Are you ready to read through the Book of Joshua in one week?! We won’t read every chapter in Joshua, of course, but this is an exciting book highlighting when God’s people entered the Promised Land. This week is a good week to emphasize the hopeful vision of New Harvest Church. We are at a crossroads after settling into this new property and location that God has given us. What does God have in mind for us as a church congregation? What kind of mission has he called us to? I believe the Promised Land is before us in that we would grow in our influence for the sake of Christ, that the Lord would give us a new harvest. We are six years old and I pray that we would be used by God to be a church of influence for 1,000 people. That God would give us a heart to win, build and send many more people. I believe that’s the Promised Land for New Harvest church.

March 1: Joshua 3:1-17 – “The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.” (verse 17) God showed his great power by working a miracle of timing and location to allow his people to cross the river on dry ground. This testimony of God’s supernatural power helped Israel have courage even when they were greatly outnumbered by the people that occupied the Promised Land. The next steps in our journey as a church will take a great deal of faith and courage. Living out God’s purpose in your life will need the same. What rivers in your life does God need to part? How’s your faith these days?

March 2: Joshua 5:13-6:27 – This is the most famous story in the Book of Joshua. If I mentioned the city Jericho you would immediately know what I was talking about. “When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.” (verse 20) God uses the most unusual approach to conquering the city of Jericho. In our lives, many times we need God to break down the walls that keep us stuck. Even this last Sunday I spoke on the importance of being honest about attitudes and hurts that keep you stuck. What walls do you want to collapse in your life? How does this story encourage you? What do you think is the main point?

March 3: Joshua 7:1-26 – This story isn’t near as familiar as Jericho. But since Jericho went so well the people proceeded to Ai, and yet were not faithful to God’s commands. “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.” (verse 1) One person/family had offended the living God and the community would all be affected. We think that God always perceives things from an individual’s point of view, but God is very mindful of the community. So when Israel eliminated the sin from their community, God would bless them to move on. I wonder how the sins of our church body affect our lives. I don’t understand the full implication, but I know that we are more connected in the mind of God than our individualistic way of life would indicate. How conscious are you of the church body when you make choices? How have we lost our sense of united life together as God’s people? What does this story teach you?

March 4: Joshua 10:1-15 – The Life Application Bible reading schedule has pointed us to this story as one that would encourage faith. Even though the Israelites were fighting, they could not finish off the enemy forces of the Amorites, so God extended the day that they could complete their victory. “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!” (vv. 13b&14) It is clear that the day was prolonged by a miracle and that God’s intervention turned the tide of the battle for his people. This is such a great encouragement that God will help us accomplish what he has called us to do. He often will empower the natural means of our intellect and effort, but do not count out the fact that he is able to do supernatural things on our behalf. How does this story encourage you? How do you need God’s grace to be prolonged so that you can accomplish what he has called you to do? How might you need to be patient and trust him that he will bring to completion his promises in your life?

March 5: Joshua 23:1-16 – “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.” (verse 6) These words are almost identical to what the Lord had spoken to Joshua in chapter 1. Joshua was faithful to take what God had taught him and pass it on. Even though his life was coming to a close, he wanted those closest to him to carry on with the same heartbeat for God. In verse 8 he uses the phrase, “hold fast to the Lord.” This could be a summary of his life. Joshua wanted to leave a legacy for the leaders they would follow. What do you think of a legacy? Is leaving a legacy an ambition that you have? Why or why not? How did God use Joshua to prepare the next generation?

March 6: Joshua 24:1-31 – “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (verse 15) You know this verse. Wendy and I used to have a plaque that would hang near the front door of our house. It had these words on it. Committing our whole lives to the Lord is the only way to assure that God’s best will be accomplished (in our lives). But it is a decision. Joshua chose allegiance to God and he invites others to do the same. “Choose for yourselves this day” – what are you choosing? Could you hang a plaque that have the words of this verse written on it and it be authentic? Why or why not?

March 7: Judges 4:4-24 – We will meet Deborah, the judge. One Mother’s Day Deborah was the focus of my message. Deborah is a great example of courage and leadership through a godly woman. “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.” (vv. 4 & 5) God chose Deborah to lead Israel. He can choose anyone to lead his people, young or old, man or woman. Don’t let your prejudices get in the way of those God may have chosen to lead you. How does Deborah’s example encourage women to be fully engaged in ministry and leadership. If you are a woman, what is God saying to you through her life? If you are a man, how might God use you to appreciate the godly women in your life?

