Susan B
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Posts posted by Susan B
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On 6/10/2016 at 4:06 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Joshua 24:23) Why did the Israelites have to throw out their foreign gods? What was the effect of keeping these images in their houses? What “foreign gods” contaminate our homes, our lives? What would be involved in “throwing them out”?
The presence of idols is a distraction from worshiping the one true God and a temptation to stray to something that seems more attractive . the idols in my life are consumerism...boy do I love to shop but things I buy do not fulfill me spiritually. I also practice yoga which is great for my mind and body. however there is a spiritual side of yoga that in my mind crosses into idol worship
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On 6/10/2016 at 4:01 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:8) What does it mean to follow the Lord “wholly” or “wholeheartedly”? How did Caleb and Joshua differ from the other spies? How does fear in leaders keep God’s people from doing his will? Why was God angry with Israel for their unwillingness to enter the Promised Land?
It is interesting that even a nation who could experience God on such a personal level did not have faith. I think fear is the Devils best weapon. It is easy-to-use, effective and can be applied to anyone and used in any situation. Caleb and Joshua had a military mentality...they didn't questioney obeyed. their minds were free of distraction as they dedicated themselves to God's mission. you would assume that every thing God led them through the obedience God ecpected would be natural but even after all that time Israel was reluctant
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On 6/10/2016 at 4:00 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. How does Bob Munger’s “My Heart, Christ’s Home” explain the process of surrender to Christ. When we surrender to Christ, what happens to the ugly things in our lives that displease God? What is the effect on us?
Bob Munger compares Christ entering the rooms of our home. at first the entrance then each individual room. when we surrender to Christ he cleans up our mess. the ugly things fade away.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:55 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Joshua 9:16-27; Exodus 20:7; Matthew 5:34, 37; James 5:12) What does it mean to “take the Lord’s name in vain”? How are we tempted to do that? Why do we tend to take our promises so lightly? How does this reflect on God’s character?
Taking the Lord's name in vain is common practice today even among Christians. It ignores the power of God, his deity and reduces Him to the common place and vulgar. We takes promises lightly because our societies have influenced us and to thinking breaking a promise or vow is unimportant and inconsequential.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:53 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Joshua 7) How can the sin of one person affect a country? A congregation? How does your congregation deal with sin that affects the body? How can we take sin seriously without developing a judgmental, legalistic spirit in our churches? What is the importance of confessing sins on behalf a congregation, a denomination, or a nation?
Oh yes, the sin of one person can destroy a nation. Look at the evil rulers of the past. Look at church leaders whose misconduct it has caused the collapse of their churches. Confession lies rumors and conjecture and let's the healing begin.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:52 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Joshua 6:27) The slaughter of all the people in Jericho is difficult for us to understand. Why do you think God ordered it? In what sense are you “devoted to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Metaphorically, how does this relate to Jesus’ teaching to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him, and Paul’s teaching on the crucified life? (Luke 9:23; Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20).
The slaughter of people in Jericho is difficult. However I have to believe th at they too had a chance to repent and refused. He raised his chosen over the nonbelievers.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:51 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Joshua 6:1-23) What is the meaning of the seven days of marching with the ark? What does the ark represent? What mechanism do you think God used to make the walls fall down?
Seven is the symbol used to indicate completion. The journey to the Promised land is complete. The preparation to take the city is complete. The ark symbolizes God among us. While some believe God used an earthquake to bring the walls down. I don't agree. God didn't want to hide behind some geological phenomenon . He wanted everyone.....friend and foe....He was moving on earth
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:50 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Joshua 5:14) What is the significance of the Commander of God’s Armies being with you? If he will fight your battles for you, what does your job consist of?
'I'm not sure how to answer this. In the passage it was clear God was with Joshua as long as Joshua was fighting God's battles... God is with us as long as the reason is just. How do we know if our cause is just? What if it's not? Are we sunk without aid?
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:48 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Joshua 4) Why did Joshua have men from each tribe stack river boulders for a monument? What was the effect of this on future generations? What is the value of faith monuments in our day? What is the danger? Does your church building have more monuments to the past than indications of God’s present working? Why?
Joshua had his men erect a memorial as a testament to what God had done. This time of building also gave the people a chance to stop, recollect and reflect what God had done. N
It also served a reminder of God's faithfulness. As they entered into their own unknown territory, physical, mental or spiritual, God will be faithful.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:47 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Joshua 3:13-17) How was Joshua able to announce the miracle of Jordan stopping its flow ahead of the event? What kind of faith did it require to do so? What did this do for his credibility as a leader?
On 6/10/2016 at 3:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:Q5. (Joshua 5:12) Why did the manna cease at this time? In our lives, why does God let us experience times of manna? Why does he sometimes let the manna cease? In your own life, are you in a stage of receiving manna or planting seeds for a future crop?
I don't know why I went from 3 to 5 anyway. The ceasing of manna marked the fulfillment of a promise to deliver the people of Israel to th ed promised land. The people's were no longer nomads and could settle down to raise food. There are times in life when we stumble in darkness and we only survive by Following God's hands. My life is in the season of planting and rebirth
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:45 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Joshua 3:1) Why do the Israelites have to break camp at Shittim before the day they cross Jordan? In what ways is your life settled into a routine that keeps you from fully following God’s leading? What do you need to do to make yourself ready?
It is interesting to consider this short relocation.I like ducminhs resonate that the sheer number of people necessitated a short move. However, complacency could have also played a large part. When preparing for warfare there is a staging process and each stage heightens your awareness and mindset for engagement
I too have gotten complacent in my relationship with God, Life is good. However I can't just settle for a comfortable life here- I must always prepare for my homecoming so every day I should be focused on His will
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:44 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Joshua 2:4-6) Does God honor Rahab for lying to the king's men? Is her lying justified in this case? Is there ever a time it might be permissible to lie?
God didn't commend Rahab for her lie but rather her faith and obedience. Lying is always a sin but telling the truth would have jeopardized her mission. I don't be level lying is ever justified it is sinful but I think intent is important. Malicious lies are hurtful Rahas lie was meant to protect God's chosen.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:41 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Joshua 2:1) What were the spies sent to learn? Why do you think they sought to lodge in a prostitute’s house? Do you think God sent them there?
Joshua and his men were sent to size up the enemy and the battlefield.But wait.... why would they have to size up the enemy of God gave them this land? I think it was easier to save Rhab by giving her fair warning then it was to try to find her and her kin in the middle of a battle. Rahab said "I know this land was given to you.." which tells me she was in conversation with or praying to God.
Rahab inn/brothel was a place where strangers would not be suspect.
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The delivery into the Promised land was not without trials of its own. Joshua s personal relationship with GOD was important because getting there was just the beginning.
If God is with me then I have no limitations but the fear visited upon me by Satan
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2 hours ago, JanMary 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?
1a the promise was contingent upon Joshua completing tasks. We often use this rationale to bargining with God. "God if you give me peace in this area then I will serve the homeless at least once a month"
1b the line of thought "if God wants me to have it He will give it to me" can lead to a passive faith.
Q5. Joshua's Challenge
in 8. As for Me and My House (Joshua 23-24)
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Q5. (Joshua 24:15-27) What was Joshua’s challenge to the Israelites? How does God seem to challenge you? What is He saying to you? What do you plan to do about it?
Joshua's challenge was not only to turn away from idols but to turn to God wholeheartedly. This is a personal challenge as I am distracted by everything and anything. I am working on stilling the mind. I sit in stillness in the morning and speak to and listen for God. I