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

Today’s reading: Josh 4:1–6:27, 2 Cor 9:6–15, Ps 48:1–14

Today’s theme: Remember God’s faithfulness

Today’s overarching theme is that we should have a testimony alive in our hearts everyday by remembering God’s gracious gift of love to us, expressed in the greatest gift, Jesus Christ. In light of God’s goodness we too should be gracious and generous. Our lives in this way should stand as a testimony to the outside world and as an encouraging reminder of God’s greatness and faithfulness to our fellow believers.

Joshua 4:1–6:27

Validation from God

On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life. Joshua 4:14 (ESV)

God uses this amazing miracle of the parting and crossing of the Jordan, to validate Joshua before the people. This was also one of the purposes of the miracles performed by Jesus. See John 14:11

The power of God’s testimony

so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4:24 (ESV)

The memorial that God asked the children of Israel to build with stones taken from the crossing of the Jordan, would serve as a reminder of God’s great deliverance to the children of Israel and would stand as a testimony of God’s great power to the rest of the world. Today our own lives should stand as a testimony and a reminder of God’s great power to us and those around us. See 1 Peter 2:4 and 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

When we think back to God’s great work in delivering us, when we consider His great power, we should fear Him. This does not mean being horrified or scared, but to consider God with respect and reverence. We should never lose our awe when we think of God, only God is truly awesome. See Hebrews 12:28

The reproach has been rolled away

And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. Joshua 5:9 (ESV)

God has done it, He has brought the children of Israel across the Jordan river and their feet are now in the promised land. This along with the circumcision of this new generation, breaks the reproach of the faithless generation that would have caused Egypt and the surrounding nations to mock the Israelites in their failed mission.

Our Gilgal today is the resurrection of Jesus, where the stone was rolled away and the reproach of those who say our God was defeated, is silenced. See Luke 24:2-6

Jesus, The Commander of Heaven’s Armies

And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” Joshua 5:14 (ESV)

This is no ordinary Angel as an angel would not receive worship from a man, this commander of the army of the Lord is one of the many times that we see the pre-incarnate Jesus appear in the Old Testament. In other places in the Old Testament, this being is referred to as the Angel of the Lord. This is further proof of the Trinity in the Old Testament.

Whether this was an appearance of Christ before His incarnation or as some suggest, just a high ranking angel, it is clear that this points to Jesus who is the commander of heaven’s armies in the final war. See Matthew 28:18 and Revelation 17:14. 19:11-21

The walls fall down

So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. Joshua 6:20 (ESV)

This was not a natural phenomenon posing as a miracle, this was a miracle granted to the children of Israel because they obeyed God’s command. The command to shout at the city may have seemed strange to the natural mind, but God used this act of faith to miraculously make the walls fall down flat.

When we shout praises to God, we too can have faith that the walls standing before us will fall down. Archaeology in this region proves the bible’s account to be true.

2 Corinthians 9:6–15

Give bountifully

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (ESV)

The prosperity gospel is wrong, we do not give to get as this is motivated by greed. We should give bountifully and God will cause us to reap for the purpose of giving even more (see verse 10). We are called to generous giving, so avoid being stingy with what you have. God loves a cheerful giver, we should give with joy and not because we think we should, but because we have chosen to.

Enriched to be generous

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)

We are blessed so that we can bless others. We need to guard against selfishness and the western trap of never knowing when we have enough. The more the Lord enriches our lives, the more we should be generous with our money, time and energy for God’s glory.

Jesus, the greatest gift

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV)

This gift that cannot be truly expressed in words, is Jesus and the amazing grace God has granted us in Jesus. It is in light of this greatest of gifts, that we should joyfully show God’s grace to others and live lives marked by generosity.

Psalm 48:1–14

Remember God’s faithfulness

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. Psalm 48:9 (ESV)

As we worship God today, let us consider His faithfulness and love, shown most clearly in the life, death and resurrection of 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 9

Today’s reading: Josh 1:1–3:17, 2 Cor 9:1–5, Ps 47:1–9

Today’s theme:  Be strong and courageous

Today we learn that we have many reasons to be strong and courageous in the Lord, as we place our trust in Him.

