Joshua 20

once again we read of the cities of refuge, except this time God chose them.

It's interesting that of the three west of the Jordan River, two became national capitals. East of the Jordan was one we still hear about from time to time.

Review: LET THE NATIONS BE GLAD! 3rd ed. by John Piper

I actually had a copy of this book (2nd ed.) for a couple of years and never got around to reading it. That's a shame, because it's a very good book.

A lot of my reluctance probably had to do with the author. If modern Calvinists had a Pope, it would be John Piper. Since he and I disagree on so much, I went through a long time when I just didn't read his books. Of course, Piper is a great writer and I always learn from him, so it was only a matter of time 'til I came back.

Surprisingly, there's little Calvinism in this book. It builds a solid case for missions first from Scripture, then from experience and logic. There is a good deal on becoming the kind of missionary people will be glad to see coming, and Piper explains why the Gospel really is good news for the world.

I enjoyed reading the book, and recommend it to anyone interested in spreading the Gospel, here or overseas. It's easy to see why it's become a standard in the field. I wish I'd read it sooner.

Joshua 19

The rest of the tribes got their inheritances, as did Joshua.

Remember that waaay back in the book of Numbers, Joshua was one of the faithful spies. He was promised a piece of the land, and in this chapter he got it.

Joshua 18

interestingly, God promised to divvy up the land, and he chose to do it through lots.

After all, nothing's random.

Don't lie

There's some wiggle room in "Thou shalt not bear false witness ." That's how most people have heard it. I've heard plenty of analysis that pretty much lets people off the hook. What it comes down to, though, is "Don't lie."

Not a lot of wiggle room there. 

But what about...? Don't lie. But what if...? Don't lie. It doesn't say, "Don't lie unless..." It says, "Don't lie."

So don't lie.

Joshua 17

Not only did apparently no one drive out all of the Canaanites from their territories, but some were actually afraid of them.

Remember that not doing what God says shows a lack of trust in him. Being afraid of the Canaanites ment that they weren't sure who was stronger.

Joshua 16

I'm not going to lie to you. This is boring.

My good friend and first Sunday School teacher David Alexander once said that if it's in the Bible, it's there for a reason. It's not there for everyone, though.

One year

it's been about a year since I got an iPad. A family I'd never met and haven't seen since gave it to me. I don't know the exact date, but it was around the first of December, and that seems easy to remember. Anyway, I'm very grateful.

But what have I used it for? I believe with all my heart that whatever I have should be used to advance the kingdom of God, and I've tried to do that. I've also ranted a good bit, but I won't tell if you won't.

I've also read around 125 books. This is partly because I love to read, and party because I want to stay ready to evangelize. I don't know if I'm going to get better or not, but I'm not going to stop trying, and I'm going to be ready to go when it's time. 

Have I accomplished anything with the incredible blessings I've been given? I'll find out one day.

Joshua 15

Much of the chapter-- much of the rest of the book of Joshua, in fact -- is very dry. Tucked in the middle of a long real estate definition is a story about Caleb.

It pays to read the whole chapter.

Review: RESOLVING PERSONAL CONFLICT by Ken Sane and Kevin Johnson

There isn't anything anti-Christian in this, but not much particularly Christian,either. It's based largely on modern psychology with a little Jesus on top.

Honestly, this book made little impression on me. I wouldn't recommend it on that basis alone.

Joshua 14

Caleb and Joshua were the faithful spies sent from Kadesh-barnea. Because of his faith, Caleb was allowed to pick his portion of the land.

Naturally, at the age of 85, Caleb chose not only an unconquered city, not only a fortified unconquered city, but a fortified unconquered city full of giants.

'Cause that's just the kind of guy he was.

Joshua 13

Even though Joshua had grown old, the land still wasn't entirely taken.

Just like God promised, remember?

Don't steal

This one's very straightforward. Read it however you like, in whatever version you like, and it's hard to get anything else out of it.

These are called the Ten Commandments, not the Ten Suggestions. Failing to obey them reveals a serious lack of trust in God. This one's no exception. The thief doesn't trust God to take care of him; he trusts his own ability.

Of course, if his abilities were that good, he wouldn't have to steal in the first place.

Joshua 12

This chapter is a list of the kings defeated by Israel under Moses and Joshua.

It's dull, but vital. This didn't happen in some distant, mythological past. God gave a specific place to specific people at a specific time. He invites us to check his work.

Joshua 11

If this looks different, it's because I'm trying something different. I doubt anyone will mind too much. 

This chapter covers the conquest of northern Canaan. We're told that God hardened the hearts of the Canaanites so they wouldn't make a deal like the people of Gibeon. 

 He hadn't promised the land to anyone else, and he wanted the people already there out. 

The real American religion

A few weeks ago, I wrote that football was a religion is many, and I stand by that. But while I was typing that, I realized what the actual religion of America is.

Simply put, the religion of America is America.

Before we go any farther, let's nip some objections in the bud. I don't hate this country; I love it, and I'm glad I was born here. I'm also not a godless Commie. Communism is a dilapidated building on a nonpartisan foundation, which only eliminated pickpockets by eliminating pockets. As for godless ... love for God is why I say what I do.

It's unfortunate and wrong, but we've always identified bibical Israel and America. I said it a while back, but nothing can be Christian. People can be, but things can't. Ergo, this isn't a Christian nation.

Let me repeat that. This isn't a Christian nation. It's also not a nation of Christians, as I've heard it put. Think about it. If this country has 200 million Christians, why does Hollywood keep putting out movies that are deliberately provocative? Why does TV get more offensive as it goes along? Why does it seem like the entire world is dead-set on using our worst instincts to separate us from a little money?

Why are we excited when our children learn to kill because someone told them to, to protect a country whose very constitution places it in opposition to God? I think Leopard Ravenhill put a very well when he asked, "Would we send our daughters to have sex with the enemy if it were for 'the good of the country'? Yet we send our sons to kill for the same reason!"

America didn't die to save you. You weren't created in the image of America. It's all well and good to say you love God and country, but what happens when you have to choose?

Joshua 10

Where the author of the book gave six chapters to this conquest of Jericho and two to Ai, the rest of the southern part of Canaan took less than a chapter.

It helped that five kings allied together, but it is clear a pattern had been established.

Review: PARALYZED BUT NOT POWERLESS by Kate Adamson

I read this on my wife's recommendation. Since she's smarter then me, I've learned over the years to pay a little attention to what she says.

Mrs. Adamson had the same kind of stroke that I did, but our circumstances were very different. Because of those differences, I can't honestly say that this book helped me.

I can appreciate the work that went into this, and the fact that so much credit is given to God, and I'm certainly glad for anything that gets the word out about this rare condition. In the end, though, this is a story of personal triumph, and that's just not a genre I like.

Joshua 9

The Gibeonites had a terrible choice. God had told his people to destroy everyone in this land. The only way to save their lives was to trick the Israelites into ensuring them.

What would you have done?

Joshua 8

Ai 2: The Rematch.

Guess how it went this time.