelites. Perhaps he thought it would be safer staying with his own people. He was so wrong.
The Benjamites of Gibeah harassed them where they were staying for the night and demanded that the old man who put them up to hand over the Levite so that the men could have sex with him. They have lost all conscience. To appease them, the concubine was handed over and she was tortured the whole night until she died. When the Levite realized she was dead, he brought her home and cut her up into twelve parts to send them to all the areas (probably tribes) in Israel as a protest against the violence done.
Judges 20
The Israelites of the different tribes were of course appalled and shocked by what happened. They decided to unite as one and seek justice. But the Benjamites refused to hand the men responsible over and were ready to fight the rest of the Israelites.
The Israelites sought God. They fought the Benjamites and lost 22,000 men.
They encouraged one another and positioned themselves to fight again. They sought God. God told them to go up against the Benjamites. Another 18,000 men were cut down.
The Israelites again inquired of God after weeping and faster. Again, God told them to go and said He would give them victory. They obeyed.
In the beginning, it looked like what it did before and the Benjamites were killing off the Israelites. But the Israelites had a new plan and drew the Benjamites away from the city to the roads. The Benjamites were ambushed and “the Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel” (20:35). All the Benjamites were wiped out save for the 600 who fled into the desert at the rock of Rimmon.
Judges 21
The Israelites had vowed not to give their daughters to the sons of Benjamin for wives because of what had happened before. However, they were grieved because they did not want to see one tribe missing from Israel. They had to figure a way out for the tribe of Benjamin to continue its lineage. They extended peace to those who had fled to the desert and instructed them to seize girls of Shiloh for their wives, because while the daughters cannot be GIVEN to the Benjamites, they could TAKE them.
It is indeed terrible when people simply do as they see fit or as they pleased without God in their lives (21:25). The sin of men and the acts they were capable of committing is frightful and yet we are also all sinners saved by grace.
What struck me in chapter 20 was that even though the Israelites were seeking justice and to redress a wrong, they still suffered great losses in two battles. But the Israelites stayed the course. They did not give up. They sought God. They trusted Him when He said go and they obeyed. They were united. And God gave them victory.
Though we may face struggles or “fights” and sometimes come away a little scratched, a little bruised… But take heart, warrior of God! Stay the course. Fight the fight. God will give you the victory. Amen.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
– 2 Cor 4: 8-10
Friday, April 06, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Judges 16 - 18 (5th April) - Li Juan
Judges 16 – Samson and Delilah
Samson fell in love with Delilah and the rulers of Philistines wanted her to lure him into showing the secret of his great strength, so that they can overpower and subdue him.
1st Try
Delilah: Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued
Samson: If anyone ties me with 7 fresh thongs that have not been dried, I’ll become as weak as any other man
So, Delilah tried it out and it did not work!
2nd Try
Delilah: You have made a fool of me and lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied. (Think she’s a lil angry now!)
Samson: If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I’ll become weak as any other man.
And without a doubt, Delilah tried it out and it did not work too!
3rd Try
Delilah: Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied. (Changed tatic, can you sense that there’s this really whinny tone? *shivers*)
Samson: If you weave the 7 braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I’ll become weak as any other man.
Of course, Delilah tried it out and it did not work either!
4th Try
Delilah: How can you say ‘I love you’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength. (She’s a really naggy woman! She nagged Samson TO DEATH! This guy can’t resist such nagging, and so he told her..)
Samson: No razor has ever been used on my head because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.
And the Lord left Samson when his head was shaved by Delilah. Samson was seized by the Philistines and they gouged his eyes out (yucks) and made him a prisoner in Gaza.
Moral of the story for the ladies, if you sense that your husband / boyfriend is hiding anything from you, just NAG and NAG and NAG and… =)
Judges 16 – The Death of Samson
God strengthened Samson the last time when he was brought out to entertain the rulers of Philistines. Samson reached the 2 central pillars holding the temple and pushed with all his might. The temple came down on everyone who was in it!
Judges 17 & 18 – Micah’s Idol & Danites Settle in Laish
These chapters show the religious confusion in Israel, and picture the downward path of Israel resulting from the departure from the Word of God. In those days, Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit.
Micah and his mother were involved in idolatry, and this symbolizes what the whole nation was into at that time.
The Danites seeked further territory, took Micah’s idol and his priest, attacked the unsuspecting Laish and dwelled there.
Samson fell in love with Delilah and the rulers of Philistines wanted her to lure him into showing the secret of his great strength, so that they can overpower and subdue him.
1st Try
Delilah: Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued
Samson: If anyone ties me with 7 fresh thongs that have not been dried, I’ll become as weak as any other man
So, Delilah tried it out and it did not work!
2nd Try
Delilah: You have made a fool of me and lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied. (Think she’s a lil angry now!)
Samson: If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I’ll become weak as any other man.
And without a doubt, Delilah tried it out and it did not work too!
3rd Try
Delilah: Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied. (Changed tatic, can you sense that there’s this really whinny tone? *shivers*)
Samson: If you weave the 7 braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I’ll become weak as any other man.
Of course, Delilah tried it out and it did not work either!
4th Try
Delilah: How can you say ‘I love you’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength. (She’s a really naggy woman! She nagged Samson TO DEATH! This guy can’t resist such nagging, and so he told her..)
Samson: No razor has ever been used on my head because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.
And the Lord left Samson when his head was shaved by Delilah. Samson was seized by the Philistines and they gouged his eyes out (yucks) and made him a prisoner in Gaza.
Moral of the story for the ladies, if you sense that your husband / boyfriend is hiding anything from you, just NAG and NAG and NAG and… =)
Judges 16 – The Death of Samson
God strengthened Samson the last time when he was brought out to entertain the rulers of Philistines. Samson reached the 2 central pillars holding the temple and pushed with all his might. The temple came down on everyone who was in it!
Judges 17 & 18 – Micah’s Idol & Danites Settle in Laish
These chapters show the religious confusion in Israel, and picture the downward path of Israel resulting from the departure from the Word of God. In those days, Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit.
Micah and his mother were involved in idolatry, and this symbolizes what the whole nation was into at that time.
The Danites seeked further territory, took Micah’s idol and his priest, attacked the unsuspecting Laish and dwelled there.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Judges 13 - 15 (4th April) - Sylvia
Judges 13
The Israelites continued to do evil and were unholy in the eyes of the Lord so He gave them to the Philistines for forty years.
Our god is merciful and gracious. He sent a leader who would grow upto deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. He blessed Manoah, who was sterile and childless with a son, Samson. In return, she had to ensure that during the term of her pregnancy, she could not drink wine or any fermented drink and not eat anything unclean (v 4). When he was born, no razor could be used on his head as he was to be a Nazirite, consecrated and set apart from God.
As Samsom grew up, God blessed him and he began to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Samson was blessed with the gifts of strength and ability in physical battle.
The term Nazirite is described as "being holy unto the Lord"
Judges 14
Samson grows up and is of age to marry. Whilst on the streets, he sees a young Philistine woman from Timnah and wants to marry her. (Little do they know that it was actually an opportunity created by the Lord to confront the Philistines.)
As Samson and his father approaches Timnah, a young lion came roaring towards him and Samson was filled with the Spirit so powerfully that he just tore the lion apart with his bare hands. Can you imagine yourself tearing a live lion with your bare hands? Its not by our might or power, but by the strength of the Lord.
Few days later, as Samson goes back to marry the Philistine woman, he saw the lion's carcass and saw honey inside, which he scooped out and ate. He then used it as a riddle to the thirty Philistines. (his companions)
When they were unable find an answer, they got his wife to get the answer from him. After days of her tantrums and pressurising him, Samson finally told her the answer on the seventh day of the feast. When the other Philistines were able to answer his riddle, Samson knew that it was because his wife had told them and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he 'struck down thirty of their men', taking their belongings and giving their clothes to the men who had explained the riddle. His wife was given to the friend who had attended to him at the wedding.
All these were part of God's plan for Samson to go against the Philistines and battle with them.
Judges 15
Samson gets even with the Philistines and takes revenge.