Joshua 1:1–3:17

The continuation of leadership

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Joshua 1:5 (ESV)

Joshua is the new leader for God’s people and he needed to be encouraged to lead with boldness and confidence. God affirmed His new chosen leader by encouraging him that He would be with him as He was with Moses.

This principle of God maintaining continuity in the leadership of the church continues in the NT, where elders are called to raise up younger men who can continue to lead God’s people forward, passing the baton from generation to generation. See 2 Timothy 2:2 where 4 generations of leaders are mentioned (Paul, Timothy, Faithful Men, Others)

Invincibility and inheritance

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:6 (ESV)

Three times in this chapter God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. On this occasion, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because he (Joshua) will cause the people to inherit the land that God had promised to them. Another reason for Joshua to be confident is that in the last verse (5), God made an amazing promise of invincibility, God said no one would ever be able to stand before Joshua.

Joshua is an old testament type of Jesus, they share the same name and both have a calling to bring God’s people into their inheritance, as the captain of their salvation. No one can stand before Jesus, He is the ultimate victor. See the following regarding our inheritance: Matthew 19:29, Colossians 3:24 and Hebrews 9:15

Keep reading the bible

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 (ESV)

There are many books today about being successful but God’s formula is simple… keep reading the bible, think about it and live it out, this leads to prosperity and success and very often this will be the true riches valued by God and His people, but not appreciated or recognised by the world. See 2 Timothy 3:16

God is with us

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

God’s 2nd command to be strong and courageous – God promises to be with Joshua.

We can take encouragement from this; God will fight our battles, no devil can stand before us because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. We can be bold and courageous as we claim our inheritance in Christ.

We see the call to boldness by the help of the Holy Spirit from the start (Acts 4:31) to the end (Acts 28:31) of the book of Acts and throughout the NT, in places like Ephesians 3:12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:2.

The God of Heaven and Earth

And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Joshua 2:11 (ESV)

This is a great and true confession, God alone is God, not just of heaven but of the earth, which is His own creation. This is like Rahab’s statement of faith, she did not just hide the spies out of fear but had faith that the God she had heard about was the true God and that He was guaranteed the victory.

Rahab’s wise actions and faith were used in the providence of God to bring her, as a pagan, into the family of God’s people and covenant. It is from her line that David and Jesus were born, pointing to the fact that God seeks to save people from all nations and walks of life.

See Matthew 1:5 for Rahab in Jesus’ family line. Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 for the reference to her faith.

Rahab’s faith

And she said, “According to your words, so be it.” Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Joshua 2:21 (ESV)

Rahab did this in faith. Like the blood on the doorpost at Passover, the red cord points forward to the blood of Jesus. This it is applied to our lives when we put our faith in the word of God concerning the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross, we escape judgement. The judgement passes over us. See Ephesians 2:13 and Revelation 1:5

Crossing Jordan

Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan. Joshua 3:17 (ESV)

The crossing of the Jordan into the promised land is alluded to in some of our hymns as being symbolic of death, passing from this life into the promised land of heaven. This death can also be seen as dying to the old self and coming alive to the new life in Christ, which is symbolised by baptism. Romans 6:6–11

2 Corinthians 9:1–5

Follow through

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. 2 Corinthians 9:5 (ESV)

Paul was a true father to this church, he did not want them to be humiliated by the very church that they had inspired to give to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. To avoid this type of humiliation, we should follow through with our pledges as quickly as we can. When we give and serve the Lord we should actually do it and not just think or talk about it, we should do it willingly and with joy.

Psalm 47:1–9

Sing loud songs

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! Psalm 47:1 (ESV)

The psalms call us to sing loud songs of Joy to our great God. Such songs will be raised at Church today.

Sing praises

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! Psalm 47:6–7 (ESV)

We should sing praises to God just because of who He is, God is the true King, He is the King of all the earth, not the devil! The earth is God’s and we should sing to Him the praises that any people would sing to their beloved and powerful king.

God is sovereign

God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8 (ESV)

God’s throne and authority is above all. God is sovereign and He is sovereign over every nation. This is said of Jesus in Colossians 1:16, Matthew 19:28, Ephesians 1:20-22 and Philippians 2:9–11.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 9

Today’s reading: Deut 33:1–34:12, 2 Cor 8:16–24, Ps 46:1–11

Today’s theme: Today we see the ultimate narrative of the Bible which is God as king in his kingdom. We submit to and worship Him as the rightful king of our lives and all creation. Glory to the King alone.

Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12

God is King

Thus the LORD became king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together. Deuteronomy 33:5 (ESV)

As this book draws to a close we focus on God again. The Lord became king in Israel. The passage speaks of God as their teacher and guide (verse 3) too, but one of the ultimate truths of the overall biblical narrative is that God is king. God became or was recognised as king over the people when they were given the law and they agreed to keep it.

We affirm God as king in our lives when we hear His word (the bible), agree with and apply it. In this way we submit ourselves to His loving, sovereign rule and dominion. The ultimate story of God’s word is about God as King in His Kingdom. See Matthew 6:10.

The Lord our shield and sword

Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.” Deuteronomy 33:29 (ESV)

In verse 26 we affirm again that there is no one like the Lord. Here God affirms that His people Israel are special and there is no other nation like them.

This final passage encourages God’s people that His everlasting arms are there for them to lean on and He is their shield and sword. It is not a promise of peaceful paradise but of God’s protection and deliverance in the middle of conflict. We should be encouraged and happy today that the Lord is our shield and sword as we fight the fight of faith. See Ephesians 6:16-17.

The death of Moses

and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. Deuteronomy 34:6 (ESV)

This point is picked up in Jude 1:9. The devil would have wanted to have the body of Moses enshrined and then set up as an object of worship and distraction for God’s people. This is because Moses was recognised as being so great. We see the devil’s power is limited as the Archangel rebuked him in the name of the Lord.

Moses was one of the greatest prophets of all time and had experiences with God that no one else will ever have. He inaugurated the old covenant and was the mediator of the law. He saw some of the most breath taking miracles and despite all of this he was only a man, a servant of God. This is emphasised in that when he died God buried him.

We can learn from this that no matter how powerfully God uses us we are yet men subject to death. The abiding glory belongs to God alone through Jesus Christ our Lord. See 1 Peter 4:11 and Romans 11:36.

2 Corinthians 8:16–24

Don’t be arrogant

for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21 (ESV)

Like Paul we must avoid arrogance when working for the Lord. The Lord knowing we have acted in integrity is good but we need to be mindful of people. We need to ensure that we are open and honest before each other. We must portray the right image to outsiders to the glory of God and so the ministry and work does not come under unnecessary scrutiny or criticism.

The glory of the King

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. 2 Corinthians 8:23–24 (ESV)

As individual believers and as a church body we should bring Glory to Christ in our service and giving. We should also proclaim the glorious gospel that the King and his kingdom have come. The Church can also be seen as the glory of Christ because He has redeemed her and she is alluded to as His bride and prize.

We should bring honour and credit to Jesus by promoting His glory and living lives worthy of His calling. We are the light of the world, the body of Christ, the evidence of God’s victory and the proclaimers of His fame.

Psalm 46:1–11

God our refuge

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

God remains a refuge for His people today. He is our strength and although He is the mighty King He is still very close and accessible to us. He makes Himself available to help us in times of trouble. We should have faith in God that He can help us right now. See Hebrews 7:25.

Be still

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

We can take encouragement that God will be exalted over the nations and throughout the earth in our daily lives. We can trust in God’s power. The context here however is really pointing to the victory of Jesus at the second coming when He will put an end to war (see the previous verse) and all nations will bow to Him as the king. See Revelation 11:15.

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 8

Today’s reading: Deut 31:30–32:52, 2 Cor 8:8–15, Ps 45:1–17

Today’s theme: The Rock

God is the only true Rock seen most clearly in Jesus. We can put all our trust in God as our rock, the one and only Sovereign.

