A Legacy Worth Remembering – Deut. Chpt. 34

We have finally reached the end of Deuteronomy. This final chapter speaks of Moses' death and burial. It also speaks of his legacy. Needless to say that his legacy is one worth remembering – so much so that God saw fit to record the most important events in Moses' life…

Set Up For Success – Deut. Chpt. 33

After 32 chapters of recounting the exodus and reciting the Mosaic law, it's easy to approach these last two chapters with an emotional 'bad taste in the mouth'. Think of the Israelite congregation like teenagers who have just sat through a 2-hour lecture from mom and dad. They just want…

Remember It With a Song – Deut. Chpt. 32

Have you ever tried to memorize something by putting it to music? It doesn't work for everyone, but it does work for some. As I mentioned last week, our brains have a habit of retaining certain songs. I can still remember songs that I learned as a kid, even though…

The Call to Duty – Deut. Chpt. 31

In a military setting, there is a call to duty that every soldier is obligated to. That call to duty exemplifies what is expected of each soldier. It involves supporting and defending the Constitution, protecting the nation against foreign and domestic threats, fighting on the battlefield during war time, etc.…

Stick With the Plan – Deut. Chpt. 3

God was very clear with Moses when he laid out his plan for conquering the Promised Land. As Israel crosses into the land of the Amorites to launch what would become a series of military campaigns, God expects them to stick with the plan – even though the plan might…

The Ball Is In Your Court – Gal. Chapter 6

We're all familiar with the idiom, "the ball is in your court". It says that you have done and said all you can, now it's up to the other person to make a decision. As we close this letter to the Galations, that's where Paul is. He has laid out…

Joshua’s Final Charge – Josh. Chpt. 24

As we discussed last week, chapter 23 shows that Joshua is nearing the end. He has fulfilled his mission; he has completed the task God had given him. He will die shortly, leaving the tribes to carry on. Now, remember that God did not raise up a replacement for Joshua.…

It’s Your Future to Make – Josh. Chpt. 23

At the end of the third film in the 'Back to the Future' franchise, two of the main characters – Marty and Jennifer – seem confused about their future together. Doc has to remind them that the future is not set in stone. He reminds them that the future hasn't…

Everyone Has a Place – Josh. 21+22

The division of the land among the tribes demonstrates that God had given each of them a physical place to call their own. But in addition to the land, each tribe, family, and individual had a role to play. Each one had a job to do. The Israel of Joshua's…

The Paralysis of Inaction – Josh. 18-20

Have you ever felt like your life has stalled? You know something needs to be done but you don't know what to do. Or maybe you know what to do but you don't know how to do it. Rather than getting up and doing something, you sit and wait, in…