07 May, 2005
Quote of the day . . .
"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." - Christopher Reeve
06 May, 2005
Quote for the day . . .
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
05 May, 2005
Blog update
For everyone's convenience, I have added Steve's final curriculum pages to the blog. Because our discussion will, over time, tend to bury them in the blog, I have posted direct links in the menu bar on the left hand side of the blog. Those links will take you directly to the curriculum for that day and to any comments which might have been made on those days.
Quote for the day . . .
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt
04 May, 2005
Connections
Luke wrote both a gospel and a history of the early church in his two volumes, Luke and Acts. Not only was he a gifted writer, but he was an earnest student of the Old Testament. That doesn't mean that he had to read Hebrew; like most people in the early church, his Hebrew scriptures were most likely a Greek translation called the Septuagint. Most biblical scholars believe that Luke writes his gospel so as to tell the story while keeping it in parallel with the events that happened in the first five books of the OT (the Pentateuch). He also deliberately uses OT language as he writes his books. But what does Luke have to do with Joshua?
Well, what happens in Joshua? A man named Joshua (Yeshua in Hebrew [it means "salvation"], Iesous in Greek) leads God's people into a new, but long promised relationship with God. Sound familiar? In Acts, Jesus (a derivative of Joshua and the same in Greek as Joshua) leads his people through his spirit into a new, but long promised relationship with God. In both cases, community, and the holiness of that community are markers that these people are in relationship with God.
But what happens early on in the life of these new fellowships (koinonias)? Both Achan and Annanias commit an act which undermines the integrity of the fellowship. Both men are supposed to make an offering before God, but that which was supposed to be given to God is held back, and misrepresentations are made. As a matter of fact, Luke uses the same Greek verb in Acts 5.2 and 5.3 for "held back" that the translators of the Septuagint used in Josh 7 (this Greek verb is only used 3 times in the NT, and 2 of them are here in Acts 5). Not an accident.
These stories have in common sudden death: stoning in one case, and becoming as dead as a stone in the other. Their burials were also disgraceful. As for Achan, who would want a pile of rocks over them to remind everyone in perpetuity of their crime? In the case of Annanias, both he and his wife were buried swiftly and without ceremony. This is not typical of funerals of the day, any more than it would be today (the fast funerals may more closely parallel Lev 10.1-7).
OK, so what? The writer of Joshua and Luke both believe that the koinonia of God's people is so sacred that it requires God's people to passionately maintain its integrity and its unity. We will be severely tested, but we must offer whatever we offer to God with a courageous faith like that of Barnabas. To hold back is an act of faithlessness, of cowardice. Such cowardice affects not just our relationship with God, but for our relationship with the community and the community's with God. It is a unity issue. One of the few places in Acts where church growth is not described is Acts 5, and that, again, is probably not coincidental (the Israelites didn't take any land during Josh 7, either).
Achan is not so far from Annanias, who is not so far from us. Just because no one lately has been hauled to the cemetery after an offering does not mean that God has lost interest in receiving the offering that we claim we are giving.
Well, what happens in Joshua? A man named Joshua (Yeshua in Hebrew [it means "salvation"], Iesous in Greek) leads God's people into a new, but long promised relationship with God. Sound familiar? In Acts, Jesus (a derivative of Joshua and the same in Greek as Joshua) leads his people through his spirit into a new, but long promised relationship with God. In both cases, community, and the holiness of that community are markers that these people are in relationship with God.
But what happens early on in the life of these new fellowships (koinonias)? Both Achan and Annanias commit an act which undermines the integrity of the fellowship. Both men are supposed to make an offering before God, but that which was supposed to be given to God is held back, and misrepresentations are made. As a matter of fact, Luke uses the same Greek verb in Acts 5.2 and 5.3 for "held back" that the translators of the Septuagint used in Josh 7 (this Greek verb is only used 3 times in the NT, and 2 of them are here in Acts 5). Not an accident.
These stories have in common sudden death: stoning in one case, and becoming as dead as a stone in the other. Their burials were also disgraceful. As for Achan, who would want a pile of rocks over them to remind everyone in perpetuity of their crime? In the case of Annanias, both he and his wife were buried swiftly and without ceremony. This is not typical of funerals of the day, any more than it would be today (the fast funerals may more closely parallel Lev 10.1-7).
OK, so what? The writer of Joshua and Luke both believe that the koinonia of God's people is so sacred that it requires God's people to passionately maintain its integrity and its unity. We will be severely tested, but we must offer whatever we offer to God with a courageous faith like that of Barnabas. To hold back is an act of faithlessness, of cowardice. Such cowardice affects not just our relationship with God, but for our relationship with the community and the community's with God. It is a unity issue. One of the few places in Acts where church growth is not described is Acts 5, and that, again, is probably not coincidental (the Israelites didn't take any land during Josh 7, either).
Achan is not so far from Annanias, who is not so far from us. Just because no one lately has been hauled to the cemetery after an offering does not mean that God has lost interest in receiving the offering that we claim we are giving.
Quote for the day . . .
"Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things." - Denis Diderot
03 May, 2005
Questions?
It may be that some of us are beginning to get the lessons in our minds, but that we have questions: questions about the lessons, questions about the text of Joshua, or questions about how to teach the material.
This is a place not just for answers, but for questions as well. Feel free to ask them, and let's see what answers we might be able to find together.
For example, here's one of mine: How are we going to respond when our kids (with their post-modern mindset) ask us if what the Israelites did to the Canaanites was genocide?
