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arobin
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Posts posted by arobin
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On 6/10/2016 at 0:39 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Joshua 1:6-8) What kinds of things might Joshua be tempted to fear if he were to allow himself to dwell on his anxieties? What does it mean to “be strong and very courageous”? What is the distinction between weakness and strength in Joshua’s situation? What is the relationship between fear and faith? Can you be courageous and still be fearful?
Joshua, I expect would have easily feared failure and a sense of adequacy. Moses failed to enter the promised land as did Aaron. Joshua had a huge responsibility to lead more than a million people through many obstacles of faith as well as relational, mental and physical.
To be strong means to take inventory of your assets and put them forward in the situation at hand; to be courageous means to take the next step forward when facing fears.
Joshua, in order to be strong, would have required remembering what God had done, what He had promised then trusting and obeying the commands given. Mostly Joshua needed His presence--relational strength. Fear comes when we lack faith in God. Fear can also serve as a sign that we need to restock our faith...return to what God has said and done, return to Him for help and strength.
Until we have perfect faith, possibly not until we see Him face to face, we will likely have fears. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 We must continue to return to Him to gain strength and take that next step--exercise courage to overcome fears.
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On 6/10/2016 at 0:38 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Joshua 1:5b) Why is God’s promise to be always with Joshua so important to him? Why is this promise so important to you in your present situation? If God is with you, what limitations do you have?
The affirmation of His presence must have given Joshua assurance, that as God had been with Moses, He would be with him. Like us, Joshua was--man...it is not good for man to be alone. We are made this way. Leadership in particular, but everyone, in general, needs God's presence. When we recognize ourselves for who we are--dependent creatures, we are in need of help, partnership and the resources of the Creator. Right now I am in desperate need of wisdom and guidance for my work as well as my family. This help, I need from HIs presence. Also to accomplish the mission of reaching my world is impossible without Him being with me. But "with Him" all things are possible.
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On 6/10/2016 at 0:37 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Joshua 1:3) In what way is God’s promise to Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot,” a conditional promise? What’s wrong with a faith that consists primarily of the philosophy: “If God wants me to have it he will give it to me”? What areas that God has promised you that you must press forward to receive?
I suppose in the same way that if Abraham had not gone to Canaan, Noah had not built the ark, Moses had not gone to see the burning bush...they would not have been seeking God, they would have been seeking their own agenda and there would have been different results. God needs very little to work with...some dust, or a humble willing heart. It seems if we put one foot forward in obedience, He helps us be willing and able to take another. He desires a relationship, not control. I am sure the more we pray, the more answers to prayer we will see. We have not because we ask not. My shortcoming is in not standing on those promises and asking, seeking and knocking enough. I am too complacent and overwhelmed with the plateful in front of me. I need to delight myself in Him, that His desires would fill my heart. I want to be a light in my world--shining, holding out the word of life to a crooked and perverse generation. Lord, help me with the next step.
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Hi, I am trying to start the Joshua study and use the forum. I am registered and found the 'how to'...but after Dr. Ralph's question I am only finding "start new topic" button as an option, not "reply to this topic". In the instructions it stated that we would not be able to start a new topic in this forum, so there is a little confusion. Please clarify.
Thanks,
arobin
Q4. Meditate
in 1. Be Strong and Very Courageous (Joshua 1)
Posted
My understanding is that to meditate on the Word is that you think on it--over and over, you allow it to fill your thoughts. The difference between Christian and Eastern is that in Eastern my understanding is that the goal is to empty your mind of all. Christian meditation is the opposite, we want to be filled with His Word and Christ by the working of His Spirit. His Spirit and wisdom come as we think over and over His words, they renew our mind.