Irmela

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? The Manna normally would not be there on the Sabbath Day. This time the Manna ceased the day after they had eaten of the produce of the land. The balance of that year they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan. When we are in a desert experience of our lives, we too are provided with 'Mannna'. Once in a position where we have planted and can start using that "produce" the Manna ceases. There are times were we need to rely on God to supply our needs through us doing something or using the talents He has given and not just standing begging.

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? The fact that a man from each tribe took the river boulders for a monument suggested unity. It was not all just from one tribe. All the tribes were involved. All of them came in to the Promised Land. Future generations would ask about the meaning of the stones. They would be reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness to their forefathers, whom God led out of slavery from Egypt, through the desert and finally into Canaan, the Promised Land. The stones would remind them that the waters of the Jordan dried up before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. Secondly they would remind them that the Children of Israel came over on dry land. Another thing is that it can be a reminder of what God had done for the previous generation , viz., dried up the Red Sea. The Hand of the Lord indeed is Mighty. Another effect that the memorial was to have, was that the Israelites were to fear or revere the Lord forever. This was not kept as a secret but the nations around all got to know what the Lord had done for His people. So they too feared the Lord, God of Israel. In our day these faith monuments should remind us of God's faithfulness and His workings in the past or present as well. The danger is that the eyes of the people eventually get taken off the Miracle Worker, God Himself and is placed on the object instead and it becomes an idol. The monuments should serve as a reminder as a voice for the generations to come, not as objects of worship. Something interesting about the boulders. Previous to being transferred, they lay buried beneath the waters of the Jordan, representing those dead in trespasses and sins. When the Ark (which typifies Christ, Who is the Light of the world) was brought into the Jordan, they were discovered or exposed. They were then taken out of that place and carried to Gilgal (the place of deliverance). A glimpse of the GRACE of GOD that brings SALVATION.

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? It was a faith statement for Joshua, and he delivered it to the people as he had received it from God. Then he announced the crossing, based on God's word that he would perform a miracle. And God did, just as he had for Moses at the Red Sea, a generation before. Faith in the LIVING GOD. A genuine faith that believes before it sees. This proved to the people that just like Moses before him, Joshua too trusted and believed God. He followed His leading and did not just suck a command out of his thumb. So his leadership was trusted.

Q2. (Joshua 3:5) Why did the Israelites need to consecrate themselves? God was going to do a great work among them and so they were to separate themselves for this. It was to get themselves prepared spiritually. They were to prepare themselves for a manifestation of the God of all the earth. What might this entail? At Mt Sinai they were given instructions to wash their clothes (possibly also ensure that they themselves were clean) and then also abstain from sexual intimacy so they would be ceremonially clean. In what ways do you personally need to reconsecrate yourself? You dedicate / give yourself to God. Separate or stay away from defiling sin. What would this require of you? What would your congregation need to do to reconsecrate itself? Spend time specifically before the Lord and ask Him to reveal anything that is separating me / us from a closer walk with Him and then to sort it out so that I /we am / are one with Him. In fact this should be a way of life of a child of God. It should be done . How else do we cleanse ourselves. How do we get to live the life He expects. "Be ye holy, for I am holy".

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? The Israelites had been at Shittim for quite a while. It was necessary for them to come out of their 'comfort zones' (possibly not a comfort zone but a place they had gotten settled in a bit) and get ready for the next part of their journey. The first step was to prepare provisions for the next step of their journey and then they moved the short distance to the bank of Jordan River. From there it was possible to see the next obstacle which was in their way before entering the Promised Land and taking possession of it. There again they stopped for 3 days before packing up camp again. It was necessary to stop after that walk. There were hundreds of people and lots of livestock, and it all took time, even though they were well organized. I need to be ready at all times, should it be that God wants me to go elsewhere. For now I feel I am at the right place but am reaching a crossroad. May God's will be done and may I be ready and willing to follow His guidance.

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? Rahab is honored for her faith. She hid the men from the king and his soldiers in the best way that she knew how to at that time. It was to send them on a wild goose trail. I think when it is difficult to give a truthful answer it is best to ask God for wisdom how the question is to be answered in a way not to put people into danger.

Q3. (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Matthew 1:5) By faith the prostitute, Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. In the same way, was not even Rahab, the prostitute ,considered righteous for what she did, when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of king David, . . . Why is a prostitute honored by being mentioned three times in the New Testament? Rahab was the one mentioned in the New Testament in the genealogy of Yeshuah. She was the same one who helped the spies escape the soldiers of the king of Jericho. She believed that God was indeed the god of Heaven and Earth. She trusted and believed the report about Him, that was the God she wanted to serve. Because of her faith God was able to change her life around, and she was honored for it. How does God look on prostitution? Prostitution is sin in God's sight. How does God look on prostitutes? Christ shed His blood for all kinds of sinners. Thieves, liers, prostitutes. murderers. adulterers, etc., He loves us all, but hates the sin. How did Jesus treat prostitutes? He was caring to all who came to Him. He did not make a difference between the rich and the poor, the ones accepted in society and the cast outs. He in fact said that He came for the 'sinners'. It was them that needed Him. What does this teach us about God's attitude toward sinners and sin? He hates the sin but loves the sinner. He shows mercy and forgiveness to the repentant sinner.

