BATTLE STRATEGIES

Posted on April 28, 2025 by randscallawayffm

As we read of the battles Israel must face as they take possession of the land promised to them from generations past; it is not uncommon to wonder why God ordered all the inhabitants of these cities to be destroyed and completely wiped out.  Some of you, who have been reading with me, have commented with judgement against God for his battle strategies. One person wrote; “Why would a so-called loving God tell his people to kill other people just so they can have the land for themselves?” 

Of course, we would rather have peace, but peace while denying the evil that is hurting others is not peace for them.  We would rather ignore the evil that is going on around us, close our ranks, to just live and let live.  “You do you and I’ll do me” is one of our popular mantras for our days on earth by most humans.  But God wants more for us and from us.  I glad you asked your questions and thankful you are reading with me!  Thank you!

It is not God’s desire that anyone He has created to perish; but evil most be removed from a place God wants to make holy.  Unholy cultures resided in Canaan.  People of this people worshiped manmade idols of all kinds, offered their own babies in sacrifice to their many gods, participated in sexual orgies that lead to sacrificing virgins—young women abused for recreation to their gods of choice, with the added sport of abuse and maiming of anyone weaker merely for amusement, all while drunk on fermented wines.  These are just a few of the behaviors that stripped humanity of all that is holy and good for them.  Ancient remains have been unearthed of tiny skeletons of infants found in the rubble by archeologists!

God’s Chosen were given the promised land with an order—remove all that is unholy—before taking up residence there.  This order to kill all of course seems harsh to us who live in this country of relative peace with only pockets of devastating evil; but if we truly study what is going on in other parts of the world; our thinking might be altered.  What if it were your daughter captured and sold to the highest bidder to be used as a tool to satisfy the sexual desires of her “owner” or “owners”?  What if it were your infant son taken from you to be put in a jar and sacrificed in a fire to idols? Holy wars against all that is unholy is not our desire but sometimes must be accomplished to end the widespread abusive, detestable, degrading behaviors that destroy the lives of human beings.  I am also still trying to wrap my mind around this evil.

God loved his people too much for them to come into a land he knew was filled with evil—dark evil left unchecked resulting in cruel, barbaric living for generations.  God led Joshua to put an end to it all so it would not affect or infect His people with the diseases of sin that destroyed humans.

Joshua 8

Ai Destroyed

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. 2 You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.”

3 So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night 4 with these orders: “Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert. 5 I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. 6 They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, 7 you are to rise up from ambush and take the city. The Lord your God will give it into your hand. 8 When you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the Lord has commanded. See to it; you have my orders.”

9 Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai—but Joshua spent that night with the people.

10 Early the next morning Joshua mustered his army, and he and the leaders of Israel marched before them to Ai. 11 The entire force that was with him marched up and approached the city and arrived in front of it. They set up camp north of Ai, with the valley between them and the city. 12 Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. 13 So the soldiers took up their positions—with the main camp to the north of the city and the ambush to the west of it. That night Joshua went into the valley.

14 When the king of Ai saw this, he and all the men of the city hurried out early in the morning to meet Israel in battle at a certain place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set against him behind the city. 15 Joshua and all Israel let themselves be driven back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness. 16 All the men of Ai were called to pursue them, and they pursued Joshua and were lured away from the city. 17 Not a man remained in Ai or Bethel who did not go after Israel. They left the city open and went in pursuit of Israel.

18 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” So Joshua held out toward the city the javelin that was in his hand. 19 As soon as he did this, the men in the ambush rose quickly from their position and rushed forward. They entered the city and captured it and quickly set it on fire.

20 The men of Ai looked back and saw the smoke of the city rising up into the sky, but they had no chance to escape in any direction; the Israelites who had been fleeing toward the wilderness had turned back against their pursuers. 21 For when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and that smoke was going up from it, they turned around and attacked the men of Ai. 22 Those in the ambush also came out of the city against them, so that they were caught in the middle, with Israelites on both sides. Israel cut them down, leaving them neither survivors nor fugitives. 23 But they took the king of Ai alive and brought him to Joshua.

24 When Israel had finished killing all the men of Ai in the fields and in the wilderness where they had chased them, and when every one of them had been put to the sword, all the Israelites returned to Ai and killed those who were in it. 25 Twelve thousand men and women fell that day—all the people of Ai. 26 For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until he had destroyed all who lived in Ai. 27 But Israel did carry off for themselves the livestock and plunder of this city, as the Lord had instructed Joshua.

28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolate place to this day. 29 He impaled the body of the king of Ai on a pole and left it there until evening. At sunset, Joshua ordered them to take the body from the pole and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And they raised a large pile of rocks over it, which remains to this day.

The Covenant Renewed at Mount Ebal

30 Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, 31 as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses—an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used. On it they offered to the Lord burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings. 32 There, in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua wrote on stones a copy of the law of Moses. 33 All the Israelites, with their elders, officials and judges, were standing on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the Lord, facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Both the foreigners living among them and the native-born were there. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord had formerly commanded when he gave instructions to bless the people of Israel.

34 Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

OUR FIRST RESPONSES:

  • If you believe who Jesus is and what He did to redeem us from sins—shout hallelujah and thank you, Lord, because Jesus did what we could not do for ourselves!  Live gratefully, prayerfully, and expectantly; knowing Jesus is coming back again to claim His own.
  • Tell others the Redemption story of Jesus with how you were saved by grace.
  • Hold your family members close to you while thanking God for them.  Encourage and build each other up, says Paul to the church—believers in Jesus and His ways to live.  Cease habits of abuse as we use people to get what we want; instead treat them as you would Jesus as if He were standing in their place. 
  • We are made in the image of God—to degrade, humiliate, sarcastically or brutally bully another person made in the image of God is the same as tearing down God, Himself. 
  • We must think before we speak, hold our tongue when slander is slung in our direction, gain knowledge of the Word of God for responses that heal as one of many ways to combat the real enemy, the Enemy of God, the fallen angel Satan who God kicked out of heaven for his detestable behaviors.  God and evil cannot occupy the same space.  Guess who needs to move? (Answer:  Evil)

After the battle, the Law of God was read out loud to the people of Israel by Joshua their leader—ALL of it.  I don’t know about you, but this touched my heart and brought me back to who God is and what He wants most from us—for us to love Him back—as passionately and as faithfully as He first love us.

We don’t know what tools were used by the fighting men led by Joshua, they weren’t mentioned, except for the spear held high by Joshua to signal his troops.  We don’t know because the emphasis is not on a physical battle but a spiritual one. The real conflict wasn’t with Canaanites or Amorites; it was with Satan and his demons.

Love God.  Love Each Other.  Even when loving is hard…When tempted to say or do anything unholy, not of God, remember God’s Words to us.  His Word is Life.  Jesus was the Word who walked around earth demonstrating fully what the Word said and meant. 

Jesus battled Satan’s temptations with knowing and proclaiming the Word at the right time, in the right way that frustrated the enemy.  Satan finally left him.  Satan flees from us when we fall on our knees, declaring our trust in Jesus, while asking for His help. God answers that prayer with resurrection power to help us overcome all temptations!

