Ruth 4:13-22; 1 Samuel 1:1-8; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 4:1-23.  “Unfamiliar Names”          Professional golfer, Karen Permezel, hails from Yackandandah, Australia.  Finding that name to be a mouthful, writers sometimes ask Permezel where the town in located.  Permezel is happy to be of assistance.  “It’s near Mount Murramurrabong, not far from Tangambalanga,” she replies. (Sports Illustrated)        ...  Read More

Ruth 1:1-4:12.  “Not Overlooked”          The book of Ruth is deeply admired by many for its literary style.  It is a beautiful story of love and devotion.         Ruth is an amazing young woman of tremendous character.  She has displayed kindness and loyalty to Naomi as she leaves behind the security of her own land, the familiarity of her own customs, the simplicity of her own religion, the refu...  Read More

Judges 19-21.  “Think BEFORE It Is Done”          This passage discusses the price one’s sin can have on another, so contemplate what was written on March 24th, where it was pointed out that one’s adulterous sin would affect far more people than just your spouse or close friends or children. You could literally affect the lives of hundreds in the present and future if you sinned in such a manner. ...  Read More

Judges 16-18.  “Finishing Well”          Samson’s life did not seem to start or continue as one characterized by faith.  To the contrary, he seemed to be self-absorbed and only concerned with the present.  Eventually, his choices caught up with him and Samson found himself blind, in chains, pushing the wheel to grind grain in Gaza, the same place he had amazingly carried off the city’s gates.     ...  Read More

Judges 12:8-15:20.  “Potential”          Here is the story of a man known for his astounding strength, yet, in the same breath also known for his weaknesses.  He battled pride and sensuality; he broke his vow and God’s laws; he trusted the wrong people; and did not use his gifts and abilities wisely.  He was not the wisest of men, but God used him to accomplish His purpose.         Samson had a mi...  Read More

Judges 9:22-12:7.  “Submissive Examples”          Throughout the book of Judges we are introduced to often unfamiliar people whom God used to bring peace to Israel.  We will read of twelve men and women referred to as the judges who bring deliverance to God’s people.         It was less that they were gifted, pure, or special, as they were willing to be used by God.  The achievements of those subm...  Read More

Judges 7:1-9:21. “Little Gideon’s Big God” Week Fourteen — April 2nd–8th, Judges 7-21; Ruth 1-4; 1 Samuel 1:1-8; 1 Chronicles 2:9-55; 4:1-23         After reading through these passages, the results of my brainstorming leads to a theme that runs along the lines of; big things with little people, impressive with unimpressive, imposing with unimposing, splendid with simple, or heroic undertakings b...  Read More

After reading through these passages, the results of my brainstorming leads to a theme that runs along the lines of; big things with little people, impressive with unimpressive, imposing with unimposing, splendid with simple, or heroic undertakings by humble people.          These passages address the fact that God can use the most unassuming person to accomplish all He has in mind.  An individual does not need a long list of impressive credentials, terrific looks or great strength, but merely a heart willing to serve and follow God (and of course a person filled with the Spirit of God).  May you be encouraged by this truth.  Read More

Judges 3:31-6:40.  “Waiting for a Sign”          When Gideon received his calling from the Lord, three times he asked for a sign to reassure himself that God was truly with him.  Three times!  Why would Gideon put the Lord to this kind of test?  Does he doubt God and his promises or does he doubt himself?         You know sometimes, I find it very easy to criticize Gideon, but I know that if you a...  Read More

Judges 1:1-3:30.  “The Next Generation”          I (David) do not know a great deal about my ethnic heritage.  In recent years my mother has become involved in much genealogical research which has provided limited knowledge.  Now I know that my heritage is mainly European, but somewhere down the line the distinctiveness of that European heritage was lost.  Now I don’t think this was intentional, i...  Read More

Joshua 22-24.  “In the World, not of the World”          “I have given them your word.  And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not.  I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” – John 17:14-15         The Israelites failed to fully wipe out the Canaanites from the land.  Thus, the survivors of these nations were livin...  Read More

Joshua 19:49-21:45; 1 Chronicles 6:54-81.  “The Merciful and Gracious God”          Our God is a god of justice and righteousness who cannot allow sin to go unpunished.  This has been very evident in the readings of the law where we see God’s high standards of holiness and moral living.  However, our God is also “the merciful and gracious God.”  He is “slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and ...  Read More