Are you ready for a week in the Book of Judges?! The key verse is mentioned a few times in the book with these words, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” (17:6) Some have suggested that the Book of Judges resembles the independent spirit in today’s world. Even so, Judges teaches us that God is still at work using people for His purposes. Samson is an example; he shows what can be done for God and also the devastating consequences of living with a blind spot. That was really the subject of last Sunday’s message and is a real issue still today. You will see some blind spots in these leaders of Israel which can be a teaching tool for you and me.

March 8: Judges 6:1-40 – Gideon was a real hero and his story is a highlight of our reading today. “When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’” (verse 12) God saw something in Gideon that Gideon did not even see in himself. God was calling Gideon to lead. As is the case in many situations in the Bible, he was reluctant. God said these words, which would be absolutely enough for Gideon and anyone else, “I will be with you.” I believe God says the same thing to you and me. What does it mean that God is with us. Why is that promise so significant? Why is that enough?

March 9: Judges 7:1-25 – “The LORD said to Gideon, ‘With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.’ So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.” (vv.7 & 8 ) God reduces the Israelite army from 32,000 to 300. With an army this vastly outnumbered, there could be no doubt the victory was from God. God works in this way to show his power and strength. In light of this, we can be confident of victory against life challenges and temptations as we put our confidence in God and not in ourselves. I think that lesson is a very significant lesson that will help each of us. What do you learn in this chapter about God’s promises? How does this chapter fly in the face of present day philosophy (more is better)? What is God calling you to apply to your life from this chapter?

March 10: Judges 13:1-25 – We begin with the study of Samson for the remainder of this week. Samson will teach us both about the successes of being empowered by God and the failures of trusting in others or yourself. “The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the LORD blessed him, and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.” (vv. 24 & 25) What do you learn about Samson in this chapter? How is he to live? Why would God give some specific stipulations for his life? God would use Samson’s hereditary traits, his natural abilities and the power of his own Spirit for the task he had prepared for him. Each of these were important aspects to Samson’s call from God. How has God prepared for you through your upbringing; your natural abilities; and the power of the Holy Spirit? How are these each from God?

March 11: Judges 14:1-20 – “His father and mother replied, ‘Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?’ But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.’” (verse 3) Samson’s parents obviously objected to his marrying the Philistine woman. This was not according to God’s commands. The Philistines were strong enemies against God’s people. This would be a disgrace to Samson’s family. But he disobeyed the advice of his parents, which would be an indication of a lifelong struggle for Samson. What is the problem here? What is an obvious blind spot in Samson’s life? What else do you see in this chapter that causes you concern? Are any of these in your life?

March 12: Judges 15:1-20 – “Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, ‘Don’t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?’ He answered, ‘I merely did to them what they did to me.’” (verse 11) Samson was influenced by revenge. His acts of retaliation would come back to curse him. The revenge cycle can only be halted through forgiveness. This will be our subject this coming Sunday as I speak on repairing relationships. Samson made many poor choices about relationships. How do you see that here? Do you see the decline in Samson’s life? What got your attention in this chapter?

March 13: Judges 16:1-21 – This is obviously the most disappointing story in the life of Samson. It is the story that most of us are familiar with because it has to do with Delilah. “Then she said to him, ‘How can you say, “I love you,” when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength.’ With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.” (vv. 15 & 16) Samson could not smother the burning fire of lust. Delilah was a user. Samson was the enabler, of course. His desire for love and sexual pleasure stained his character and diminished his ability to make wise choices. It was his strongest blind spot. Samson was disobedient to God because of a woman. What gets your attention in this story? In a sexually crazed world are you living above the trap of lust, sensuality and the physical appetites that only give temporary satisfaction? How?

March 14: Judges 16:22-31 – This is the end for Samson. “Then Samson prayed to the LORD, ‘O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.’” (verse 28) God answered his prayer and he destroyed the pagan temple and all the worshipers there. God still loved Samson even though he has been disobedient. This should give us great encouragement because God would still work in Samson’s situation and he can work in yours. Samson was willing to give his own life for this purpose. Even though the message of Samson’s life is upsetting, it does end with some sense of redemption. In humility Samson gave his life for the purposes of God at the end. What comes to your mind about the life of Samson? Are there lessons from his life that God wants to teach you? Why or why not?

