In today’s Old Testament reading we would have a hard time to find a lot of “substance” for daily devotional living. However, don’t miss the forest for the trees. What Joshua 15 is telling us is that God gave the Israelites what he promised them. There are two points to consider her.

First, God is a promise keeper. He had promised Abraham that he would give them a place for his people. He had used Moses to deliver his people to that promised land. And he empowered Joshua to take the land. This passage is a fulfillment to God’s promise to Abraham hundreds of years earlier. God keeps his promises. This is important to us as we face daily trials and tribulations. We need to recognize God as someone who will not fail his people.

Secondly, Joshua ends this chapter with the following passage; “But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. So the Jebusites live in Jerusalem among the descendants of Judah to this day.” This means that there were non-Israelite people living among the chosen people of God. Here we see again that God has always intended to impact the entire world. Every tribe and people group are on God’s agenda to reach. The Jebusites get to see first hand Godly influence through the lives of the Israelites. Their obedience is recognized.

This should encourage us as believers to know that God has always wanted to reach the world. We need to live as the Israelites among the Jebusites and influence then in a spiritual manner. As we enter into the book of Acts what better time is there to consider those around us who God is trying to reach through our obedience to Him!

This is a difficult topic for most people to discuss, but an important one. It will be important to nurture and atmosphere of openness to the group.

Opening Up:

1. What were some things that you wanted as a kid that you never received? How did it make you feel?
2. Would you say that you are a “content” person overall? Why or why not?

Digging In:

1. Read Philippians 4:10-20. What most intrigues you about this passage? What most convicts you?
2. Do you feel that you have learned the “secret” of contentment? Is it easy for you to ask God for help in the times of need and abundance? Why or why not?
3. Have you noticed a time in your life when you have depended on God less, based on whether you were in need or abundance?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Have you seen this verse to be true in your life? How?
5. Why is it so hard for people to give generously?
6. How do you think this passage parallels with tithing?
7. How have you seen the “Dark Side” of money in your life (based on Brandon’s message)

Making it Yours

1. How well would you say your giving is tied to your trust in God?
2. Are there issues that are holding you back from being a contented person? What are they?
3. Are there issues that are holding you back from being a generous person? What are they?
4. How has money/possessions been a “power” in your life?

Pray as a group to become more contented and generous people.

“Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)

In today’s reading we see the transition of leadership of the Israelites from Moses to Joshua. The great leader Moses, is dead, and now Joshua must lead the people into the land that God has promised them. There will never again be another leader of God’s chosen people than Moses. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 states;

 No prophet has arisen again in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. ¹¹ He was unparalleled for all the signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do against the land of Egypt—to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to all his land, ¹² and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

It is most likely that Joshua is the one who wrote those words. As the leader of God’s people he is fully aware that he is not as close to God as Moses was. This must have made him very nervous. So nervous that God starts the book of Joshua with encouragement to him. Verses 6-9 mark God’s encouragement to Joshua to be brave and have courage. These are very popular verses to share with people who are feeling afraid, however, this passage isn’t about “bucking up” and being brave. There is more to it than that.

Notice what the source of bravery is to be for Joshua. It isn’t his ability. It isn’t the power of their numbers. It isn’t even God’s power, per se. It is God’s Word. Joshua is to keep God’s Word front and foremost on his mind and this will bring about the courage he desires.

This applies to us as well. Our courage shouldn’t come from positive Christian thinking, or faith. Our courage should come from God’s word. We can see over and over again how God is a God of promise and that he protects those he commits himself to. We should be encouraged today that we serve the same God and that he, too, wants us to be strong and courageous in our daily tasks of sharing him with the world.