Today’s reading: Josh 22:10–24:33, 2 Cor 13:11–14, Ps 60:1–12

Today’s theme: Cling to the Lord

Today we learn that we should not be driven by fear but should choose to cling to the Lord and be careful to love the Lord. We should recognise His graciousness in our lives as we trust in Him. Note the five admonitions in our New Testament reading.

Joshua 22:10–24:33

Do not be driven by fear

No, but we did it from fear that in time to come your children might say to our children, ‘What have you to do with the LORD, the God of Israel? For the LORD has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you, you people of Reuben and people of Gad. You have no portion in the LORD.’ So your children might make our children cease to worship the LORD. Joshua 22:24–25 (ESV)

The tribes living across the Jordan did not build the altar in rebellion against God as the rest of Israel had feared. Israel expressed their fear of this based on their recent experience of corporate responsibility. This meant that all members of the community suffered when just one broke faith. A concept we have forgotten in the west.

The tribes explained that they were innocent before God as the structure was built as a witness. However the reason they built it was out of fear. They feared being cut off in future generations and that as a result their children would not fear the Lord.

So fear has a large part to play. They acted out of fear in building the witness. Israel reacted in fear and went to do battle and both parties did this because they feared the Lord. The missing element in all of this was faith. All the tribes should put their trust in God’s covenant keeping love and not be driven by fear.

Let us act out of faith and love, not in fear. See 2 Corinthians 5:7 and 1 John 4:18-21.

Cling to the Lord

but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day. Joshua 23:8 (ESV)

We too must cling to the Lord. Looking at the word “cling” in this context and in the original Hebrew will be help us meditate on what it means to cling to the Lord.

In Hebrew the word is dābaq. Cling is used in this sense, to cling to. It is a verb meaning to hold firmly or tenaciously, usually with one’s hands.

The word is defined in Hebrew as the following: to stick to; cling, cleave to; cling to, stick to; hold to, overtake; cause to stick to; pursue closely; keep close; to adhere, to be glued; join; follow; hold onto; fasten; catch up with; follow hard; joined fast; be made to cleave; stay close; be united; be associated; to stay with.

If we do not cling to the Lord we will cling to something else. Luke 16:13

Careful love

Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God. Joshua 23:11 (ESV)

This would almost seem strange with our modern concepts of love. We would not think to use careful and love in the same context but love is in fact a very thoughtful and deliberate thing. It involves our volition more than we often acknowledge. As we are reminded in 1 John 3:18 ‘Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth’.

God’s grace

I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’ Joshua 24:13 (ESV)

This is a picture of God’s grace which should encourage us to serve the Lord with gladness. Jesus alludes to this in John 4:36–38.

Choose a master

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV)

In today’s society “choice” has been exalted as an idol and has become the rationale of the people for all manner of sin and abomination (abortion, same sex marriage etc).

God did not give us the ability to choose to abuse ourselves or dishonour Him. Choice should not be our God. Joshua turns the worship of choice around by saying he takes the power he has to choose to choose to serve the Lord.

The choices we are presented with are often false options. The fact is that whoever we submit ourselves to we are servants / slaves to obey, so choose your master.

This is illustrated well in Romans 6:16 which states “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”.

Lets choose to serve the Lord today!

2 Corinthians 13:11–14

Five admonitions

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

The assurance, “And the God of love and peace will be with you,” is dependent on each of the five admonitions made earlier about joy, restoration, submission, unity, and peace.

We have this promise today too as we actively seek to do God’s will. He will impart to us His love and peace. Let’s meditate on these five admonitions today.

Psalm 60:1–12

Man’s salvation is vain

Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. Psalm 60:11–12 (ESV)

The salvation provided by man is vain. We need to trust in God as we fight the spiritual battles around us today.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 13

Today’s reading: Josh 21:1–22:9, 2 Cor 13:1–10, Ps 59:1–17

Today’s theme: Examine yourself

We are called to examine ourselves and should be encouraged in the good fight of faith as we seek to enter God’s rest.

Joshua 21:1–22:9

Rest from God

And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:44–45 (ESV)

God gave His people rest and fulfilled every one of His promises. This should fill us with hope and joy. If God had the power, desire and ability to actively bring His word to pass for the children of Israel entering the promised land, then we can have confidence that God will bring His promises to pass for us and has a rest for us to enter into as well.

