When It’s Time to Fight – Deut. Chpt. 20

One of Moses' responsibilities was to prepare the people to go to war. He had already led them in the march through the wilderness and up to the valley of Moab where they were preparing to cross the Jordan. Along the way, they mounted successful military campaigns against the kings…

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…

You’ve Wandered Long Enough – Deut. Chpt. 2

Last week we began the journey through Deuteronomy with a look at how Israel ended up wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years. They did not believe God and chose to rebel against him. As such, he promised that they would wander until everyone 20 years old and older…

One Last Thing Before I Go – Deut. Chpt. 1

Deuteronomy is the 5th book of the Bible and the final book of the Pentateuch. It was written just prior to Moses' death. The word 'Deuteronomy' comes from the Greek 'deuteronomion' which means 'second law'. Essentially, Deuteronomy is a second record of Exodus and Leviticus, combined in abbreviated form. But…

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…

Act Like a Child of God – Josh. 16+17

Last week we spent most of our time discussing Caleb and his willingness to take responsibility for himself and his family. At 85 years old, he went and fought for the land he had been given. He drove out the inhabitants, blessed his daughter and son-in-law, and then rested. He…

I’m Not Dead Yet – Josh. 14:6-15:63

There are many among us who aren't engaged; many who are sleep walking their way through the spiritual warfare that II Cor. 10 talks about. Some aren't engaged because they are slaves to their jobs. Others aren't engaged because they would rather pursue pleasure. Some feel they are too old…