Joshua 3:7-17 There...
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Object:
Joshua 3:7-17
There was a high-end, custom-built sailing yacht that set out on its maiden voyage. The builders had spared no expense to install the most up-to-date technology. A visitor touring this sailboat would have been hard-pressed to find any natural material on board, such as mahogany or canvas; everything was made of metal, fiberglass, or some plastic derivative. Every high-tech navigational aid was on board, from an electronic compass to Loran to a global positioning system.
The crew ran into difficulty on the first night out, when the sailboat's electrical system experienced a massive failure. Everything went down, even the electronic compass. The radio, too, was dead. Suddenly, the crew had to find their way back to port. The sky was overcast. Not even the stars were visible to guide them.
No one had thought to bring along a simple, inexpensive device that mariners have relied on for centuries: an old-fashioned, mechanical compass. Even a pocket compass, such as a Boy Scout uses on the trail, would have made all the difference. Fortunately, the skipper knew the direction of the prevailing wind, and by keeping the wind to a certain side of his face, he was able to bring the craft back safely. He used the same, age-old navigational technique available to the Greeks and the Romans, who had crisscrossed the Mediterranean centuries before the compass made its way to Europe from China.
Joshua had no compass, either. He and his companions were wholly reliant on directions provided by the Lord. Without that guidance, where would they have been? Without that guidance, where would we be?
Joshua 3:7-17
After some coaxing, Isabel agreed to head the caring ministry team at church. She had some doubt whether or not she was the right person for the position. The task before her seemed enormous caring for the needs of the congregation and their family members. Her job included scheduling people to drive members to doctor appointments and others to cook meals when people came home from the hospital.
Her first week, Isabel lost her daily planner, which contained all her contact information, notes, and schedule. "See," she told a friend, "I cannot do this job -- it is too much." Her friend told her to relax and sit down while she made some tea. In a few minutes she returned with tea. Her friend shared her experience of trying something new and how it is a normal reaction to feel you cannot do the job. She told Isabel that she was the right person for the job. Many of the tasks she would do were what she already was doing only on a smaller scale.
Isabel would face the many challenges with a new positive attitude. In just a few short months she made an impact on the homebound and also the volunteers she worked with. God gave her the strength and confidence she needed.
Joshua had an enormous task before him, leading the people on the final leg of the journey to the promised land. The people had followed Moses for forty years, but now turned to Joshua. Joshua did as he was instructed, exhibiting the presence of God in all he did.
Joshua 3:7-17
When an owner of a professional sports franchise is happy with his coaches and managers, he often gives them a contract extension. It may or may not be what the supporters of the team desire, but the owner calls the shots.
When God wished to show the people of Israel that Joshua was his new man, he didn't offer a contract extension but did something even more miraculous: He made the water of the Jordan River stop flowing so the people could cross the river dry shod. Now that is a sign of approval!
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
In the movie, Forrest Gump, Forrest has many amazing abilities but has an IQ of about seventy. Throughout the movie he demonstrates, along with his confusion about many things, that he's basically a good person. His goodness comes out when he's told he has a son and asks the mother a stumbling question which means, "Is he normal?" Forrest wants his child to be smarter than he is and to have a better life.
Paul, the apostle, reminds Christians in Thessalonica that he has "dealt with each one of you like a father with his children." Although at that time a father had terrible power over the life of his family and slaves, Paul means it in the best way. His conduct was "pure, upright, and blameless" toward them. Paul, as does his Lord Jesus, wants people to be better than they are and promotes their goodness by loving them.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Grandma and Grandpa worked hard. They raised five children, buried a son, were pillars of their church, fought cancer twice, and faced countless other challenges of rural life. Their grandchildren would not appreciate the stern, straightforward ways of their grandparents until they were older. For now, they helped Grandma in the garden and ate dinner without complaining. At night, they sat in the utilitarian front room, where Grandpa lit a candle and had each child take turns reading out of the Bible. Ten years later, Grandma and Grandpa both smiled quietly as they danced at their first grand-child's wedding. Their grandchildren, older now, cheered as the DJ announced Grandma and Grandpa as the longest-married couple present. Their newly married grandson smiled, too; he knew that it's thanks to Grandma and Grandpa that he has the confidence to begin in a marriage of his own, grounded in faith and honesty after their hardworking example.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
The apostle Paul models an excellent work ethic through making tents. He was probably a skilled leather worker who specialized in tentmaking. He would have purchased his animal skins from a tanner, since tanning is a messy job, and the Jewish people believed that working with dead animals made them ceremonially unclean. Tentmakers needed few tools, so Paul's trade was easily portable. As an itinerant tentmaker, he would never have been able to build a clientele for repeat business in any one area.
Paul would have been considered an artisan, having begun a dawn-to-dusk apprenticeship in Tarsus at an early age. Paul tells us that he "worked night and day," which was before sunrise until after sunset, while taking time off during midday heat. He almost certainly did some teaching about Christ during that time when he and others relaxed. He would use his workshop for missionary activities and for spreading the good news.