There was a correlation between all the enemies being defeated and entering rest. Although we can have rest and peace in this life through Jesus Christ (John 14:27), we will enter into true rest in the promised land of Heaven (Hebrews 4:1-11). This is when the final enemy death will be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:26).

2 Corinthians 13:1–10

Examine yourself

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)

Paul challenges the Corinthians to examine themselves to confirm whether they are continuing in the faith in terms of both belief and conduct. Paul has mentioned elsewhere that the Corinthians themselves are the proof of his ministry, so he tells the Corinthians to look at themselves. Knowing that they are true fruit is the ultimate approval of Paul’s ministry.

We can learn from this that we need to examine ourselves too. Not with self loathing and doubt but to affirm and encourage ourselves as we grow in the Lord. We are also called to this type of self examination every time we observe communion.

We should not be afraid to measure our obedience and belief against God’s word. If we fail to meet the test then we need to seek restoration. In some cases this self examination will prove we were never saved and need to submit to God’s word (for example those in cults).

Psalm 59:1–17

God of covenant keeping love

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 (ESV)

We can trust in our God of covenant keeping love. He will keep us and be a fortress and refuge in times of distress. We should sing of God’s love and protection for us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 13

Today’s reading: Josh 19:10–20:9, 2 Cor 12:11–21, Ps 57:1–58:11

Today’s theme: Stand in faith

We learn today that we should not lose ground to the enemy by not standing in faith on God’s promises. Be encouraged that God will bring his purposes to pass in and through your lives as you trust in him.

Joshua 19:10–20:9

Just stand in faith

When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem. After capturing it and striking it with the sword they took possession of it and settled in it, calling Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor. Joshua 19:47 (ESV).

The full account of the tribe of Dan’s taking of the city of Leshem is found in Judges 18. Although it seems good that they did not settle for being run out of their allotted land and so moved to the far north and took the city they named Dan. The reality is that they should have stood their ground in their own allotted inheritance and should not have lost the ground to the enemy.

The problem is that the people of Dan did not hold onto their inheritance because it was not held in faith, they did not truly put their trust in God.

We can learn from this today that we should not lose our inheritance and end up setting ourselves up in some halfway house of compromise because we do not have the guts and faith to fight the enemy. No, we should stand and fight and having done all we can just stand in faith as mentioned in Ephesians 6:13-17.

2 Corinthians 12:11–21

Willing to be spent

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 2 Corinthians 12:14–15 (ESV)

In a day where the perverted prosperity gospel is spreading across the world with it’s focus on paying for breakthroughs and millionaire preachers. It is refreshing to read Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians, he is not seeking their possessions but seeking them, their very souls and allegiance for the sake of Christ.

Paul also says he is willing to be spent in full for them. We should have this same attitude as we serve the body of Christ today to the glory of God.

Psalm 57:1–58:11

God fulfils his purposes

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2 (ESV)

We can boldly put our trust in God. He will see his purposes fulfilled in us Philippians 2:13.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition OR Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 12

Today’s reading: Joshua 18:1–19:9, 2 Corinthians 12:1–10, Ps 56:1–13

Today’s theme: Sovereign over our trials

We learn today that God is sovereign over our trials and has provided an abundance of grace to help us in times of need.

Joshua 18:1–19:9

Continuing effort

So Joshua said to the people of Israel, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? Joshua 18:3 (ESV)

I have the following note in my bible “The Christian life is always described in continuing effort… Pilgrimage, war, a race – Pastor Dennis Greenidge”. This is so true, as God’s children we need to avoid falling into the trap of procrastination and instead learn from both the attitudes of Judah “to go first” and Joseph “to work and expand”.

2 Corinthians 12:1–10

What is your thorn in the flesh?

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)

In this ultimate conclusion to Paul’s argument in this letter, Paul gives us two accounts which he attributes to God. One is his rapture and vision of heaven, receiving such revelation that some could not be shared. The other is the thorn in the flesh or messenger from Satan that God allows to help him stay humble. In both cases God remains the ultimate orchestrator and sovereign.

There has been much debate throughout church history regarding the identity of the thorn. The most likely option being some form of illness but attempts to identify it miss the point of Paul’s intended ambiguity in using this sort of figurative language. Forcing a single meaning to this sort of language misses the point, which is that it remains open so that the lesson can be applied in all circumstances in every age.