CONSIDER THESE THOUGHTS…

“God set this property apart for his people and his people apart to be a blessing for the world. The Hebrews were the couriers of God’s covenant to a galaxy of people. Israel was the parchment on which God’s redemption story would be written. The city of Jerusalem. The town of Bethlehem. The sacrifices of the temple. The prophecies of the prophets. All on this land.

The Redeemer would be born here, walk here, and live his life here. He would soak this dirt with his blood and shake this ground with his resurrection. The book of Joshua isn’t about claiming real estate for a dislocated nation. It is about preserving a stage for God’s redemption plan.

Satan’s counterstrategy was clear: contaminate the promised land and preempt the promised Child. Destroy God’s people and destroy God’s work.

Joshua’s battle, then, was a spiritual one.

So is ours. 

Position yourself for victory by asking God how you can obey him more fully. Then get on your knees and defeat your enemies by declaring Biblical truths over the battlefields you’re facing.” –Max Lucado, The Encouraging Word Bible

Lord,

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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SIN AFFECTS EVERYONE AROUND US

Posted on April 27, 2025 by randscallawayffm

We cannot hide our unrepented sins from God who sees the hearts of all who walk the earth.  Our sins that we think are kept hidden, locked up behind closed doors, beyond the reach of our children and their children are known by God and will soon be known by all.  When we sin against God by doing exactly what God told us not to do; we affect the lives of everyone who knows us and relates to us daily.  God, in His timing, will reveal the sin that enslaves the sinner.  God’s plan is not meant to harm us but to give us a future filled with hope.  God loves us. God’s desire to rescue, save, help, and counsel us is blocked by our attempts to thwart His Plan of redemption—designed for our good and His glory! 

When sin is found out in God’s church; everyone suffers from the shock. Sins revealed shatters and shakes our trust in people but it should not dismantle our trust in God who is the reason for our faith.  Our Hope is in Jesus sent from God to save us.  How firm is our foundation of faith?  How strong is our trust in God whose love and faithfulness never fails us?  Pause, pray, respond to God.

There is sin in the camp of Israel.  Achan saw the greatness of God as God caused the walls of Jericho to fall flat before them.  All God’s Chosen had to do was march around the city seven times in worship to God alone.  God is the Commander. We get our marching orders from God.  “Do not take the spoils for your own—put it in the treasury of God” was the second order to be obeyed after the walls fell.  But one man decided the “devoted things” of beauty was his for the taking. You had one job, Achan and you decided to steal from God and then lie about it by hiding it under your tent? 

Joshua 7

Achan’s Sin

But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.

2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.

6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8 Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? 9 The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?”

10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

13 “Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.

14 “‘In the morning, present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord chooses shall come forward clan by clan; the clan the Lord chooses shall come forward family by family; and the family the Lord chooses shall come forward man by man. 15 Whoever is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him. He has violated the covenant of the Lord and has done an outrageous thing in Israel!’”

16 Early the next morning Joshua had Israel come forward by tribes, and Judah was chosen. 17 The clans of Judah came forward, and the Zerahites were chosen. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward by families, and Zimri was chosen. 18 Joshua had his family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was chosen.

19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”

20 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”

22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23 They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before the Lord.

24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.”

Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. 26 Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

TAKE NOTE:  In our passage today the Hebrew term “devoted things” refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them. The term appears first in verse 1 to explain the disobedience of Achan as one who turned against God. You will also see the term in verses 11, 12, 13 and 15.  The Valley of Achor was named appropriately and translated as the Valley of Trouble.

After dreaming of a homeland for forty years and tasting victory in Jericho, Israel suffered a stunning defeat at Ai. One man, Achan, stole plunder from Jericho and brought God’s judgment on all the people. God helped Israel conquer Ai after the sinful man and his family were destroyed. 

When we sin, we affect everyone around us.  We cause our family to join in our sin by asking them to hide it, too!  The results are the same.  Hiding our sin only gives birth to more sin!  At this point, the enemy of God, the evil one, has us right where he wants us.  We sinners grow weary of carrying our load of lying which we should not be carrying around!  We are putty in the hands of evil who manipulates our thinking in our tiredness and uses us in his evil schemes before destroying us completely.  He is called the Deceiver, The Prince of Lies, by Jesus Himself.  Jesus knows him well. Satan and his demons know Jesus well—and tremble.

Why do they tremble?  Jesus, is the One and Only Way to turn our lives around.  Repenting, (coming clean to be cleaned) to Jesus is the Only Way to reconcile (reconnect) us fully and completely to God.  God resumes His role as The Master Potter, who with delight molds and shapes us back into his image for our good and His glory. God wants nothing less than His best for us!  

Life or death—our choice! One is a blessing the other is a curse. But it is up to us—we choose.

James talks about how our desires, left unchecked, gives birth to all that is not good for us and leads to death after sharing how to be blessed in persevering in our faith in God—

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” James 1: 12-18

Don’t hide what God already knows—that’s fruitless!

So, how will we respond?  Do we choose blessed perseverance with the hope of glory?  Or do we just keep trying to hide the evil desires that entice and addict us to death?  Don’t be deceived…Choose wisely!  I have learned that our best choosing is done daily…as an “offering to God”.  (See Romans 12:1-2) With each new day that God allows us to live on earth; we must decide who we will follow all day long and into the night.  I choose Him because He chose me.  We love Him because He first loved us.

“Choose this day whom you will serve,” Joshua declares to God’s People.  He follows up with; “As for me and my house, we will serve our Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Lord,

Sin has no bounds in the destruction of our relationship with you and with each other.  However, because of your love which has no limits, demonstrated on a cruel cross to save us and forgive us our sins; we have victory over death! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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AND JUST LIKE THAT, GOD BROUGHT DOWN THE WALLS!

Posted on April 26, 2025 by randscallawayffm

“Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumbling down!”

This catchy tune that tells the following story of how God brought down the tightly secured walls of Jerico.  This song is not easily forgotten from our childhood if you grew up going to Sunday School in the southern states. In fact, as I write this, the song is now stuck in my head as the above lyrics were sung as I typed them!  The lyrics allude to the biblical story of the Battle of Jericho, in which Joshua led the Israelites against Canaan—our passage for today!

Like those of many other spirituals, the song’s words may also be alluding to eventual escape from slavery – in the case of this song, “And the walls came tumblin’ down.” The lively melody and rhythm also provided energy and inspiration as we remember how miraculously God works and how in the most daunting situations; God intervenes and turns our fears into victories! 

Think about it…God brings down the “walls” in more situations that we can possible count!  As you hum the infectious melody, read carefully and prayerfully how God, through Joshua and God’s people, brought those walls down. Imagine thousands of God’s Chosen marching around the city walls—obeying exactly what God said to do!  Their obedience led to God’s miracle made complete.  God does His part as we join him in doing our part.  God will always use the obedient in His work.  That’s how He works!

Joshua 6

Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”

8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.

12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”

20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. 21 They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.

22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.” 23 So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.

24 Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord’s house. 25 But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.

26 At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: “Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho:

“At the cost of his firstborn son
    he will lay its foundations;
at the cost of his youngest
    he will set up its gates.”