Q2. (Joshua 2:2-11) What indicates that Rahab believes in Israel's God Yahweh? The fact that she was prepared to risk her life was an indication that she believed in Yahweh. What does she believe about Yahweh? She believes that the Lord has given the land of Canaan to the Israelites ; she believes that it was the Lord who dried up the Red Sea, so they could go across; she also insinuates that the victories over Sihon and Og were directly God's doing; she firmly believes that He, the Lord God of Israel is God in Heaven above and on Earth beneath. How deep is Rahab's faith? Deep enough that she is willing to give up everything to be taken out of her situation and go with the Israelites when they take the City of Jericho. How deep a faith does someone need to have in order to be saved from the destruction of a city? Rahab's faith was deep enough that she was prepared to defy her king and his soldiers, (if found out she would loose her life) and sent them to look for the men elsewhere, so that the men could escape and go back across the Jordan safely. From eternal punishment? We need to believe that Christ died for us, He paid the penalty for our sins, He took it all upon Himself. We need to believe and accept that we have indeed been set free from eternal punishment and in exchange have eternal life.

Q2. (Joshua 2:2-11) What indicates that Rahab believes in Israel's God Yahweh? The fact that she was prepared to risk her life was an indication that she believed in Yahweh. What does she believe about Yahweh? She believes that the Lord has given the land of Canaan to the Israelites ; she believes that it was the Lord who dried up the Red Sea, so they could go across; she also insinuates that the victories over Sihon and Og were directly God's doing; she firmly believes that He, the Lord God of Israel is God in Heaven above and on Earth beneath. How deep is Rahab's faith? Deep enough that she is willing to give up everything to be taken out of her situation and go with the Israelites when they take the City of Jericho. How deep a faith does someone need to have in order to be saved from the destruction of a city? Rahab's faith was deep enough that she was prepared to defy her king and his soldiers, (if found out she would loose her life) and sent them to look for the men elsewhere, so that the men could escape and go back across the Jordan safely. From eternal punishment? We need to believe that Christ died for us, He paid the penalty for our sins, He took it all upon Himself. We need to believe and accept that we have indeed been set free from eternal punishment and in exchange have eternal life.

Q2. (Joshua 2:2-11) What indicates that Rahab believes in Israel's God Yahweh? The fact that she was prepared to risk her life was an indication that she believed in Yahweh. What does she believe about Yahweh? She believes that the Lord has given the land of Canaan to the Israelites ; she believes that it was the Lord who dried up the Red Sea, so they could go across; she also insinuates that the victories over Sihon and Og were directly God's doing; she firmly believes that He, the Lord God of Israel is God in Heaven above and on Earth beneath. How deep is Rahab's faith? Deep enough that she is willing to give up everything to be taken out of her situation and go with the Israelites when they take the City of Jericho. How deep a faith does someone need to have in order to be saved from the destruction of a city? Rahab's faith was deep enough that she was prepared to defy her king and his soldiers, (if found out she would loose her life) and sent them to look for the men elsewhere, so that the men could escape and go back across the Jordan safely. She put her faith into action. From eternal punishment? We need to believe that Christ died for us, He paid the penalty for our sins, He took it all upon Himself. We need to believe and accept that we have indeed been set free from eternal punishment and in exchange have eternal life. Our faith needs to be put into action. We need to live what we believe.

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? They were sent to see the layout of the land close by, especially around Jericho. That was the most likely place where they would not be searched for, also that is where they would be able to glean information about the feelings of the people of Jericho, without suspicion. It would not be openly broadcasted who were at home in her house for business and what was said as this could easily open up a dark secret. So movements and messages were handled with discretion. I do believe God's hand of mercy sent them to Rahab. He saw that she heard, trusted and believed in Him.