God’s grace is sufficient

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

Paul’s main point here is not the identity of the thorn but its origin (from Satan yet given by God), it’s cause (the great revelations) and its purpose (to keep Paul from conceit). The climax is that no matter what we are allowed to go through and the reasons behind it, God’s grace will give us the strength we need to endure. God is glorified when we persevere through difficulties and challenges in humility before Him.

This verse embodies Paul’s entire argument. The Christian life is not marked by happy days of no suffering, bliss, wealth and health… No, our lives are marked by endurance and humility in the midst of adversity and persecution to bring Glory to God.

The vagueness around the thorn and the definite promise of sufficient grace (said in the present tense) means we can all take comfort from this promise for our own walk with the Lord today.

Psalm 56:1–13

Confront fear with trust in God

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4 (ESV)

When we are afraid we should not ignore our fear but confront it with our faith in God’s word. We should come to the firm realisation that we can trust in God and His word and that nothing can happen to us as God’s children outside of God’s control. See 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 12

Today’s reading: Josh 16:1–17:18, 2 Cor 11:24–33, Ps 55:1–23

Today’s theme: Take the land

Today we learn about the need to have holy energy in our hearts to God in faith and work to take the land. We need to cut down the trees and expand, making our boast not in our efforts but our reliance on the Lord. We work from a place of rest because we cast all our cares on the Lord who cares for us.

Joshua 16:1–17:18

God’s just society

because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh. Joshua 17:6 (ESV)

The law set by Moses concerning daughters being given an inheritance when there are no sons was now fulfilled. Again this points to the fact that women were not to be treated with contempt or like possessions as the Pagan cultures taught.

Go clear tress and take the land

but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.” Joshua 17:18 (ESV)

Pastor Dennis preached a powerful message helping us apply this passage to our lives in Christ some years ago. The children of Joseph were not content to stay in a lot that was too small for their people, they boldly asked for more.

Joshua turned the request for more back on the people in the form of a challenge and a promise. The challenge was put forward in verse 15, which was to go and make a second plot of land in the wooded hill area to make room for themselves. The promise in this verse is that they will defeat the enemy despite the enemies power.

Today we should take this attitude in our walk with the Lord. Matthew 11:12 says we should take the kingdom by force. We should boldly go to clear the trees (wood speaking of the flesh) and take the land (God’s promises and kingdom). We need to pray and very actively work to advance God’s kingdom as a church and individually. We must avoid the lazy idea of sitting back and leaving it all to God, let’s go and clear trees and take the land.

2 Corinthians 11:24–33

Boast in relying on God

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 2 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV)

Paul does not boast about the things he has achieved or done well, he instead boasts in his weaknesses which cause him to rely on the Lord and bring God glory. His critics say his life should be characterised by blessing, but according to Paul’s teaching and life a Christian’s life is characterised by suffering for Christ. It is further characterised by God being glorified in the Christian’s constant service, witness and perseverance.

Psalm 55:1–23

Cast your burden on the Lord

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

Like we read in 1 Peter 5:7 we can cast all our cares on the Lord. This brings balance and comfort with today’s other readings where we saw our need to take responsibility and work in the book of Joshua and our call to endure hardship in 2 Corinthians.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 11

Today’s reading: Josh 14:1–15:63, 2 Cor 11:16–23, Ps 54:1–7

Today’s theme: Wholly follow the Lord

The overarching theme of today’s readings is that we should wholly follow the Lord and so avoid the pitfalls of self deception, as we call upon God’s name to deliver us from the giants that want to defeat us. Wholly trusting in the Lord will cause us to see the armies of apparent giants coming to attack us, fall defeated, as we approach God with bold faith in prayer.

Joshua 14:1–15:63

Wholly follow the Lord

But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ Joshua 14:8–9 (ESV)

Caleb is a great example to all of us, showing us that we should boldly put our trust in God. His account should also encourage us that God rewards our courageous faith in His service.

The word translated as ‘wholly’ is worth meditating on. It is from the Hebrew word ‘Mille’ and in this sense means “to follow fully” which is a verb meaning; to accept and follow leadership or guidance to the fullest extent.

The word itself carries the meanings: be full, filled, fill, complete, finish, fulfil, perform, to satisfy and carry out. It also carries a subtle meaning in this context of “eagerness to engage in some activity or event” (eager desire).

