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Over the next three weeks come along with me on this journey as we fast and pray for direction in 2024!
Joshua 2
In Joshua Chapter 1, Joshua has assumed command from Moses upon his death and it is Josua’s responsibility to lead his people into their land that was previously promised to them by God. Joshua encourages his people to be courageous and strong and assures them that God is with him as He was with Moses. He asks his men to prepare the camp with the appropriate provisions needed for the journey.
In Joshua Chapter 2, Joshua sends two spies to perform recon on the city of Jericho. These spies enter the house of Rahab who is described as a prostitute. The spies used Rahab’s home to hide from the King and his men. When the King received the report that Rahab was hiding spies, he commanded her to bring them out. Rahab had already hidden the men in her house and told the King that they had been in her home but had fled before his arrival. Rahab then proceeded to send the men in pursuit of the spies on the road leaving the city.
After the army left Rahab told the spies how she had heard of the greatness of their God and the wondrous miracles he had done. She also said that she knows the land that she inhabits is promised to them and they must kill everyone within the limits of her city. She asked if she and her family could be spared because of her kindness in saving their lives. The spies said they would spare her entire family and all she would need to do is to hang a scarlet rope outside her window to ensure her and her family’s safety. As they promised, when the city was attacked Rahab, and her family was spared.
It is a common to believe that only certain types of people can have a fear and appreciation for the power of God. Many also believe that we should disregard individuals who are not leading perfect or Godly lives according to their opinions, but this account shows that no matter wherever someone is in their live that they can still have reverence for Godly things and most importantly can still be used by God. The fear of God’s power and the belief that He can supply whatever you need is the catalyst that drives your blessings from God.
1. Have you ever judged someone by their reputation, and it impeded your ability to get to know who the true person was?
2. Have you ever been told that because of your lifestyle that you are not worthy of God’s love, or you cannot be used by God?
3. Think of a time in your life when you allowed the opinion of others to limit what you thought you were able or allowed to do:
a. Vocationally ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. Spiritually
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. Friendships/Relationships
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What was it about Rahab that changed things for her and her family?
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Have you misjudged others? Have you misjudged yourself and your worth to God? Have you allowed the opinion of others and the opinion of yourself to limit the belief in what God will do for you? The truth is, we all have. We must stop using our preconceived notions of others to label them as ungodly or unable to be used and blessed by God. We must also do the same for ourselves.
Say a prayer today asking God to forgive you for your judgement of others and your judgement of yourself. Ask him to reassure you that you are worthy of his love simply because you believe in his power and have a reverence for his goodness. After that prayer, do not allow anyone to tell you what God will not do for you. The truth is you are just as worthy as the next!
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