This is a place not just for answers, but for questions as well. Feel free to ask them, and let's see what answers we might be able to find together.
For example, here's one of mine: How are we going to respond when our kids (with their post-modern mindset) ask us if what the Israelites did to the Canaanites was genocide?
Quote for the day . . .
"Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing one person can do against the enormous array of the world's ills, misery, ignorance, and violence. Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. And in the total of all those acts will be written the history of a generation." - Robert F. Kennedy
02 May, 2005
Saturday
Saturday- Dare to Be “One” (Unity)
Flagpole Devotional: Dare To Be “One”
Scripture: Joshua 24, Psalm 133:1, John 17:20-23, Romans 15:5-6, Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 3:12-14, Daniel
Thoughts: Nothing spurs humanity to courage more than the realization that we are not in this alone. We draw strength from each other, and we fear disappointing each other and that urges us on. But our baptism marks us as a people set apart, a people with our story. Let us draw courage from each other, and from the memory that we stand with every other person who has ever obeyed God in this way (including Jesus, the Christ).
Flagpole Devotional: Dare To Be “One”
Scripture: Joshua 24, Psalm 133:1, John 17:20-23, Romans 15:5-6, Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 3:12-14, Daniel
Thoughts: Nothing spurs humanity to courage more than the realization that we are not in this alone. We draw strength from each other, and we fear disappointing each other and that urges us on. But our baptism marks us as a people set apart, a people with our story. Let us draw courage from each other, and from the memory that we stand with every other person who has ever obeyed God in this way (including Jesus, the Christ).
Friday
Friday- Dare To Be Gentle
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
God’s Gentleness-Keeping Promises
Joshua 23:14-15 - "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
Joshua 24:15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Gentle Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 23:14-15, 24:14-15, 24, I Peter 3:13-17
Thoughts: Our response to God’s gentleness is to mimic His gentleness in our life toward ourselves and others; to glorify God (Build Him up in the hearts and minds of ourselves and others).
Define: Gentle
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Gentleness
Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Ephesians 4:1-2
Thoughts: Courage is necessary to passionately pursue the gentle lifestyle of “The Gentle Jesus”.
Define: Gentle
Class: Dare To Be Gentle
Scripture: Joshua 20-23, Daniel
Application: Joshua20-23-The Faithfulness of God’s People Rewarded with Gentleness (The Personal Distribution of Land to the Faithful),
Sarah’s Story (Genesis 11-12, 16-21, 23-25,
Romans 9, Hebrews 11, I Peter 3)
Define: Gentle, (Quiet)
Thoughts: God has provided and does provide because he is gentle in His relationship with us when we respond in an obedient manner. God sincerely desires to be gentle and He wishes us to be gentle in all areas of our life. Eternity with God is the gentlest of rewards.
Supporting Scriptures: I Corinthians 16:13-14-Love, the language of Gentleness
Ephesians 4:1-2-Exhortation to Gentleness
Philippians 4:4-5-Bold Gentleness
I Timothy 6:6-12-Gentleness, one ingredient in the “eternal” lifestyle
I Peter 3:1-6, 13-17-Part of the way to “do” the life of a Christ-one
I Thessalonians 2:6-9-Mom, the example of Gentle
Matthew 11:28-30-Jesus, the gentle harbor-
I Thessalonians 4:11-12-A part of THE model lifestyle
Morning Assembly: Letters to Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Gentle
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26
Thoughts: The gentleness of Jesus is a goal of those on the journey to Christian maturity as manifest in one of the descriptions of Spiritual fruit.
Let's Talk: Sensitive
Scripture: I Thessalonians 2:6-9
Thoughts: Gentleness is likened to a mother’s care and concern. The real sensitivity of a Christian is the care and concern for souls through one’s emotional, physical and intellectual sensitivity.
Evening Assembly: Beach Breakfast
Scripture: John 21
Thoughts: Jesus defines gentleness in the place of justified revenge. The empowering nature of gentleness is manifest in gentle forgiveness, an example of CHRIST-oneness.
Flagpole Devotional: Softly and Tenderly
Scripture: I Kings 19:11-13, I Thessalonians 4:11-12
Thoughts: God manifests Himself in many ways. He most often allows the manner of His presentation to be determined by the actions of the people he is attempting to discipline (guide). When given the opportunity to “be Himself”, he shows up as a “gentle whisper”. The power of God is absolutely soft and tender. Our lives should reflect His example in a quiet lifestyle.
Leadership Training: Steel and Velvet
Scripture: Proverbs 15:1, 25:15, II Corinthians 10:1-6
Thoughts: To be strong and gentle simultaneously is a Christian attribute in contrast to the ways of popular society.
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
God’s Gentleness-Keeping Promises
Joshua 23:14-15 - "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
Joshua 24:15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Gentle Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 23:14-15, 24:14-15, 24, I Peter 3:13-17
Thoughts: Our response to God’s gentleness is to mimic His gentleness in our life toward ourselves and others; to glorify God (Build Him up in the hearts and minds of ourselves and others).
Define: Gentle
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Gentleness
Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Ephesians 4:1-2
Thoughts: Courage is necessary to passionately pursue the gentle lifestyle of “The Gentle Jesus”.
Define: Gentle
Class: Dare To Be Gentle
Scripture: Joshua 20-23, Daniel
Application: Joshua20-23-The Faithfulness of God’s People Rewarded with Gentleness (The Personal Distribution of Land to the Faithful),
Sarah’s Story (Genesis 11-12, 16-21, 23-25,
Romans 9, Hebrews 11, I Peter 3)
Define: Gentle, (Quiet)
Thoughts: God has provided and does provide because he is gentle in His relationship with us when we respond in an obedient manner. God sincerely desires to be gentle and He wishes us to be gentle in all areas of our life. Eternity with God is the gentlest of rewards.
