Weekly Guide：Week 19
June 03, 2018
Forward
We are finishing the reading on the Book of Deuteronomy and starting on the Book of Joshua.
Moses’ parting words to the Israelites in the Book of Deuteronomy emphasized the importance of listening to God’s word. God called us to worship Him is to reveal His word to us. We hear God’s voice when we read Bible or listen to sermons so that we can follow His commands.
God’s word is often absent from our daily lives even though Moses kept emphasizing its importance. We don’t even open the Bible. We ignore the practicality and the life in God’s word. Let us stop substituting God’s word with worldly lies which are filled with temptations and foolishness. Let us read His word, hear His voice, and meet Him in our worship. God’s command is so wide and deep that its vastness dwarfs the universe. His word never changes, is eternal.
May the Lord’s word renew you all every day.
Question
How does God view the life of His servant?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Moses went up to Mount Nebo by himself. God let him see the entire promised land of Canaan on top of Pisgah. God buried Moses. Moses died at age of one hundred and twenty, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.
-
With Moses’ passing, Joshua became the leader of the new generation. The Israelites listened to him.
-
Moses is someone God knew face by face. He was the greatest prophet of Israel. Lord sent him to do all kinds of signs and wonders in Egypt and to show the mighty power and awesome deeds in the sight of all Israel.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - Moses did not lead the Israelites to go into the land of Canaan but still earned the highest approval from God. How do I view the success of my job, service, and parenting? Is my identity and value determined by the outcome of my work or by God? Is my satisfaction fulfilled by the world’s view of success or by knowing God?
-
Integrity - God said to Moses: "you will not cross." Moses did not argue or rebel. When God not giving me what I want, do I view lightly His authority like Adam and Eve did by eating the forbidden fruit or do I obey like Moses did? Let me pray in front of God ask Him to give me an obedient heart.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Book of Joshua, the account of Israelites entering the land of Canaan to take possession the Promised Land.
Question
How did God lead the Israelites after Moses’ passing?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
God called upon Joshua to succeed Moses and commanded him to lead Israelites to go into the land promised to their ancestors.
-
God continued to be the main character in the Book of Joshua.
-
See how important God viewed faith and covenant from the calling of Joshua.
Meditation: My Story
-
Integrity - God repeatedly told Joshua "be strong and courageous" because He will be with them. Am I staying put because I rely on myself or am I strong and courageous because I have faith in God?
-
Fidelity - Compare the scene where God called upon Joshua to lead the Israelites to the scene where Jesus commissioned disciples in Matthew 28. Think about my life and faith. Am I staying on the east side of Jordan River where life is easy and safe or am I stepping out of my comfort zone to take up the great commission?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What was the first thing the Israelites prepared for before going into Canaan?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Joshua sent spies to Jericho. God saved the spies through the lowly prostitute named Rahab.
-
The spies brought back the news that Jericho was filled with fear. Compare this to scouts’ report in Numbers 13-14 effected the Israelites.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - Rahab was a Gentile yet God used her to save His people. I was once among the Gentiles but God chose me. Compare my life before and after knowing God. Has it transformed through my new identity? Pray and ask God to continue transform me.
-
Integrity - I was a Gentile, I am imperfect, and I am still rebellious and full of sins. Reflect on my past identity and give thanks to the Lord. Atone to God and ask Him to remove my ugly mask. Ask the Lord to give me a spiritual buddy, to pray with me, to lift each other up, to grow and sanctify together.
-
Fidelity - It can be seen from Rahab’s story that God is not biased against the Gentiles who believe and have faith in Him. Are there Gentiles around me? Can I treat them with grace and love like God treated Rahab?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did the Israelites cross the Jordan River to go into the land of Canaan?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
God stopped the flow of Jordan River. Joshua lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan River like Moses lead their fathers to cross the Red Sea.
-
Israelites circumcised and celebrated Passover to identify themselves as God’s people.
-
God stopped providing manna to mark the end of Israelites’ wandering in the desert.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - Jordan River stopped flowing to allow the Israelites to cross as soon as the ark of the covenant, which represented the presence of God, was in the Jordan River. God is with us to protect us when we walk on His path and obey His commands. Pray to God and ask for His presence in my family, workplace, school, and church to help and to lead me.
-
Identity - Israelites circumcised and celebrated Passover to identify themselves as God’s people. All Christians today have God’s seal to identify them as God’s people. Am I being mindful of my identity and the presence of the Holy Spirit to always walk in lock steps with God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did God help Israelites to capture the first city, Jericho?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The commander of the Lord’s army came to Joshua indicated that God himself would fight for Israel.
-
Israelite army marched around Jericho for seven days as God commanded. God gave the city to them.
-
Contrast the sparing of Rahab and her family for their faith to Achan of the Judah tribe who lost everything because of greed.
