Monday, March 21, 2016

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”   ~ E.E. Cummings

JOSHUA 4-6

Joshua's path is confirmed and blessed...

13Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

14“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord^e have for his servant?”

15The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

LUKE 2:1-24

Christ is born...

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

JOURNAL

This is what is so amazing about the Bible. These passages tucked within the pages are so rich in their lessons and their revelation to the character, love and grace of God.  God knows Joshua needs confidence and affirmation before he sets out to conquer this land.  The pressure I can only imagine must be immense...so God comes to him bearing a sword dressed for war.

This is God's grace and love in action.  It often is not pretty or convenient. God's way is full of questions and heartache.  He definitely never spared anyone who followed him the trials and tribulations of life.  That of course included his son.  God does not ask us to go where he has not already been.  But he does promise that we will have a peace that cannot be explained.  That peace exists because he is with us.

 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)