Supporting Scriptures: I Corinthians 16:13-14-Love, the language of Gentleness
Ephesians 4:1-2-Exhortation to Gentleness
Philippians 4:4-5-Bold Gentleness
I Timothy 6:6-12-Gentleness, one ingredient in the “eternal” lifestyle
I Peter 3:1-6, 13-17-Part of the way to “do” the life of a Christ-one
I Thessalonians 2:6-9-Mom, the example of Gentle
Matthew 11:28-30-Jesus, the gentle harbor-
I Thessalonians 4:11-12-A part of THE model lifestyle
Morning Assembly: Letters to Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Gentle
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26
Thoughts: The gentleness of Jesus is a goal of those on the journey to Christian maturity as manifest in one of the descriptions of Spiritual fruit.
Let's Talk: Sensitive
Scripture: I Thessalonians 2:6-9
Thoughts: Gentleness is likened to a mother’s care and concern. The real sensitivity of a Christian is the care and concern for souls through one’s emotional, physical and intellectual sensitivity.
Evening Assembly: Beach Breakfast
Scripture: John 21
Thoughts: Jesus defines gentleness in the place of justified revenge. The empowering nature of gentleness is manifest in gentle forgiveness, an example of CHRIST-oneness.
Flagpole Devotional: Softly and Tenderly
Scripture: I Kings 19:11-13, I Thessalonians 4:11-12
Thoughts: God manifests Himself in many ways. He most often allows the manner of His presentation to be determined by the actions of the people he is attempting to discipline (guide). When given the opportunity to “be Himself”, he shows up as a “gentle whisper”. The power of God is absolutely soft and tender. Our lives should reflect His example in a quiet lifestyle.
Leadership Training: Steel and Velvet
Scripture: Proverbs 15:1, 25:15, II Corinthians 10:1-6
Thoughts: To be strong and gentle simultaneously is a Christian attribute in contrast to the ways of popular society.
Thursday
Thursday- Dare To Be Patient
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Patience
Joshua 14:7-9, 11, 14 - Moses the servant of the LORD sent me… to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb… ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Patient Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 14:7-15, Hebrews 6:9-12, Isaiah 40:28-31
Thoughts: God provides in His time, in His way, which is always the best way for us (in our best interest). Our responsibility is to put our hope in the Lord, wait on Him to provide and receive over and over more than we could ask or think.
Define: Patience
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Patience
Scripture: II Corinthians 1:3-7, Ephesians 4:1-2
Thoughts: We experience “Life” on a daily basis. ”Life”, to the world, is “less than ideal”. God allows us to experience “life” such that we can become ministers of comfort to those that need a greater understanding of the God of comfort. The only way to achieve this understanding or ministry is to learn patience though enduring with passion and courage.
Define: Patience, Endurance
Class: Dare To Be Patient
Scripture: Joshua 13-19, Daniel
Application: Joshua13-19-The Patience of God and His People Result in the Promise Fulfilled (The Distribution of the Promised Land),
Hannah’s Story (I Samuel 1-2)
Define: Patience, Trust, Endurance
Thoughts: Depend on God leading to courage leading to obedience leading to inheritance. Or depend on self leading to discouragement leading to disobedience leading to death. People have the same choice today.
Supporting Scriptures: Hebrews 6:9-12-Through patience the promise is inherited
II Corinthians 1:3-7-God’s plan for discovery of my purpose—patient endurance-
Ephesians 4:1-2-Patience—how to care for others
James 5:7-11-The farmer, the example of patient endurance
II Peter 3:8-9, 14-15-Right time salvation
Colossians 1:9-14-The source of courageous, passionate patience
I Timothy 1:15-17-The unlimited patience of Jesus
II Timothy 4:2-How to teach God’s Word
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Patient
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, I Timothy 1:15-17, Colossians 1:9-14
Thoughts: The patience of Jesus is a goal of those on the journey to Christian maturity as manifest in one of the descriptions of Spiritual fruit. May others recognize our patience with them as being a direct result of Jesus in our lives and be as thankful as Paul was with the patience shown him by Jesus.
Let's Talk: Self-Control
Scripture: James 5:7-11
Thoughts: Patience is likened to a farmer sowing and waiting for the harvest. The real self-control of a Christian is the trust required to wait for the Lord to work in our lives to bring the real fruit necessary for souls (ours and other’s) to bring the perennial fruit of the spirit.
Evening Assembly: Not Yet, Example of Sun and Moon
Scripture: Romans 5:6-8, John 2:1-11
Thoughts: Even Jesus had to wait for “the right time”. His mother became an encourager to get him out of His comfort zone when the right time came to begin his ministry. Patience takes courage, but should not deter us from our passion when “the right time” arrives.
Flagpole Devotional: Wait On The Lord
Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31
Thoughts: “My way or the highway” is the way we many times respond to God and we always fail, flat. God’s way, in His time, on His terms, is the way to soar in the ultimate tandem flights of life.
Leadership Training: Give IT Time
Scripture: Proverbs 19:11, 25:15, Ecclesiastes 7:8, II Peter 3:14-15
Thoughts: Give patience time and one’s passions, if they are worthy, will be fulfilled.
