Category: Motivation/Inspiration/ philisowisdomation

inspire and uplift

VENGEANCE IS THE LORD’S

July 15, 2020 | Romans 12:9–21 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue The amount of death and destruction described in the book of Joshua is not for the squeamish. Historian John Bright somewhat jokingly writes, “You simply cannot preach from this book, and you ought not to teach it to children. Shield our gentle ears from violence […]

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THE CONSEQUENCE OF EVIL

July 14, 2020 | Joshua 7:20–26 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Sherlock Holmes was famous for solving mysteries. The fictional character first appeared in 1887, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The hero used his acute observation skills to solve difficult crime cases. In today’s reading, Joshua had a mystery to solve. Who had stolen the […]

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THE WALLS TUMBLED DOWN

July 11, 2020 | Joshua 6 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue I remember learning about the battle of Jericho as a child in Sunday School. I don’t recall if the story was told using a video, felt board, or reenactment, but I do remember thinking, “How could this be possible?” While I believed God was capable […]

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VENGEANCE IS THE LORD’S July 15, 2020 | Romans 12:9–21 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue The amount of death and destruction described in the book of Joshua is not for the squeamish. Historian John Bright somewhat jokingly writes, “You simply cannot preach from this book, and you ought not to teach it to children. Shield our gentle ears from violence such as this.” It is true that large sections of Joshua contain difficult passages about battles, conquest, and killing. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ROMANS 12:18 As we read about the destruction of cities and kings, the violence can be overwhelming to modern-day readers, troubling to us as Christians, and offensive to skeptics. But let’s pause and consider this issue from a broader biblical and theological perspective. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he discusses the repayment of evil. Paul contrasts our individual desire for retribution (v. 17) with God’s sovereign judgment of evil: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (v. 19). As Joshua led the conquest of the Promised Land, God would order the destruction of people and communities who were morally corrupt. Extra-biblical resources confirm that these places were populated by God-haters and were extremely evil. They practiced child sacrifice and other unthinkable behaviors. With each city destroyed, God was carrying out His divine judgment of sin. Paul’s letter to the Romans is a reminder that God commands us to love one another, and, as much as possible, to live in peace. We are to be the people who are “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (v. 12). But our call to exhibit these qualities does not negate God’s justice or His wrath in response to disobedience. Vengeance did not belong to Joshua, and it does not belong to us. Rather, it belongs to the Lord. God’s Word reminds us to abstain from seeking vengeance, and instead pursue peace. We are to love, care, and show generosity. When we leave vengeance to the Lord, we can better follow His leading. Are there people whom you need to approach with a more charitable attitude?

July 15, 2020 | Romans 12:9–21 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue The amount of death and destruction described in the book of Joshua is not for the squeamish. Historian John Bright somewhat jokingly writes, “You simply cannot preach from this book, and you ought not to teach it to children. Shield our gentle ears from violence […]

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SAVED FROM DESTRUCTION

July 12, 2020 | Joshua 6:17–25 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Imagine the bedlam that occurred after the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. As bricks crumbled and dust clouded the air, the Israelite army rushed into the city. The enemies fled for their lives as Jericho was overtaken. Rahab and her family were in hiding, […]

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THE SIN WITHIN

July 13, 2020 | Joshua 7:1–19 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Joy filled the air. The Israelites were swapping stories about the destruction of Jericho when they received awful news. The nearly 3,000 men who had been sent to overtake the city of Ai had been routed. This had to be a stunning turnaround for the […]

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THE HOLY WARRIOR

July 10, 2020 | Joshua 5:13–15 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Throughout history, alliances have been essential for victory. The Allies in WWII and the 32-nation coalition in the 1990s Gulf War are just two examples of how countries band together in a time of conflict. In today’s reading, our hero Joshua was preparing to face […]

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AN IMPORTANT TRADITION

July 9, 2020 | Joshua 5:1–12 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Growing up, my family had the same meal on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. My wife and I have chosen to continue several of our family’s traditions while creating new ones for our children. Traditions help us honor and remember the past. As this new […]

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REMEMBER THE PAST

July 8, 2020 | Joshua 4 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Churches and workplaces often publicize their vision or plan for the future. And, as individuals, we are encouraged to be forward-thinking. Financial advisors and health care professionals remind us to live in a way now that will benefit us in years to come. But it […]

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STAND UNITED

July 4, 2020 | Joshua 1:10-18 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Where did we get the phrase “United we stand, divided we fall”? The concept is a biblical one (Mark 3:25), but the phrase was penned in 1768 by John Dickinson, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. In “The Liberty Song” […]

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