27 So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

There are many walls erected by humanity for many reasons. Physical walls are meant to keep out what we do not want in.  Mental and emotional walls are erected to protect ourselves from those who have hurt us in irrevocable ways.  Some walls meant to protect us serve to isolate us.  When a wall is put up between God and ourselves; we are in real trouble. Do we really think, after this story, that God cannot and will not eventually penetrate our walls?

God does not want separation between mankind and Himself.  God desires to walk freely among us.  God loves to go before us, stand with us, and follow behind us as needed to protect us.  God is grieved over the walls we erect to keep Him out.  God sees over our erected walls and knows the condition of our hearts. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” declares Paul—the glory of God in our lives who we so desperately need!  (Romans 3:23)

God had a Plan to bring down our human walls.  That plan was, of course Jesus, who disarmed the fearfully walled people with His compassionate love.  For those deemed undesirable, unclean, and un approachable by the “walled” religious leaders and others who oppressed them; Jesus offered forgiveness and healing.  Jesus was sent to earth “to seek and to save the lost,” many of whom had been shut out, sent outside the walls to be forgotten.  Jesus came to give Life to all who would love Him back with trusting hearts.  Jesus was the Light of the world living in darkness.  Those who clung to their sin, separated from God who loved them, lived behind their own erected walls of delusion and darkness.  Walls, when built high enough, have a way of casting a long dark shadow.  

But God does not give up on His created humans!  The final act of God’s kindness that would redeem mankind and bring down the spiritual walls of separation was Jesus.  Jesus, who knew no sin and erected no walls, was sent to bring down the wall of evil!  By His willing obedience to God’s Plan to save us; the walls of evil come a tumbling down!  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3;16-17

And the walls come a tumbling down…

Paul tells the church of evil walls to avoid building of “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” These walls of our own making are brought down by Jesus who sets us free through His forgiveness.  The forgiven are transformed daily to be more like Jesus. Our walled up behaviors are brought down by the love of God in us!  We go beyond rubble of the walls to live in the “wide open places” of His mercy and grace! 

No more walls that keep people out; instead we invite them to know Jesus for themselves!  Truth:  God’s Holy Spirit changes our thinking and behaving! Without walls we live in step with the Spirit while becoming more and more like Jesus who set us free!  His “likeness characteristics” behaviors are also mentioned in Galatians 5: “…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Walls of hate or Love without walls? Our choice.  Hint: One is much healthier than the other.

The fall of Jericho is an encouragement to God’s people to trust the Lord’s promises and obey His instructions, no matter how impossible the situation may appear to be. You and I may not capture a city as Joshua did; but in our everyday lives we face enemies and obstacles that challenge us, too. We must prayerfully hand over seek God’s plan and wait for His timing when dealing with the enemies that come against us.

With God, there are no walls. There is nothing you or I have done that God will not forgive in Jesus Name.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Lord,

Thank you for the truth expressed to us today—You bring down the walls of darkness and set us free to live in the wide-open spaces of your love, mercy, and grace. May we never forget your kindness that led to our redemption.  By your power working in us, stop us from any act that erects walls that keep humanity from seeing You. Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, refresh our souls, and restore the joy of your salvation at work within us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE PREP WORK

Posted on April 25, 2025 by randscallawayffm

I was once asked by a young college student, “I want to be you when I “grow up;” how did you get to where you are?” Oh my, was my first inner response. Nobody had asked that of me before this moment in time.  Then, my life “flashed before me” as I began remembering all the prep work God had to do in me before doing the work He gave me.  I remembered the battles with losses and gains but God was in it all and made all things new and good.  I remembered standing firm when all around me seemed to be falling apart.  I remembered how God led me through the high waters and would also still my soul by quiet streams for renewal.  But the first thought expressed out loud was, “I didn’t seek position—only God.”  God prepped me for this current work in over thirty years of volunteer work.  I didn’t just arrive here and I have not yet arrived.  God is still working on me and I love that He does.  God uses everything in our lives to prepare us for His next thing He wants to do in and through us.  This might not have been the answer she was looking for but it was the truth. 

Backstory:  At that time, I was a national leader in the area of Youth and Family which included discipleship ministries for our denomination of churches.  This work included organizing discipleship training events, taking college kids on mission trips to teach and nurture them while helping others, overseeing compatible curriculum, and writing curriculum, when necessary, that fit our goals of discipling others.  It was not a position I sought but led into by God’s hand.  I was happy being a public school teacher who volunteered locally and on the state level as a youth leader with my husband who was also a teacher.  He also volunteered to be a leader in various ways to promote the good health of churches, using the command of Jesus to “Go and make disciples, baptizing them, teaching them…”  He was led by God into full time ministry as a pastor.

However, our side gig of teaching kids why choosing to follow Christ as the most important relationship they will ever have with how to live a life pleasing to God took time but oh so rewarding!  However, at that time, it also was in opposition, if you can believe it. We were deemed “heretics” to those used to the old ways of compelling kids to repent by putting the “fear of God” in them—preaching loudly about God as a punisher who would send them to hell if they did not repent.  “Turn or burn” was the mantra of the messages. It seemed loudness was the predicter of truth.

But this is what God was calling us to do at that time—teach.  We led our state church camps, meant to save our “young people” from hell, with teaching kids about Jesus with showing them how to be like HIM as the perfect example to follow.  “Alter calls” came after information was taught as to who God was, why His Son came, with more in depth teaching, using Jesus’ words. This calling was not easy.  We were reprimanded for “y’all teaching too much” and not bringing kids the altar nightly.  Many in the established church were very set in their ways with leaders who solely relied on passionate “altar calls” to get sinners to repent without including the “making and teaching disciples” part of God’s command through Jesus. (Matthew 28:20) It was a battle, a “holy war”, so to speak, that prepped us for future works God would do in and through us while standing firm on the promises of God.  

The final response to my young protégé was this: “Do you really want to be me?”  I would rather you be like Jesus.  What He calls you to be and do is between you and God who knows your heart and his prepping you right now!  The prep work will be personally unique and will fit you perfectly. 

Joshua is not Moses.  He is a leader who loves God like Moses with a committed, compassionate heart; but he is not Moses.  God has called, consecrated, and anointed Joshua to a new work.  Joshus will lead God’s People into the land God promised Abraham centuries ago. God has prepped Joshua throughout his life to do God’s work for the good of His People which will declare His glory. First assignment—Take Jerico! 

Joshua 5

Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.

Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal

2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.

4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.

9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.

10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. 12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.

The Fall of Jericho

13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

TAKE NOTE of how the relationship between God and Joshua is growing as God tells him what to say with what to do. The more love Joshua has for God correlates to how quickly and reverently he obeys God. What does that teach us?  Ponder this question as I am. Take all the time you need.

IT’S NEVER ALL ON US!  The commander of the Lord’s army appeared to Joshua, which showed Joshua that he didn’t have to bear the responsibility alone of conquering Jericho.  

GOD’S TIMING IS VITAL TO VICTORY!  The events described in Joshua 5 took at least ten days, and then the people marched around Jericho for six more days. God waited over two weeks before giving His people their first victory in the land. Are you presently struggling with accepting God’s timing rather than your own?

SURRENDER—With a surrendered heart, ask Godhonestly for His perfect, pleasing will along with His timing. When we do; His peace will fill us as we wait for God to act in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. He always has for me and I believe He always will for all who surrender to His will—He promised!     

