Month: November 2021

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law-the blessings and the curses-just as it is written in the Book of the Law. Joshua 8:34 (Chapters 7-8)

Following the victory at Jericho, the Israelites moved on the city of Ai. Joshua sent spies who assured him that Ai would be an easy conquest. But, a man named Achan had taken items from Jericho, an act God forbade. Intolerant of this covetous driven disobedience, God disciplined Israel. When the army of Israel moved against Ai, they were soundly defeated, with loss of life.

Achan’s sin had grave consequences. His family was aware of his misdeed and helped him secret his stolen goods. His kinsmen suffered as they lost their honor and their lives.

God redirected Israel to victory over Ai and Joshua led the people to a renewal of their covenant on Mt. Ebal, at the place where Abraham first erected an altar in this land and just as Moses had commanded in Deuteronomy 27.

Sin is not the end of the story, but there is accountability for all involved. Israel did not focus on the repercussion of their transgression, but rather, the grace and hope they had as children of God. What defines you? The darkness of death, or a life washed whiter than snow? There’s a reason it’s called amazing grace and it’s yours for the asking.

Love,

Gretchen

When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. Joshua 6:20 (Chapters 5-6)

Four days after crossing into Canaan the Israelites celebrated passover, their first home cooked meal in 40 years.  The manna ceased and God sent His invisible army to encourage and direct Joshua. The covenant was renewed among a new generation by means of circumcision.

The first threat to Israel’s inhabitance was Jericho, a fortified city. It must be removed and God alone took this victory.  Israel’s part in the battle was obedience and worship, God’s Heavenly Army did the rest. Can you imagine being a resident of Jericho while the Israelites marched to victory? Encircling troops, blasting trumpets and a silent infantry seemed an unusual maneuver, but a believer’s battle is won in ways that are not designed by man’s calculations.  The only survivors were Rahab and her family.

Archaeological revelations indicate that about 1400 B.C. Jericho was leveled and peculiarities and evidence was found that coincide with the Biblical narrative. (I’m not surprised, just wanted to share.) Dr. John Garstang, director of the British School of Achealology in Jerusalem, 1929-36, found stored food stuffs beneath the double walled fortress. It is odd that these precious commodities were not pillaged by survivors, except there were none and Israel had no need of non-kosher food. 

When God moves it is unique to His love, justice and power. Wrapped in His faithfulness we find our peace and security. It’s okay to expect a miracle, it is the essence of God’s presence in our life.

Happy Friday!

Gretchen

He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ Joshua 4:21-22 (Chapters 3-4)

God once again parted deep water, first the Red Sea and now the Jordan River at flood stage, so that His people could move toward His promise. 1400 years later, Jesus stepped from these same banks, into this same river and was baptized.

It was spring time when two altars were erected using stones from the middle of Jordan’s river bed, one at the new encampment where Israel first stepped into their forever home and another marking the place the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant as the people crossed the waters safely.

Monuments of faith are an important part of victorious Christian living. We must look back to remember and know God’s divine intervention so we can move forward with determination and confidence.  This is our hope, the foundation of great faith and obedience. Build altars, return to them often, worship and tell your children.

Love,

Gretchen

When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is the God in Heaven above and on the earth below. Joshua 2:11 (Chapters 1 and 2)

Joshua was born in Egypt and was Moses’ right hand man during the exodus.  Out of the twelve men sent into Canaan on a reconnoissance mission, only Caleb and Joshua were faithful enough to suggest advance. As a result, they were the only two original Hebrews to enter the Promised Land.

Joshua is commissioned by God Himself and in his initial instruction is told repeatedly, “Be strong and courageous. I will never leave or forsake you.”  Joshua was a strong and faithful leader, an example to Christians leaders today.

Rahab was probably a Canaanite priestess, which would have involved being a temple prostitute, but in her immoral culture, her social status would have been high and even honorable. Upon hearing and witnessing the miracles surrounding the journey of the Israelites, Rahab made the choice to risk everything and follow the God of these people. Because Rahab chose faith, and protected the secret spies Joshua had sent into Jericho, her entire family came under God’s protection, symbolized by a scarlet thread tied in her window. Finding a permanent home with Israel, she is listed as a hero of faith. Rahab married Caleb’s son Salmon and became the grandmother of Boaz, making her an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

Looking back across history everything fits together like a well carved puzzle. Is it coincidence? No it’s grace. From harlot to woman of heroic character, God’s mercy extends and grace exceeds the need.

Have a perfect Wednesday!

Gretchen

 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Chapters 31-34)

Moses speaks these words to the entire Jewish nation, then directly to his successor, Joshua. God then calls these two men to His tent of meeting and tells them what is going to happen when His people ‘prostitute themselves to other gods.’  He will hide His face from them.

The last three chapters of this second book of law highlight the rebellious, stiff necked nature of man. A heart hardened against the Sovereign God has only one ending, death. But these last words of Moses, given him by God, are packed full of hope for those that do, indeed, persevere in faith. Believe the testimonies of the faithful, remember God’s blessing to you personally, don’t give in or give up!

After Moses’ final words to the people he led for 40 years, God tells him to go up Mt. Nebo where he will have a panoramic view of Canaan and be gathered to his fathers. (O.T.’s explanation for eternal life beyond death.) God buried his body and lifted his soul into His arms. His remains were not to be found and turned into a talisman of idolatry.

The key component to strength and courage is God’s presence. The key component to the personal presence of God is your worship and obedience.

Love,

Gretchen

Moses, what a man! 40 years in the palace of a pharaoh, 40 years a refugee in Midian and 40 years the leader of 3,000,000 former slaves. Frightened, overwhelmed and less than perfect, but faithful till the very end.

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. Deuteronomy 30:11 (Chapter 29-30)

The book of Deuteronomy is a restating and retelling of laws, covenant, the birth of Israel and God’s infinite faithfulness.  Moses warns, reminds and implores those that will inhabit the promised land to worship God only! They hearse and rehearse, and then Moses says, “It’s not too hard! No excuses!”

Beware of a mentality of entitled sinfulness, an unavoidable character flaw in created man. God has to accept us, warts and all, because He made us this way. WRONG!  Remember who the Creator is, and His purpose for the created.  It’s about relationship, right communication and respect. What does this look like? Honor, worship, obedience…….It’s not impossible because it is God’s design and by His power it is accomplished. 

Love the Lord God, with all your heart, mind and body and see how easy it becomes to be Holy.

May your Monday not feel like Monday,

Gretchen