When we consider the meaning and root of the word “wholly followed”, it should help us to reflect on our attitude and heart towards God and His work, remembering Jesus’ greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-38.

An army of giants defeated

Now the name of Hebron formerly was Kiriath-arba. (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim.) And the land had rest from war. Joshua 14:15 (ESV)

To put this into context… the Anakim were a race of giants, but even giants are no match for God and His people! When we wholly follow the Lord, we can claim the victory over the greatest giants. See Matthew 17:20

Boldly ask in faith

She said to him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.” And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. Joshua 15:19 (ESV)

Caleb’s daughter, like her father, is full of faith and zeal, she boldly approaches her father to ask for more than her original allotment and received a good response to her request for a blessing.

We can learn from Achsah’s example of bold asking, in faith, as Jesus affirms in Matthew 7:7-8.

This also shines a light on the fact that women had rights and were treated with dignity in Israelite culture, as opposed to the many Pagan nations where women did not enjoy these freedoms.

God’s heart for his daughters (and sons), is that they boldly come to Him directly in prayer and make their petitions clear, in faith. See James 1:6-8 and Matthew 21:22

The land of Israel

Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages; to the Brook of Egypt, and the Great Sea with its coastline. Joshua 15:47 (ESV)

By this account, today’s Gaza strip really belongs to Israel. To find out more about God’s promises to the land of Israel, watch CHOSEN by the Ezra Foundation, available on the WWMF App today.

2 Corinthians 11:16–23

Self deception leads to further bondage

For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 2 Corinthians 11:20–21 (ESV)

Paul gives a reluctant summary of his ministry which he intends to shame his critics into silence. There is a note of irony running throughout this passage and it is well illustrated here. The sad truth is that bondage to sin will lead into further bondage under manipulative and evil leaders, in all areas of life including the church.

The church in Corinth were bound by pride in their supposed maturity, to such an extent that they had unfounded confidence in their ability to discern and so were squarely deceived and exploited by false, self seeking, charlatans who led them into further bondage, through bad teaching and practise.

We must stay on our guard that we do not unwittingly open ourselves up to this type of self imposed abuse and oppression through either, misplaced confidence in ourselves, or in laziness, allowing ourselves to be manipulated as we follow the crowd’s popular consensus, rather than the bible. We must wholly follow the Lord.

Psalm 54:1–7

Call upon the Lord’s name

O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. Psalm 54:1 (ESV)

Verse 1 and verse 6 mention God’s name as a means of salvation and as the one that thanks will be given to. The name of God is manifested in Jesus, the eternal Word.

Names have power throughout the scriptures and in the world today. When an ambassador or messenger speaks in the name of a king, the full force of the kingdom is with him, just like the full force of the law is behind every police officer calling out stop or pull over.

Peter used the name of the Lord Jesus in Acts 3:6, making the power of Jesus present for the man’s healing. We can call upon the name of the Lord today, knowing His power is made present to save, heal and to deliver. See Romans 10:13

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 11

Today’s reading: Josh 12:1–13:32, 2 Cor 11:7–15, Ps 52:1–53:6

Today’s theme: The daily battle

We have a cross to bear and battles to fight every day. We need to identify the kings that need to be defeated (like laziness, frustration, anger, selfishness etc.) and defeat them each day. We need to realise that we are at war whether we like it or not.

The gospel is under attack and we need to defend it. We need to do something with the victory that God has won for us through the gospel, today.

Joshua 12:1–13:32

A daily battle

the king of Tirzah, one: in all, thirty-one kings. Joshua 12:24 (ESV)

The longest month we can have is 31 days long, if we think of each day as a king to be conquered, the application would be that we have a battle of some sort to fight every day.

Jesus said “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” in Matthew 6:34. He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” in Luke 9:23.

Do something with the victory God has won

all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians. I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.” Joshua 13:6–7 (ESV)

God fights for His people and will drive the peoples from the land for them, but He will not divide the land for them as this was a task that He had given to Joshua, as the leader of the people. God has won the victory for us too but like Joshua, we are called to follow His commands in regards to using what God has won for us. See Galatians 5:1

2 Corinthians 11:7–15

We are at war!