Meditation: My Story
-
Integrity - Achan’s greed angered God and brought trouble to Israelites. Have I been greedy and covet things that don’t belong to me? Have I been hiding things that belong to the Lord? Pray and ask God to purify my heart to take greed away from me.
-
Fidelity - Joshua lead the Israelites to strictly follow God’s command and God put Jericho into their hands. Do I follow God’s command faithfully or take short cuts often?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did God give Ai to Israelites through Joshua’s wisdom?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
God helped Joshua to capture and destroy Ai through a wise military strategy.
-
Both Jericho and Ai were God’s deeds. One was through His wonderous miracle, the other was through the mind of a man. It helps us to see from these two battles how God accomplishes through different means.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - God forgave the Israelites and lead them to victory after Achan confessed. With our confessions, God gives us the peace which transcends all understanding through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Am I still struggling with my past sins? Let me look up to the Cross of Christ and turn my guilt into gratitude for His salvation and the will to live out the new life He gave me.
-
Fidelity - God helped the Israelites to capture Ai through Joshua’s strategy. Am I willing to let God use my God given talent, resource, and energy to serve Him for His purpose?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was God's plan for Isaac's other son Esau?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The ninth segment of Adam's family history. Realization of God's promise to Esau.
+ Esau is Edom. Edom was ruled by Kings before Israelites. The sons of Edom were living in the promised land but Esau took them to Seir. Jacob's sons except Benjamin were all born outside of the promised land but he lead them back to it.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Esau was strong and Jacob was weak on the surface. However, God's blessing is not superficial nor material. What is my focus when I lead my family to follow the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God continue with His plan through Jacob's sons?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jacob's sons sold their brother Joseph to Egypt foreshadows God's redemption plan. Genesis 38 is an important chapter of Jesus' genealogy. Tamar was one of the few women recorded in the lineage. Her faith humbled and ashamed Judah.
+ God proceeded with His salvation plan through the jealousy of Jacob's sons as well as Tamar's faith.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Although Tamar followed the tradition to give her husband an offspring, but God was still pleased with her faith. Judah also admitted that Tamar was more righteous. How does Tamar's faith encourage me?
+ **Integrity** - Joseph's brother sold him to Egypt driven by their jealousy. Such jealousy came from the dissatisfaction brought forth by comparison. How do I practice "Love is not Jealousy" and apply that to my life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened after Joseph was sold to Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The story of Joseph after he was sold to Egypt.
+ Joseph became a slave, was tempted, framed, and jailed. But God was with him the whole time.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Joseph prospered and succeeded in everything because God was by his side during difficult time. But this does not mean he would not be persecuted by the sinful world. Ask God to help me realize what is the real meaning of "Walking with God."
+ **Integrity** - When faced temptations, Joseph tried to refuse and elude, but had to run away when he was unable to hide anymore. Joseph kept himself clean and had peace in his heart even though he was framed. What is my weakest point facing all the temptations of the world? What have I learned from Joseph's example?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Can Joseph avoid prison?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Joseph got released from prison and put in charge of the whole land of Egypt for interpreting Pharaoh's dreams. God blessed through Joseph everyone around him. At the same time, Joseph tested his brothers who came to Egypt to buy grain.
+ Joseph saw God's plan through his own experiences and gave glory to God in front of Pharaoh. God brought Joseph's brothers to repentance through his test.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Joseph gave all the glory to God for his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. He did not aim to benefit himself from the God given ability. How does Joseph's example remind me about my own work and service?
+ **Community** - It wasn't that Joseph did not forgive his brothers that he tested them. It was quite conceivable that Joseph was full of vengeance when his brothers bowed down to him. Can I learn from Joseph and look up to God instead of taking matters into my own hands when someone wrongs me?
+ **Fidelity** - Joseph was faithful to his job, responsibilities, and worked for Pharaoh who did not know God. Take a close look at my own job. How does Joseph remind me what my attitude should be?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Would Joseph's brothers change?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain the second time. Joseph tested them again.
+ Through Joseph's test, God led and changed Judah's life from brother-selling to self-sacrificing. God put us through difficult situations to help us to face our sins and cause our lives to change.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Judah's life was changed with the test. Judah pleaded for Benjamin and was willing to substitute for him. Do I have similar experiences? How can I rely on God to help me win over my past sins and turn me around?
+ **Integrity** - Judah praised Tamar for being more righteous. Judah's life was renewed and his family was greatly blessed with Lord Jesus Christ to come from his descendants. From his selling of Joseph, failing of father-in-law's duty to Tamar, to the second grain buying, what do I see in his spiritual growth? How does the story of Judah remind me about my own spiritual growth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Israel arrive in Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Joseph made himself known to his brothers and comforted them. Israel brought the whole family to Egypt.