Matthew 23:1-12
Almost three-quarters of Americans who haven't darkened the door of a church in the last six months think it is "full of hypocrites." Even more of them consider Christianity to be more about organized religion than about loving God and people, according to a survey conducted by the Barna Group in late 2007.
Almost half of those surveyed -- 44% -- agreed that "Christians get on my nerves."
The findings echoed a previous study by the Barna Group that found the vast majority of young non-Christians view Christianity as anti-gay, judgmental, and hypocritical.
(From Adelle M. Banks, "Survey: 'Unchurched' Americans say church is 'full of hypocrites,' " Presbyterian News Service release #08037, January 15, 2008)
Matthew 23:1-12
The time had come for Jeff to begin searching for another job. It was Jeff's first real job after graduation. During the five years that he worked for his employer, he never missed a day of work or called in sick. When he first began working, he was promised yearly salary increases and eventually management status. Neither of those promises were kept, which was disappointing. To make matters worse, the older man Jeff worked with every day was mean-spirited -- he never had a kind word to speak about anyone.
It was time for Jeff to look for a new job. He applied to several local companies, had a few interviews, and a week later received notice that someone else was hired. Jeff later discovered that when potential employers called, the man he worked with always gave a negative reference. It appeared that Jeff was doomed to remain working with this man.
One day Jeff did something uncharacteristic, he quit his job. He could no longer stand his working conditions. A month later, he was hired by another company. He was so happy but still had his previous bad work experiences in the back of his mind.
However, he soon discovered the atmosphere at his new job was completely different. His bosses were affirming. He also learned that they meant what they said and kept their promises. Jeff received merit raises and other advancements during his first year. Jeff was glad he made the move.
Jesus warns the disciples not to be taken in by the religious leaders of the day. While their teachings were solid the way they lived their lives was not. Jesus reminds us, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Matthew 23:1-12
Jocelyn was learning almost daily in her school that smoking is bad for a person's health and that second-hand smoke is bad for those around the smoker. Yet Jocelyn had a problem: both her parents smoked. It was very hard for this sixth grader to come to terms with the fact that her parents warned her constantly not to take up smoking while, at the same time, her admonishers constantly smoked. Her Sunday school teacher very delicately had to teach Jocelyn and her class that sometimes we have to do as people say and not follow their example.
Apparently this isn't a new phenomenon: Jesus warned his disciples to do as the Pharisees taught but not what they do.
There was a high-end, custom-built sailing yacht that set out on its maiden voyage. The builders had spared no expense to install the most up-to-date technology. A visitor touring this sailboat would have been hard-pressed to find any natural material on board, such as mahogany or canvas; everything was made of metal, fiberglass, or some plastic derivative. Every high-tech navigational aid was on board, from an electronic compass to Loran to a global positioning system.
The crew ran into difficulty on the first night out, when the sailboat's electrical system experienced a massive failure. Everything went down, even the electronic compass. The radio, too, was dead. Suddenly, the crew had to find their way back to port. The sky was overcast. Not even the stars were visible to guide them.
No one had thought to bring along a simple, inexpensive device that mariners have relied on for centuries: an old-fashioned, mechanical compass. Even a pocket compass, such as a Boy Scout uses on the trail, would have made all the difference. Fortunately, the skipper knew the direction of the prevailing wind, and by keeping the wind to a certain side of his face, he was able to bring the craft back safely. He used the same, age-old navigational technique available to the Greeks and the Romans, who had crisscrossed the Mediterranean centuries before the compass made its way to Europe from China.
Joshua had no compass, either. He and his companions were wholly reliant on directions provided by the Lord. Without that guidance, where would they have been? Without that guidance, where would we be?
Joshua 3:7-17
After some coaxing, Isabel agreed to head the caring ministry team at church. She had some doubt whether or not she was the right person for the position. The task before her seemed enormous caring for the needs of the congregation and their family members. Her job included scheduling people to drive members to doctor appointments and others to cook meals when people came home from the hospital.
Her first week, Isabel lost her daily planner, which contained all her contact information, notes, and schedule. "See," she told a friend, "I cannot do this job -- it is too much." Her friend told her to relax and sit down while she made some tea. In a few minutes she returned with tea. Her friend shared her experience of trying something new and how it is a normal reaction to feel you cannot do the job. She told Isabel that she was the right person for the job. Many of the tasks she would do were what she already was doing only on a smaller scale.
Isabel would face the many challenges with a new positive attitude. In just a few short months she made an impact on the homebound and also the volunteers she worked with. God gave her the strength and confidence she needed.
Joshua had an enormous task before him, leading the people on the final leg of the journey to the promised land. The people had followed Moses for forty years, but now turned to Joshua. Joshua did as he was instructed, exhibiting the presence of God in all he did.