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 (ESV)

Ever since this time, there have been false Apostles who pretend to be servants of God, but they are inspired by satan, satanic teaching and are full of hypocrisy. Showing one face to the people and another in private, they harbour evil doctrine and their core driving force is self exaltation, through manipulation and deceit just like satan.

This is evident all over the world, from established apostate institutions like the Roman Catholic Church, through to Word of Faith Prosperity Preachers on TV. Like Jesus said; we should not be deceived by their schemes, we should submit to our true shepherds (Pastors and Elders) and stay on our guard against the deceivers, submitting to the guidance and truth of God’s word and the Holy Spirit.

We need to fight for the true faith, against the perversions and lies of satan’s servants. We are at war.

Psalm 52:1–53:6

Trust in God

“See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!” Psalm 52:7 (ESV)

We need to avoid the trap of trusting in our wages and possessions, we should put our faith in God.

All men are sinners

They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 53:3 (ESV)

Paul also picks this up in Romans, to prove that all men are under the condemnation of sin, Romans 3:10-12. This is why we needed a saviour in Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 11

Today’s reading: Josh 10:16–11:23, 2 Cor 11:1–6, Ps 51:1–19

Today’s theme: Pride is the enemy

In today’s reading we come across a strange word; “Merom” which at its root represents pride. The lesson is that one of our greatest enemies is our own pride. The only way to defeat this enemy is to continually humble ourselves before God, put your foot on the enemy’s neck today by casting pride aside. Be a humble servant in God’s hands.

Joshua 10:16–11:23

The enemy is under our feet

And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” Joshua 10:25 (ESV)

Joshua uses the same words of encouragement that he received from Moses and God, to encourage the people to be strong and courageous. As he speaks to the leaders he tells them to put their feet on the enemy kings’ necks.

We can learn from this, that we too should be strong in the Lord and courageous as we battle the enemy, knowing that the enemy is under our feet. See Luke 10:19 and Romans 16:20

The enemy of pride

And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. Joshua 11:5 (ESV)

The word ‘Merom’ has the following meaning: “heights, (place) on high, being in an elevated position; by extension: pride, haughtiness, arrogance, an improperly high opinion of oneself; exaltation, high in honour and status” (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words).

This helps us to see a parallel truth, which is that attacks will often come in the form of or from a place of pride. Knowing this will help us to defeat the enemy, especially when that enemy is our own prideful flesh. We can win the battle by humbling ourselves. See 1 Peter 5:6

Finish the work

Just as the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses. Joshua 11:15 (ESV)

Joshua like Jesus, finished the work he had been sent to do (John 17:4). This gives us a great example of determined faithfulness, we should not procrastinate but should wholly follow the Lord and finish the work He has called each of us to do.

Take time today to stop and think about anything the Lord has called you to do which you have left half done. Determine in your heart to finish it, pray, make a plan and finish it. See Paul’s resolve in Acts 20:24.

God is sovereign over the enemy

For it was the LORD’s doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the LORD commanded Moses. Joshua 11:20 (ESV)

God hardens the heart of these people like He did to Pharaoh, to accomplish His purpose, this was not open to multiple outcomes or just random. God was orchestrating these coalitions so that they could be judged and destroyed by Joshua.

In the same way, as part of God’s sovereign plan, the hearts of the leaders were hardened against Jesus, leading to the cross and ultimate victory. God is so sovereign that He even uses the wicked, stubborn and cold in heart as a part of the wider accomplishment of His plans. See Romans 9:18

2 Corinthians 11:1–6

A pure and devoted people

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV)

The false teachers that had come against Paul in Corinth were doing the work of Satan by seducing the church with a new “false / inadequate” gospel.

In the same way that Jesus is the last Adam, the Church is the last Eve. Like the narrative in the garden, we (the church) need to guard ourselves from the type of seducing deception that lured Eve into apostasy.

Again, this is a battle for the minds of the body of Christ, it is through thoughts that Satan seeks to lead believers astray from single-mindedness in Christ. We must defend the biblical and orthodox interpretation of the scriptures, and the Gospel handed down to us from those who went on before us.

We should fully embrace the idea of being the bride of Christ and therefore be faithful in our thoughts and actions to our loving husband, Christ.

The other gospels

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:4 (ESV)

Paul was being very clear here. Jesus, Spirit and Gospel are each core elements of our Faith.

