Bible references: Luke 10;  Psalms 116:12 "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?" We don't always know what is going to happen.   What people think isn't always what happens. It's not for to decide who accept or reject.   We are to go.  The 70 sent out and had a great time.  Chapter 9 demonstrates the disciples were unable to cast out a demon.   But in chapter 10, they are successful.   Yet we are to rejoice that our names are written in heaven.   Jesus wants our names written in the book in heaven.    It's not us who gets it right.   God's love is not based on how well we do something,  its based on his love for us. Psalm 51:15-17 Remembering the Gospel helps fight our pride and rely on his complete provision.   Christ sent the 70 (72) out in pairs to encourage one another.   Those who reject the message will be full of fear.  Anyone who despises you will be reckoned/judged as despises of Him who sent you. We do not win the victory. 

Bible references:  Joshua 3 and 4 The Israelites crossed the Jordon on dry ground.   There were 12 appointments to gather a stone from the Jordon and place them where they stayed that night.  The stones were a memorial to tell what the Lord had done that day. The people faithfully obeyed God.   Joshua led them.  He was God appointed.   He had to be about Gods business.   The people walked after the rule of the word and after the Spirit.   The Spirit gives direction,  freedom,  life. We must be prepared to pass ways we've never passed before,  do things we've not done before.  We are to be bold and courageous. Things can happen to us.  In the world today,  persecution is paramount.  We obey and follow God,  we are following the author and finisher of our faith.    The people had to sanctify themselves.   Walk away from our sin, and follow the Lord.  Let the Lord deal with our sin.   Be careful not to grieve the Spirit.   Whatever place your in depend on the Lord. God has the sam

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.  Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”  He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds  of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Matthew 13:31‭-‬33 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.13.31-33.NIV The mustard seed demonstrates the dynamic growth of the Church even when the world is against it.  The parable of the mustard seed show the power of God.   The contrast of the smallest of the Kingdom against the Kingdom of the world.   What could be less significant than a small church or a tent revival.   Or a missionary couple living half a world away amongst natives.   We expect to find the Kingdom in the mega Churches, but these parables suggest that the real ki

Acts 20:24; Joshua 1:1-18; 1 Timothy 3:1-10 Martin Luther  - need to pray 3 hours to get work done.  Joshua respected Moses and obeyed him.  Joshua had the form of a servant.  Our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth and took the form of a servant.   Jesus obeyed His Father in heaven,  just as Joshua did under Moses.   Those who accept the authority of those placed in leadership under God's command.  Good leadership makes us want to obey if we accept his authority.   Joshua had learnt this. Obstacles: - Jordan in flood - Jericho  - moving the nation of Israel  Joshua made the Law of the Lord his rule.  The Law is not burdensome until Man becomes involved.   We are to meditate on God's law day and night.  People have to meditate on God's word.   Pastors, leaders cannot do this for people.  We must not neglect the ways of the Lord.   Read it, 'chew on it', teach by example.  Do not let your own failures dishearten you.  Look at the Lord and you will get there. 

Bible references:  Joshua 2 The cleverness of Joshua who sent spies into the land of Canaan to observe and report.  Caleb at the age of 80 raises an army to help take the land the Lord had promised the people.   When we don't use something God has given us, the item doesn't change,  but the value does.  When God gives you something,  use it or lose it. Joshua had the spies in to observe Jericho.   Joshua just sent them to Jericho,  to report to him, as the general.   He wanted to protect for the good of the nation.  This is a story about faith.  Faith in God's promises.  We've got to have the right faith in the right thing.  Faith in God and his promises.   We are to be diligent in doing this His way. Into the city the spies went and found Rehab.  But God had been working in the city and in the life of Rahab.  That which seems to us to be accidental meetings, is God at work.  God raised a woman to help Gods people.   James 2:25 - she did her work by faith.   Joshua had