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Patience
Joshua 14:7-9, 11, 14 - Moses the servant of the LORD sent me… to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb… ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Patient Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 14:7-15, Hebrews 6:9-12, Isaiah 40:28-31
Thoughts: God provides in His time, in His way, which is always the best way for us (in our best interest). Our responsibility is to put our hope in the Lord, wait on Him to provide and receive over and over more than we could ask or think.
Define: Patience
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Patience
Scripture: II Corinthians 1:3-7, Ephesians 4:1-2
Thoughts: We experience “Life” on a daily basis. ”Life”, to the world, is “less than ideal”. God allows us to experience “life” such that we can become ministers of comfort to those that need a greater understanding of the God of comfort. The only way to achieve this understanding or ministry is to learn patience though enduring with passion and courage.
Define: Patience, Endurance
Class: Dare To Be Patient
Scripture: Joshua 13-19, Daniel
Application: Joshua13-19-The Patience of God and His People Result in the Promise Fulfilled (The Distribution of the Promised Land),
Hannah’s Story (I Samuel 1-2)
Define: Patience, Trust, Endurance
Thoughts: Depend on God leading to courage leading to obedience leading to inheritance. Or depend on self leading to discouragement leading to disobedience leading to death. People have the same choice today.
Supporting Scriptures: Hebrews 6:9-12-Through patience the promise is inherited
II Corinthians 1:3-7-God’s plan for discovery of my purpose—patient endurance-
Ephesians 4:1-2-Patience—how to care for others
James 5:7-11-The farmer, the example of patient endurance
II Peter 3:8-9, 14-15-Right time salvation
Colossians 1:9-14-The source of courageous, passionate patience
I Timothy 1:15-17-The unlimited patience of Jesus
II Timothy 4:2-How to teach God’s Word
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Patient
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, I Timothy 1:15-17, Colossians 1:9-14
Thoughts: The patience of Jesus is a goal of those on the journey to Christian maturity as manifest in one of the descriptions of Spiritual fruit. May others recognize our patience with them as being a direct result of Jesus in our lives and be as thankful as Paul was with the patience shown him by Jesus.
Let's Talk: Self-Control
Scripture: James 5:7-11
Thoughts: Patience is likened to a farmer sowing and waiting for the harvest. The real self-control of a Christian is the trust required to wait for the Lord to work in our lives to bring the real fruit necessary for souls (ours and other’s) to bring the perennial fruit of the spirit.
Evening Assembly: Not Yet, Example of Sun and Moon
Scripture: Romans 5:6-8, John 2:1-11
Thoughts: Even Jesus had to wait for “the right time”. His mother became an encourager to get him out of His comfort zone when the right time came to begin his ministry. Patience takes courage, but should not deter us from our passion when “the right time” arrives.
Flagpole Devotional: Wait On The Lord
Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31
Thoughts: “My way or the highway” is the way we many times respond to God and we always fail, flat. God’s way, in His time, on His terms, is the way to soar in the ultimate tandem flights of life.
Leadership Training: Give IT Time
Scripture: Proverbs 19:11, 25:15, Ecclesiastes 7:8, II Peter 3:14-15
Thoughts: Give patience time and one’s passions, if they are worthy, will be fulfilled.
Wednesday
Wednesday- Dare To Be Compassionate
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Compassion (God’s)
Joshua 10:13-14 - So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies… The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Compassionate Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 10:13-14, Philippians 2:1-11, II Corinthians 5:13-15
Thoughts: To do what no one else can do or is willing to do takes extreme motivation. Love is the greatest of motivators. To act on that love is compassion. God demonstrated His love from before the beginning and is still in the compassion business through our willingness to be courageously, passionately compassionate.
Define: Compassion, Love
Flagpole Devotional: Passionate, Courageous Compassion
Scripture: Matthew 10:8, 9:35-38, I Peter 3:8-10
Thoughts: God freely gave because He loved. Jesus feely acted because of compassion and we are commanded to act with compassion.
Define: Compassion, Love
Class: Dare To Be Compassionate
Scripture: Joshua 9-11, Jonah, Daniel
Application: Joshua 9-11-God’s Compassion for His people and His people’s Compassion (The Gibeonites, The Sun Stands Still, Israelite Domination),
Naomi’s Story (The Book of Ruth)
Define: Compassion, Love
Thoughts: Compassion is an action that is motivated by love. The author of love, God, commissioned His son, Jesus, to enter this world to love and show compassion. In demonstrating compassion, Jesus fulfilled His commission, to seek and save the lost. His ultimate act of compassion was to take our place for our guilt in rebelling against the author of love, God.
Supporting Scriptures: I Peter 3:8-9-How to Show Compassion
Ephesians 4:32-Compassion demands forgiving
I Kings 3:16-27-Compassion demands extraordinary action of love
II Corinthians 1:3-7-The God of Compassion and Comfort
I Corinthians 2:12-God freely Gave
I John 4:7-12-Love originates with God, we pass it on
I John 4:7-12-Love From God, love others
Matthew 22:37-39-Greatest Commands
Matthew 10:8-Freely received, freely give
Philippians 2-Jesus showed compassion for me in His death on the cross
II Corinthians 5:13-15-Christ's love compels
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Compassionate (Love)
Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38, 14:12-14, 15:32-39, 20:29-32,
Mark 1:40-45,
Thoughts: Jesus was God’s gift of compassion and he, in turn, gave compassion. He received and he therefore gave, compassion.
Let's Talk: Soft-Hearted
Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
Thoughts: The choice is ours, do we give what is deserved or how we wish to be treated.
