“… but they did not consult the Lord” (Joshua 9:14 NLT). The Gibeonites deceived Joshua and the Israelite leaders and persuaded them to make a covenant with them. The leaders, fresh from a victory, examined the condition of the men’s clothes and food and believed their story. However, once again, they proceeded without counsel from
“Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction. Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them” (Joshua 8:34-35 NLT). Moses gave Israel the
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you”(Luke 15:17-18 NLT). Jesus told a parable about a
“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God” (Luke 13:28-29
‘Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”’ (Luke 13:18-19 NLT). Jesus spoke this parable to illustrate the way the
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Luke 12:40 NLT). Jesus told a parable about a master returning from a wedding banquet and how his servants should be ready to open the door of his house the moment he knocks. He could return any
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32 NLT). Giving. That’s what delights the Father. He loves to give. Jesus told His “little flock” of disciples not to worry nor be afraid about material things. For the Father loves to give. So, don’t
“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders” (Psalm 78:4 NLT). The psalmist instructed the people of God not to hide the testimony of faith that had been handed down to them by their
“When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. You don’t let me sleep” (Psalm 77:2-4 NLT). The psalmist spoke of a time when
“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13 NLT). Does God give good gifts when we ask? Can we trust His response to our prayers? If we give ourselves fully to