He provokes them by burning up their shocks and standing grain, and vineyards and olive groves. After they retaliate by brning his wife and father to death, he takes revenge by attacking them viciously and slaughtering them.
When the Philistines tried to capture him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he used a mere jawbone of a donkey and killed a thousand men.
Our God is Almighty indeed. Amen.
The Israelites continued to do evil and were unholy in the eyes of the Lord so He gave them to the Philistines for forty years.
Our god is merciful and gracious. He sent a leader who would grow upto deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. He blessed Manoah, who was sterile and childless with a son, Samson. In return, she had to ensure that during the term of her pregnancy, she could not drink wine or any fermented drink and not eat anything unclean (v 4). When he was born, no razor could be used on his head as he was to be a Nazirite, consecrated and set apart from God.
As Samsom grew up, God blessed him and he began to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Samson was blessed with the gifts of strength and ability in physical battle.
The term Nazirite is described as "being holy unto the Lord"
Judges 14
Samson grows up and is of age to marry. Whilst on the streets, he sees a young Philistine woman from Timnah and wants to marry her. (Little do they know that it was actually an opportunity created by the Lord to confront the Philistines.)
As Samson and his father approaches Timnah, a young lion came roaring towards him and Samson was filled with the Spirit so powerfully that he just tore the lion apart with his bare hands. Can you imagine yourself tearing a live lion with your bare hands? Its not by our might or power, but by the strength of the Lord.
Few days later, as Samson goes back to marry the Philistine woman, he saw the lion's carcass and saw honey inside, which he scooped out and ate. He then used it as a riddle to the thirty Philistines. (his companions)
When they were unable find an answer, they got his wife to get the answer from him. After days of her tantrums and pressurising him, Samson finally told her the answer on the seventh day of the feast. When the other Philistines were able to answer his riddle, Samson knew that it was because his wife had told them and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he 'struck down thirty of their men', taking their belongings and giving their clothes to the men who had explained the riddle. His wife was given to the friend who had attended to him at the wedding.
All these were part of God's plan for Samson to go against the Philistines and battle with them.
Judges 15
Samson gets even with the Philistines and takes revenge.
He provokes them by burning up their shocks and standing grain, and vineyards and olive groves. After they retaliate by brning his wife and father to death, he takes revenge by attacking them viciously and slaughtering them.
When the Philistines tried to capture him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he used a mere jawbone of a donkey and killed a thousand men.
Our God is Almighty indeed. Amen.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Judges 10 - 12 (3rd April)
Judges 10
After Abimelech died, Tola rose to save Israel and he led Israel for 23 years (v 1, 2). Then followed by Jair who led Israel for 22 years (v 3). Then Israel did evil and God was angry with them and for 18 years they lived in oppression and distress (v 6 – 9). Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help and God could not bear Israel’s misery (v 10, 16)
Judges 11
Jephthah was a mighty warrior but was driven away because he was born by a prostitute (v 1, 2). Then the Ammonites came to wage war against Israel and the elders of Gilead went to look for Jephthah for help to lead the army and to be the head. Jephthah vowed to the Lord that if God give the Ammonites into his hands, whatever came out of his house to meet him when he is back from triumph, he will sacrificed to God (v31).
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah (v29) and of course he won the war. He returned home and his one and only daughter came out to meet him and sure Jephthah needed to keep to his promise with God and he sacrificed his daughter.
Judges 12
Can you imagine, if someone comes up to you and ask you whether you know how to pronounce “Shiboleth”, if you pronounce wrongly, you will be killed immediately. That’s what happened in this chapter where Jephthah and his men had victory over Ephraimite.
Jephthah led Israel for 6 years, then
Ibzan led Israel for 7 years,
Elon for 10 years and Abdon led for 8 years.
After Abimelech died, Tola rose to save Israel and he led Israel for 23 years (v 1, 2). Then followed by Jair who led Israel for 22 years (v 3). Then Israel did evil and God was angry with them and for 18 years they lived in oppression and distress (v 6 – 9). Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help and God could not bear Israel’s misery (v 10, 16)
Judges 11
Jephthah was a mighty warrior but was driven away because he was born by a prostitute (v 1, 2). Then the Ammonites came to wage war against Israel and the elders of Gilead went to look for Jephthah for help to lead the army and to be the head. Jephthah vowed to the Lord that if God give the Ammonites into his hands, whatever came out of his house to meet him when he is back from triumph, he will sacrificed to God (v31).
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah (v29) and of course he won the war. He returned home and his one and only daughter came out to meet him and sure Jephthah needed to keep to his promise with God and he sacrificed his daughter.
Judges 12
Can you imagine, if someone comes up to you and ask you whether you know how to pronounce “Shiboleth”, if you pronounce wrongly, you will be killed immediately. That’s what happened in this chapter where Jephthah and his men had victory over Ephraimite.
Jephthah led Israel for 6 years, then
Ibzan led Israel for 7 years,
Elon for 10 years and Abdon led for 8 years.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Judges 8 - 9 (2nd April)
Judges 8
Right from Joshua to Judges, there were so many battles. Troy and Gladiator were movies I like. But if there are movies on Joshua and all the fights going on in Judges, must watch man. This chapter talks about Gideon pursuit the Midianites until all were killed. In verse 22, the Israelites were happy that Gideon saved them and asked Gideon to rule over the Israelites. Gideon replied was that he will not rule over them but the Lord will rule over them.
Lesson to learn: Do not look to man but look to God. It is God that rules over our lives. Put all your hope in God. The Israelites still looked to Gideon to rule over them and when Gideon died, the Israelites started to go back to worship Baal (v 33).
Judges 9
People said you cannot kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Look at this chapter and you will see Abimelech killed 70 of his brothers with 1 stone. Except one of his brother (Jotham) escaped and later cursed Abimelech. This chapter is all about Abimelech and how he and his troop fight in the battle and in the end woman dropped a millstone on his head and fractured his skull. He was full of pride and did not want to die under a woman’s hand, he get his armor-bearer to kill him instead (v 53 & 54). The curse of Jotham came to pass (v 57).
Right from Joshua to Judges, there were so many battles. Troy and Gladiator were movies I like. But if there are movies on Joshua and all the fights going on in Judges, must watch man. This chapter talks about Gideon pursuit the Midianites until all were killed. In verse 22, the Israelites were happy that Gideon saved them and asked Gideon to rule over the Israelites. Gideon replied was that he will not rule over them but the Lord will rule over them.
Lesson to learn: Do not look to man but look to God. It is God that rules over our lives. Put all your hope in God. The Israelites still looked to Gideon to rule over them and when Gideon died, the Israelites started to go back to worship Baal (v 33).
Judges 9
People said you cannot kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Look at this chapter and you will see Abimelech killed 70 of his brothers with 1 stone. Except one of his brother (Jotham) escaped and later cursed Abimelech. This chapter is all about Abimelech and how he and his troop fight in the battle and in the end woman dropped a millstone on his head and fractured his skull. He was full of pride and did not want to die under a woman’s hand, he get his armor-bearer to kill him instead (v 53 & 54). The curse of Jotham came to pass (v 57).
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Judges 6 - 7 (1st April) - Kelvin
Judges 6
Its amazing each time the Israelites cried out to the Lord, He will always send to them a deliverer. This time, Gideon was chosen to set his people free from the powers of the midianites. Gideon was initially unsure whether he was seeing the right thing. But he was wise enough to ask God for signs by giving an offering to make himself sure it was really God’s calling. Then that’s where Gideon begin to grow in faith and believe God. God instructed him to tear down the asherah pole and use the wood for his burnt offering to God.
This is just like our modern day tearing down of religious temples – Only the Spirit filled dare to. Gideon did so and in the end got himself into trouble. The people from the town wants Gideon to die for what he had done.
Over here, I just want to elaborate further in our modern day context. I think this is similar for some of us who are afraid of trouble even though there are some things we as Christians should not compromise with. Are your friends getting you into unright interests? Are your colleagues leading you into tempting activities? God wants you to know that it is perfectly alright to reject the world, lose every favour from the world and follow His decrees. We as Christians must not be afraid to stand our ground!