Q4. (Joshua 1:8) What does it mean to meditate on the Word? What is the difference between Christian meditation and Eastern meditation? How does God work through his Word to renew our minds? To meditate on the Word would be to read it and think about it. To mull it over. To consider seriously what is written. Eastern meditation is dangerous and opens your mind to strange things , whereas meditation as is required by a Christian is to think carefully what God is telling us in the Bible passage we are reading. When we meditate on Scripture, we ponder what God is saying and put it into practice, thereby renewing our minds. ,

Q3. (Joshua 1:6-8) What kinds of things might Joshua be tempted to fear if he were to allow himself to dwell on his anxieties? What does it mean to "be strong and very courageous"? What is the distinction between weakness and strength in Joshua's situation? What is the relationship between fear and faith? Can you be courageous and still be fearful? How to get across the swift flowing river with the vast assembly of people? Will the people accept him as their leader? Joshua was no longer young. The people had proved to be stubborn, rebellious and stiff-necked in the past, would they be like that under his leadership? The people currently living in the land were strong nations who knew the layout of the land, it was strange to Joshua and the Israelites. . . . These and many more like them. Trusting in the Lord as your true source of strength. Joshua was to be strong in trusting God's guidance and not waver in disbelief, which would prove him to be weak. Faith is trusting God's guidance even when you cannot see the outcome, whereas fear is doubting that the leading is correct. Doubting that you are hearing correctly. The fearful will not be the fear that you are doubting God's leading it would sooner be a cautious way of being instead of bold and a know it all kind of attitude being displayed.

Q2. (Joshua 1:5b) Why is God's promise to be always with Joshua so important to him? Why is this promise so important to you in your present situation? If God is with you, what limitations do you have? JanMary what a beautiful testimony. God bless you for sharing it. Joshua had a very big task to fulfill. Not only was he a husband and father, leader of one tribe but now he had been appointed as the leader of God's people, the Children of Israel, 12 tribes. They were definitely not an easy people to lead. they had proved to be a complaining lot, under the leadership of Moses. Just to know that this leadership position was not on his shoulders alone, but that God, the Almighty One, had promised to be with him certainly made the load a lot easier. Just knowing he was not alone was very important. I certainly cannot cope without Him. He has proved to be faithful, through thick and thin, through loss, through pain and joy, through uncertainty. He sure has been there, and because of that I know that I can do all things, He has ascribed for me to do, through Him, Who strengthens me.

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? Joshua needed to do something to get the place. Every place where you set your foot. Not other areas, but only, where you set your foot. That was the condition. They were not to be satisfied with standing still in one place, but needed to go forward. That philosophy is kind of a strange one. In a way it seems like there is no faith to it at all. It seems like expecting things to land in your lap. Then again it depends on what the Lord has shown you about your actions for receiving something. There are times when you trust the Lord for something and He clearly shows you to do nothing about getting it, except to trust Him. His timing will be right. You then continue working with what the Lord has indeed shown you in a different area and at the right time He brings to pass what He has promised without you having lifted a finger, but indeed having prayed and believed. Here for Joshua it was a conditional promise. Not only trusting and believing. He also had to do, to move, not just stand still.

Q4. (John 10:27-30) In the world of shepherds, who would try to "snatch" a sheep? Wild animals (predators), like wolves and lions, and thieves would try to snatch a sheep. Who would try to "snatch" a Christian if he could? The devil will try by deception to lure away a Christian, by using false teachings which seem so true and right. What promise of absolute security are we given? We are promised eternal life and that no one can snatch those who the Father has in His hand and given to the Son, out of the Son's hand. That sure is double absolute security if there ever was any. How does that assure you? There is nothing to fear. I am safe for all eternity. Praise be to God. Hallelujah!!!! WHAT A SAVIOUR.

Q3. (John 10:11-15) How does a "good shepherd" differ from what a hired shepherd would do in time of danger? A good shepherd would face the danger and protect his sheep, whilst a hired shepherd would run away to keep himself safe having not much concern for the sheep. In what way did Jesus the Good Shepherd "lay down his life for the sheep"? Jesus the Good Shepherd, gave Himself up to be crucified having taken our sins on Himself, being the Perfect Sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He gave His life in my/our (His sheep) stead.

Q2. (John 10:10) What would an "abundant life" look like if you were a sheep with a really good shepherd? Abundant life would be not to have a care, knowing full well that my needs will be met. My need for exercise, for fresh air, for safety from predators, for pasture, for still waters to drink and quench thirst. Those would be all the time needs, then there are also the sometimes needs for when wounds have to be bound up, thorns have to be removed, being rescued when stuck, yes, and even gently being disciplined, all by the shepherds loving caring hands. He would ensure that oil would be used, when necessary, to drive away plaguing flies. He would be there, not missing. In what ways is the Christian life to be an "abundant" life? Yes, ours too can be an abundant life because He promises never to leave us or forsake us. So in the midst of trouble He is right there with us. In the midst of our want and pain He is there to help us carry that burden too. So that we still can have abundant life in the spiritual sense in spite of the outward looking bleak and not having what in the human sense we feel we should have. Abundant life is not dependent on material things and what this life has to offer. Abundant life depends on our relationship with Christ. How does this abundance relate to persecutions and hardships that come to us as Christians? In persecution and hardship He does not leave us alone. He promises to be with us and many are the accounts that we read that in spite of the hardships, Christ's presence was sensed and that enabled them, the persecuted, to 'stand' in spite of everything. They knew that in Him they were safe. Can the life of a unbeliever be more "abundant," free, and fun? Not really because always there is the under-currency of what next. When the money is gone, will these, so called friends still be there? The life here might seem free and full of fun but the unbeliever is bound by sin, bound by the pleasures and frivolities this world offers, bound by money.

