Joshua 2:1-7
Two spies who look over the land from Shittim sent by Joshua entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab.
Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax shed had laid out on the roof.
Why?
Jericho, the 'city of palm trees', lies just west of the River Jordan. Joshua's intention was to make his first thrust into the centre of the land, driving a wedge(楔) between north and south. Jericho stood directly in his path, and obvious first target.
Rahab's action in harbouring the spies stemmed not from fear but from belief that Israel's God is the true God.
How?
Make a decision when chance is come, danger and chance are between.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Only be strong and courageous
Joshua 1:12-18
Then Israelite answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.
Only be strong and courageous! (v 6,7,9,18)
When Joshua commended them they all obey his commend and will obey Joshua as obeyed Moses.
Why?
Joshua followed Moses for a long time and is a good solider. He is the right man to be their leader.
Only be strong and courageous are said to me also to my proposal of agriculture console meeting tomorrow.
How?
God is with me, so only be strong and courageous!
Then Israelite answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.
Only be strong and courageous! (v 6,7,9,18)
When Joshua commended them they all obey his commend and will obey Joshua as obeyed Moses.
Why?
Joshua followed Moses for a long time and is a good solider. He is the right man to be their leader.
Only be strong and courageous are said to me also to my proposal of agriculture console meeting tomorrow.
How?
God is with me, so only be strong and courageous!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Keynote to be successful wherever I go; Joshua 1
Joshua 1:1-11
Be strong and very courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
This account of Joshua's accession is one of the great chapters of the Bible. Moses is dead: but God's purpose for the nation continues.
The keynote of this prelude to the conquest is the repeated call to be strong and take heart.
Joshua himself was born in Egypt. He became Moses' right-hand man during the exodus and desert wanderings. He was a fine military commander. In the law-giving at Sinai he was Moses' companion. Joshua was one of the 12 spies sent y Moses to reconnoitre(偵察) the land. He and Caleb alone had the faith and courage to recommend advance - and in consequence were the only ones to survive the 40 years of wandering. Joshua had long been marked out as Moses' successor.
Why?
Joshua will lead those huge people is a hard job, so God encourages Joshua.
Face the land of promise, be strong and very courageous.
Obey the word of God and meditate it all day and do everything according God's word, will be prosperous and successful.
God is my master, my Shepherd and my fortress.
How?
Be careful to obey all the law of God, I may be successful wherever I go
Be strong and very courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
This account of Joshua's accession is one of the great chapters of the Bible. Moses is dead: but God's purpose for the nation continues.
The keynote of this prelude to the conquest is the repeated call to be strong and take heart.
Joshua himself was born in Egypt. He became Moses' right-hand man during the exodus and desert wanderings. He was a fine military commander. In the law-giving at Sinai he was Moses' companion. Joshua was one of the 12 spies sent y Moses to reconnoitre(偵察) the land. He and Caleb alone had the faith and courage to recommend advance - and in consequence were the only ones to survive the 40 years of wandering. Joshua had long been marked out as Moses' successor.
Why?
Joshua will lead those huge people is a hard job, so God encourages Joshua.
Face the land of promise, be strong and very courageous.
Obey the word of God and meditate it all day and do everything according God's word, will be prosperous and successful.
God is my master, my Shepherd and my fortress.
How?
Be careful to obey all the law of God, I may be successful wherever I go
Monday, January 4, 2016
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season
2 Timothy 4:1-22
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with(容忍) sound doctrine.
Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
To the enemy: Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
Death is close for Paul. H can face it without fear: he has run the course and kept the faith. The Olympic victor's wreath, the sovereign's awards for faithful service is in prospect, not just for him but for all who have loved the Lord and long for his return.
He has a last charge for Timothy: go on declaring Gods message, 'press it home in season, out of season', come what may.
The time will come when people prefer to follow their own whims, choosing fable and legend in preference to truth.
Personal news is left until last. Paul's fellow missionaries - Titus, Tychicus, Trophimus - are all away. One is ill, and one has defected. At the first stage of his trial Paul;, like Jesus, stood alone. All his friends deserted him, and his enemies were not slow to make capital.
Now winter is coming and he wants his books ad papers, and his thick cloak. He has only Luke's presence, and the faithful Christians in Rome, to warm his heart - and the hope that Timothy and Mark will reach him in time.
The lion's mouth: This may just be a manner of speaking; or may refer to the lions in the arena, to Nero, or to Satan.
Why?
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; For God want us to serve him in season and out of season, so we have to prepare ourselves. Preach the gospel in any time, because our time is limited.
People will not put up with sound doctrine. This is the situation of people in this world.
How?
Preach the word of God. Guard against those who against Jesus Christ.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with(容忍) sound doctrine.
Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
To the enemy: Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
Death is close for Paul. H can face it without fear: he has run the course and kept the faith. The Olympic victor's wreath, the sovereign's awards for faithful service is in prospect, not just for him but for all who have loved the Lord and long for his return.
He has a last charge for Timothy: go on declaring Gods message, 'press it home in season, out of season', come what may.
The time will come when people prefer to follow their own whims, choosing fable and legend in preference to truth.
Personal news is left until last. Paul's fellow missionaries - Titus, Tychicus, Trophimus - are all away. One is ill, and one has defected. At the first stage of his trial Paul;, like Jesus, stood alone. All his friends deserted him, and his enemies were not slow to make capital.