Then Joash came out to help Gideon and to appease the anger of the people. In the words that he said, I sense great wisdom imparted by the Spirit.
Verse 31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “ Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Who ever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.”
The Lord then filled Gideon and revealed to him that Israel would be saved through him. Gideon being cautious, humbly asked the Lord for signs not once but twice to confirm His anointing for him.
Perhaps many of us in our walk with God, we find it very hard to hear God clearly in our future or any other agendas. I believe we can always use the Gideon’s method of communication with God, ask for signs. Of course do not treat this method with contempt and ask with the fear of the Lord.
In this Chapter, there are a few conclusions to it:
1. The Lord loves us even when we know that we are not worthy for Him.
2. Be humble, God chose Gideon because he was not proud.
3. Obey the Lord and He will remain with you.
Judges 7
This a chapter of Miracles.
Gideon led 300 soldiers and fought a Victory against the mighty army of the midianites, amalekites and others. From thirty thousand to 300 men left. God shows us that no matter how strong our enemies are, we are able to overcome them with Him no matter how small we can be. Truly everything is possible with God. Though Gideon’s initial method of battle seems to be foolish ( holding trumpets and jars to war ? ), it caused confusion in the enemy’s camp and that’s where God gave them the Victory.
A point to note here would be, are we willing to do foolish things for God to use us?
In this chapter we can conclude a few points:
1. God uses the weak to overcome the strong.
2. With God, even foolish ideas can work out.
Its amazing each time the Israelites cried out to the Lord, He will always send to them a deliverer. This time, Gideon was chosen to set his people free from the powers of the midianites. Gideon was initially unsure whether he was seeing the right thing. But he was wise enough to ask God for signs by giving an offering to make himself sure it was really God’s calling. Then that’s where Gideon begin to grow in faith and believe God. God instructed him to tear down the asherah pole and use the wood for his burnt offering to God.
This is just like our modern day tearing down of religious temples – Only the Spirit filled dare to. Gideon did so and in the end got himself into trouble. The people from the town wants Gideon to die for what he had done.
Over here, I just want to elaborate further in our modern day context. I think this is similar for some of us who are afraid of trouble even though there are some things we as Christians should not compromise with. Are your friends getting you into unright interests? Are your colleagues leading you into tempting activities? God wants you to know that it is perfectly alright to reject the world, lose every favour from the world and follow His decrees. We as Christians must not be afraid to stand our ground!
Then Joash came out to help Gideon and to appease the anger of the people. In the words that he said, I sense great wisdom imparted by the Spirit.
Verse 31 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “ Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Who ever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.”
The Lord then filled Gideon and revealed to him that Israel would be saved through him. Gideon being cautious, humbly asked the Lord for signs not once but twice to confirm His anointing for him.
Perhaps many of us in our walk with God, we find it very hard to hear God clearly in our future or any other agendas. I believe we can always use the Gideon’s method of communication with God, ask for signs. Of course do not treat this method with contempt and ask with the fear of the Lord.
In this Chapter, there are a few conclusions to it:
1. The Lord loves us even when we know that we are not worthy for Him.
2. Be humble, God chose Gideon because he was not proud.
3. Obey the Lord and He will remain with you.
Judges 7
This a chapter of Miracles.
Gideon led 300 soldiers and fought a Victory against the mighty army of the midianites, amalekites and others. From thirty thousand to 300 men left. God shows us that no matter how strong our enemies are, we are able to overcome them with Him no matter how small we can be. Truly everything is possible with God. Though Gideon’s initial method of battle seems to be foolish ( holding trumpets and jars to war ? ), it caused confusion in the enemy’s camp and that’s where God gave them the Victory.
A point to note here would be, are we willing to do foolish things for God to use us?
In this chapter we can conclude a few points:
1. God uses the weak to overcome the strong.
2. With God, even foolish ideas can work out.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Judges 3 - 5 (31st Mar) - Weiling
Judges 3 – 5
Theme and Message: It is a number of accounts of recurring cycles (apostasy – to abandon one’s faith, oppression, distress and deliverance).
Judges revealed an age when “Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (17:6)
Judges were leaders that the Lord raised up to save the people of Israel out of the hands of the enemies. (2:16)
Because of incomplete conquest/ obedience and a turning away from their faith, God said that He will no longer drive the occupiers out. Instead, He will use them to test Israel to see if they would obey the Lord’s commands.
Recurring Cycles
Very often they don’t keep the God’s commands. In a recurring cycle:
1. Apostasy & Oppression.
The Israelites would do evil and provoke God’s chastening. (3:5-7,12; 4:1) One of it was inter-marrying with the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, etc. They ended up serving their gods (3:6)
2. Distress & Deliverance.
When the people faced oppression by the enemies or foreign invaders, they would cry out to God. God would be moved and have compassion on them. He would then deliver them through a judge. (3:9,15; Deborah)
Sadly, the Israelites often sin against God again.
Deborah
Now, to highlight an interesting personality. Deborah was one of the leaders God rose up. She was a wife, a mother (5:7) and had a powerful prophetic anointing. God appointed her and she awoke to His calling.
G12’s vision in rising up women to be leaders and to be all that God wants us to be is very much affirmed in Deborah’s life.
In fact, God also used the hands of another woman Jael, wife of Heber to kill the enemy in a shrewd way. Barak was going to be given the honour of killing Jabin, a powerful king who had 900 iron chariots. However, because he was fearful and said that he would only go if Deborah did, he lost out on that honour. Indeed, the enemy was very intimidating, but we see that somehow Deborah was not fearful. She knows God and hears His voice.
Theme and Message: It is a number of accounts of recurring cycles (apostasy – to abandon one’s faith, oppression, distress and deliverance).
Judges revealed an age when “Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (17:6)
Judges were leaders that the Lord raised up to save the people of Israel out of the hands of the enemies. (2:16)
Because of incomplete conquest/ obedience and a turning away from their faith, God said that He will no longer drive the occupiers out. Instead, He will use them to test Israel to see if they would obey the Lord’s commands.
Recurring Cycles
Very often they don’t keep the God’s commands. In a recurring cycle:
1. Apostasy & Oppression.
The Israelites would do evil and provoke God’s chastening. (3:5-7,12; 4:1) One of it was inter-marrying with the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, etc. They ended up serving their gods (3:6)
2. Distress & Deliverance.
When the people faced oppression by the enemies or foreign invaders, they would cry out to God. God would be moved and have compassion on them. He would then deliver them through a judge. (3:9,15; Deborah)
Sadly, the Israelites often sin against God again.
Deborah
Now, to highlight an interesting personality. Deborah was one of the leaders God rose up. She was a wife, a mother (5:7) and had a powerful prophetic anointing. God appointed her and she awoke to His calling.
G12’s vision in rising up women to be leaders and to be all that God wants us to be is very much affirmed in Deborah’s life.
In fact, God also used the hands of another woman Jael, wife of Heber to kill the enemy in a shrewd way. Barak was going to be given the honour of killing Jabin, a powerful king who had 900 iron chariots. However, because he was fearful and said that he would only go if Deborah did, he lost out on that honour. Indeed, the enemy was very intimidating, but we see that somehow Deborah was not fearful. She knows God and hears His voice.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Judges 1 - 2 (30th Mar) - Sylvia
As we look into the book of judges, we also see the transition of how the Israelites began to lose faith and started sinning as compared to when they were under the leadership of Joshua.
Judges 1
1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?"
2 The LORD answered, "Judah is to go; I have given the land into their hands."
3 Then the men of Judah said to the Simeonites their brothers, "Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, to fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go with you into yours." So the Simeonites went with them.
Notice in v1-3 how the Lord had commanded the tribe of Judah to go up and fight against the Canaanites yet they did not have faith that God would bring be with them and give them victory.. They asked the Simeonites to go with them to fight.
Thank God for His faithfulness, keeping His promise by giving the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands.
Moving on, as the Israelites continued to fight the remaining Canaanites, they disobeyed God's word. How did they do so?