WHY WAIT?  We might have expected Joshua to mobilize the army immediately and attack Jericho. After all, the people of Israel were united in following the Lord, and the people of the land were paralyzed by fear. Perfect time—from the human point of view! But God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah. 55:8, 9).  Joshua was resolved to get his orders from the Lord, not from the military experts.

As believers, we are constantly challenged to see the situation through God’s perspective rather than our own.  I believe this “training of perspective” is also a vital part of our prep work provided by God before asking us to join Him in HIS work, whatever that work will be!

GOD’S CALLED HAVE THESE THINGS IN COMMON—

  • They know to “be still, (let go), and know that He is God.” Joshua inquires of the Lord before doing anything for the Lord.  Jesus was our perfect example.  “I only say and do what the Father tells me,” the gospels proclaim.
  • “Perfect submission; all is at rest.”  The Lord came to Joshua that day, not just to help but to lead. “For without Me you can do nothing”, says Jesus (John 15:5). We must also submit daily, offering ourselves as an “offering” to God, seeking His perfect and pleasing will.  Romans 12:1-2
  • “Strength will rise when we wait upon the Lord” –”those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
  • Obedience demonstrates our love for God.  “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22 Do all that God says and don’t leave anything out for any reason for God has the best plan—always. 
  • Train others to do what you do.  With joy what them do it even better than the way you do it as they rely on God’s help and leading.  Then they will know God is in charge and leads the charge to do His will in His time.  2 Timothy 2:2

Lord,

Thank you for these lessons in leadership as we read of Joshua’s obedience to you.  We have not obtained perfection in all things but we are grateful that you perfect forgive us.  Thank you for not giving up on us but instead turn our messes into messages that tell of your greatness!  To You be the glory!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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TWELVE STONES

Posted on April 24, 2025 by randscallawayffm

I am teased often by my family over the number of hoodies I have from places I have been. Being a bit of clothes hog, I do clean out my closet at the end of each season of those things I no longer wear but still look new to give away.  But items that tell of the good memories of places Randy and I have visited still remain because they make me smile when I wear them and remember.  They remind me of God’s hand on us as we traveled on adventures far from home.  We remember the enjoyment we had of seeing the beauty of the land along with the nice people we met along the way.  The hoodies represent good memories.  So, when one of our family members ask “why do you still have that,” I tell them the stories of our adventures!  They still tease me, but I am loyal to the memories!

God wants us to remember!  He teaches the Israelites HOW to forever remember that time when His glorious power went to work right before their eyes!  God parts the waters of the Jordan just like he parted the Red Sea!  Imagine, if you can, thousands of people, bringing all their stuff along with herds of animals, coming the Jordan River, AT FLOOD STAGE no less, and then watching God hold the waters back so they could cross over on dry ground!  Wow! God is so good to us that sometimes I think we can be spoiled by His goodness and take Him for granted!  Perhaps we should take stock and remember, with smiles and thoughts of gratitude, for all He has done for us and is doing in us right now! 

Read and watch as God “rolls out the red carpet” of His Goodness so that His Chosen can walk across Jordan to the Promised Land on dry ground. And why the twelve stones?  I’ll let Joshua tell it…

Joshua 4

When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 2 “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3 and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”

4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

8 So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the Lord had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.

10 Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried over, 11 and as soon as all of them had crossed, the ark of the Lord and the priests came to the other side while the people watched. 12 The men of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, ready for battle, in front of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them. 13 About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the Lord to the plains of Jericho for war.

14 That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses.

15 Then the Lord said to Joshua, 16 “Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant law to come up out of the Jordan.”

17 So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up out of the Jordan.”

18 And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.

19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. 20 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. 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.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Twelve large stones were to be picked up from the middle of the Jordan—right where the priest who carried the Ark stood.  Twelve—one heavy stone placed on the shoulders of representatives of each tribe of Israel originating from the twelve sons of Jacob.  No detail of God’s promise to His people is left undone or forgotten.  God is good like that.  He wants us to remember Him—not the stones.  Love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls—not the stones.  Worship God alone—not the stones.  Look at the piled up stones as a way to recall God’s miraculous power of provision and protection and give him praise while telling His story of rescue and redemption.  The stones did not save them—God did! 

Too many times, God’s people become attached to the stones of places and feel they can only connect with God there. They worship the place more than God who spoke to them or helped them there.  We must realize that God is everywhere. Just like God goes before the Israelites from place to place as they conquer the Promised Land God gave to them; God goes before, beside, and behind us.  It is God, not the stones of the places we’ve been, but God alone to whom all praise is due and from whom all blessings flow! 

“And they are there to this day…” to remember who God is with what He did. “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.”

As soon as the priests’ feet touched the Jordan River, God rolled the water back, allowing his people to enter Canaan on dry ground.  Don’t skip over the power and majesty of our Creator who is able to control all that He has created!  Pause even now to remember all that God has done for, in and through you!  Rejoice, and again I say rejoice, knowing God watches over our every step as we journey toward His promises of which there are many, which includes life forever with Him!

The Old has gone; the New Begins—

The stone monument at Gilgal reminded the Israelites that God had opened the Jordan River and brought them safely across into the Promised Land. They had made a break with the past and were never to think of going back. The monument taken from the depths of the river reminded them that their old life was now buried and they were now to “live new lives” (Romans 6:1–4).

Believe and be saved.  Remember and tell others what God did for us through His Son.

Remembering and telling is worship to God! 

Lord,

Thank you for this story of remembering the power you had, have, and always will have in our world.  Thank you for teaching us how to remember in ways that praise you alone! Thank you for your rescue and redemption. Thank you for being with us always. Thank you, Jesus for being the Way, Truth, and Life.  I will never forget what you have done and are still doing in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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FOLLOW THOSE IN THE KNOW

Posted on April 23, 2025 by randscallawayffm

The phrase, “fake ‘til you make it” might be popular when learning a new job; but it is not the way of God or to God!  God is the Creator of all and is the Designer of Perfect plans—plans to help us, not harm us.  God’s ways are perfect in every way, sing the psalmists. Here is an example;

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” Psalm 18:30-32

The prophet Jeremiah proclaims the power, wisdom, strength, unfailing love, and unending faithfulness of God who has THE plan for surviving exiles, God’s people,  taken from their promised land to reside in Babylon;

“This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:10-14

However, before the prophets and singers, God begins his planned work in Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites.  Joshua knows God with a committed heart for God.  Joshua trusts and obeys the plan of God to now cross over the Jordan to enter the promised land.  Observe the detailed strategy to take thousands of people across the Jordan river. 

Joshua 3

Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. 2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

6 Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them.

7 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. 8 Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”

9 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

There is NO ONE like our God!

God’s plan was, is and ALWAYS will be the best plan!  God provided not one; but now two “parting the waters” experience for His people to marvel at and enjoy!  They crossed the mighty and swelled Jordan river—walking on dry ground!  God guided then He provided the Way to get across—with a Plan—His Plan.  This is how God works! 

Joshua, the one who knows God personally and intimately—like Moses—did exactly what God told Him to do.  God provided His power to complete The Plan!  This is how we must trust and obey!