+ Through the dreadful act of selling Joseph, God saved Israel's entire family. God fulfilled the promise that Abraham's descendants would go to Egypt.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Israel went to Beersheba to offer sacrifice and prayed to God before going to Egypt. His spiritual life grew even more. God led Israel and made him humble, gentle, and faithful. How does the story of Israel's life encourage me?
+ **Community** - Joseph comforted his brothers when he made himself known to them. He told them that even with the evil heart of man, God's plan is always for the good. Man's forgiveness is limited but God's salvation is boundless and infinite. Only by leaning on God can man obtain the true freedom. Joseph relied on God to better his relationship with his brothers. How does Joseph's story encourage me about my relationship with members of my family?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did God tell the Israelites three months out of Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Three months after coming out of Egypt, the Israelites received the ten commandments and the instructions for the altars.
+ God established covenant with the Israelites on the foot of Mount Sinai to remind them that they were to remember God brought them out of Egypt, they were to serve Him, to keep His commands, to worship Him, and to be His people and to purify themselves as His priests.
+ God gave the Israelites ten commandments. The first four were about God, the rest were about relationship between men. Once again, we realize the law can be summarize as love God and love each other.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - God brought the Israelites out of slavery so they could become His people and priests. I am chosen by God to receive His salvation. Do I know that I am also His priest, to be purified, and belong to Him?
+ **Integrity** - God wanted the Israelites to live faultless lives with the ten commandments. The essence of the ten commandments is to love God and love each other. Am I living out a life that loves God and others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What laws did God give after the ten commandments?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God gave Israelites the civil laws.
+ God set out great details in the civil laws regarding slavery, punishment for violence, compensation for livestock, theft, human rights, justice, festivals, and everything else. From the civil laws, God established a covenant with the Israelites and promised to be with them to enable them to conquer Canaan.
+ God wanted to make the Israelites holy before Him, not to conform with the Gentiles, to practice obedience, and to learn the holy nature of Himself.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God cares about all our lives. With the civil laws, Israelis could gain a deeper understanding of God's holy nature. Do I often consider the holy nature of God in my journey with Him and aim to live out the holy life on daily basis?
+ **Community** - The promulgation of the civil law is for the specific needs of Israel at the time. From the laws, we can see that God provided protections for human life and property. God wants people to be fair to each other, respectful and compassionate. How do these understandings help me to get along with others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did God do after giving the ten commandments and the civil laws?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The last segment of the covenant ceremony on Mount Sinai to complete the process started in Exodus 19.
+ God made covenant with Israelites to help them learn to experience His glory and assurance through worship and ceremony.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - They said, "Everything the Lord has said we will do." God's covenant with people is precious. Do I treasure His word and faithfully obey His commands?
+ **Community** - They ate and drank. This was the banquet at the covenant ceremony. It was an indication that the Israelites had great relationship with God. Do I often experience close relationship with God and able to share the great wealth from Him?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses go up to the Mount Sinai for?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive the laws and commandments from God. God told Moses to accept offerings from people to build a sanctuary. This passage contains detailed instructions on materials and construction.
+ God wanted to dwell among the Israelites in the sanctuary they build. God loves His people and wants to live with them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God told Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give." God wants us to give willingly. Am I giving willingly? What's my attitude toward offering tithe to God?
+ **Fidelity** - God reminded Moses, "Exactly like the pattern I will show you." It is important to keep obedience in mind when serving. Do I obey to God's will when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were the details in the instructions for building the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The detailed instructions in building the Tabernacle. Including the curtain, tent, frame, altar, courtyard, lampstands, etc.
+ God does not dwell in what man has made. But with such detailed instructions, God wanted His people learn to live an obedient life and to set apart their best as holy and offer to God.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God wanted to dwell among man and gave detailed instructions to build the Tabernacle. We can see how God wants us to live. Can I offer the best of myself to God in my journey with Him?
+ **Fidelity** -The intricately detailed instructions require great patience and attentions. Do I serve God with great patience and pay great attentions?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the instructions for priests?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God's instructions for priests. Including the priest's garment, the priest's duty, and the sacrifices.
+ The purpose of priests is to be holy, to serve God, and to serve His people. In the Old Testament, God chose Aaron and his descendants to become priests. In the New Testament, God wants every believer to be His priest, to serve Him, to preach Him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The identity of priest is glorious and magnificent. "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) How do I understand the meaning of this? How do I identify myself with this knowledge?
+ **Fidelity** - The duty of a priest is to serve God and His people. We are told in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are of the Royal Priesthood. That we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. How should I proclaim God's truth?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How does God view the life of His servant?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses went up to Mount Nebo by himself. God let him see the entire promised land of Canaan on top of Pisgah. God buried Moses. Moses died at age of one hundred and twenty, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.