Now winter is coming and he wants his books ad papers, and his thick cloak. He has only Luke's presence, and the faithful Christians in Rome, to warm his heart - and the hope that Timothy and Mark will reach him in time.
The lion's mouth: This may just be a manner of speaking; or may refer to the lions in the arena, to Nero, or to Satan.
Why?
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; For God want us to serve him in season and out of season, so we have to prepare ourselves. Preach the gospel in any time, because our time is limited.
People will not put up with sound doctrine. This is the situation of people in this world.
How?
Preach the word of God. Guard against those who against Jesus Christ.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Troubled times ahead
2 Timothy 3:1-17
There will be terrible times in the last days. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
You know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Paul describes in detail the character of the final age of turmoil. We can see something of it in our own time, indeed in every age.
He warns that, as the time for Christ's return draws near, evil will intensify - even within the church. Those who are true to Christ will endure persecution as Jesus himself predicted.
For his part, Timothy must stand firm in the truths taught him from the scriptures. In them lies wisdom and the way to salvation in Christ.
Why?
They are 'God-breathed': the breath of life for all who seek to walk in God's ways.
Jannes and Jambres: In Jewish tradition, the names of Pharaoh's magicians
Timothy would vividly recall these events since they took place near his home. Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra, Timothy's home town.
Bible is able to make me wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Both are necessary.
All Scripture is God-breathed, which is breath of life for us.
How?
Reading God's scripture and walk with faith in Jesus Christ is able save us from evil.
There will be terrible times in the last days. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
You know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Paul describes in detail the character of the final age of turmoil. We can see something of it in our own time, indeed in every age.
He warns that, as the time for Christ's return draws near, evil will intensify - even within the church. Those who are true to Christ will endure persecution as Jesus himself predicted.
For his part, Timothy must stand firm in the truths taught him from the scriptures. In them lies wisdom and the way to salvation in Christ.
Why?
They are 'God-breathed': the breath of life for all who seek to walk in God's ways.
Jannes and Jambres: In Jewish tradition, the names of Pharaoh's magicians
Timothy would vividly recall these events since they took place near his home. Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra, Timothy's home town.
Bible is able to make me wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Both are necessary.
All Scripture is God-breathed, which is breath of life for us.
How?
Reading God's scripture and walk with faith in Jesus Christ is able save us from evil.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
2 Timothy 2:1-26
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. if we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
Why?
No one knew better than Paul what it costs to be a Christian. 'From the soldier Timothy must learn endurance, from the athlete discipline and from the farmer perseverance. The theme of Paul's gospel is Jesus Christ, risen from the dead: it is for this he has suffered.
He offers Timothy a lifeline to hold onto, in the lines of a hymn.
He must stick to the true gospel, not be sidetracked into empty chatter, wild speculation or fruitless, divisive argument.
The true servant of Christ is king, not quarrelsome, a good teacher, tolerant and gentle with those who need discipline.
The resurrection: They denied the reality of resurrection by treating it as a spiritual experience.
How?
Endure everything for the sake of the elect, for God is faithful. Be gentle , instructed to the Opponents, hope God may grant them repentance.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace; 2 Timothy
2 Timothy 1:1-18
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid(膽小), but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
So do not be ashamedof the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
This is Paul's last and most moving letter. After a lifetime of service and suffering for Christ he is in prison again, and death is imminent. He is alone except for Luke, and longs to see Timothy again. Yet there is not hint of self-pity; no regrets. His last word is one of encouragement to all who follow after. He can face death without fear and without doubt. The race is over - ahead is his reward.
Why?
Deep thankfulness fills Paul's heart as he thinks of Timothy. And he longs for this man of many fears, as well as real faith, to share his own confidence. He urges Timothy to hold to the truth he has taught hm, and not be ashamed of the gospel of Paul.
The secret of Paul's confidence is knowing Christ.
God's grace is sufficient; he will give the needed strength to endure in the face of opposition and suffering.
False teaching took such a hold in Ephesus that Christians rejected the very man to whom they owed their faith. Here, however, Paul may mean those Christian from Asia who were in Rome, rather than the whole Christian community in the province of Asia. Phygelus and Hermogenes are not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament.
How?
Thank God who saved me and is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day! Praise to the Lord and be encouraged for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid(膽小), but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
So do not be ashamedof the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
This is Paul's last and most moving letter. After a lifetime of service and suffering for Christ he is in prison again, and death is imminent. He is alone except for Luke, and longs to see Timothy again. Yet there is not hint of self-pity; no regrets. His last word is one of encouragement to all who follow after. He can face death without fear and without doubt. The race is over - ahead is his reward.
Why?
Deep thankfulness fills Paul's heart as he thinks of Timothy. And he longs for this man of many fears, as well as real faith, to share his own confidence. He urges Timothy to hold to the truth he has taught hm, and not be ashamed of the gospel of Paul.
The secret of Paul's confidence is knowing Christ.
God's grace is sufficient; he will give the needed strength to endure in the face of opposition and suffering.
False teaching took such a hold in Ephesus that Christians rejected the very man to whom they owed their faith. Here, however, Paul may mean those Christian from Asia who were in Rome, rather than the whole Christian community in the province of Asia. Phygelus and Hermogenes are not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament.
How?
Thank God who saved me and is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day! Praise to the Lord and be encouraged for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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