The Ark Detail

Stay within sight of the Holy, the Ark of the Covenant, but at a distance of about 3000 feet, the people are warned.  The Ark, carried by the priests, were commanded to go first into the water and stand there.  Could it be that if we go before God, then we are no longer is sight of His leading us?!  God leads; we follow.

As soon as the priests’ feet touched the Jordan River, God rolled the water back, allowing his people to enter Canaan on dry ground.  God’s Plan all along is to have a relationship with His created.  God will do whatever it takes to bring people to this relationship with Him.  We can rejoice that God still does miracles in our lives with a plans to rescue us as we travel on our brief journey on earth toward the promise of our forever home with Him in heaven.

The Promise of Heaven begins with God’s Ultimate Plan—Jesus!

“God demonstrated His relentless love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) But we have questions and doubts at times, don’t we?  Are we really a part of God’s family?  Are we really joint heirs with Jesus?  Will we, who do not deserve it or earn it; inherit all that God promises in heaven of no more pain, tears, judgement, hate, or sorrows of any kind, only eternal praise of a perfect God in perfect place?

God answers these questions with certainty and assurance at the cross—planned from the beginning.  When Jesus died, the heavenly vote was forever cast in our favor.  God declared for all to hear, “This child is my child. My covenant will never change.”  Great is God’s faithfulness to us.  Because of God’s compassion, love and kindness; we are redeemed. Promised land people believe this. They trust God’s hold on them more than their hold on God. They place their trust in the finished work of Christ. 

Follow those who know God until you know God in an intimate relationship, too. 

We learn from the prophets and psalmists to follow the One with the Perfect Plan. Follow God who knows all.  May our response always be to call, come, pray, seek God with all that is in us.  And God, the One who knows our hearts, will hear and see us, and help us with His Plan of rescue and redemption. God’s promises never fail!

Isaiah’s words still ring true for us today;

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

Lord God,

How reassuring you are as you teach us who you are with how to walk in your ways through Your Word!  How blessed we are today to have many who know you and are committed to you to lead us in Your Ways.  Thank you for all who have gone on before me who led me to You. Thank you for leading me to mentor others in your ways. Thank you for saving my soul and making me whole. Thank you for your daily manna that feeds my heart, renews my mind, and fills my soul.  Thank you for being with us always!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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HELP FROM THE LEAST LIKELY?

Posted on April 22, 2025 by randscallawayffm

There are times in my life, and maybe in yours, that God used who I thought was an unbeliever or “a just not yet believer” to guide me back to God’s truth.  When I am hit with life stuff that is significant and I don’t know what to do I turn to God in prayer.  God always answers but not always in the way I think He will. God has a way of getting our attention when we need it most, or rather we need Him most!  God will sometimes use the least likely in our human estimation to help us if we pay attention to what God is doing in all people who come into our bubbles of believing, trusting and obeying.

“Only two women are personally named in Hebrews 11, “The Hall of Fame of Faith”: Sarah, the wife of Abraham (Hebrews 11:11), and Rahab, the harlot of Jericho (Hebrews 11:31). Humanly speaking, Sarah and Rahab had nothing in common. But from the divine viewpoint, Sarah and Rahab shared the most important thing in life: They both had exercised saving faith in the true and living God. Review the genealogy in Matthew 1 to see the variety of men and women that God used to accomplish through Christ His redemption program to save the lost.” –Warren Wiersbe, Wiersbe Study Bible

Joshua 2

Rahab

Joshua son of Nun secretly sent out from Shittim two men as spies: “Go. Look over the land. Check out Jericho.” They left and arrived at the house of a harlot named Rahab and stayed there.

2 The king of Jericho was told, “We’ve just learned that men arrived tonight to spy out the land. They’re from the People of Israel.”

3 The king of Jericho sent word to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you to stay the night in your house. They’re spies; they’ve come to spy out the whole country.”

4-7 The woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, two men did come to me, but I didn’t know where they’d come from. At dark, when the gate was about to be shut, the men left. But I have no idea where they went. Hurry up! Chase them—you can still catch them!” (She had actually taken them up on the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax that were spread out for her on the roof.) So the men gave chase down the Jordan road toward the fords. As soon as they were gone, the gate was shut.

8-11 Before the spies were down for the night, the woman came up to them on the roof and said, “I know that God has given you the land. We’re all afraid. Everyone in the country feels hopeless. We heard how God dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you left Egypt, and what he did to the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you put under a holy curse and destroyed. We heard it and our hearts sank. We all had the wind knocked out of us. And all because of you, you and God, your God, God of the heavens above and God of the earth below.

12-13 “Now promise me by God. I showed you mercy; now show my family mercy. And give me some tangible proof, a guarantee of life for my father and mother, my brothers and sisters—everyone connected with my family. Save our souls from death!”

14 “Our lives for yours!” said the men. “But don’t tell anyone our business. When God turns this land over to us, we’ll do right by you in loyal mercy.”

15-16 She lowered them down out a window with a rope because her house was on the city wall to the outside. She told them, “Run for the hills so your pursuers won’t find you. Hide out for three days and give your pursuers time to return. Then get on your way.”

17-20 The men told her, “In order to keep this oath you made us swear, here is what you must do: Hang this red rope out the window through which you let us down and gather your entire family with you in your house—father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Anyone who goes out the doors of your house into the street and is killed, it’s his own fault—we aren’t responsible. But for everyone within the house we take full responsibility. If anyone lays a hand on one of them, it’s our fault. But if you tell anyone of our business here, the oath you made us swear is canceled—we’re no longer responsible.”

21 She said, “If that’s what you say, that’s the way it is,” and sent them off. They left and she hung the red rope out the window.

22 They headed for the hills and stayed there for three days until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers had looked high and low but found nothing.

23-24 The men headed back. They came down out of the hills, crossed the river, and returned to Joshua son of Nun and reported all their experiences. They told Joshua, “Yes! God has given the whole country to us. Everybody there is in a state of panic because of us.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

SURPRISING EVIDENT FAITH

Rahab’s faith was conspicuous, and she demonstrated it by receiving the spies and risking her life to protect them. James saw her actions as proof that she was truly a believer (James 2:25). Her faith wasn’t hidden; the spies could tell that she was indeed a believer.  The spies knew God so they knew God would protect them as the surveyed the land of Jerico.  Do you think they were surprised by the help from Rahab?

Are we surprised when who we think is an unbeliever talks to us about the God we say we love and serve—and encourages us with the same words we speak? With God nothing is impossible and to God everyone is valuable.  God loves everyone in the world for God created all and is in all.  It is up to us to recognize Him in all people for there is no one He has created that He does not love.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

What is faith?  True saving faith isn’t just a feat of intellectual gymnastics by which we convince ourselves that something is true that really isn’t true. Nor is it merely a stirring of the emotions that gives us a false sense of confidence that God will do what we feel He will do. Nor is it a courageous act of the will whereby we jump off the pinnacle of the temple and expect God to rescue us (Jesus—Matthew 4:5–7). True saving faith involves “the whole personality”: The mind is instructed, the emotions are stirred, and the will then acts in obedience to God. –Wiersbe Study Bible

We learn that the most important thing about Rahab was her faith. That’s the most important thing about any person, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Not everything that is called “faith” is real, true faith, the kind of faith that is described in the Bible. What kind of faith did Rahab have? 