+ With Moses' passing, Joshua became the leader of the new generation. The Israelites listened to him.
+ Moses is someone God knew face by face. He was the greatest prophet of Israel. Lord sent him to do all kinds of signs and wonders in Egypt and to show the mighty power and awesome deeds in the sight of all Israel.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Moses did not lead the Israelites to go into the land of Canaan but still earned the highest approval from God. How do I view the success of my job, service, and parenting? Is my identity and value determined by the outcome of my work or by God? Is my satisfaction fulfilled by the world's view of success or by knowing God?
+ **Integrity** - God said to Moses: "you will not cross." Moses did not argue or rebel. When God not giving me what I want, do I view lightly His authority like Adam and Eve did by eating the forbidden fruit or do I obey like Moses did? Let me pray in front of God ask Him to give me an obedient heart.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Book of Joshua, the account of Israelites entering the land of Canaan to take possession the Promised Land.
### Question
How did God lead the Israelites after Moses' passing?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God called upon Joshua to succeed Moses and commanded him to lead Israelites to go into the land promised to their ancestors.
+ God continued to be the main character in the Book of Joshua.
+ See how important God viewed faith and covenant from the calling of Joshua.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - God told Joshua repeatedly "be strong and courageous" because He will be with them. Am I staying put because I rely on myself or am I strong and courageous because I have faith in God?
+ **Fidelity** - Compare the scene where God called upon Joshua to lead the Israelites to the scene where Jesus commissioned disciples in Matthew 28. Think about my life and faith. Am I staying on the east side of Jordan River where life is easy and safe or am I stepping out of my comfort zone to take up the great commission?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the first thing the Israelites prepared for before going into Canaan?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Joshua sent spies to Jericho. God saved the spies through the lowly prostitute named Rahab.
+ The spies brought back the news that Jericho was filled with fear. Compare this to scouts' report in Numbers 13-14 and how it affected the Israelites.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Rahab was a Gentile yet God used her to save His people. I was once among the Gentiles but God chose me. Compare my life before and after knowing God. How has it transformed through my new identity? Pray and ask God to continue transform me.
+ **Integrity** - I was a Gentile, I am imperfect, and I am still rebellious and full of sins. Reflect on my past identity and give thanks to the Lord. Atone to God and ask Him to remove my ugly mask. Ask the Lord to give me a spiritual buddy, to pray with me, to lift each other up, to grow and sanctify together.
+ **Fidelity** - It can be seen from Rahab's story that God is not biased against the Gentiles who believe and have faith in Him. Are there Gentiles around me? Can I treat them with grace and love them like God treated Rahab?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Israelites cross the Jordan River to go into the land of Canaan?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God stopped the flow of Jordan River. Joshua lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan River like Moses lead their fathers to cross the Red Sea.
+ Israelites circumcised and celebrated Passover to identify themselves as God's people.
+ God stopped providing manna to mark the end of Israelites' wandering in the desert.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Jordan River stopped flowing to allow the Israelites to cross as soon as the ark of the covenant, which represented the presence of God, was in the Jordan River. God is with us to protect us when we walk on His path and obey His commands. Pray to God and ask for His presence in my family, workplace, school, and church to help and lead me.
+ **Identity** - Israelites circumcised and celebrated Passover to identify themselves as God's people. All Christians today have God's seal to identify them as God's people. Am I being mindful of my identity and the presence of the Holy Spirit to always walk in lock steps with God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God help Israelites to capture the first city, Jericho?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The commander of the Lord's army came to Joshua indicated that God himself would fight for Israel.
+ Israelite army marched around Jericho for seven days as God commanded. God gave the city to them.
+ Contrast the sparing of Rahab and her family for their faith to Achan of the Judah tribe who lost everything because of greed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Achan's greed angered God and brought trouble to Israelites. Have I been greedy and covet things that don't belong to me? Have I been hiding things that belong to the Lord? Pray and ask God to purify my heart to take greed away from me.
+ **Fidelity** - Joshua led the Israelites to strictly follow God's command and God put Jericho into their hands. Do I follow God's command faithfully or take short cuts often?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God give Ai to Israelites through Joshua's wisdom?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God helped Joshua to capture and destroy Ai through a wise military strategy.
+ The fall of both Jericho and Ai were God's deeds. One was through His wonderous miracle, the other was through the mind of a man. It helps us to see from these two battles how God accomplishes through different means.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - God forgave the Israelites and led them to victory after Achan confessed. With our confessions, God gives us the peace which transcends all understanding through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Am I still struggling with my past sins? Let me look up to the Cross of Christ and turn my guilt into gratitude for His salvation and the will to live out the new life He gave me.
+ **Fidelity** - God helped the Israelites to capture Ai through Joshua's strategy. Am I willing to let God use my God given talent, resource, and energy to serve Him for His purpose?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses