Foundations Week 12, Day 5

Scripture Read:  Joshua 3 - 4
Title: The Israelites Cross the Jordan
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.""  Joshua 4:24

(E) Explain:  God shows his mighty hand to the Israelites once again.  This time he gives Joshua, the Levites and the people of Israel specific instructions for crossing over the Jordan River.  Fortunately for them there was no need to cross hastily because their were no enemies pursuing them.  The purpose of this crossing was so God could exalt Joshua in front of the people and they will see that God was with him, just as he was with the Moses.
The crossing involved the priests and the Ark of the Covenant.  Once the people crossed the Jordan successfully, God commanded them to find twelve stones and set them up as reminders so when children ask their fathers what the stones mean, they can tell them about the faithfulness of God.
 
(A) Application:   God is always at work in our lives and in the lives of His Church.  When we see God's God at work, it is important for us to both acknowledge it and share what He has or is doing.  I believe it is important for me to have ways where I can celebrate God working in my life.  Some of those ways include sharing with others what God has/is doing.  I like to write key verses that God gives to me and put them in frames and hang them on the wall.  I write about them on the web page.  I talk about them from the pulpit.  And with our trip to the Philippines my family and I are taking all the letters that people write to us to tell us they are supporting us, we hang the letters on our wall in our kitchen.  There are many other ways I celebrate and remember God's faithfulness.  How do you remember or acknowledge God's faithfulness in your life?  Do you?  I would encourage you today to find ways to remind you of God's faithfulness in your life.  It doesn't have to be extravagant or creative (although it can be) it just needs to help you remember that God has and is with you always.

(R) Respond: Today, I openly acknowledge that God has been faithful to me.  He has provided for me financially to get through every day of my life.  He has given me the provisions of food to sustain me.  He has given to me awesome godly friends who encourage me and walk in discipleship with me.  He has given to me a beautiful family who loves me and blesses me every day of my life.  He has given to me a beautiful wife who loves me more than I deserve to be loved, is faithful and loves God with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Thank you LORD for these blessings in my life and for the constant reminder of your faithfulness to your people.