Evening Assembly: Gotta Act (Can’t Help It)
Scripture: II Corinthians 5:13-15
Thoughts: When we realize that God so loved and so gave, freely, for me, I am compelled, just as Paul, to love.
Flagpole Devotional: Can’t Help The Love (Crazy for God)
Scripture: II Corinthians 5:13-15, Matthew 7:9-12
Thoughts: Love, the motivation for compassion, when we realize the source we can’t refuse it and we are then compelled to pass it on.
Leadership Training: Encompassing Passion
Scripture: John 3:16, I John 3:16-18
Thoughts: The word “so” implies extreme desire, passion. The charge to lay down one’s life requires courageous passion.
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Compassion (God’s)
Joshua 10:13-14 - So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies… The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Compassionate Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 10:13-14, Philippians 2:1-11, II Corinthians 5:13-15
Thoughts: To do what no one else can do or is willing to do takes extreme motivation. Love is the greatest of motivators. To act on that love is compassion. God demonstrated His love from before the beginning and is still in the compassion business through our willingness to be courageously, passionately compassionate.
Define: Compassion, Love
Flagpole Devotional: Passionate, Courageous Compassion
Scripture: Matthew 10:8, 9:35-38, I Peter 3:8-10
Thoughts: God freely gave because He loved. Jesus feely acted because of compassion and we are commanded to act with compassion.
Define: Compassion, Love
Class: Dare To Be Compassionate
Scripture: Joshua 9-11, Jonah, Daniel
Application: Joshua 9-11-God’s Compassion for His people and His people’s Compassion (The Gibeonites, The Sun Stands Still, Israelite Domination),
Naomi’s Story (The Book of Ruth)
Define: Compassion, Love
Thoughts: Compassion is an action that is motivated by love. The author of love, God, commissioned His son, Jesus, to enter this world to love and show compassion. In demonstrating compassion, Jesus fulfilled His commission, to seek and save the lost. His ultimate act of compassion was to take our place for our guilt in rebelling against the author of love, God.
Supporting Scriptures: I Peter 3:8-9-How to Show Compassion
Ephesians 4:32-Compassion demands forgiving
I Kings 3:16-27-Compassion demands extraordinary action of love
II Corinthians 1:3-7-The God of Compassion and Comfort
I Corinthians 2:12-God freely Gave
I John 4:7-12-Love originates with God, we pass it on
I John 4:7-12-Love From God, love others
Matthew 22:37-39-Greatest Commands
Matthew 10:8-Freely received, freely give
Philippians 2-Jesus showed compassion for me in His death on the cross
II Corinthians 5:13-15-Christ's love compels
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Compassionate (Love)
Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38, 14:12-14, 15:32-39, 20:29-32,
Mark 1:40-45,
Thoughts: Jesus was God’s gift of compassion and he, in turn, gave compassion. He received and he therefore gave, compassion.
Let's Talk: Soft-Hearted
Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
Thoughts: The choice is ours, do we give what is deserved or how we wish to be treated.
Evening Assembly: Gotta Act (Can’t Help It)
Scripture: II Corinthians 5:13-15
Thoughts: When we realize that God so loved and so gave, freely, for me, I am compelled, just as Paul, to love.
Flagpole Devotional: Can’t Help The Love (Crazy for God)
Scripture: II Corinthians 5:13-15, Matthew 7:9-12
Thoughts: Love, the motivation for compassion, when we realize the source we can’t refuse it and we are then compelled to pass it on.
Leadership Training: Encompassing Passion
Scripture: John 3:16, I John 3:16-18
Thoughts: The word “so” implies extreme desire, passion. The charge to lay down one’s life requires courageous passion.
Tuesday
Tuesday- Dare To Be Humble
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Humility
Joshua 5:13-15 - Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Humble Courage and Passion
Scripture: I Peter 5:5-7, Mark 9:35
Thoughts: To deny oneself for the benefit of others is a noble passion called humility.
Define: Humility, Humble, Servant
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Humility
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-2, Titus 3:1-2
Thoughts: The call to courageous, passionate humility
Define: Humility, Humble, Servant
Class: Dare To Be Humble
Scripture: Joshua 5-8, Daniel
Application: Joshua 5-8-The Humble and Prideful Nature of God’s People (The Walls of Jericho, Achan’s sin, The Fall of Ai),
Mary’s Story (Matthew 1, Mark 15, 16, Luke 1, 2, 24, Acts 1)
Define: Humility, Humble, Servant
Thoughts: The examples of God’s Chosen to be humble in an effective manner are the result of choices made to serve God by serving others. The result of their humility was not what any of them expected. Expectations are exceeded when we become “me-less” and passionately become “thee-ful”.
Supporting Scriptures: Mark 9:35-Attitude of Humility-Servant hood
Exodus 10:3-4-Consequences of lack of humility
Numbers 12:3-Moses, the humble
Ephesians 4:1-2-Call to humility
I Peter 5:5-7-Humble clothing will lift up
Acts 20:17-20-Paul serves humbly
Phil. 3:7-11-Paul counts personal accomplishment garbage
Titus 3:1-2-Call to humble lifestyle
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Humble
Scripture: Luke 22:42-43, John 6:38-39, Philippians 2
Thoughts: God, the Father, sent His humble son, Jesus, to be what we cannot be, but desire to be. Jesus’ passionate humility led Him to courageously sacrifice His physical life for our Spiritual life.
Let's Talk: Selfless
Scripture: James 3:13, Proverbs 11:2
Thoughts: A selfless lifestyle is a wise, natural choice for the spiritually “selfish”.
