MARCH 24, 2020

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” 

― Jalaluddin Rumi

JOSHUA 11-13

18Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long period of time. 19No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. 20For it was of the LORD to hardend their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses.(11:18-20)

LUKE 4:1-32

14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”^f

20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.

JOURNAL 

Again the intent and mission of Joshua can not be mistaken...Destroy every Kingdom. In this one chapter we see Jesus directed into the desert where he stays for 40 days and successfully resists temptation from Satan. Jesus then heads to Galille where all seems to be falling into place...he is making a good name for his family and people are amazed at his intellect and teaching. Well it's all about to turn...in a few verses they are ready to push him off a cliff.  What a clear picture of our lives...one day all is well and the next it seems on the brink of disaster. What can I learn from this? That the only truly safe place is in obedience to God. As far as the world goes it may mean good favor from the world or it may mean scorn, ridicule and death. What I receive from the world should not be my motivation. My circumstance can never be my measure. 

Day 9: With all the political rhetoric, it is dizzying and I find that I just need to excuse myself from the insanity and engage in things which I have a capacity to influence...my family, friends, neighbors etc. It's encouraging to see how things change so quickly for Jesus and that he is not immune to the changing winds of public opinion, therefore focusing on the fruits of his spirit is more than enough for all I need today. 

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,kindness,goodness,faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

GALATIANS 5:22-26