Joshua 18:1–19:48.  “Future Blessing” Right now, you and I are living as foreigners or aliens in this world.  We long for the day when our Savior will call us home.  The Israelites taking possession of the Promised Land can be viewed as a picture of our future entrance into Heaven.  Their time in the wilderness then would be parallel to our time in this broken and fallen world.  Their crossing of ...  Read More

Joshua 15:20–17:18.  “Contentment” In Joshua 17:14 – 18, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who are descended from Joseph, come to Joshua to complain about the amount of land they have received.  To me it seems as though Joshua is very considerate in his response, giving them a couple of options and then encouraging them to drive out the remaining Canaanites in order to receive more land.I don’t ...  Read More

Joshua 12:7–15:19. “Slaying Giants” The theme for this week is “living as foreigners.”  In John 17:14, Jesus says that we who are His followers are not of this world.  We are going to explore some of the ways in which Israel’s early years living in the Promised Land parallels our experience of living as God’s children in a broken and sinful world that is not our home.          45 years after givi...  Read More

The theme for this week is “living as foreigners.”  In John 17:14, Jesus says that we who are His followers are not of this world.  We are going to explore some of the ways in which Israel’s early years living in the Promised Land parallels our experience of living as God’s children in a broken and sinful world that is not our home.  Read More

Joshua 10:1-12:6.  “Lessons Learned”          Joshua’s list of conquests is quite impressive.  But as you read the list you see they were truly God’s conquests.  Time and again you read of how “the LORD fought for Israel.”         The land was promised for Israel, but the inhabitants chose to stay and fight.  God brought judgment on the wicked and fought for His chosen.  Eventually, “the land fina...  Read More

Joshua 7-9; 1 Chronicles 2:7.  “Repercussions of Our Sins”          Thirty-six men died for the sin of Achan, not to mention the death of his family.  Achan disobeyed, and stole plunder that had been set apart for the LORD.         In fact, his actions and the disaster he brought on Israel are recorded in the book of the Chronicles, one thousand years after it happened.  Not only did the sins of A...  Read More

Joshua 3-6.  “Admiring God’s Handiwork”          Although I was a small child, I remember listening to a conversation my grandpa was having with a man.  “It’s been said,” the man hypothesized, “that the depth of the Red Sea where Israel crossed was only two inches deep.”  Grandpa replied, “Well, praise the Lord, God could drown a whole army in two inches of water.”         The miracle of Israel cr...  Read More

Deuteronomy 33-34; Joshua 1-2.  “Leadership Transitions”          “Moses, the man of God” (Dt. 33:1).  “Moses, the servant of the LORD” (34:5).  “Israel mourned 30 days for Moses” (34:8).  “There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (34:10).  “The LORD sent Moses to perform all the miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh” (34:11).  “...  Read More

Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52; Psalm 90.  “Songs of Obedience”          Music plays an amazing part in our life.  We listen to it as we drive, as we relax at home, as we watch a movie and it plays in the background. We hum melodies as we work, and we worship through music each week.         I have found myself sitting in a restaurant singing the words to a song playing over the speaker that I have not h...  Read More

Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29.  “True to Your Promise”          In this passage are written Moses’ last words.  More than just words, they were challenges for the people.  Moses petitioned Israel to commit to following God.  He reminded them they had made a covenant with God; a contract to obey Him.         When you consider a relationship with God today, do you think of it as casual or compelling?  Woul...  Read More

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19.  “Random Acts of Kindness” In each of these various passages this week there is a constant theme: Obedience.  There are illustrations for us as to what obedience produces, and in turn, what disobedience produces.         There are also lessons on leadership, lessons on communication, lessons on consequences and their “ripple effect,” and lessons on the sovereignty of God. ...  Read More

 In each of these various passages there is a constant theme: Obedience.  There are illustrations for us as to what obedience produces, and in turn, what disobedience produces.            There are also lessons on leadership, lessons on communication, lessons on consequences and their “ripple effect,” and lessons on the sovereignty of God.          In its entirety, it produces a week truly focusing on the impact of our choices, and describing the necessity for those choices being in-line with God’s desires and instructions.  Read More