Joshua 1:1 - 2:24
The story of Joshua begins after the death of Moses. God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the land of Canaan.
God establishes leaders to fulfill his plan. God brings success when we follow his appointed leader.
Leaders don't lead forever, even godly leaders like Moses. There come a time in every ministry when God calls for a new beginning with a new generation and new leadership. Except for Joshua and Caleb, the old generation of Jews had perished during the nation's wanderings in the wilderness; and Joshua was commissioned t lead the new generation into a new challenge: entering and conquering the Promised land. "God buries His workmen, but His work goes on." It was God who had chosen Joshua, and everybody in Israel knew that he was their new leader.
Over the years I've seen churches and parachurch ministries flounder and almost destroy themselves in futile attempts to embalm the past and escape the future. Their theme song was "As it was in the beginning, so shall it ever be. world without end." Often I've prayed with and for godly Christian leaders who were criticized, persecuted, and attacked simply because, like Joshua, they had a divine commission to lead a ministry into new fields of conquest, but the people would not follow........
A wise leader doesn't completely abandon the past but builds on it as he or she moves towards the future. Moses is mentioned fifty-seven times in the Book of Joshua, evidence that Joshua respected Moses and what he had done for Israel. Joshua worshiped the same God that Moses had worshiped, and he obeyed the same Word that Moses had given to the nation. There was continuity from one leader to the next, but there wasn't always conformity; for each leader is different and must maintain his or her individually. Twice in these verses Moses is called God's servant, but Joshua was also the servant of God (24:29). The important thing is not the servant but the Master. by Warren Wiersbe
Applying it: Think of church leaders who have recently taken on new responsibilities and pray for them; ask for the Lord's strength and wisdom in their ministry. Then follow up your prayers with words and deeds of encouragement and help.
Exploring it: Respect for Leaders--Philipians 2:29-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17-19 Hebrews 13:17
FRIENDS:
Father, God of Peace, we pray that your kindgom would come into our hearts and that peace would rule. Teach us what it means to be peacemakers, Help us cultivate peace between others and you. Help us to reach out to those in our neighborhoods, offices, schoolrooms. Teach us the art of building bridges and not walls. We glorify your name, In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
February 25
Matthew 21:12-22; Acts 28:17-31 Psalms 47; Leviticus 26-27
That is all for this month so you can get caught up on any that you have missed and we will pick up again on March 1
10 THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR
1. Breakfast in your pajamas
2. Seeing the moon rise
3. Shadows cast by the setting sun
4. A music box
5. Finding your baby's first tooth
6. A cup of hot chocolate on a cold wet day
7. Roast pork and applesauce
8. Skits put on by teenagers
9. Getting money at the recycle place
10.Stew or soup the next day
FOOD:
Simple Potato Soup
This is from a lady I worked with. I'm not sure where she got it, but it is the best potato soup I've ever had.
SERVES 6
* 1/2 cup margarine
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
* 4 cups chicken stock
* 1/2 cup evaporated milk
* 8 ounces Velveeta cheese
1. Melt margarine in stock pot.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic to margarine and saute until wilted.
3. Add potatoes and cover with stock. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in milk and cheese.
5. Leave as is, or puree with an emulsion blender.
6. Top with your choice of bacon, additional cheese, green onion, etc.
FUN:
Some days don't you just feel like the world is a brown dog and you are a little orange kitty......