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:52

The Rock

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)

God calls Himself The Rock. This name tells us so much about God’s character and who He is. Some of this is expounded in the same verse, God is just, faithful and holy. As the true Rock, God shows Himself to be dependable, without sin and the source / foundation of all integrity and justice.

This reality gives the charge against His people context. If God is the Rock, then how can they possibly forsake Him. We should take confidence today that our God is the Rock, our firm foundation that will not be moved. Matthew 6:24-25.

The Creator and Father

Do you thus repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you? Deuteronomy 32:6 (ESV)

God is not only The Rock, He is their Creator and Father. Israel’s sin is not only that they fail to rely on and emulate His character as the dependable Rock. Rather that they also fail to recognise His relationship with them and all He has done for them.

Jesus always referred to God as His Father. We should speak the same way and think of God as this also. It will remind us of our relationship with Him as his children which will help us act accordingly in recognition of his due love and respect. Matthew 6:9.

Idols and demons

“But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation. They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked him to anger. They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never known, to new gods that had come recently, whom your fathers had never dreaded. Deuteronomy 32:15–17 (ESV)

False gods are demons, the false gods of the religions of the world are all in fact demons. Our culture wants us to laugh at the Rock and forsake our Father to instead pay homage to the false god’s of human reasoning, chance/nothing (the big bang etc), comfort and convenience (the abortion rationale etc). These false gods are more subtle than the idols of the past but they are no less demonic.

The true rock

For their rock is not as our Rock; our enemies are by themselves. Deuteronomy 32:31 (ESV)

No false or substitute rock can ever replace or compare to the true Rock, our God. The very revealed truth that Jesus is The Christ, The Son of The Living God was said by Jesus to be the Rock on which the church would be built. It has been built on this core truth and stands until this day. Matthew 16:16.

The One Sovereign God

“ ‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand. Deuteronomy 32:39 (ESV)

God Majestically declares His own glory and sovereign rule. He alone is God and there is no other. God affirms that life, health and victory are in His hands alone. At the same time God affirms that death, sickness and defeat are in His hands too.

This boldly declared truth would have helped the Israelites form their sound theology about there being only one God. That God is sovereign over everything that happens to His people both good and bad. This would help them understand that some of their actions were worthy of God’s judgement rather than seeing bad times as God losing control.

An important lesson is seen here. When God’s blessing appears to be withdrawn, we should not question God’s ability but need to examine our relationship with God.

God’s living word

For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:47 (ESV)

God’s words to us are not just empty words they are our very life. John 6:68 and Matthew 4:4.

2 Corinthians 8:8–15

The Incarnation

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

This is one of the key places in the Bible which speaks about the incarnation of the Son of God and His eternal pre-existence. “Being rich” in the Greek indicates Christ’s un-begun pre-existence. “Became poor” points to the historic act of the incarnation.

Jesus gave up His position and equality with God in heaven (richness) when he made the pre-incarnate choice to surrender His riches and glory to live, die and be resurrected as a man. He became poor so that we might be saved by becoming “rich” through His “poverty” (salvation).

Jesus’ example shows us that the ‘grace’ expressed in love is the willingness to give up our own rights for the sake of meeting the needs of others. The riches we now have in Christ are not economic but include forgiveness (2 Cor 5:19), reconciliation with God (2 Cor 5:18), and the gift of the Spirit (2 Cor 1:22; 5:5).

Psalm 45:1–17

The Trinity in the Psalms

you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; Psalm 45:7 (ESV)

This great king is Jesus. Notice God speaking to God because Jesus and the Father are both God. This is the doctrine of the Trinity in the Old Testament. One God in three distinct persons. This is referenced to Jesus in Hebrews 1:8-9.

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

Additional resources

Desiring God on 2 Corinthians 8

Today’s reading: Deut 30:1–31:29, 2 Cor 8:1–7, Ps 44:1–26

Today’s theme: God’s achievable word

Today we learn that our God is one who restores His people. That we should love God with everything, guard our hearts from becoming cold and give generously. However the most important lesson is that God’s word is not unrealistic, unbearable, unachievable or unfair but something we can really live out if we internalise it first. We do this by reading and meditating on it and submitting to the person and work of God the Holy Spirit in our lives as He circumcises our hearts.

