Spiritual Battle - Joshua 5 & 6

For Joshua and the people to advance there was a clear initial military objective to be achieved: overcome the fortified city of Jericho. For any advancing people it was a blocker. But God gives clear instructions via an angel-warrior - that this would not be by a single spear, boulder thrown, or battering ram.

Deception - Joshua 9

Joshua and the people are on a roll! They have trashed Jericho and then went on to defeat another important people under the King of Ai. The covenant is renewed and they are all feeling pleased with themselves. Nearby kings are right to be worried - they know they are next. So they form a coalition, ready to go to war in order to defend themselves.

God-ward Steps - Joshua 3 - 5

Circa 3,000 years ago Joshua was told 'Be strong and courageous' for he will lead the whole Israelite people into the land God promised. Yet to do that they must first cross a river - a river that is in flood! The logical step of course is to go up to the river, which is what the people do - you can't cross an obstacle without first going up to it!

[UP] Are you okay with doing faith one step at a time?

Challenge: Pray with someone for just the next step

Commissioning Joshua - Joshua 1:1 - 11

For Joshua the moment had come! He can now look back and realise his whole life was gearing up for this moment. After 4 decades of seeing Moses (as his mentor) commune closely with God, of seeing God speak to the whole people, and seeing God provide and inspire for them all ... the time is finally here. Joshua is called to step up and lead the new people, for them to be a new nation, worshipping and honouring God in a land newly given to them.

[OUT] Where is God calling you to lead courageously?

Challenge: Drop in a spiritual anecdote

Need or Plenty - Philippians 4

We all know that for a tall building to withstand elements and earthquake it needs good foundations. We are told to build our house on the rock, not the sand. Do we translate this knowledge into our desire to ensure we have good spiritual foundations, a depth of relationship with Christ?

All Rubbish - Phillippian 3

In my 2nd term of first year at uni my tutor summoned me for a chat. Though all my assignments were in on time and good, he gave me a pep-talk about how successful I could be - how I could even do so much better than others he had taught through the years ...

Relationship Pattern - Philippians 2

All of what Paul writes here flows from the text he has already written - hence the 'therefore' starting this chapter. If we are in this together, living our lives on the line, not ashamed, courageously for Christ, then the stuff here in chapter can apply.

[IN] What does it mean for you to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus?

Challenge: Choose a way that affirms others