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Othniel: 8 Applicable Lessons From Israel’s First Judge
The book of Judges describes the events that took place after Joshua’s death. The tribes of Israel began taking possession of the land, and judges were appointed to lead them. Othniel was Israel’s first judge. Othniel was a relative of Caleb, who had given a favorable report of the Promised Land after exploring it as a spy. As Israel moved into the land and began conquering it, Othniel proved his courage by capturing the city of Kriath-sepher. As a reward, Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah in marriage (Judges 1:12-13). A pattern was set in motion as Othniel began serving Israel as a judge and leader. This pattern would continue…
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Jesus in the Old Testament: The Golden Thread of Scripture
“I’ve been studying the presence of Jesus in the Old Testament, and it’s changing the way I understand the Bible,” a friend shared as we sat in my living room on a winter afternoon. “I can’t believe you just said that. I’ve been doing the same thing!” I exclaimed. We spent the next 20 minutes talking about the remarkable symbolism of Jesus in the tabernacle and the ways various biblical accounts in the Old Testament pointed to Christ. The study of Jesus in the Old Testament is often referred to as “typology,” a foreshadowing of Jesus and other New Testament themes in the Old Testament. Today, we’ll look at 20…
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Achan: The Progression From Temptation to Sin
Dust lingered in the air like a curtain, and smoke plumed heavenward. Achan wiped his brow with the back of his hand and sheathed his sword. The battle of Jericho was over. God’s command had been clear. Everything in the city was devoted to the Lord. No plunder was to be taken. Achan moved through the rubble as an eerie silence fell over the destroyed city. All around him, remnants of the once-formidable fortress lay scattered. Achan: A Lesson on the Progression Into Sin Among the rubbish, Achan spotted something beautiful, untouched by the flames: a colorful Babylonian robe. Reaching down to touch the unmarred garment, a thought passed through…
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Rahab: How the Faith of an Unlikely Woman Points to Jesus
Rahab was a prostitute who lived in the thick wall surrounding the city of Jericho. When Israel secretly sent spies to plan their attack against the city, Rahab hid the spies from authorities and helped them escape. The spies promised that when Israel returned to attack Jericho, Rahab and her family would be spared. She was told to tie a scarlet cord in her window so the army would know which house to spare. Lessons From Rahab Rahab and her family were saved during the attack. She eventually became a follower of God and was even in the lineage of Jesus. Rahab is listed in the famous “Hall of Faith”…
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Courage-Building Bible Verses From Joshua
Several months ago, as I stepped into a new endeavor, I realized I needed an anchor. I felt anxious and fearful about stepping into the unknown. A friend suggested reading through the book of Joshua, and as I did, I compiled a list of courage-building Bible verses from Joshua and the conquest into the Promised Land. Today, we’ll explore these Scriptures. We’ll also discuss practical ways to put our trust in God as we step into uncertain situations. Bible Verses From Joshua Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free eBook to empower you as you follow God. Let’s begin with these strengthening Bible verses…
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The Spiritual Meaning of Jericho: 8 Lessons in Spiritual Warfare
Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River and stepped into the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. However, this was not an empty land. It was already inhabited, and Israel would have to conquer formidable adversaries before they could settle in the land. Today, we’ll explore the spiritual meaning of Jericho, the first fortified city on the journey. In many ways, the defeat of Jericho offers a blueprint for overcoming obstacles and strongholds in our lives. Let’s recap the story of Jericho’s fall. Then, we’ll apply the principles from this narrative to our lives today. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s…
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Joshua and Jesus: Spiritual Leaders, Deliverers, and Conquerors
After 40 years spent wandering in the wilderness, Moses died on Mount Nebo. He passed his leadership role onto a man named Joshua, who would lead the people to claim the land of Canaan. In many ways, Joshua’s life points to Jesus. Today, we’ll look at the connections between Joshua and Jesus as we continue exploring the ways the Old and New Testaments form one culminating story. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your everyday life. Joshua and Jesus Let’s begin with a quick summary of Joshua’s life. Then, we’ll look at…
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Moses’ Songs in the Bible: Portraits of God’s Character
Moses is traditionally credited with three songs in the Bible. The Song of the Sea is found in Exodus 15:1-18. The Song of Moses is in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. Psalm 90 is titled “A Prayer of Moses.” Today, we’ll begin by exploring similarities between Moses’ songs in the Bible. Then, we’ll take a closer look at Moses’ Song in Deuteronomy. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your life today. Let’s begin by exploring Moses’ songs in the Bible. Moses’ Songs in the Bible All three of Moses’ songs in the Bible are…
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Lessons From Moses: God Uses Imperfect People
Moses was born in Egypt during a time when Pharaoh had ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed. Meanwhile, God had a purpose for Moses’ life, and he spared him. Today, we’ll examine ten lessons from Moses and see how these truths apply to our lives. We’ll start with a quick recap of Moses’ life before seeing how these events can help build our faith and trust in God. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you trust God and grow closer to him. Lessons From Moses After his birth, Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed, managed to hide…
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Judah and Joseph: Lessons From an Imperfect Family
No family is perfect. We all face disunity and dysfunction at times. Today, we’ll explore the interwoven story of two brothers, Judah and Joseph, as we consider the ways God uses imperfect families to accomplish his purposes on earth. We’ll begin by imagining what it might have been like to be among Joseph’s brothers when he was sold into slavery. Then, we’ll glean some practical lessons from the family, specifically exploring the dynamics between Judah and Jospeh. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God through the Old Testament. Let’s enter into the story as Joseph’s…