'Q1. (John 10:3-4) What does it mean that Jesus' sheep "know His voice"? How can you discern His voice from your own thoughts and the expectations of others? Interesting to read how everyone tries to put into words to explain how to "know His voice". They all ultimately seem to say the same thing. Pickledilly seems to hit the nail on the head with her explanation. Jesus' sheep know when it is He directing and leading them. They discern the difference between His Voice and the voice of a false shepherd. What we hear needs to tally with Scripture. If uncertain, then wait and be still, until there is no confusion, then go ahead. If the expectation of others does not tally with what you feel is God's leading, then yet again, go before the Lord in prayer and wait until the guidance is clear.

Q4. (John 9:39-41) Were the Pharisees responsible for their hard hearts and spiritual blindness? According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, what causes spiritual blindness? Was Pharaoh responsible for his hardness of heart? (see Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34; 10:3; 13:15; 1 Samuel 6:6). Yes It seems to be so, because they refused to really see and claimed that they were not blind. They did not claim to be uncertain but rejected Christ without hearing what he had to say. They had determined in their hearts that He needed to be put to death. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4 the god of this world blinds the unbelievers minds preventing them from seeing the light of the Gospel. Ex 8:15 . . . he (Pharaoh) made his heart stubborn and hard and would not listen or heed them . . . Ex 8:32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart and made it stubborn this time also, . . . Ex 9:34 . . . he . . . and toughened and stiffened his hard heart . Ex 10:3 . . . How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? . . . . Ex 13:15 For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go . . . 1 Samuel 6:6 . . . as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts . . .

Q3. (John 9:35-38) Why did Jesus go looking for the man he had healed? Jesus heard that the man had been put out of the synagogue (been excommunicated) and so He went to him. What was the healed man's level of openness? The man was very open to hear what Jesus had to tell him. His level of faith? He trusted and believed completely. He had even voiced his opinion in front of the authorities. His knowledge? He does not seem to be ignorant. When he spoke to the Pharisees he pointed out that if Jesus was not from God, He would not have been able to perform the miracle. When Jesus asked him if he adhered to the Son of man, he was honest and said who is He, that I may believe in Him. He was open to learn. What did he need at this point? The man needed guidance and encouragement. He fully believed and worshiped Christ. What people do you know who are so ready that they just need some guidance in how to believe in Jesus?

Q2. (John 9:6). Why do you think Jesus healed in different ways? Laying on of hands, command, mud on eyes, fingers in ears, etc.? I think He healed in different ways because each case was unique. Every person is unique. Not two person's needs are the same. If it was always the same way, very soon, that would be copied, the same way would be relied on and not God's guidance. How much do you think was at His Father's direction (5:19, 30; 12:49). I know everything was at His Father's direction. Reading in the Old Testament how God led His people. It was different ways. Joshua with the Battle of Jericho; Gideon with his army of 300; Moses holding up the rod and his arms being held up by Aaron and Hur while Joshua and the army were fighting; etc., it was never in the same way. Just so with the healing, it was different ways that were used. Why is it important to seek God's guidance in how we should minister to a person? God's way is best and actually the only successful way.

Q1. (John 9:1-3) Is sin always the cause of sickness or affliction? No What are some of the good results that come out of the sicknesses and afflictions of godly people? Sometimes estranged family members are won back into the family circle and are drawn back to God. Whoever is involved with the person, maybe Dr's or carers are touched by the testimony of the afflicted person. The persons themselves are often drawn closer to God.

Q6. (John 8:58) What does Jesus' statement, "Before Abraham was, I am," tell us about Jesus? How does this statement relate to John 1:1-5? The statement tells us that He existed before Abraham. In John 1 it is clearly stated that God was in the Beginning and Christ was with Him and Christ was He. So the statement in John 8 relates to the statements in John 1 in that both acknowledge His presence long ago. Not in usual age. like a person would normally be.

Q5. (John 8:44) What does this verse teach us about the devil's character? He was a murderer from the beginning, there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. What does this tell us about people who don't always tell the truth? They belong to the devil, and want to carry out his desire. If Jesus is "the Truth" (14:6), what is a habitual liar? A habitual liar is definitely not following in Jesus' footsteps but is ensnared by lies. (He is a slave to lies).