Joshua 3:7-17
When an owner of a professional sports franchise is happy with his coaches and managers, he often gives them a contract extension. It may or may not be what the supporters of the team desire, but the owner calls the shots.
When God wished to show the people of Israel that Joshua was his new man, he didn't offer a contract extension but did something even more miraculous: He made the water of the Jordan River stop flowing so the people could cross the river dry shod. Now that is a sign of approval!
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
In the movie, Forrest Gump, Forrest has many amazing abilities but has an IQ of about seventy. Throughout the movie he demonstrates, along with his confusion about many things, that he's basically a good person. His goodness comes out when he's told he has a son and asks the mother a stumbling question which means, "Is he normal?" Forrest wants his child to be smarter than he is and to have a better life.
Paul, the apostle, reminds Christians in Thessalonica that he has "dealt with each one of you like a father with his children." Although at that time a father had terrible power over the life of his family and slaves, Paul means it in the best way. His conduct was "pure, upright, and blameless" toward them. Paul, as does his Lord Jesus, wants people to be better than they are and promotes their goodness by loving them.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Grandma and Grandpa worked hard. They raised five children, buried a son, were pillars of their church, fought cancer twice, and faced countless other challenges of rural life. Their grandchildren would not appreciate the stern, straightforward ways of their grandparents until they were older. For now, they helped Grandma in the garden and ate dinner without complaining. At night, they sat in the utilitarian front room, where Grandpa lit a candle and had each child take turns reading out of the Bible. Ten years later, Grandma and Grandpa both smiled quietly as they danced at their first grand-child's wedding. Their grandchildren, older now, cheered as the DJ announced Grandma and Grandpa as the longest-married couple present. Their newly married grandson smiled, too; he knew that it's thanks to Grandma and Grandpa that he has the confidence to begin in a marriage of his own, grounded in faith and honesty after their hardworking example.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
The apostle Paul models an excellent work ethic through making tents. He was probably a skilled leather worker who specialized in tentmaking. He would have purchased his animal skins from a tanner, since tanning is a messy job, and the Jewish people believed that working with dead animals made them ceremonially unclean. Tentmakers needed few tools, so Paul's trade was easily portable. As an itinerant tentmaker, he would never have been able to build a clientele for repeat business in any one area.
Paul would have been considered an artisan, having begun a dawn-to-dusk apprenticeship in Tarsus at an early age. Paul tells us that he "worked night and day," which was before sunrise until after sunset, while taking time off during midday heat. He almost certainly did some teaching about Christ during that time when he and others relaxed. He would use his workshop for missionary activities and for spreading the good news.
Matthew 23:1-12
Almost three-quarters of Americans who haven't darkened the door of a church in the last six months think it is "full of hypocrites." Even more of them consider Christianity to be more about organized religion than about loving God and people, according to a survey conducted by the Barna Group in late 2007.
Almost half of those surveyed -- 44% -- agreed that "Christians get on my nerves."
The findings echoed a previous study by the Barna Group that found the vast majority of young non-Christians view Christianity as anti-gay, judgmental, and hypocritical.
(From Adelle M. Banks, "Survey: 'Unchurched' Americans say church is 'full of hypocrites,' " Presbyterian News Service release #08037, January 15, 2008)
Matthew 23:1-12
The time had come for Jeff to begin searching for another job. It was Jeff's first real job after graduation. During the five years that he worked for his employer, he never missed a day of work or called in sick. When he first began working, he was promised yearly salary increases and eventually management status. Neither of those promises were kept, which was disappointing. To make matters worse, the older man Jeff worked with every day was mean-spirited -- he never had a kind word to speak about anyone.
It was time for Jeff to look for a new job. He applied to several local companies, had a few interviews, and a week later received notice that someone else was hired. Jeff later discovered that when potential employers called, the man he worked with always gave a negative reference. It appeared that Jeff was doomed to remain working with this man.
One day Jeff did something uncharacteristic, he quit his job. He could no longer stand his working conditions. A month later, he was hired by another company. He was so happy but still had his previous bad work experiences in the back of his mind.
However, he soon discovered the atmosphere at his new job was completely different. His bosses were affirming. He also learned that they meant what they said and kept their promises. Jeff received merit raises and other advancements during his first year. Jeff was glad he made the move.
Jesus warns the disciples not to be taken in by the religious leaders of the day. While their teachings were solid the way they lived their lives was not. Jesus reminds us, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Matthew 23:1-12
Jocelyn was learning almost daily in her school that smoking is bad for a person's health and that second-hand smoke is bad for those around the smoker. Yet Jocelyn had a problem: both her parents smoked. It was very hard for this sixth grader to come to terms with the fact that her parents warned her constantly not to take up smoking while, at the same time, her admonishers constantly smoked. Her Sunday school teacher very delicately had to teach Jocelyn and her class that sometimes we have to do as people say and not follow their example.
Apparently this isn't a new phenomenon: Jesus warned his disciples to do as the Pharisees taught but not what they do.