Deuteronomy 30:1–31:29

The God who restores

then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you. Deuteronomy 30:3 (ESV)

The Lord shows his character here. He is merciful and gracious, He is willing to forgive. This whole chapter outlines man’s choice before a very merciful and patient God. If Israel truly repented then God would restore them to their land and He has done throughout their history.

Today’s restoration of Israel has not happened in the same way as the restorations of the Old Testament where there was also spiritual restoration through repentance. We should pray for the spiritual restoration of Israel to accompany it’s political restoration. Paul instructs us to desire and pray for their restoration through Jesus in Romans 9-11. See Romans 11:15, 23–24 regarding their full restoration.

Love God with everything

And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. Deuteronomy 30:6 (ESV)

In the Hebrew this verse represents the climax of God’s point being made in verses 1-10. The turning in repentance to obey the Lord and prosperity in the land all hinges upon the greatest commandment which is to love God with everything.

This ultimate demand of the law is only accomplished as the fruit of God’s grace in the hearts of His people as He is the one who circumcises their hearts. This is fulfilled and realised in truth in the new covenant through the Messiah Jesus Christ. See Romans 2:28-29.

God’s achievable word

But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30:14 (ESV)

God’s law has received a bad reputation over the years as being unrealistic, unbearable, unachievable and unfair. This is often in an attempt to exalt Christianity over Judaism, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. God declares that the law is not too hard and it is not unreachable.

However, God never claims that anyone can be saved by it, He simply calls the people to live by it and be blessed. Salvation and relationship with God was and still is a matter of the heart and in Israel’s case salvation (from Egypt) had already been won. The law was a life lived in response to salvation.

Reading and meditating on the word of God in the Bible is so important. It is not too difficult and God wants us to internalise the word and then live it out.

Now in the new covenant we have the indwelling person of the Holy Spirit and the work of Christ has been done. This makes it possible for us to live as God intends (Romans 10:5-13). We must also pass God’s word on to our children.

Choose life or death

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)

We face the same choice today, we should choose life and blessing. Why would anyone choose death and cursing… but so many do, this shows the slavery of man’s will to sin. Thanks be to God that when Jesus sets us free from slavery to sin we are truly free. See John 8:32, 34-36.

Reading the bible together

Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 31:12–13 (ESV)

As a church community we have been reading through the entire bible year on year for the last five years. Just reading the Bible like this will help us grow in the Lord and help us instruct our children as we bring them up as a community.

Guard your heart

For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to give to their fathers, and they have eaten and are full and grown fat, they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me and break my covenant. Deuteronomy 31:20 (ESV)

Getting what we want and having all our needs met can lead us into complacency and then indifference, rebellion and idolatry. We need to watch over our hearts especially living in the extremely prosperous western world where God can so easily be forgotten.

2 Corinthians 8:1–7

How to give

For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 2 Corinthians 8:3 (ESV)

This gives us a perfect example of how we should give. The saints in Macedonia were not rich yet they joyfully and voluntarily gave according to their means and even stretched themselves beyond their means. We are called to generosity beyond cold, set percentages and portions. We should enjoy the fellowship and service of giving generously from our hearts to the needs of our brothers and sisters etc.

The fact that Paul had to instruct the wealthy Corinthian church should stand as a warning to us that our prosperity can make us cold and without true faith filled generosity. As mentioned in verse 7 we should excel in giving alongside our other pursuits in Christ.

Psalm 44:1–26

We may suffer for our stand

Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Psalm 44:22 (ESV)

The Psalmist is talking about the suffering the people are going through, not because of disobedience. In fact this is an example of a Psalm where it is declared that the whole law was kept which is in line with the point made earlier about God’s achievable and reachable law.

This is suffering for the name of the Lord, because they refuse to compromise. The Psalmist, under this sort of pressure for standing for God seeks reassurance of God’s love. Paul picks this point up in Romans 8:36-39.

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 8