SCRIPTURE: Joshua 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD–the Lord of all the earth–set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap. [Joshua 3:13] Notice that the priests have to approach the river – which is at flood stage…
heart-melting churches
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: They said to Joshua, ‘The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.’ [Joshua 2:24] For the spies, the fact that the people were responding in fear to them (or to God with them) was evidence enough that God would give…
strong and courageous
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9] I can see why Joshua would be scared. He is following Moses, the greatest leader Israel had known. He is leading the…
joyful sorrow
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. [John 16:20]. In this world, we experience sorrow and joy, struggle and hope, weakness and strength. My God, my God, why have you…
the kingdom of God
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [Matthew 19:28] Psalm 21 is another royal…
trusting God through it all
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘“He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” [Matthew 27:43] Jesus is being mocked. He claimed to have a special relationship with God – for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’…
getting the word out
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the…
prayer of cosmic proportions
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. [Matthew 27:50-51] This Psalm makes me think of Jesus, as He cries out to…
a pure heart?
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 17 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [Matthew 5:8] Jesus seems to be echoing what David expresses in Psalm 17. And I–in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. [Psalm 17:15] At first glance, this psalm seems presumptuous – though you…
resurrection hope and joy
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” [John 11:25-26] Jesus knows what death is, but He also knows a power greater than death….