Previously in the book of Joshua, they were supposed to drive out their enemies and not ally with them nor intermarrying or associate with them as these people would bring the Israelites down in time to come.
12 "But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them,
13 then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the LORD your God has given you."
Despite the warning, the Israelites did not obey as they never did drive them out completely. Instead they COMPROMISED God's word - they did not intermarry nor allied with the nation YET, but they made them their slaves.
**I mentioned "Yet" because as you read on the following chapters, the Israelites lived among the Canaanites and intermarried, serving their gods... **
It may not had been their intention to disobey God but pride got in the way when they though they were strong enough to handle it.
Application: Dear family, let's take a moment to pause and reflect. How many times have we disobeyed God by compromising His word, trying to do or explain things in a way such that it seems right?
Judges 2
Pride gave way to sin. The Israelites had broken their covenant with the Lord. When the Lord spoke that He would not drive out the Canaanites and also allow them to be obstacles to the Israelites, they repented, offering sacrifices to God.
A new generation of Israelites grew up, not knowing God nor what He had done for Israel. They fell to sin, worshipping other gods. Because of this, God allowed their enemies to take control over them, and whenever they went to battle, they would be defeated.
God had a heart of compassion for His people still, raising up leaders(Judges) to save them yet they would only listen for a short moment, before quickly turning their backs on God again and again.
Notice the cycle of sin:
Israel serves God --> Israels falls to sin and worship other gods -->Israel goes into slavery
-->Israel cried outs-->God gives them a leader(Judge)--> Israel is delivered
They serve the Lord for a while before falling back into sin..
This sparked the Lord's anger.
20 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and said, "Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their forefathers and has not listened to me,
21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died.
22 I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their forefathers did."
23 The LORD had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua.
Application: Dear brothers and sisters, do we have any cycles of sin in our lives that need to be broken?
Judges 1
1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?"
2 The LORD answered, "Judah is to go; I have given the land into their hands."
3 Then the men of Judah said to the Simeonites their brothers, "Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, to fight against the Canaanites. We in turn will go with you into yours." So the Simeonites went with them.
Notice in v1-3 how the Lord had commanded the tribe of Judah to go up and fight against the Canaanites yet they did not have faith that God would bring be with them and give them victory.. They asked the Simeonites to go with them to fight.
Thank God for His faithfulness, keeping His promise by giving the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands.
Moving on, as the Israelites continued to fight the remaining Canaanites, they disobeyed God's word. How did they do so?
Previously in the book of Joshua, they were supposed to drive out their enemies and not ally with them nor intermarrying or associate with them as these people would bring the Israelites down in time to come.
12 "But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them,
13 then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the LORD your God has given you."
Despite the warning, the Israelites did not obey as they never did drive them out completely. Instead they COMPROMISED God's word - they did not intermarry nor allied with the nation YET, but they made them their slaves.
**I mentioned "Yet" because as you read on the following chapters, the Israelites lived among the Canaanites and intermarried, serving their gods... **
It may not had been their intention to disobey God but pride got in the way when they though they were strong enough to handle it.
Application: Dear family, let's take a moment to pause and reflect. How many times have we disobeyed God by compromising His word, trying to do or explain things in a way such that it seems right?
Judges 2
Pride gave way to sin. The Israelites had broken their covenant with the Lord. When the Lord spoke that He would not drive out the Canaanites and also allow them to be obstacles to the Israelites, they repented, offering sacrifices to God.
A new generation of Israelites grew up, not knowing God nor what He had done for Israel. They fell to sin, worshipping other gods. Because of this, God allowed their enemies to take control over them, and whenever they went to battle, they would be defeated.
God had a heart of compassion for His people still, raising up leaders(Judges) to save them yet they would only listen for a short moment, before quickly turning their backs on God again and again.
Notice the cycle of sin:
Israel serves God --> Israels falls to sin and worship other gods -->Israel goes into slavery
-->Israel cried outs-->God gives them a leader(Judge)--> Israel is delivered
They serve the Lord for a while before falling back into sin..
This sparked the Lord's anger.
20 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and said, "Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their forefathers and has not listened to me,
21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died.
22 I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their forefathers did."
23 The LORD had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua.
Application: Dear brothers and sisters, do we have any cycles of sin in our lives that need to be broken?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Joshua 22 - 24 (29th Mar) - Stanley & Madeline
In Chapt 22 and 23, joshua reminded the people twice... To keep the commandments and the law that Moses gave, to love the Lord and do not bow down to other gods...
In Chapter 24, Joshua gathered the high authorities of Israel and reminded them of the goodness of God from the beginning of their generation. Again, he was reminding them to serve, obey and love our God Almighty only.
Just wonder... Why does Joshua have to be so lor soh? The people had heard and seen the miracles & promises of God. Why does he have to keep reminding them? Are they so forgetful? Is the worldly temptation overwhelming?
I'm just very grateful after Christ's sacrifice, we live by and in grace, not by law. We have the Holy Spirit, whom constantly keep us in God's presence. We do not need to solely depend on memory and will power although these are important. Let's be thankful to the Holy Spirit who is our constant reminder to love and obey God. Let's count of blessings and remember His
goodness to us and our forefathers.
Let's say together, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"
In Chapter 24, Joshua gathered the high authorities of Israel and reminded them of the goodness of God from the beginning of their generation. Again, he was reminding them to serve, obey and love our God Almighty only.
Just wonder... Why does Joshua have to be so lor soh? The people had heard and seen the miracles & promises of God. Why does he have to keep reminding them? Are they so forgetful? Is the worldly temptation overwhelming?
I'm just very grateful after Christ's sacrifice, we live by and in grace, not by law. We have the Holy Spirit, whom constantly keep us in God's presence. We do not need to solely depend on memory and will power although these are important. Let's be thankful to the Holy Spirit who is our constant reminder to love and obey God. Let's count of blessings and remember His
goodness to us and our forefathers.
Let's say together, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Joshua 19 - 21 (28th Mar) - Jason
“The Lord is giving you rest and has granted you this land”
- Joshua 1: 13
Joshua 19
The land was divided amongst the Israelites tribe by tribe.
Joshua 20
The Lord spoke to Joshua to set up ‘safehouses’ for people fleeing the avenger of blood because of accidental or unintentional killing. Such a person is to stay in protective custody of the town elders until he is able to stand trial.
Joshua 21
The Levites receive free housing and pasture for their herds sponsored by the other tribes as instructed by the Lord through Moses. The service of the Lord was the Levite’s inheritance, as they were well provided for regardless of physical inheritance.
v42 “Each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it.”
v44: “The Lord gave them rest on each side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers.”
V45: “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”
I was pondering about the identity of God in John 1:1 (“in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God.”) and realized that God’s identity was seen in His word. And that if He promises something, He’ll make sure He’ll get it done.
We’ll know that He is Lord when we see His word come true in our lives not only when God answers our prayers, but as the Israelites came to know, the character of God was beyond a promise. It was beyond the physical land, as time and time again God delivered nation after nation to them. It was that living relationship where God spoke to his people through Joshua. In short, God’s promise must be lived out.
Today as we go about our daily lives, I’m sure God has a promise for our lives, but it takes a step out in faith to be bold and courageous like Joshua and the Israelites did to see those promises fulfilled. Where rest in Joshua 1: 13 means having a spiritual direction in life and not having to worry about the end point. To borrow Pastor Khong’s words also borrowed from Einstein “we live in a world of perfected means, but confused endings”.
Today, let us rest on God’s purpose for our lives.
- Joshua 1: 13
Joshua 19
The land was divided amongst the Israelites tribe by tribe.
Joshua 20
The Lord spoke to Joshua to set up ‘safehouses’ for people fleeing the avenger of blood because of accidental or unintentional killing. Such a person is to stay in protective custody of the town elders until he is able to stand trial.
Joshua 21
The Levites receive free housing and pasture for their herds sponsored by the other tribes as instructed by the Lord through Moses. The service of the Lord was the Levite’s inheritance, as they were well provided for regardless of physical inheritance.
v42 “Each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it.”
v44: “The Lord gave them rest on each side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers.”