The true Jesus Christ who was crucified and rose from the dead. The True Holy Spirit given as a gift from God, as the fulfilment of the promise and the pledge of inheritance. The real Gospel of forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ.

Paul knew that these three elements stand or fall together. “Another Jesus” would mean a “different Spirit,” since the Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9 and Philippians. 1:19), and a “different gospel,” since the gospel is about Jesus (2 Corinthians 2:12 and 9:13).

In Paul’s time, the different Gospel likely focused on health and wealth, possibly along the lines “the more law you keep the more blessed you will be.” These opponents were opposed to Paul’s message of weakness, suffering and servanthood in Christ.

Today we too must guard against false Gospels which distort the message, we deal with this in the WWMF production “The Gospel”. You can see the Gospel in bite size segments at our Vimeo Channel here.

Psalm 51:1–19

Your sin is your fault

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Psalm 51:4 (ESV)

We must take responsibility for our own sin and recognise that we have sinned against God. Our culture subtly teaches us that it is never ultimately our fault… but it is.

Humble yourself

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 (ESV)

As mentioned earlier, cast pride aside and humbly bow before God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 11

Today’s reading: Josh 9:1–10:15, 2 Cor 10:9–18, Ps 50:1–23

Today’s theme: Look to God, not men

Today we learn that we should look to God and seek Him in the way He has prescribed in His word. We should not compare ourselves against mere men or judge with human judgement, we should measure ourselves against God’s holy standard and word.

Joshua 9:1–10:15

Seek God in God’s way

So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. Joshua 9:14 (ESV)

Israel’s sin in this chapter is not them being deceived, but their failure to seek the Lord for His guidance on whether these men were telling the truth, instead they relied on their own seemingly practical way of deciding whether the story was true. God had told all Israel how they should seek His guidance, in Numbers 27:21, but this was not followed.

It is easy to fall into the trap of measuring a situation using only our natural senses, but we need to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit in line with God’s Word. We must seek God, especially when a decision will bind us to a person or group in a relationship, as was the case with the Gibeonites. See John 16:13, Romans 8:4, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 5:18, 25 and 1 John 4:6

5 Kings

So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, Joshua 10:3 (ESV)

Pastor Dennis preached a message about the significance of these 5 kings, copies are available from our church bookstore if you do not have a copy. It has some excellent life application and prayer points for every believer.

The long day

And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. Joshua 10:13 (ESV)

This is one miracle that sceptics like to point to when debating the truthfulness of biblical accounts. The bible does not say that the earth stopped rotating or that the sun just stopped moving, in verse 13 it says the sun “did not hurry to set for about a whole day”. Modern researchers including Harry Rimmer, point to evidence from early Egyptian, Chinese and Hindu sources, that there was a long day in history and that “Pickering of the Harvard Observatory traced this missing day back to the time of Joshua; likewise has Totten of Yale” [Details adapted from Archer, G. L. (1982). New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.]

Documentary evidence supporting these findings is not all available – in any case, we believe that God is able to do anything and can if He wishes, suspend the laws of nature for His own purposes. God is the Lord and Creator of both time and space.

2 Corinthians 10:9–18

Avoid foolish comparisons

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)

Like we saw in our earlier reading regarding the Gibeonites, we should not judge using only our natural senses. This principle also applies when we measure our lives and conduct before the Lord, we should not measure ourselves against each other, this only leads to pride and self deception. God calls us to measure ourselves by the holy standard of His word and the perfect example of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 50:1–23

God is not a force to be tapped into

But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? Psalm 50:16 (ESV)

Despite the claims on popular “Christian” TV, it is not possible for the ungodly to “tap into God’s blessings” by following some 3 step principle. No, God is not a force to be tapped into, He is a person and all His promises are for His people who put their trust in Him and are in relationship with Him.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 10

Today’s reading: Josh 7:1–8:35, 2 Cor 10:1–8, Ps 49:1–20

Today’s theme: The battle for the mind

Today we learn about the battle for the minds of men. We must not allow our mind to be taken captive by the enemy, we are called to live transparent and honest lives before God, shunning compromise and confessing our sins before God, to the glory of God.

Like Paul we are called to tear down the mental strongholds that keep people in bondage and hostility toward God.

