So i am now up to date with reading schedule having spent most of this afternoon reading Joshua. A few scattered thoughts...
Josh 1:8 - mediate day and night on the Book of the Law - good advice to fill our minds and souls with the word of God - not just reading but reflecting, thinking, praying it.
Josh 9 - Gibeonites come with a tempting offer and the Israelites accept making the fatal flaw of not 'inquiring of the Lord'. Wondered how many times i have made decisions in ministry on impulse rather than pausing to inquire what God's will is. Wonder how many churches make decisions based on anything and everything but God's will and wisdom, another sobering challenge.
Josh 10 - the sun stands still at Joshua's command. Powerful are the words of one under God's authority - even elements of creation obey the authority of God's command.
Josh 11:20 - "For it was the Lord Himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that He might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses." Maybe there will be more, but for me this is the most horrible verse of Scripture i have ever come across. Big struggles with it.
Josh 12:9-24 - a little less heavy - when listing the conquered kings why not just say 'one each' rather than list them all and individually mark 'one' next to them? Strange.
Josh 18:3 - Joshua's frustration at the tribes saying to them 'how long before you take up your inherited land'. I've felt a similar frustration in ministry many times with churches and individuals - why not just take what God has offered you! Don't be afraid, don't hang on the sides with fear and suspicion, - embrace what God has done for you!
Josh 21:45 'Not one of the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed, every one was fulfilled.' Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father...
Josh 24:14-15 Joshua sets down a clear choice for the people - serve God or idols. It's your choice but think carefully, turn from your wicked ways and trust in the Lord. Good evangelistic text again, ending with his own decision, 'as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.'
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