V45: “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”
I was pondering about the identity of God in John 1:1 (“in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God.”) and realized that God’s identity was seen in His word. And that if He promises something, He’ll make sure He’ll get it done.
We’ll know that He is Lord when we see His word come true in our lives not only when God answers our prayers, but as the Israelites came to know, the character of God was beyond a promise. It was beyond the physical land, as time and time again God delivered nation after nation to them. It was that living relationship where God spoke to his people through Joshua. In short, God’s promise must be lived out.
Today as we go about our daily lives, I’m sure God has a promise for our lives, but it takes a step out in faith to be bold and courageous like Joshua and the Israelites did to see those promises fulfilled. Where rest in Joshua 1: 13 means having a spiritual direction in life and not having to worry about the end point. To borrow Pastor Khong’s words also borrowed from Einstein “we live in a world of perfected means, but confused endings”.
Today, let us rest on God’s purpose for our lives.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Joshua 16 - 18 (27th Mar) - Josh
Joshua 16-18
Israel is in the midst of their conquest of the promise land. Chapter 16-18 marks the division of land for the tribe of Manasseh and Ephraim. They were too numerous a people and Joshua challenged them to conquer more land for themselves. Some practical lessons on inheritance to help us believe and achieve more.
Fight for your inheritance.
The response of the people of Joseph was interesting. "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance?" -Joshua 17:14
Joshua's reponse was "You are numerous and very powerful... though the Canaanites have iron chariots, and though they are strong, you can drive them out." - Joshua 17:18.
In the midst of war, the sons of Joseph saw inheritance as a "given" and shun at opposition (v16). Joshua's challenge defined inheritance. It is to be fought for.
Envision your inheritance.
He further stressed his point in chapter 18, when he gathered the tribes and said "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?" He went on to organize reccee teams to map out the land and command each tribe to plot out the land they are to inherit. What they could see, they could inherit.
It's a familiar sound to listen to an inheritance sermon or read an inheritance word but fail to fight and claim the inheritance of God in our lives. God has promised to lead us in triumphant possession always, spreading everywhere the fragrance of Christ. Envision and fight for your inheritance. For me at work, it is to believe God to make me a successful advertiser and brand consultant and that my people will grow deeper and reach out!
Israel is in the midst of their conquest of the promise land. Chapter 16-18 marks the division of land for the tribe of Manasseh and Ephraim. They were too numerous a people and Joshua challenged them to conquer more land for themselves. Some practical lessons on inheritance to help us believe and achieve more.
Fight for your inheritance.
The response of the people of Joseph was interesting. "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance?" -Joshua 17:14
Joshua's reponse was "You are numerous and very powerful... though the Canaanites have iron chariots, and though they are strong, you can drive them out." - Joshua 17:18.
In the midst of war, the sons of Joseph saw inheritance as a "given" and shun at opposition (v16). Joshua's challenge defined inheritance. It is to be fought for.
Envision your inheritance.
He further stressed his point in chapter 18, when he gathered the tribes and said "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?" He went on to organize reccee teams to map out the land and command each tribe to plot out the land they are to inherit. What they could see, they could inherit.
It's a familiar sound to listen to an inheritance sermon or read an inheritance word but fail to fight and claim the inheritance of God in our lives. God has promised to lead us in triumphant possession always, spreading everywhere the fragrance of Christ. Envision and fight for your inheritance. For me at work, it is to believe God to make me a successful advertiser and brand consultant and that my people will grow deeper and reach out!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Joshua 12 - 15 (26th Mar)
Joshua 12
This chapter covers a list of kings that were defeated by the Israelites. 2 kings from east of Jordan and 31 kings from west side of Jordan were all defeated by Israelites.
Joshua 13
Though the Israelites conquered many land but yet there were still land not conquered (v1). Then further in this chapter, it talks about the land on the east side of Jordan to be divided with the tribe of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. The Levites were not given any inheritance because the Lord is their inheritance (v14, 33)
Joshua 14
This chapter is the continuation of the division of the land. But this chapter is the division on the west of Jordan. Also from v6 onwards, it talks about Caleb. Caleb was 85 years old and he is still strong as before (v10, 11). Caleb asked Joshua for the hill country and Joshua blessed and gave the hill country as Caleb’s inheritance.
Joshua 15
This chapter talks about all the land that was given to the tribe of Judah. This is a big piece of land.
Joshua 14:9 - 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'
God always wanted us to claim back the land for His glory. So wherever you go, wherever you set your foot on, pray and ask God to claim back the land for you so that His name be glorified. Go pray and claim your school or your workplace for the Lord and follow the Lord wholeheartedly.
This chapter covers a list of kings that were defeated by the Israelites. 2 kings from east of Jordan and 31 kings from west side of Jordan were all defeated by Israelites.
Joshua 13
Though the Israelites conquered many land but yet there were still land not conquered (v1). Then further in this chapter, it talks about the land on the east side of Jordan to be divided with the tribe of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. The Levites were not given any inheritance because the Lord is their inheritance (v14, 33)
Joshua 14
This chapter is the continuation of the division of the land. But this chapter is the division on the west of Jordan. Also from v6 onwards, it talks about Caleb. Caleb was 85 years old and he is still strong as before (v10, 11). Caleb asked Joshua for the hill country and Joshua blessed and gave the hill country as Caleb’s inheritance.
Joshua 15
This chapter talks about all the land that was given to the tribe of Judah. This is a big piece of land.
Joshua 14:9 - 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'
God always wanted us to claim back the land for His glory. So wherever you go, wherever you set your foot on, pray and ask God to claim back the land for you so that His name be glorified. Go pray and claim your school or your workplace for the Lord and follow the Lord wholeheartedly.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Joshua 9 - 11 (25th Mar) - Ivy
Joshua 9
In this chapter we see how Gibeonites deceived the leaders of the tribes and obtained a treaty of submission to Israel. Mostly motivated by fear, the Gibeonites trick Joshua into allowing them live by making a treaty.
Note Verse 9:14 ‘They did not inquire of the Lord’
The Israelites did not inquire of the Lord with regards to the Gibeonites.
Reflections: How many times did we inquire of God before we enter a new job? Taking a new course of studies? Entering a new relationship? Or even do anything? Its really a good ‘practice’ to learn how to inquire of the Lord with decisions in life and we’ll never miss out on God’s timing and blessings!
And since the oath has been taken, the Israelites are ‘obligated’ and therefore can’t harm them.
Joshua 10
In chapter 10 we see that the Israelites are obligated to help the Gibeonites when they are in trouble. Mah fan…
Verse 7 "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."
I thought this was really comforting to know, that God has already defeated our enemies, we don’t have to be afraid.
In verse 26, we saw that Joshua killed and hung the 5 Amorite kings on the trees and left them over night. Looking back at Dt21.22, the Lord instructed that they were not allowed to do so.
Joshua 11
We see that although there a some ‘minor disobedience’ the Lord was still merciful and continues to fight for Israel. There are a lot of fighting but God’s assurance upon Joshua can be see in 11:6 ‘The Lord said to Joshua, Do not be afraid of them’.
Verse 13 says: ‘Yet they did not burn any of the cities…’ The Lord did instruct them to destroy and burn. But the Israelites did not do so. There is a later consequence to this ‘act of mercy or negligence’.
Nevertheless, God is faithful. He has been the one who is fighting for them.
See verse 23 says: So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
I find it really comforting to know that God is fighting for us in our live situations. Even though we maybe stumbling along the way, His love and faithfulness never fails. However, we’ll later find out that, the disobedience does have its consequences in the long run. I want to summarise these passage with:
Let us inquire of the Lord for minor and major decisions. Be assured of our God who protects and fights for us. Be assured. Senior Pastor has already given the call for ‘volunteers to enter the army’. How would you respond knowing that God will fight and is fighting for you?
In this chapter we see how Gibeonites deceived the leaders of the tribes and obtained a treaty of submission to Israel. Mostly motivated by fear, the Gibeonites trick Joshua into allowing them live by making a treaty.
