Have you ever watched a documentary on how salmon swim upstream to spawn? These fish swim with all their might, against a strong current. They literally launch themselves up waterfalls and over jagged rocks. An irresistible force drives them upward and onward. It is inspiring to watch.
But some of the salmon get tired. In their exhaustion they stop swimming and immediately are swept backward…downstream. The current gets the best of them and they give up.
Following God’s will in this world can be a lot like being a salmon swimming upstream. God calls us to fight against the cultural current every day of our lives! It is a battle, a war, and daily challenge to keep living for God in a world where the flow is diametrically opposed to God’s will and ways.
We have a choice. Swim with all our might and keep fighting and pressing on. Or, give up and find ourselves floating back downstream. We make this choice many times each day.
Just like the people of Israel, we sometimes are fearful of challenges and don’t want to deal with them. Think about a challenge in your life that you have put on the back burner, but you know it is time to face it and deal with it.
The above is taken from The Story: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story, pages 49 and 51.
1. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God’s Story) help us remain strong and courageous as we swim upstream against the currents of this world?
2. In the original languages both “Joshua” and Jesus” mean “Jehovah saves.” How is Joshua’s relationship to Israel similar to Jesus’ relationship to the Church?
3. What character traits of Joshua most impress you? Which of those would you like to be known for?
4. Joshua is known for his statement “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (p. 83). How can you lead your household to serve the Lord?
As Israel’s new leader, God spoke to Joshua, telling him to be strong and to obey God’s laws and promising him that He would be with him. Joshua had witnessed the weaknesses of the Israelites during the time he spent with Moses. Even so, he trusted in the Lord and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. God kept His promise.
When we know that God is with us all the time it gives us a sense of security. We are to keep our hearts and minds on the Lord and turn to Him for direction. Reading the Bible and studying God’s Word reinforces our faith in Him and reminds us of His promises. God always hears our prayers and blesses us with strength, comfort and peace.
Rahab had the faith and confidence that God was with the Israelites. How did she know this? Was it “okay” for her to lie to the authorities?
Point to ponder…
ReplyDeleteHave you ever watched a documentary on how salmon swim upstream to spawn? These fish swim with all their might, against a strong current. They literally launch themselves up waterfalls and over jagged rocks. An irresistible force drives them upward and onward. It is inspiring to watch.
But some of the salmon get tired. In their exhaustion they stop swimming and immediately are swept backward…downstream. The current gets the best of them and they give up.
Following God’s will in this world can be a lot like being a salmon swimming upstream. God calls us to fight against the cultural current every day of our lives! It is a battle, a war, and daily challenge to keep living for God in a world where the flow is diametrically opposed to God’s will and ways.
We have a choice. Swim with all our might and keep fighting and pressing on. Or, give up and find ourselves floating back downstream. We make this choice many times each day.
Just like the people of Israel, we sometimes are fearful of challenges and don’t want to deal with them. Think about a challenge in your life that you have put on the back burner, but you know it is time to face it and deal with it.
The above is taken from The Story: Getting to the Heart of God’s Story, pages 49 and 51.
ReplyDeleteQuestions to consider…
1. How does consistent and faith-filled reading of the Bible (God’s Story) help us remain strong and courageous as we swim upstream against the currents of this world?
2. In the original languages both “Joshua” and Jesus” mean “Jehovah saves.” How is Joshua’s relationship to Israel similar to Jesus’ relationship to the Church?
3. What character traits of Joshua most impress you? Which of those would you like to be known for?
4. Joshua is known for his statement “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (p. 83). How can you lead your household to serve the Lord?
As Israel’s new leader, God spoke to Joshua, telling him to be strong and to obey God’s laws and promising him that He would be with him. Joshua had witnessed the weaknesses of the Israelites during the time he spent with Moses. Even so, he trusted in the Lord and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. God kept His promise.
ReplyDeleteWhen we know that God is with us all the time it gives us a sense of security. We are to keep our hearts and minds on the Lord and turn to Him for direction. Reading the Bible and studying God’s Word reinforces our faith in Him and reminds us of His promises. God always hears our prayers and blesses us with strength, comfort and peace.
Rahab had the faith and confidence that God was with the Israelites. How did she know this? Was it “okay” for her to lie to the authorities?