Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 29
Day 29 - Thursday, August 01
Read Joshua 5:13-6:25
Highlight
The Israelites conquer Jericho following God's unique battle plan, and Rahab and her family are spared because of her faith and the scarlet cord she placed in her window. Notice that when Joshua approaches the commander of the army of the Lord he says that he is neither for Israel or for their enemies. That seems strange, doesn’t it? Hasn’t God made it clear that He is for Israel? He has promised their victory to Joshua already, but the fall of Jericho demonstrates God's power in response to obedience. God is reminding Joshua and the Israelites that He is faithful to those who remain faithful to Him. When the Israelites obey what must have seemed like strange orders for battle in response to God’s direction, He is faithful to fulfill His promise to them - and He does so in such a way that His glory will be known so that all those who are willing to put their trust in Him (Israelite or not, like Rahab) will be saved. Rahab's faith and obedience in placing the scarlet cord in her window result in her and her family's salvation. Her story is a powerful example of how faith in action, no matter what labels or sin have characterized your past, leads to deliverance and inclusion in God's people.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Joshua 5:13-6:25
Highlight
The Israelites conquer Jericho following God's unique battle plan, and Rahab and her family are spared because of her faith and the scarlet cord she placed in her window. Notice that when Joshua approaches the commander of the army of the Lord he says that he is neither for Israel or for their enemies. That seems strange, doesn’t it? Hasn’t God made it clear that He is for Israel? He has promised their victory to Joshua already, but the fall of Jericho demonstrates God's power in response to obedience. God is reminding Joshua and the Israelites that He is faithful to those who remain faithful to Him. When the Israelites obey what must have seemed like strange orders for battle in response to God’s direction, He is faithful to fulfill His promise to them - and He does so in such a way that His glory will be known so that all those who are willing to put their trust in Him (Israelite or not, like Rahab) will be saved. Rahab's faith and obedience in placing the scarlet cord in her window result in her and her family's salvation. Her story is a powerful example of how faith in action, no matter what labels or sin have characterized your past, leads to deliverance and inclusion in God's people.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Posted in Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes