The day with dianne Louise

Before the men fell asleep, Rahab went up in the roof and said to them, "I know that the Lord has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorites kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan. When we heard this we lost heart, and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God n heaven above and on the earth below." Joshua 2:8-11 Isn't it amazing that Rahab reported on events that put the Israelites in a high profile. She did not know about their sin, or their wandering in the desert, or if she did she failed to mention them. What we remember about ourselves is not what the spirit world sees or fears. What we remember is not what others see or remember. What God says about us is much more important than our failings...

Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies from the Acacia Grove, saying, "Go and scout the land, especially Jericho." So they left, and they came to the house of a woman, a prostitute named Rahab, and stayed there. Joshua 2:1 Just as Moses before him had done, Joshua sent in spies but these men sound more like seasoned soldiers used to Joshua's command. They went immediately not asking why, what, how. They knew what to do and where to go. They went to Rahab's house. Rahab was an innkeeper and prostitute. If you want to know what is happening in any town in Australia you go to the local pub. People who go there love to drink, which loosens the tongue, and talk and talk they did. Well, at least Rahab did. Sending in spies bolstered Joshua's confidence because that is what a soldier does, scouts out the place before them. In Australia we have, like most countries, special elite forces that go ahead of the main force. They make the way easy for the followers, t...

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.'" Joshua 1:10,11 This reminds me of he story Jesus told about the wise and foolish virgins. The wise took along provisions in case there was a delay. Going into another land for battle where water supplies and food supplies were not guaranteed, it is important to be prepared. Even though the land was the promised land, flowing with milk and honey, it was important o be prepared and have adequate supplies. As Christians we must always be prepared to go into a promised place or situation. We cannot just show up without provisions, otherwise we will be a burden on the team. How can we be prepared? By not spending all we have on now, by not assuming now is all there is. When God commands us to go, we must be...

The 11 disciples travelled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshipped, but some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me, in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20 Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the nations, making disciples. I am grateful He came, made disciples and then commanded them to go. If the Jews had received Jesus as their saviour I wonder if the outcome would have been the same. The above verse says that some doubted. What made them doubt? Perhaps their belief that death is final. What did they doubt about Him? Did they doubt He had all authority? Perhaps that He really was the Messiah now that He did not fit their i...

But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, "He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there. listen, I have told you." So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, "Good morning!" They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshipped Him. Then Jesus told them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there." Matthew 28:5-10 The Angel came and did his job, to bring a message and roll back the stone, and shock the soldiers. Ha! He did this well and the women went on their way to take the message to the disciples when Jesus appears. Now, He did not need to appear as the angel had done the task, but, here w...

When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the Rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. Matthew 28:57-61 The first thing I wonder is: was Joseph the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked what he must do to obtain eternal life? If he was, it is good to find him here being faithful and lacking fear. The Lord loved the rich young man and I can sense his love for this man. The next thing I notice: Mary Magdalene and the 'other' Mary were seated facing the tomb. They would have been exhausted with grief. They watched the one they loved be brutalised and see Him die, bereft of the Father. As a woman I k...

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, Lena sabachthani?" That is, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:45,46 Darkness represents our sin. I wonder if the darkness was immediate or gradual? Did the Father leave Jesus suddenly or gradually? Did Jesus not know that the Father could not look on sin and had to leave?Or did He expect the Father to stay and be His strength? Why did Jesus call the Father God and not Father? In the garden He called Him Father? There are times when God is 'Father' to us, times when He must rule and He is 'God.' Jesus knew intimate fellowship. When He prayed to the Father He called Him Father. So strange for Jesus to now call His Father, 'God.' I have so many questions and I know he Lord has so many answers. Do you know the answers? Why not share them with me.