Note Verse 9:14 ‘They did not inquire of the Lord’
The Israelites did not inquire of the Lord with regards to the Gibeonites.
Reflections: How many times did we inquire of God before we enter a new job? Taking a new course of studies? Entering a new relationship? Or even do anything? Its really a good ‘practice’ to learn how to inquire of the Lord with decisions in life and we’ll never miss out on God’s timing and blessings!
And since the oath has been taken, the Israelites are ‘obligated’ and therefore can’t harm them.
Joshua 10
In chapter 10 we see that the Israelites are obligated to help the Gibeonites when they are in trouble. Mah fan…
Verse 7 "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."
I thought this was really comforting to know, that God has already defeated our enemies, we don’t have to be afraid.
In verse 26, we saw that Joshua killed and hung the 5 Amorite kings on the trees and left them over night. Looking back at Dt21.22, the Lord instructed that they were not allowed to do so.
Joshua 11
We see that although there a some ‘minor disobedience’ the Lord was still merciful and continues to fight for Israel. There are a lot of fighting but God’s assurance upon Joshua can be see in 11:6 ‘The Lord said to Joshua, Do not be afraid of them’.
Verse 13 says: ‘Yet they did not burn any of the cities…’ The Lord did instruct them to destroy and burn. But the Israelites did not do so. There is a later consequence to this ‘act of mercy or negligence’.
Nevertheless, God is faithful. He has been the one who is fighting for them.
See verse 23 says: So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
I find it really comforting to know that God is fighting for us in our live situations. Even though we maybe stumbling along the way, His love and faithfulness never fails. However, we’ll later find out that, the disobedience does have its consequences in the long run. I want to summarise these passage with:
Let us inquire of the Lord for minor and major decisions. Be assured of our God who protects and fights for us. Be assured. Senior Pastor has already given the call for ‘volunteers to enter the army’. How would you respond knowing that God will fight and is fighting for you?
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Joshua 5 - 8 (24th Mar) - Sylvia
From these few chapters, we can really learn many things..
Faith and Obedience
In continuation from Chapter 4, God had dried up the Jordan River just as what he had done to the Red Sea, for the Israelites to cross over.
Joshua 5: 1 “Now it came about when all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the sons of Israel until they had crossed, that their hearts melted, and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the sons of Israel.”
The Israelites were obedient and had faith, trusting in the Lord to lead them through no matter what. When the enemies of Israel saw God’s mighty power displayed, they become fearful to the point of having no spirit in them – they had lost their confidence in the battles against the Israelites.
Application: This is a reminder of how God will always be there to lead us through our spiritual battles. Romans 8:31 “ If God is for us, who can be against us?”
An Act of Consecration
Joshua 5:2 “At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time."”
The Lord commanded for the Israelites to be circumcised again. Why was this so?
Remember back in Numbers 20, because of the people’s lack of faith and disobedience, they were left to wander in the desert and not allowed to enter into the Promised Land.
Well, in their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, a new generation had been raised up to enter the land flowing with milk and honey (led by Joshua) – and they had yet to be circumcised.
Circumcision is actually an powerful act of consecration to the Lord where we are telling Him “Yes Lord, I am yours.” It is whereby we are renouncing the flesh, dying to self to living to God.
Dear family, shall we then die to self and give ourselves to God?
Power of Prayer Walking
Before we enter into any battles or any unknown places, its important for us to seek the Lord in prayer, to dedicate everything to Him. So we need to prayer walk and take hold of the place for God. Another thing to notes is that Jericho was a most important Canaanite fortress city in the Jordan valley which obstructed the Israelites’ path to victory. (They were to defeat the Canaanites as you would find out in the later chapters)
Joshua 6: 3-5 "You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do so for six days. Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead."
The Israelites were able to take the city of Jericho because they listened to God’s voice and walked with Him – Faith and Obedience!
Are there any strongholds in our lives that we need to deal with before there is victory?
Note: Jericho had been cursed after its destruction. God’s Word is POWER – Don’t play play..
Joshua 6:26 “Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."”
True enough as we see in 1 Kings 16:34 when it was rebuilt by Hiel of Bethel in the time of King Ahab.
“In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho; he laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his first-born, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of The Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.”
Joshua 7 – 8
In Joshua 7, because of just ONE person’s sin, the whole community suffers the Lord’s wrath.
“But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel.”
But in Joshua 8, praise the Lord for His grace and mercy. He is JUST indeed. After meting out the due punishment, He RESTORES!
Joshua 8: 1-2 “Now the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear or be dismayed Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. You shall do to Ai and its king just as you did to Jericho and its king; you shall take only its spoil and its cattle as plunder for yourselves. Set an ambush for the city behind it."”
This time, the people obeyed and did it God’s way.
Result: They defeated Ai just as they had conquered Jericho.
Application: When our walk with God is right, blessings will simply come our way.
Dear brothers and sisters, please do not let the community suffer because of one person’s sin. Get right with God.
Agape. =)
Faith and Obedience
In continuation from Chapter 4, God had dried up the Jordan River just as what he had done to the Red Sea, for the Israelites to cross over.
Joshua 5: 1 “Now it came about when all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the sons of Israel until they had crossed, that their hearts melted, and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the sons of Israel.”
The Israelites were obedient and had faith, trusting in the Lord to lead them through no matter what. When the enemies of Israel saw God’s mighty power displayed, they become fearful to the point of having no spirit in them – they had lost their confidence in the battles against the Israelites.
Application: This is a reminder of how God will always be there to lead us through our spiritual battles. Romans 8:31 “ If God is for us, who can be against us?”
An Act of Consecration
Joshua 5:2 “At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time."”
The Lord commanded for the Israelites to be circumcised again. Why was this so?
Remember back in Numbers 20, because of the people’s lack of faith and disobedience, they were left to wander in the desert and not allowed to enter into the Promised Land.
Well, in their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, a new generation had been raised up to enter the land flowing with milk and honey (led by Joshua) – and they had yet to be circumcised.
Circumcision is actually an powerful act of consecration to the Lord where we are telling Him “Yes Lord, I am yours.” It is whereby we are renouncing the flesh, dying to self to living to God.
Dear family, shall we then die to self and give ourselves to God?
Power of Prayer Walking
Before we enter into any battles or any unknown places, its important for us to seek the Lord in prayer, to dedicate everything to Him. So we need to prayer walk and take hold of the place for God. Another thing to notes is that Jericho was a most important Canaanite fortress city in the Jordan valley which obstructed the Israelites’ path to victory. (They were to defeat the Canaanites as you would find out in the later chapters)
Joshua 6: 3-5 "You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do so for six days. Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead."
The Israelites were able to take the city of Jericho because they listened to God’s voice and walked with Him – Faith and Obedience!
Are there any strongholds in our lives that we need to deal with before there is victory?
Note: Jericho had been cursed after its destruction. God’s Word is POWER – Don’t play play..
Joshua 6:26 “Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."”
True enough as we see in 1 Kings 16:34 when it was rebuilt by Hiel of Bethel in the time of King Ahab.
“In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho; he laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his first-born, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of The Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.”
Joshua 7 – 8
In Joshua 7, because of just ONE person’s sin, the whole community suffers the Lord’s wrath.
“But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel.”
But in Joshua 8, praise the Lord for His grace and mercy. He is JUST indeed. After meting out the due punishment, He RESTORES!
Joshua 8: 1-2 “Now the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear or be dismayed Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. You shall do to Ai and its king just as you did to Jericho and its king; you shall take only its spoil and its cattle as plunder for yourselves. Set an ambush for the city behind it."”
This time, the people obeyed and did it God’s way.
Result: They defeated Ai just as they had conquered Jericho.
Application: When our walk with God is right, blessings will simply come our way.
Dear brothers and sisters, please do not let the community suffer because of one person’s sin. Get right with God.
Agape. =)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Joshua 1 - 4 (23rd Mar) - Li Juan
(1) I urge all of us livingstones to continue reading the bible daily,
in Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Let the word be the most essential thing in your life! (More important than oxygen!)
(2) God performed many many miracles. One of it is recorded here when Israel crossed Jordan on dry ground! Why did He show us the miracle?
Joshua 4:24 “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”
Did God show you any miracles before? Take some time to reflect and think. I’m sure there are, always remember them!
(3) “BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS”
This phrase appeared umpteen number of times in these few chapters, and it really caught my attention when I read it. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you when you read it?
Personally, Joshua 1:9 is my key verse for the year. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
It always motivates me to strive on and overcome all fear and anxiety because our God is always with us. This year is definitely not going to be an easy year since it is a year of VICTORY. Spiritual warfare is ever present and is getting more and more intense, simply because Mr S wants us to just give up before victory comes. However, we claim it in faith NOW that there WILL be victory!
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, let us strive on and never give up! Always Victorious!
in Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Let the word be the most essential thing in your life! (More important than oxygen!)
(2) God performed many many miracles. One of it is recorded here when Israel crossed Jordan on dry ground! Why did He show us the miracle?
Joshua 4:24 “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”
Did God show you any miracles before? Take some time to reflect and think. I’m sure there are, always remember them!
(3) “BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS”
This phrase appeared umpteen number of times in these few chapters, and it really caught my attention when I read it. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you when you read it?
Personally, Joshua 1:9 is my key verse for the year. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
It always motivates me to strive on and overcome all fear and anxiety because our God is always with us. This year is definitely not going to be an easy year since it is a year of VICTORY. Spiritual warfare is ever present and is getting more and more intense, simply because Mr S wants us to just give up before victory comes. However, we claim it in faith NOW that there WILL be victory!
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, let us strive on and never give up! Always Victorious!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Deuteronomy 32 - 34 (22nd Mar)
Deuteronomy 32
A song written by Moses. In this song it talks about God.
God protects us. V10 – shielded & guarded us as the apple of His eye.
God leads us. V12 – led.
God lifts us up. V13 – made us ride on the heights of the land.
God provides. V13 – fed us with the fruit of the field.
God strengthened us. V14 – nourished
Deuteronomy 33 & 34
Moses blessed the tribes before he died. Moses died at 120 years old and he died strong (34:7). Joshua took over the leadership and was filled with the Spirit of wisdom because Moses laid his hands on him (34:9)
Pray and ask the Lord to fill you with Spirit of wisdom.
A song written by Moses. In this song it talks about God.
God protects us. V10 – shielded & guarded us as the apple of His eye.
God leads us. V12 – led.
God lifts us up. V13 – made us ride on the heights of the land.
God provides. V13 – fed us with the fruit of the field.
God strengthened us. V14 – nourished
Deuteronomy 33 & 34
Moses blessed the tribes before he died. Moses died at 120 years old and he died strong (34:7). Joshua took over the leadership and was filled with the Spirit of wisdom because Moses laid his hands on him (34:9)
Pray and ask the Lord to fill you with Spirit of wisdom.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Deuteronomy 30 - 31 (21st Mar)
Deuteronomy 30
Obey the Lord and He will prosper you. This is the theme of this chapter,
V2 & 3 - obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes
V5 & 6 - He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
V8 & 9 - You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb
V9 & 10 - The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
V16 - For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
So let us love the Lord with all our heart and obey all His command and you will be blessed.
Obey the Lord and He will prosper you. This is the theme of this chapter,
V2 & 3 - obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes
V5 & 6 - He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
V8 & 9 - You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb
V9 & 10 - The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
V16 - For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
So let us love the Lord with all our heart and obey all His command and you will be blessed.
Deuteronomy 31
Moses summoned Joshua and told him to be strong and courageous and do not be afraid. The promise is that the Lord will go before Joshua and be with him. God will not leave Joshua nor forsake Joshua (v8). This is also a promise to us that God loves us and will not forsake us.
When I read v20 – 21, it saddens me. God brought the Israelites to a place flowing with milk and honey and when they eat of the land, they turned to other gods. Many times, we failed to give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings and successes He gave us. We took it into our own hands and forgotten that it was God who blessed us. God will test us in this area. I remember what SP said that if you want to test a man’s heart, give him success. How we manage success will determine our walk with the Lord.
Remember, God give and God will take. Nothing belongs to us and everything belongs to God.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Deuteronomy 28 - 29 (20th Mar) - Karen
Deuteronomy 28-29
In chapter 28, it is just so wonderful reading about God’s blessings for us when we obey Him and when we follow all of His commands. Yet, we also see the flip-side that when we disobey God and fail to follow His commands, curses will ensue when we disobey.
The next chapter talks about Moses calling upon the Israelites and urging the people to honor the contract they had previously made with God. He is calling for their commitment to God – Knowing God’s Word is not enough, we need to obey His commands.
40 Years ago, God and Israel had made a covenant at Mount Sinai: God promised to bless the Israelites by making them the nation through whom the rest of the world could know God. In return, the Israelites promised to love and obey God in order to receive physical and spiritual blessings.
In chapter 29, Moses reviewed this covenant because while God was still keeping his part of the bargain, the Israelites were already neglecting their part. Moses restated the covenant to warn the people that if they did not keep their part of the agreement they would experience severe discipline.
************************************************************************************
Just as the people in Israel did not notice God’s care for them along their journey, we sometimes do not notice all of the ways that God takes care of us. All our daily needs have been supplied and we have been well fed and well clothed. Sometimes, we even mistakenly take the credit ourselves for being good providers instead of recognizing God’s hand in the process.
Take a moment to ask ourselves: What is the best way to prosper in life?
For the Israelites, their first step was to keep their part of the covenant: They are to love God with all their heart, soul and strength. Likewise, we too, are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), then true success in life will follow as a blessing from the hand of God.
Disobedience comes from an act of the will, and not a lack of knowledge. Through God’s word we know enough about Him to be saved by faith and to serve Him. We must not use the limitation of our knowledge as an excuse to reject His claim on our life.
Dear family, let’s reflect on our choices we have been given each day, and choose wisely how we live each precious day of our lives. =)
In chapter 28, it is just so wonderful reading about God’s blessings for us when we obey Him and when we follow all of His commands. Yet, we also see the flip-side that when we disobey God and fail to follow His commands, curses will ensue when we disobey.
The next chapter talks about Moses calling upon the Israelites and urging the people to honor the contract they had previously made with God. He is calling for their commitment to God – Knowing God’s Word is not enough, we need to obey His commands.
40 Years ago, God and Israel had made a covenant at Mount Sinai: God promised to bless the Israelites by making them the nation through whom the rest of the world could know God. In return, the Israelites promised to love and obey God in order to receive physical and spiritual blessings.
In chapter 29, Moses reviewed this covenant because while God was still keeping his part of the bargain, the Israelites were already neglecting their part. Moses restated the covenant to warn the people that if they did not keep their part of the agreement they would experience severe discipline.
************************************************************************************
Just as the people in Israel did not notice God’s care for them along their journey, we sometimes do not notice all of the ways that God takes care of us. All our daily needs have been supplied and we have been well fed and well clothed. Sometimes, we even mistakenly take the credit ourselves for being good providers instead of recognizing God’s hand in the process.
Take a moment to ask ourselves: What is the best way to prosper in life?
For the Israelites, their first step was to keep their part of the covenant: They are to love God with all their heart, soul and strength. Likewise, we too, are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), then true success in life will follow as a blessing from the hand of God.
Disobedience comes from an act of the will, and not a lack of knowledge. Through God’s word we know enough about Him to be saved by faith and to serve Him. We must not use the limitation of our knowledge as an excuse to reject His claim on our life.
Dear family, let’s reflect on our choices we have been given each day, and choose wisely how we live each precious day of our lives. =)
Monday, March 19, 2007
Deuteronomy 24 - 27 (19th Mar) - Vivien
Deuteronomy 24 - 25
It continues with the other miscellaneous laws that the Israelites need to follow. And you will notice the laws go into such details like divorce, marriage, loan, crime, diseases and disputes. There are a few main people that the Bible used the laws to protect: the poor and needy, the family (and offspring) and the innocents.