Rahab readily gave her confession of faith to the two spies sent by Joshua.  This woman of faith in God was currently imprisoned in pagan idolatry! She believed in one God, not in the multitude of heathen gods. She believed He was a personal God (“your God”), who would work on behalf of those who trusted Him. She believed God who she trusted was not limited to one nation or one land, but was the God of heaven and earth. Rahab believed in a great and awesome God who could do anything! 

Pause to humbly and prayerfully evaluate. 

  • How firm is my faith?
  • Is my faith evident to all I relate to daily? What is the measure of love expressed?
  • Do I judge people, assuming the worst, presuming I know what they are thinking; while I piously say and do things unbecoming to God?
  • Do I worry needlessly—out loud—complaining to everyone in ways that slander the very promises of God?   
  • How seriously assured am I?  Maybe it depends on where my Hope lies?

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

THE ROPE WAS ONLY THE SYMBOL OF HER FAITH

Please, don’t rush out to hang red ropes out your windows, print it on a t-shirt, or where it around our necks to promote faith, thinking that is what will save us! 

Rahab and her family were saved by faith in the God of Israel and not by faith in the rope hanging out the window. The fact that she hung the rope from the window was proof that she had faith, just as the blood of the slain lamb put on the doorposts in Egypt proved that the Israelites believed God’s Word.

Faith is a personal relationship with the living God. Our faith in our God who sent us His Son, Jesus to save us. Our faith in His covenant (The Word of God) gives us our assurance. Many people today depend more on the symbols of God’s saving grace than on the salvation in and of itself.  “I was baptized so I am saved” for example, is what many relay on for salvation without the repentance of sins to God in Jesus Name.  The act nor the water has the power to save us—only Jesus!  Participation in the Lord’s Table (the Eucharist, Communion) does not save us, either.  This kind of faith-thinking is in vain. Dutifully performing all the tasks, in the name of religion only, is also in vain.  Jesus reprimanded the teachers of The Law about this when He came as Messiah!

Rahab had faith in the Lord and in the covenant promises He had made through His servants. Because of her faith, God gave her wisdom and a plan to protect the spies Joshua sent.  God is indeed wonderfully and powerfully amazing!

Lord,

I believe in You alone as the God of my salvation.  I believe in you, dear Jesus, and I trust you.  I believe in you, Holy Spirit, sent live in me.  Yes, there is no one like You.  You are God, the Three-in-One; and I am not.  I give myself to you—heart, mind, and soul.  Guide me with your agenda for today.  I’m listening.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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GET GOING!

Posted on April 21, 2025 by randscallawayffm

“LAND! Land flowing with milk and honey. Promised land.  Holy land. Canaan land. The land.  Joshua, Moses’ successor as leader of Israel, was poised at the River Jordan to enter and take possession of Canaan, an unremarkable stretch of territory sandwiched between massive and already ancient civilizations.

It would have been unimaginable to anyone at the time that anything of significance could take place on that land. This narrow patch had never been significant economically or culturally, but only as a land bridge between the two great cultures and economies of Egypt and Mesopotamia. 

But it was about to become important in the religious consciousness of humankind.  In significance ways, this land would come to dwarf everything that had gone on before and around it.”—Eugene Peterson, Introduction to Joshua, The Message Bible

God’s first command to his new leader of His Chosen People: “Get Going!”

After generations of our families living in Oklahoma, Randy and I heard God say to move to another part of the country, far away, to another culture of people, and serve Him there.  God made all the necessary arrangements to make this monumental move from where we were to where He wanted us to be.  After letting go of current careers, selling our home, downsizing our stuff through garage sales, leaving family behind with tearful goodbyes; we climbed into a big rented truck pulling a trailer with another secured vehicle.  Then God said, “Get Going!”  We didn’t know exactly what was on the other side of 1000 miles later; but we were obedient to God’s call with wonder, excitement and gratitude for His help in getting us there.

Think of times when God spoke to you concerning HIS will, purpose, and plan for your life. Thank Him for His leading because God always guides us to His best for our good that in ways that declare the glorious works of God.  There is no one like our God declares all who know and love God back.  Will there be trying times that test our faith? Absolutely. It is in those times that God’s power works to solidify our faith and intimacy with Him. Be grateful for those times for they are precious and holy to our relationship with God.

As we go with Joshua on his leadership journey into the Promised Land with thousands of God’s People; know that Joshua listens to God with an obedient heart.  So, let’s get going! Where God guides; He provides. 

Joshua 1, The Message

1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant:

“Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I’m giving to the People of Israel. I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

The Taking of the Land

10-11 Then Joshua gave orders to the people’s leaders: “Go through the camp and give this order to the people: ‘Pack your bags. In three days you will cross this Jordan River to enter and take the land God, your God, is giving you to possess.’”

12-15 Then Joshua addressed the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He said, “Remember what Moses the servant of God commanded you: God, your God, gives you rest and he gives you this land. Your wives, your children, and your livestock can stay here east of the Jordan, the country Moses gave you; but you, tough soldiers all, must cross the River in battle formation, leading your brothers, helping them until God, your God, gives your brothers a place of rest just as he has done for you. They also will take possession of the land that God, your God, is giving them. Then you will be free to return to your possession, given to you by Moses the servant of God, across the Jordan to the east.”

16-18 They answered Joshua: “Everything you commanded us, we’ll do. Wherever you send us, we’ll go. We obeyed Moses to the letter; we’ll also obey you—we just pray that God, your God, will be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who questions what you say and refuses to obey whatever you command him will be put to death. Strength! Courage!”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Where have God’s People been?  Let’s recap.

The People of Israel had been landless for nearly five hundred years.  Their forefathers—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons—had been nomads, living in tent dwellings, in the land of Canaan.  This was after they spent a long period of time, over 400 years, in slavery to the Egyptians!  God heard their cries and met their need by leading them out of Egypt.  Moses, along with his brother and sister, were used by God to deliver His People through miraculous events that declared the authority and power of God.  Then there was another 40 years of testing and training that served to remove Egypt (custom, culture, and worship of many manmade gods) from the hearts, minds, and souls of His people under God’s guidance and blessing. 

God’s work in His People was to transform them from landless slaves to landholding free men and women!  Joshua leads the transition as a called servant of God.  God’s Plan includes a renewal of His covenant with them and comes in two parts:

  1. Take and possess the land.
  2. Distribute the land to the twelve tribes.

Sounds simple enough, but hold on and fasten your seat belts!

Where are they going and what they will do when they get there? 

God’s Plan sounded simple but it will involve many battles with evil that will shock us until we understand fully the culture of evil that is detestable to God and all created in His image.  Evil must be eradicated and removed. 

If we could step back in time and were to walk into this culture; we would see the massive abuse of children and youth. Our minds will be less blown by the battles that God leads His People to fight.  The Canaanite culture included a snake pit of child sacrifice and sacred prostitution, with practices ruthlessly devoted to using the most innocent and vulnerable members of the community to manipulate God or gods for pure gain.