Joshua 7:1–8:35

For Your great name

For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?” Joshua 7:9 (ESV)

Like the intercessory prayers of Moses, Joshua appeals to God’s desire to be glorified in the earth, and for His great fame to be spread across the earth, (see Moses’ prayers in Exodus 32:11–13 and here Numbers 14:15–16).

Israel was God’s chosen nation as a means to being glorified in the earth, through the fame of His name and great acts among them being spread throughout the nations. It is through God’s covenants and dealings with His people that we start to get a glimpse of who He is.

We can learn from this way of praying, that we too should appeal to God’s zeal for His own glory and fame.

Simply repent

The LORD said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Joshua 7:10 (ESV)

When there is sin and compromise to be dealt with, there is really nothing to pray (ask) about, we need to repent (turn away from the sin) and get rid of the contaminating compromise. God does not need to be sought concerning sin, His word is clear, He calls on all men everywhere to repent. So repent! See Acts 17:30

Compromise affects everyone

Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. Joshua 7:12 (ESV)

When we allow compromise into our lives, we will fall under God’s judgement and discipline. It is important that we do not compromise with sin or bring any cursed objects into our home. Paul picks up on this with sin and compromise in the church having a negative affect on the whole body, in 1 Corinthians 5:6 and Galatians 5:9. Compromise in this way not only marks us for destruction, but causes harm and danger to those around us.

Confess sin to God

Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” Joshua 7:19 (ESV)

Openly admitting and confessing our sin before God, acknowledging that we have sinned against God and are without excuse, brings glory to God. We must seek to be honest and transparent.

We must be humble as followers of Christ and one element  of this which will keep our conscience healthy before God, is to give God glory by confessing our sin. See Acts 19:18-19, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:9

Do not covet

And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.” Joshua 8:2 (ESV)

There was no need for Achan to covet in the earlier chapter, here we see God would in this instance, provide goods for the people. Achan’s coveting showed not only short sighted greed but a fundamental lack of faith.

Coveting at its root shows that the one coveting does not trust God for guidance and provision and is instead driven by their own desires and will harm themselves and those around them to get what they want. We must learn to be content and trust God for provision. See Philippians 4:11 and 2 Corinthians 9:8-11

God honours obedient faith

Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. Joshua 8:18 (ESV)

In our human reasoning it may seem strange that Joshua should hold out the Javelin / Sword to Ai until it had been destroyed, however this was a command directly from the Lord and so on Joshua’s part, this was an act of faith. It was also a sign of decisive leadership from Joshua and his confident faith in the Lord, who would win the day for them.

Moses did a similar symbolic act of faith at the Lord’s command when Joshua was fighting in the trenches against the Amelikites, in Exodus 17.

We can learn from this that we should act on God’s word in faith, even when it seems strange or illogical, God will honour our faith as we honour Him in obedience. See Hebrews 11:6

The bible, central for all society

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them. Joshua 8:35 (ESV)

The renewal of the covenant was centred around God’s written word, for all members of society. If we want to see renewal in our own lives, families, church or wider society, it must be centred around God’s revealed and written word which can only be found in the bible.

2 Corinthians 10:1–8

The battle for the mind

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:4–6 (ESV)

The battle is for the minds of men. The fleshy way of fighting for men’s hearts and minds, is to use human reasoning and underhanded tactics to manipulate the targets. Paul does not fight in this way, he fights with God’s weapons and so fights in God’s way.

The imagery Paul is using is of a full siege which has three stages: 1) destroying defences 2) taking captives 3) punishing resisters. We should use these three stages of attack as we fight for God’s glory and fame.

The strongholds that we need to tear down are the intellectual arguments that have been set up against the truth of the Gospel. The captives are the very thoughts of those who were imprisoned by these mental strongholds (i.e. evolution or false religion).

The weapons we use include the truth of the Gospel, prayer, God’s wisdom and even our holy living. We must fight for the hearts and minds of those in our church and the wider culture. God’s story must be set over and against all the false narratives of this world.

Psalm 49:1–20

All men die

For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. Psalm 49:10 (ESV)

This call goes out to all mankind, God calls men to not have foolish confidence in the riches or wisdom of this world, as we read in today’s other readings. All men have an appointment to keep with death, everything in this life is temporary so all men need to be prepared to stand before God.

We should not seek to seem “blessed” in the eyes of others, we should live before God knowing that our time on this earth is short. Eternity is forever. See Hebrews 9:27

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on 2 Corinthians 10