There are at least 3 characters that we should possess from these 2 chapters:
1) Generous
2) Honest
3) Merciful
There is a verse which I thought it is very sweet of God to put it under the law:
Deut 24:5: If a man is recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.
God is concerned with healthy family life! God told us to multiply and be fruitful (Gen 1:28)! Moving forwards to this era, both men and women are in the workforce. I think Deut 24:5 does not just apply to men, but also women. We must not be filled with work the entire time and forget about building family. By not following the law, we can see the consequences that are happening now. Delay marriages, small families, low replacement ratio, aging population and etc. Strike a balance between work and family.
Deuteronomy 26
When you bought an exotic snack, who would you want to share it with? Or if after spending hours of effort and finally you have composed a song that you are happy with, who do you want to share it first?
Most probably that first person that you share will be one who you love or/and respect most. It is the same thing here. God does not need people to give him tithes and offering or the firstfruits, it is the meaning behind the offering. The very fact that if we love God with all our heart, mind and strength, we will definitely not forget Him when we have something good. It will be a natural act, because we love Him. However, as we could not physically see God, we tend to forget about His Presence and share with someone else the “firstfruit”. Do you tend to be forgetful?
Pray: “O Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. We are sorry that sometimes we forgot to share our 'firstfruit' with You. Holy Spirit, forgive us. Help us to be mindful of Your Presence and to give thanks and offer up our 'firstfruit' to You. May Your Name be praised forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen. "
From verse 16 to 19, it is God’s promises when we obey the laws.
Deuteronomy 27
God had called His people to build an altar on Mount Ebal where the laws are to be written. He is very careful with the instructions. He specifically commanded that they do not use iron tools on that altar, as will not violate the law that was passed down that no handmade idol is to be made to worship God.
The 12 tribes were assigned roles to play. 6 tribes to bless the people, 6 tribes to pronounce curses. And the curses were pronounce in the rest of this chapter.
It continues with the other miscellaneous laws that the Israelites need to follow. And you will notice the laws go into such details like divorce, marriage, loan, crime, diseases and disputes. There are a few main people that the Bible used the laws to protect: the poor and needy, the family (and offspring) and the innocents.
There are at least 3 characters that we should possess from these 2 chapters:
1) Generous
2) Honest
3) Merciful
There is a verse which I thought it is very sweet of God to put it under the law:
Deut 24:5: If a man is recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.
God is concerned with healthy family life! God told us to multiply and be fruitful (Gen 1:28)! Moving forwards to this era, both men and women are in the workforce. I think Deut 24:5 does not just apply to men, but also women. We must not be filled with work the entire time and forget about building family. By not following the law, we can see the consequences that are happening now. Delay marriages, small families, low replacement ratio, aging population and etc. Strike a balance between work and family.
Deuteronomy 26
When you bought an exotic snack, who would you want to share it with? Or if after spending hours of effort and finally you have composed a song that you are happy with, who do you want to share it first?
Most probably that first person that you share will be one who you love or/and respect most. It is the same thing here. God does not need people to give him tithes and offering or the firstfruits, it is the meaning behind the offering. The very fact that if we love God with all our heart, mind and strength, we will definitely not forget Him when we have something good. It will be a natural act, because we love Him. However, as we could not physically see God, we tend to forget about His Presence and share with someone else the “firstfruit”. Do you tend to be forgetful?
Pray: “O Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. We are sorry that sometimes we forgot to share our 'firstfruit' with You. Holy Spirit, forgive us. Help us to be mindful of Your Presence and to give thanks and offer up our 'firstfruit' to You. May Your Name be praised forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen. "
From verse 16 to 19, it is God’s promises when we obey the laws.
Deuteronomy 27
God had called His people to build an altar on Mount Ebal where the laws are to be written. He is very careful with the instructions. He specifically commanded that they do not use iron tools on that altar, as will not violate the law that was passed down that no handmade idol is to be made to worship God.
The 12 tribes were assigned roles to play. 6 tribes to bless the people, 6 tribes to pronounce curses. And the curses were pronounce in the rest of this chapter.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Deuteronomy 21 - 23 (17th Mar) - Ivy
Deuteronomy 21
How detailed God is in giving instructions and law to His people!!
Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
In this we see that God gives specific instructions in how to deal with an unsolved murder case. A heifer is to be sacrificed to the Lord as atonement of sins of the people. Definition of Heifer - A young cow, especially one that has not yet given birth to a calf.
Marrying a Captive Woman
God indeed has mercy with woman. He gives the captive woman free will to chose wherever she wants if her husband is displeased with her.
The Right of the Firstborn
I find this really amazing. It is like there is a special favour upon the 1st born in a man’s family. The man is not to disown the son even if it comes from the wife that he does not love. God protects the first born from favouritism!
A Rebellious Son
Wow….can you imagine being stoned due to rebellion?
Various Laws
Verse 22 say: If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree. Capital offense! Corruption? Theft? Stealing? Very serious case!
Deuteronomy 22
I want to bring your attention to this 2 verses:
4 If you see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get it to its feet.
5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.
God’s instructions even from old testament days, we are to help our brothers and sisters, which also means our neighbours! Notice this, God detest people who cross dress! Probably cross dressing for a wrong purpose.
Ladies, is your dressing manly or unfeminine? Man, are you dressing in a manly manner? I hope no one wears skirts at home!
Marriage Violations
Reading this reminds me of some old Chinese movies. If a man and woman commits adultery, they are to be put to death. Let us honour the Lord with our sexuality! God is gracious but don’t take it for granted. If you have not kept your body pure for the Lord, repent and approach your leaders! Allowing the sin contaminates the entire body of Christ!! Be pure!
I am so swarmed by the various laws that God has given to the people of Israel. However, I just felt that, hey, God really love His people. Like a loving parent who loves and wants to protect.
Sometimes our leaders may get a bit ‘naggy’, but hey, isn’t that love? We love that’s why we remind and rebuke. Our reminders are out of love and protection not trying to run or control your live. Just like how the Lord gave specific instructions to His people. His only purpose is that His people are kept pure and blameless before God. Thank God for your leader today. He or she really love you.
Love you with the love of Jesus.
How detailed God is in giving instructions and law to His people!!
Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
In this we see that God gives specific instructions in how to deal with an unsolved murder case. A heifer is to be sacrificed to the Lord as atonement of sins of the people. Definition of Heifer - A young cow, especially one that has not yet given birth to a calf.
Marrying a Captive Woman
God indeed has mercy with woman. He gives the captive woman free will to chose wherever she wants if her husband is displeased with her.
The Right of the Firstborn
I find this really amazing. It is like there is a special favour upon the 1st born in a man’s family. The man is not to disown the son even if it comes from the wife that he does not love. God protects the first born from favouritism!
A Rebellious Son
Wow….can you imagine being stoned due to rebellion?
Various Laws
Verse 22 say: If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree. Capital offense! Corruption? Theft? Stealing? Very serious case!
Deuteronomy 22
I want to bring your attention to this 2 verses:
4 If you see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get it to its feet.
5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.
God’s instructions even from old testament days, we are to help our brothers and sisters, which also means our neighbours! Notice this, God detest people who cross dress! Probably cross dressing for a wrong purpose.
Ladies, is your dressing manly or unfeminine? Man, are you dressing in a manly manner? I hope no one wears skirts at home!
Marriage Violations
Reading this reminds me of some old Chinese movies. If a man and woman commits adultery, they are to be put to death. Let us honour the Lord with our sexuality! God is gracious but don’t take it for granted. If you have not kept your body pure for the Lord, repent and approach your leaders! Allowing the sin contaminates the entire body of Christ!! Be pure!
I am so swarmed by the various laws that God has given to the people of Israel. However, I just felt that, hey, God really love His people. Like a loving parent who loves and wants to protect.
Sometimes our leaders may get a bit ‘naggy’, but hey, isn’t that love? We love that’s why we remind and rebuke. Our reminders are out of love and protection not trying to run or control your live. Just like how the Lord gave specific instructions to His people. His only purpose is that His people are kept pure and blameless before God. Thank God for your leader today. He or she really love you.
Love you with the love of Jesus.
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