“As the Book of Joshua takes the story of salvation forward from the leadership and teaching of Moses, it continues to keep us grounded in places and connected to persons: place names, personal names—hundreds of them.  What we often consider to be the subjects of religion—ideas, truths, prayers, promises, beliefs—are never permitted to have a life of their own apart from particular persons and actual places.  Biblical religion has a low tolerance for ‘great ideas’ or ‘sublime truths’ or ‘inspirational thoughts’ apart from the people and places in which they occur.  God’s great love and purposes for us are worked out in the messes, storms and sins, blue skies, daily work, and dreams of our common lives, working with us as we are and not as we should be.

People who want God as an escape from reality, from the often hard conditions of this life, don’t find this much to their liking. But to the man or woman wanting more reality, not less—this continuation of the salvation story—Joshua’s fierce and devout determination to win land for his people and his extraordinary attention to getting all the tribes and their families name by name assigned to their own place, is good news indeed.” –Peterson, The Message Bible

With God’s help and leading, Joshua lays a firm foundation for a life of faith, trust and obedience that is grounded and solid. To God be the glory!  God is in the going and coming. God is in all and is with all who believe. 

Jesus did and does the same for all who believe and call on His Name today!  Believe and be saved and made whole.

Lord,

Thank you for teaching us through your Word with the help of Your Holy Spirit guiding us to all that is truth.  Thank you for saving my soul, delivering me from the bondage of evil, and setting me free to love like you love. Thank you for making me whole. Thank you for turning our messes into messages of your salvation so others can know you, too.

In Jesus Name, Yes, and amen!

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GOD—MOSES’ PERSONAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR!

Posted on April 20, 2025 by randscallawayffm

Upon the death of Moses’ tired, worn out, physical body; God buries him.  God buries his old body where no one else can find him.  Moses is gone from the sight of the people he led for decades to receive God’s reward of being with God always in heaven.  How do we know that Moses lives with God? God later sends Moses along with Elijah to have a meeting with Jesus, God’s One and Only Son, who is “on assignment” to save the world, once and for all, for all our sins.

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” –Jesus, Matthew 17:1-9

Deuteronomy 34—FINAL CHAPTER OF MOSES…or is it?

The Death of Moses

34 Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, 2 all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, 3 the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. 4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

5 And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. 6 He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. 7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. 8 The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.

9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.

10 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

God is above all and in all creation.  God is in control.  God was, is and always will be God.  God directs the mission of His Plan to save us. God will prevail.  God is faithful. God lives. God loves.  We are always on the mind of God.  God knew all have sinned and in need of rescue.

Moses was a man, not perfect in all his ways, but who believed in what God said.  God had a plan for Moses that began at his birth and continued until his death.  For one hundred and twenty years—God nurtured and led Moses to lead God’s Chosen people out of Egypt so they could be free to love Him back with all their hearts, minds, and souls. When they trusted and obeyed all went well for them.  When they did not, they put themselves in harm’s way and had to pay the consequences of their own selfish actions.  But still, God loved them. God loved Moses.  Moses completed the mission God had for him. Moses was a Friend of God—and what a relationship they had!

Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph, a couple who loved God and were both born from the hereditary line of the Chosen.  God trusted His Son, Jesus to this couple who loved Him dearly.  Mary and Joseph listened to God and guided this child with wisdom from infancy to adulthood.  Jesus was Son of Man and Son of God in the same body.  Jesus was sent on a mission of rescue; similar to God’s plan for Moses. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

It is the love of God that directs the Plan of God to give LIFE forever to all who believe!

During that week, the disciples must have pondered and discussed what Jesus meant by His death and resurrection.  God knew their hearts and provided a divine revelation of what eternal LIFE looks like. God planned for a select few disciple to see Jesus—in all His glory—meeting with Moses and Elijah!  Peter, James, and John fall on their faces in humbled respect for Moses, the Rescuer of their people and for Elijah the Great Prophet who proclaimed God! 

PROOF OF LIFE!

Moses and Elijah, once dead and gone from this world are both alive!  They have been sent by God to talk with Jesus. Did they come to encourage Jesus who would go through the most excruciating death of all times so that sinners could be saved?  We don’t know what they discussed but we know how they came! 

Moses, the great leader and Elijah the prophet, came to talk with Jesus on the mountain, shining brightly, in new glorious bodies, that were recognized and known by Jesus!  Jesus was “transfigured,” too!  Light spilled out from Jesus with brilliance so bright the disciples had to cover their blinded eyes from the explosive brightness. Brightness poured through every pore of his skin and stitch of his robe. Mark writes that Jesus’ “clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them” (Mark 9:3).  And we worry about what we will wear to church on Easter Sunday!  Could this be why Jesus said, “Do not worry about what you will wear?” (Matthew 6:25-34) God takes care of all we worry about needlessly.

“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1John 1:5). He dwells in “unapproachable light” (1Timothy 6:16). The transfigured Christ, then, is Christ in his purest form.  It’s also Christ as his truest self, wearing his pre-Bethlehem and post-resurrection wardrobe. One who is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). A diamond with no flaw, a rose with no bruise, a song on perfect pitch, and a poem with impeccable rhyme.” –Max Lucado, The Encouraging Word Bible

And because Jesus defeated the Enemy of the darkness of death and rose victoriously in resurrection power, HE LIVES!  And because Jesus lives—We who believe will LIVE forever with Him—in all His glory with new glorious bodies!  John, the eye witness to the Transfiguration of Christ, writes; “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

God wants us to be prepared for life forever with Him.

The first step we take is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, the once and for all sacrifice for our sins. Receive Jesus by faith knowing our sins have been paid in full.

We fully realize that we did not deserve this act of kindness that led to our redemption and we certainly cannot earn it but we humble bow to accept this gift from God who loves us. 

We surrender ourselves daily to God as an offering to Him for all He has done for us, asking now what He wants. 

We then accept the Gift of God’s Holy Spirit who with power helps us to live a life holy, pleasing to God—all for our good and His glory!

We believe that Jesus died and rose again to give us this hope of glory. 

Because Jesus lives—we live—now and forever!

Lord,

Thank you for your word that explodes with the truth of your love for us!  May your glory be seen today with grateful praise.  May your glory be seen in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM!

The sky shall unfold
Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
With thunders of praise

The sweet light in His eyes, shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him, then face to face

O we shall behold Him, we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His glory
O we shall behold Him, yes we shall behold Him
Face to face, our Savior and Lord

The angel will sound, the shout of His coming
And the sleeping shall rise, from there slumbering place
And those remaining, shall be changed in a moment
And we shall behold him, then face to face

We shall behold Him, o yes we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His glory
We shall behold Him, face to face
Our Savior and Lord
We shall behold Him, our Savior and Lord
Savior and Lord!

(Source: LyricFind; Songwriters: Dottie Rambo; We Shall Behold Him lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Concord Music Publishing LLC)

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GOD PREPARES US FOR OUR TRANSFER

Posted on April 19, 2025 by randscallawayffm

There are many word phrases we humans have invented to describe passing from this life to life in heaven such as;

“God needed him in heaven”

“She got her final promotion”

“No more pain for him who suffered much here”

These are but a few things the grieving say to ease their minds when feeling awkward and anxious upon the passing of a friend or family member.  And why do we always say, “Oh, she or he looks good.”  The body is empty of the soul!  The person we knew is not there!  We get a new body in the transfer from death to life! (2 Corinthians 5) I’m counting on that truth!

As former pastors, we’ve helped grieving families through many funeral preparations.  What I have noticed over the years, especially among believers, is that when death comes; our judgement finally ceases of the deceased.  Only “good” words, through the stories recalled, are said to honor the person who has passed from this life to the next.  (I sometimes wonder why we can’t honor each other with these words while we are still alive?!)

However, before death comes, believers who follow Jesus, seem to know their passing is near. What flows from their hearts and over their lips are more words of encouragement for loved ones who will be left behind with reminders of who God is and why they followed Him. This also seems to be part of God’s preparation in our transfer.  

God is preparing Moses for his transfer from death to life with Him.  Yesterday we read of God’s Song to Moses that has become a lesson in theology, history, and personal obedience, with several strong warnings included. In today’s passage, God gives Moses the final blessing to be said over each of the twelve tribes of Israel.  This blessing is saturated with God’s grace and mercy. It’s quite a contrast to the “blessing” Jacob gave his twelve sons before he died (See Genesis 49), revealing their hidden character and exposing sin. Moses opened and closed his blessing by extolling the greatness of the Lord!

Deuteronomy 33

Moses Blesses the Tribes

This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced on the Israelites before his death. 2 He said:

“The Lord came from Sinai
    and dawned over them from Seir;
    he shone forth from Mount Paran.
He came with myriads of holy ones
    from the south, from his mountain slopes.
3 Surely it is you who love the people;
    all the holy ones are in your hand.
At your feet they all bow down,
    and from you receive instruction,
4 the law that Moses gave us,
    the possession of the assembly of Jacob.
5 He was king over Jeshurun
    when the leaders of the people assembled,
    along with the tribes of Israel.

6 “Let Reuben live and not die,
    nor his people be few.”

7 And this he said about Judah:

“Hear, Lord, the cry of Judah;
    bring him to his people.
With his own hands he defends his cause.
    Oh, be his help against his foes!”

8 About Levi he said:

“Your Thummim and Urim belong
    to your faithful servant.
You tested him at Massah;
    you contended with him at the waters of Meribah.
9 He said of his father and mother,
    ‘I have no regard for them.’
He did not recognize his brothers
    or acknowledge his own children,
but he watched over your word
    and guarded your covenant.
10 He teaches your precepts to Jacob
    and your law to Israel.
He offers incense before you
    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.
11 Bless all his skills, Lord,
    and be pleased with the work of his hands.
Strike down those who rise against him,
    his foes till they rise no more.”

12 About Benjamin he said:

“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
    for he shields him all day long,
    and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”

13 About Joseph he said:

“May the Lord bless his land
    with the precious dew from heaven above
    and with the deep waters that lie below;
14 with the best the sun brings forth
    and the finest the moon can yield;
15 with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains
    and the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills;
16 with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness
    and the favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush.
Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,
    on the brow of the prince among his brothers.
17 In majesty he is like a firstborn bull;
    his horns are the horns of a wild ox.
With them he will gore the nations,
    even those at the ends of the earth.
Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim;
    such are the thousands of Manasseh.”

18 About Zebulun he said:

“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
    and you, Issachar, in your tents.
19 They will summon peoples to the mountain
    and there offer the sacrifices of the righteous;
they will feast on the abundance of the seas,
    on the treasures hidden in the sand.”

20 About Gad he said:

“Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain!
    Gad lives there like a lion,
    tearing at arm or head.
21 He chose the best land for himself;
    the leader’s portion was kept for him.
When the heads of the people assembled,
    he carried out the Lord’s righteous will,
    and his judgments concerning Israel.”

22 About Dan he said:

“Dan is a lion’s cub,
    springing out of Bashan.”

23 About Naphtali he said:

“Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the Lord
    and is full of his blessing;
    he will inherit southward to the lake.”

24 About Asher he said:

“Most blessed of sons is Asher;
    let him be favored by his brothers,
    and let him bathe his feet in oil.
25 The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
    and your strength will equal your days.

26 “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
    who rides across the heavens to help you
    and on the clouds in his majesty.
27 The eternal God is your refuge,
    and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
    saying, ‘Destroy them!’
28 So Israel will live in safety;
    Jacob will dwell secure
in a land of grain and new wine,
    where the heavens drop dew.
29 Blessed are you, Israel!
    Who is like you,
    a people saved by the Lord?
He is your shield and helper
    and your glorious sword.
Your enemies will cower before you,
    and you will tread on their heights.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

These are the last written words of Moses, and they focus on the happiness of the people of God because of His blessings. As Moses finished blessing the tribes, he visualized the whole nation and the joy Israel ought to have because they know the true and living God. Their God isn’t a dead idol sitting in a temple; He rides the heavens to come to the aid of His people! The Psalms are full of same words!

But even more, God is Israel’s home and “dwelling place” (see Psalm 90:1), and they abide in Him no matter where they go. As we go forward by faith, he defeats the enemy and holds us up in the battle.

The Life of Moses

“In many respects, Moses comes across as a very Christlike person. Like Jesus, he was born into a godly home at a difficult time in Jewish history and, like Jesus, his life was threatened. When Moses gave up the treasures of Egypt, he was like Jesus, who became poor that He might share spiritual riches with many (2 Corinthians 8:9). Like Jesus, Moses was rejected by his people the first time he tried to help them (Exodus 2:11–15), but he was accepted by them when he came to them the second time (Exodus 4:29–31; Acts 7:23–36).

Israel rejected Christ at His first coming, but they will receive Him when He comes again (Zechariah 12:10—13:1). The only perfect example is Jesus Christ, but when we read about Moses, he reminds us of our Lord and encourages us to become more like our Savior in all things.” –Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Study Bible

As I write this, it is Saturday before Resurrection Sunday.  I am recalling the words Jesus said in His blessing with commands to His disciples before leaving earth to ascend back to heaven;

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus, John 14:12-13

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” –Jesus, John 13:34-35

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”—Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20

God wants us to be prepared for death with hope of eternal life! The first step we must take is to believe in Jesus and believe in faith that Jesus died to pay the debt of our sins and remove them from our history forever! Believe, repent in Jesus Name, and salvation comes!  Upon believing, God sends the gift of His Holy Spirit to live in us, guiding us to all that is true so that we may live a life holy and pleasing to God.  We have a Helper and Counselor who will never leave us!  That is so like God!

Grief is normal but for believers in Jesus; despair is not.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”—Jesus, John 16:33

Bonus:  Jesus IS coming back!

Lord,

Thank you for the words of Moses, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, to reveal who you are with your purpose and plan to save us. Thank you for cleansing our hearts, renewing our minds, refreshing our souls, and continually restoring the joy of our salvation found only in you.  Our hope, trust and faith is built on you, the Solid Rock that does not move. Thank you for loving us the way you do. Thank you for leading us in all seasons and through all phases of life here in preparation for life there with you someday. God, you are amazing!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Tomorrow—God buries Moses’ body!

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