Evening Assembly: After You, “Interesting”
Scripture: Philippians 2
Thoughts: Looking out for the interests of others, a courageously humble passion.
Flagpole Devotional: You, Not Me
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-30
Thoughts: “I AM me, the incarnate God to facilitate you growing from lost to found.”—Jesus
Leadership Training: It’s Not About Me
Scripture: James 4:6-10
Thoughts: “I”, the fallacious lifestyle of the “abundance affliction” we live in is in contrast to the “you” mentality of Christians.
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Humility
Joshua 5:13-15 - Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Humble Courage and Passion
Scripture: I Peter 5:5-7, Mark 9:35
Thoughts: To deny oneself for the benefit of others is a noble passion called humility.
Define: Humility, Humble, Servant
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Humility
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-2, Titus 3:1-2
Thoughts: The call to courageous, passionate humility
Define: Humility, Humble, Servant
Class: Dare To Be Humble
Scripture: Joshua 5-8, Daniel
Application: Joshua 5-8-The Humble and Prideful Nature of God’s People (The Walls of Jericho, Achan’s sin, The Fall of Ai),
Mary’s Story (Matthew 1, Mark 15, 16, Luke 1, 2, 24, Acts 1)
Define: Humility, Humble, Servant
Thoughts: The examples of God’s Chosen to be humble in an effective manner are the result of choices made to serve God by serving others. The result of their humility was not what any of them expected. Expectations are exceeded when we become “me-less” and passionately become “thee-ful”.
Supporting Scriptures: Mark 9:35-Attitude of Humility-Servant hood
Exodus 10:3-4-Consequences of lack of humility
Numbers 12:3-Moses, the humble
Ephesians 4:1-2-Call to humility
I Peter 5:5-7-Humble clothing will lift up
Acts 20:17-20-Paul serves humbly
Phil. 3:7-11-Paul counts personal accomplishment garbage
Titus 3:1-2-Call to humble lifestyle
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Humble
Scripture: Luke 22:42-43, John 6:38-39, Philippians 2
Thoughts: God, the Father, sent His humble son, Jesus, to be what we cannot be, but desire to be. Jesus’ passionate humility led Him to courageously sacrifice His physical life for our Spiritual life.
Let's Talk: Selfless
Scripture: James 3:13, Proverbs 11:2
Thoughts: A selfless lifestyle is a wise, natural choice for the spiritually “selfish”.
Evening Assembly: After You, “Interesting”
Scripture: Philippians 2
Thoughts: Looking out for the interests of others, a courageously humble passion.
Flagpole Devotional: You, Not Me
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-30
Thoughts: “I AM me, the incarnate God to facilitate you growing from lost to found.”—Jesus
Leadership Training: It’s Not About Me
Scripture: James 4:6-10
Thoughts: “I”, the fallacious lifestyle of the “abundance affliction” we live in is in contrast to the “you” mentality of Christians.
Monday
Monday-Dare To Be Kind, Faithful
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Kindness (God’s)
Joshua 4:23-24 - The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Kind, Faithful Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 4:23-24, Titus 3:3-8
Thoughts: God is passionate in demonstrating His Kindness to us. Our response should be to courageously accept God’s gifts and pass them on relentlessly.
Define: Kindness, Faithful, Faith
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Kindness and Faithfulness
Scripture: Acts 14:14-17, Exodus 14:13, Joshua 4:23-24
Thoughts: God provides, passionately. How do we receive and do we respond with courage or timidity?
Define: Kindness, Faithful, Faith
Class: Dare To Be Kind, Faithful
Scripture: Joshua 2-4, Daniel
Application: Joshua 2-4-God’s Faithful Kindness to His People (Spies, Rahab, Crossing the Jordan),
Ruth’s Story (The Book of Ruth)
Define: Kindness, Faithful, Faith
Thoughts: God doesn't judge on what you did in the past, your nationality, or how pretty or ugly you are. He wants our present faith and obedience so that we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The effect of courageous faith changes not just the story of the life of that person who dares to believe, but their passion can have a transforming effect on the destiny of an entire clan.
Supporting Scriptures: I Corinthians 13:4-Love is Kind
Exodus 14:13-God’s Kindness
Titus 3:3-8-God’s Kindness—our benefit
Acts 28:1-2-Example of Kindness
Acts 14:14-17-Gods Kindness
Proverbs 28:8-Kindness to Others
I Thessalonians 5:12-15-How to be Kind
Titus 2:3-5-Older women teach the younger to be Kind
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Kind and Faithful
Scripture: Acts 4:8-12
Thoughts: God’s passionate kindness is manifest through Jesus and demonstrated on us, lavishly.
Let's Talk: Sweetness
Scripture: Ephesians 4:32
Thoughts: The kindness shown through forgiveness requires a passion that is not of human nature (origin).
Evening Assembly: A Cup of Water
Scripture: Mark 9:41, I Corinthians 3:13, John 13:2-17
Thoughts: Kindness is exemplified by the position of one’s heart at the time of demonstration, not the gift or any circumstances surrounding it. Our success in life is determined by the courage of our resolve and our passion to be kind to all of God’s creation (people, animal, nature)
Flagpole Devotional: RAK, You Gotta Believe and Stay the Course
Scripture: II Timothy 2:22-26
Thoughts: Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) are not random; they are deliberate acts originating from the heart of a believer that is in the process of surrendering their will to the Creator and Sustainer of all areas of life (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual).
Leadership Training: Courageous RAK (Random Acts of Kindness)
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
Thoughts: Be aware. God has provided the opportunities for you to act with passion in kindness. Are you aware?
