Joshua 1

Hate is a strong word, yet we are told there are things that God hates.  “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)  He hates the first six and the last one, sows discord among brothers,…

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God gave the assignments of land for each tribe and at the end He gave a name for the city.  “The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, ‘The LORD Is There.’”  This did not mean they would be able to see Him, but that He would be with them like He was with Joshua.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be…

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God has blessed each one of us with more than what we deserve.  Those blessings are not just for our own desires.  “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)  Paul even tells the Ephesians (and us) that doing these good works is why we were created.  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good…

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Several times in this section of scripture we see the phrase “know that I am the LORD”.  (Ezekiel 37:6, 37:13, 38:23, 39:6, 39:7, 39:22, 39:28)  God showed His power so that all people would know that He was the one in control.  He does not use miraculous ways today to show us that He is Lord, but the more we study His word the better we will know Him and His power.  The apostle John told us the key for…

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The last chapter of the book of Psalms has six verses and all six contain the word “praise”, some of the verses have the word multiple times. Each time “praise” is followed by “the Lord”, “God” or “Him”. Just like the Psalmist, we do not have to look far in our daily lives to see numerous things to praise God for. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with…

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Being called some kind of animal is normally not something we desire, except when God is the one making the comparison.  “And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 34:31)  Thru Ezekiel God is reminding His people that He will watch over and care for them like a shepherd does his flock, BUT they have to follow Him like sheep.  In the 23rd Psalm David shares his knowledge that…

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Many times in scripture we are told how God feels about those who are humble.  “For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” (Psalm 149:4)  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)  Paul encourages us to be motivated with a humble attitude like Christ.  “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by…

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Throughout the Bible we see proof that there is only one God.  The phrase “I am the Lord” occurs 84 times in the book of Ezekiel.  Many of those times include something that God says He is doing so people will know that He is the one God.  “and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 25:11)  “Thus I will execute judgments on Egypt. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel…

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Ezekiel wrote a parable comparing the Jewish people to a vine.  “Your mother was like a vine in a vineyard planted by the water, fruitful and full of branches by reason of abundant water.” (Ezekiel 19:10)  That vine grew strong and tall. (vs. 11)  This is referring to the times God blessed His people and they prospered.  But then the destruction followed. (vs. 12)  Time after time they turned against Him.  God was patient with them just as He is with…

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