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Kindness (God’s)
Joshua 4:23-24 - The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."
Joshua 24:14-15, 24 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
Quiet Time: Kind, Faithful Courage and Passion
Scripture: Joshua 4:23-24, Titus 3:3-8
Thoughts: God is passionate in demonstrating His Kindness to us. Our response should be to courageously accept God’s gifts and pass them on relentlessly.
Define: Kindness, Faithful, Faith
Flagpole Devotional: Courageous, Passionate Kindness and Faithfulness
Scripture: Acts 14:14-17, Exodus 14:13, Joshua 4:23-24
Thoughts: God provides, passionately. How do we receive and do we respond with courage or timidity?
Define: Kindness, Faithful, Faith
Class: Dare To Be Kind, Faithful
Scripture: Joshua 2-4, Daniel
Application: Joshua 2-4-God’s Faithful Kindness to His People (Spies, Rahab, Crossing the Jordan),
Ruth’s Story (The Book of Ruth)
Define: Kindness, Faithful, Faith
Thoughts: God doesn't judge on what you did in the past, your nationality, or how pretty or ugly you are. He wants our present faith and obedience so that we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The effect of courageous faith changes not just the story of the life of that person who dares to believe, but their passion can have a transforming effect on the destiny of an entire clan.
Supporting Scriptures: I Corinthians 13:4-Love is Kind
Exodus 14:13-God’s Kindness
Titus 3:3-8-God’s Kindness—our benefit
Acts 28:1-2-Example of Kindness
Acts 14:14-17-Gods Kindness
Proverbs 28:8-Kindness to Others
I Thessalonians 5:12-15-How to be Kind
Titus 2:3-5-Older women teach the younger to be Kind
Morning Assembly: Letters To Lu-Jo About Jesus, The Kind and Faithful
Scripture: Acts 4:8-12
Thoughts: God’s passionate kindness is manifest through Jesus and demonstrated on us, lavishly.
Let's Talk: Sweetness
Scripture: Ephesians 4:32
Thoughts: The kindness shown through forgiveness requires a passion that is not of human nature (origin).
Evening Assembly: A Cup of Water
Scripture: Mark 9:41, I Corinthians 3:13, John 13:2-17
Thoughts: Kindness is exemplified by the position of one’s heart at the time of demonstration, not the gift or any circumstances surrounding it. Our success in life is determined by the courage of our resolve and our passion to be kind to all of God’s creation (people, animal, nature)
Flagpole Devotional: RAK, You Gotta Believe and Stay the Course
Scripture: II Timothy 2:22-26
Thoughts: Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) are not random; they are deliberate acts originating from the heart of a believer that is in the process of surrendering their will to the Creator and Sustainer of all areas of life (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual).
Leadership Training: Courageous RAK (Random Acts of Kindness)
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
Thoughts: Be aware. God has provided the opportunities for you to act with passion in kindness. Are you aware?
Sunday
Week’s Theme: Dare To Be…
Sunday- Dare To Be God’s Chosen-Passionate and Courageous
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Passionate Courage
Joshua 1:16-18 - Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only be strong and courageous!"
Quiet Time: Passion and Courage
Scriptures: Joshua 1, Daniel
Thoughts: Passion to do what God asks one to do and Courage to be what God asks one to do. Obey and Trust…There is no other way.
Define: Passion, Courage
Evening Assembly: 2nd Mile
Scripture: Joshua 1, Matthew 5:41
Thoughts: When called will I “Step up or Join up”, will I “Step up to the plate or Join the crowd”. Recognize that being “called” is a moment-by-moment occurrence. Character is developed on a moment-by-moment basis.
Flagpole Devotional: Passionate Courage
Scripture: Joshua 1:16-18, Colossians 3:12-14
Thoughts: “Ya Gotta Wanna”. The motivation of courage is passion. Fortresses are what people trust in when they don't trust quite enough in God. His people are, when they behave as courageously as he would have them behave, marching at the gates of their enemies.
Define: Passion, Courage
Leadership Training: Courageous Passion
Scripture: Joshua 1:16-18, Colossians 3:12-14
Thoughts: One must have courage to do what one has to do (passion). God has demonstrated a habit of developing passionate and courageous leadership by placing young people, in the role of a servant, with passionate and courageous people.
Sunday- Dare To Be God’s Chosen-Passionate and Courageous
Memory Opportunity:
Colossians 3:12-14 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Passionate Courage
Joshua 1:16-18 - Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only be strong and courageous!"
Quiet Time: Passion and Courage
Scriptures: Joshua 1, Daniel
Thoughts: Passion to do what God asks one to do and Courage to be what God asks one to do. Obey and Trust…There is no other way.
Define: Passion, Courage
Evening Assembly: 2nd Mile
Scripture: Joshua 1, Matthew 5:41
Thoughts: When called will I “Step up or Join up”, will I “Step up to the plate or Join the crowd”. Recognize that being “called” is a moment-by-moment occurrence. Character is developed on a moment-by-moment basis.
Flagpole Devotional: Passionate Courage
Scripture: Joshua 1:16-18, Colossians 3:12-14
Thoughts: “Ya Gotta Wanna”. The motivation of courage is passion. Fortresses are what people trust in when they don't trust quite enough in God. His people are, when they behave as courageously as he would have them behave, marching at the gates of their enemies.
Define: Passion, Courage
Leadership Training: Courageous Passion
Scripture: Joshua 1:16-18, Colossians 3:12-14
Thoughts: One must have courage to do what one has to do (passion). God has demonstrated a habit of developing passionate and courageous leadership by placing young people, in the role of a servant, with passionate and courageous people.
A community of informed judgment
So far, Steve and Jason H. have proposed curriculum ideas for our week at camp. David, Jason R., and I have responded with interpretations of the text and specific illustrations to help with those curriculum ideas.
What I want us to consider is what Frederick Aquino calls a "community of informed judgment." To pick on me for a minute, the interpretations of the text which I have brought forward range from good to mediocre. In some cases, even though the solution I propose might be correct, it is not the only possibility.
In a community of informed judgment, more than one informed point of view is not only desirable, it is necessary. But what does informed mean? Informed by life, informed by training, informed by study, informed by inspiration. Everyone has an informed perspective. A teacher will look at the text one way, a mother another. For example, if a farmer, a politician, a rancher, and a theologian were all to read 1 Sam 6, all of them would most probably find a different point of interest to bring to the table. The same thing is true of reading Joshua (or any other text, biblical or not).
When we discuss our perspectives together, we get the entire picture, not just part of it. Otherwise we risk being like the blind men who are examining the elephant: totally clueless about reality. Together, we can come closer to the truth than we would as individuals (this is why the blog is so important). And that is also why I quote so many other people: in order to bring more people to our table.
Therefore, please see your point of view as being valuable. Please see that your contribution will (not can) make a difference in how all of us see these lessons, and in how all of us might together teach them. Speak up! The process of writing your thoughts in a blog will help clarify your thinking and implant thoughts in your mind that will still be there when you get ready to teach class. After you write, your thinking process continues and ideas will continue to develop (ironic, isn't it?).
I have spent about one hour per day (some days two) over the month-long life of this blog thinking about camp and putting ideas on this blog. I see that as being preparatory work on Steve's foundation for what we're going to do. We have about six weeks to talk about these lessons and prepare our minds and our hearts for the task close to hand. Let's get to work!
One brother with one opinion, longing to be a part of a community of informed judgment,
Ron
What I want us to consider is what Frederick Aquino calls a "community of informed judgment." To pick on me for a minute, the interpretations of the text which I have brought forward range from good to mediocre. In some cases, even though the solution I propose might be correct, it is not the only possibility.
In a community of informed judgment, more than one informed point of view is not only desirable, it is necessary. But what does informed mean? Informed by life, informed by training, informed by study, informed by inspiration. Everyone has an informed perspective. A teacher will look at the text one way, a mother another. For example, if a farmer, a politician, a rancher, and a theologian were all to read 1 Sam 6, all of them would most probably find a different point of interest to bring to the table. The same thing is true of reading Joshua (or any other text, biblical or not).
When we discuss our perspectives together, we get the entire picture, not just part of it. Otherwise we risk being like the blind men who are examining the elephant: totally clueless about reality. Together, we can come closer to the truth than we would as individuals (this is why the blog is so important). And that is also why I quote so many other people: in order to bring more people to our table.
Therefore, please see your point of view as being valuable. Please see that your contribution will (not can) make a difference in how all of us see these lessons, and in how all of us might together teach them. Speak up! The process of writing your thoughts in a blog will help clarify your thinking and implant thoughts in your mind that will still be there when you get ready to teach class. After you write, your thinking process continues and ideas will continue to develop (ironic, isn't it?).
I have spent about one hour per day (some days two) over the month-long life of this blog thinking about camp and putting ideas on this blog. I see that as being preparatory work on Steve's foundation for what we're going to do. We have about six weeks to talk about these lessons and prepare our minds and our hearts for the task close to hand. Let's get to work!
One brother with one opinion, longing to be a part of a community of informed judgment,
Ron
Quote for the day . . .
"There is no such thing as defeat except when it comes from within. As long as a person doesn't admit he is defeated, he is not defeated--he's just a little behind and isn't through fighting." - Darrell K Royal
01 May, 2005
Flash forward
Through the thread of our discussions, the idea of story, and our place in it, has surfaced again and again. For a moment, I want to flash forward in the story because I believe that the ending reveals why we need to live a passionately courageous life.
Rev 21:1-7 (NIV) Emphasis and parenthetical insertions mine, rkb.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life [He will satisfy the desires of those who have passionately sought him]. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son [He will reward those who have courageously served him].”
Rev 21:1-7 (NIV) Emphasis and parenthetical insertions mine, rkb.
Jeremiah 20
O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived;
you overpowered me and prevailed.
I am ridiculed all day long;
everyone mocks me.
Whenever I speak, I cry out
proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the LORD has brought me
insult and reproach all day long.
But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.
I hear many whispering,
"Terror on every side!
Report him! Let's report him!"
All my friends
are waiting for me to slip, saying,
"Perhaps he will be deceived;
then we will prevail over him
and take our revenge on him."
But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior;
so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
their dishonor will never be forgotten.
O LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous
and probe the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
Jer 20:7-12 (NIV)
you overpowered me and prevailed.
I am ridiculed all day long;
everyone mocks me.
Whenever I speak, I cry out
proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the LORD has brought me
insult and reproach all day long.
But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.
I hear many whispering,
"Terror on every side!
Report him! Let's report him!"
All my friends
are waiting for me to slip, saying,
"Perhaps he will be deceived;
then we will prevail over him
and take our revenge on him."
But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior;
so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
their dishonor will never be forgotten.
O LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous
and probe the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
Jer 20:7-12 (NIV)
Quote for the day . . .
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." - C. S. Lewis
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