Most of this week we will read about Ruth. Ruth is someone significant to me because her words of pledge to her mother-in-law are words that Wendy and I used in our wedding. “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (1:16) Ruth’s story is a marvelous example of God’s grace in the midst of very difficult circumstances. Ruth’s courage and perseverance are a great example to us. I hope her story inspires you as it does me. We have been reading for almost three months, and we are in page 381 in my Bible. Isn’t it meaningful to progress through the Bible, learning more about God’s truth!? I want to encourage you to continue to ask God what he wants to say to you through his Word. As you apply his Word to your life, you will be stronger and on the pathway that God has for you.

March 15: Ruth 1:1-22 –“Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons-would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD’s hand has gone out against me!” (vv. 12 & 13) Naomi was bitter towards God. God had taken away her husband, and she was also sad that God had taken away her sons. Five times in the verses in this chapter Naomi holds God accountable for her bitterness. There are many people like this today. Not only are they bitter, they enjoy being bitter. They somehow like it and they feed on it. They wouldn’t know what to do if they got rid of it. Why is bitterness destructive? What did we learn about bitterness this past Sunday through the sermon message?

March 16: Ruth 2:1-23 – “Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’” (vv. 11 & 12) Boaz will affirm Ruth’s life and her admirable qualities. She gained a good reputation through what she did for her mother-in-law. She was the same person no matter where she was – faithful, hardworking and brave. What do you like about Ruth? What qualities does she have that you want in your life?

March 17: Ruth 3:1-18 – “Then Naomi said, ‘Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.’” (verse 18) Not only do we learn that Ruth has a marvelous character, but so does this man Boaz. Boaz would follow through with his promise. He obviously had a reputation of keeping his word and would not rest until his task was completed. Reliable people are rare, but he was one of them. Do people regard you as reliable? Why is follow through so important to your Christian witness?

March 18: Ruth 4:1-22 – “The women said to Naomi: ‘Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.’” (vv. 14 & 15) This is the culmination of the story. From the beginning of the Book of Ruth until the end her kindness towards others remained unchanged. Ruth was most fortunate as God took care of her, even through the most difficult of situations. But Ruth is not only a marvelous woman, she is also a part of the legacy of Jesus Christ. David would be born as one of her descendents and the Messiah would follow. Her rewards would far outweigh any sacrifice that she had ever made. What does Ruth teach you? How does her example help you to persevere?

March 19: 1 Samuel 1:1-28 – We are enjoying reading about godly women in the Bible. We will be introduced to Hannah in this chapter. Hannah trusted God for a son and committed him to the Lord if he would bless her with a child. “‘I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.’ And he worshiped the LORD there.” (vv. 27 & 28) Hannah gave up what she wanted most, her son, and presented him to the priest, Eli. She has been an example of a godly parent who knows that a child born is a gift from God. Hannah dedicated her son to a lifetime of service to the Lord. Have you dedicated your children to the Lord in your heart? How does Hannah’s example motivate you?

March 20: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 – In this chapter we see how God speaks to Samuel. It is inspiring to know that God seeks us out as we are called to seek him out. “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.” (vv. 19 & 20) An affirmation of Hannah’s son, who would be known as a prophet of the Lord. Everyone in Israel knew that Samuel was called by God to be a spokesman for God’s truth. How can we help our children be everything that God intended them to be? Who might God be calling your sons or daughters to serve him? Are you willing to release them? Do you want to fan the fullest expression of service and faith in their lives?

March 21: 1 Samuel 8:1-5 – This short paragraph is a very succinct and upsetting paragraph at the same time. “They said to him, ‘You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.’” (verse 5) The disappointment of Samuel’s sons not following in his footsteps cannot be underestimated. I’m sure Samuel would have given it all up just to have his sons walk in the ways of the Lord. So Israel wanted a king to be like the other nations. I get the sense throughout the following chapters that this was not God’s primary desire. What might these five verses say to you in your life? Why would the approach of the world to appoint a king not be God’s best plan? How do you think God wanted his people to respond?

As we begin our reading this week we will be confronted with the major tension found in this book. The people wanted a king and the Lord was obviously displeased with their motivation. He, as God, would be their king, but they wanted a king like all the other nations. Most of this week we will read about Saul, who starts quickly but declines so much so that God rejects him as king. We will meet the greatest king in the history of Israel by the time this week ends. One of the most familiar stories in the Bible is about Goliath.

March 22: 1 Samuel 8:6-22 – “When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day. But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.’” (vv. 18 – 20) As I have mentioned, this is an opposition to God’s original plan. Their motivation for a king was wrong. Samuel outlined the potential problems but the people refused to listen. They went through the caution light of so many issues just to be like the other nations surrounding them. What is the main subject that pertains to your life? Why do we want to be like others, who don’t even have our same values? What warning does this give you?

March 23: 1 Samuel 9:1-21 – “But the servant replied, ‘Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.’” (verse 6) I think this is the first caution flag with Saul being chosen as the king. He seems ignorant of something everyone else knew about. Samuel was God’s man in that area. Saul lived in that area too and he didn’t even know about him. Saul had all the credentials that would make him a king fit for promise and authority, but it seems like he had minimal instincts about spiritual matter. One’s talent for the things that the world deems as special talents pale in comparison to a genuine closeness with God. The promises of the Bible are connected to godliness, which means “a God-ward-ness.” That was our focus this past Sunday. Do you have any sense that Saul was godly? Why or why not? Why was he chosen? Do you think that God wanted to show the Israelites something about their values? I do.

March 24: 1 Samuel 10:1-27 – “But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, ‘No, set a king over us.’ So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” (verse 19) The message of the Scriptures is that Israel’s true king was the living God. But as a nation, they demanded another leader, who was human and yet impressive. There would be nothing attractive about the kings of Israel, except a few godly examples that would be the minority. How are you processing what Israel did in picking a king named Saul? What seems faulty to you? Do you ever fall prey to this kind of thinking? How?

March 25: 1 Samuel 14:1-23 – This is a beautiful story about a man named Jonathan who is courageous and trusted in God. Jonathan was the son of Saul. “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.’” (verse 6) This is the key verse about Jonathan’s spiritual disposition as he trusted God. It reminds me of how David responded to Goliath, which we will read in a few more days. Jonathan knew the size of the enemy and yet it did not restrict God’s ability to help him. God has always honored the faith and courage of people like Jonathan and his servant. With the Lord on our side there is always enough resources to bravely face the challenges of life. Are you facing some insurmountable challenges? How does Jonathan’s example help you in having courage to trust God in the midst of difficult circumstances?

March 26: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 – “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” (verse 7) Our story has been about Saul who was tall and handsome, impressive in many ways. Samuel was still looking for that kind of person to be the next king. But this wasn’t the biggest criteria to God for the next king. He was looking for a man after his own heart. While we look at the outward appearance, God cares about the heart. How is your heart? David would be called a man after God’s own heart. Does that description fit for you? Why or why not?

March 27: 1 Samuel 17:1-31 – This is the introduction to our famous story of David and Goliath. Goliath had caused fear to sweep over the Israelite army. “Then the Philistine said, ‘This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.’ On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” (vv. 10 & 11) The estimate is that Goliath was over 9 feet tall. Saul was probably especially fearful because he would be the next best match for Goliath. However, in God’s eyes Goliath was no different than anyone else. It wasn’t until David arrived with faith that this truth would be made known. Up until this point, the Israelites were terrified. What does the Bible say about fear? Why are we so prone to be afraid? What did the Israelites need in this situation?

March 28: 1 Samuel 17:32-58 – “’Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you.’” (vv. 36 & 37) David’s confidence is inspiring. He looks back at his life and he sees how many times the Lord had taken care of him. When you face towering problems recall how God has helped you in the past. God has carried you through some of the most difficult situations and he will do it again. It took courage to face the situation, but also faith that God was reliable. What about this story challenges you? Do you have experiences that reveal God’s faithfulness? What vision has God given you that is full of faith for the future?

Our reading schedule takes us through the heart of David’s life as a young man anointed to be king. However, there would be over ten years before it would actually happen, and during those years he was running for his life. But God’s purposes and plan are always accomplished and David would be made king over Israel by the end of this week. However, reading about David doesn’t exactly connect with Easter Week, so my suggestion to you is to also read John 18-20 for your own personal devotion and connection to the marvelous theme of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the core of Christianity. There is a verse that David wrote that gives the hope of the resurrection: “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:9-11) My prayer is that we will celebrate the resurrection with joy and gratitude, as well as continue to share this marvelous message with the world that needs Christ.

March 29: 1 Samuel 18:1-30 – “And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.” (vv. 3 & 4) This is one of my favorite chapters because it introduces the friendship of David and Jonathan. They show what a true friendship can be. They based their friendship on a commitment to God; they pledge loyalty to each other; and even though their friendship would be tested, it would remain strong. “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” (2 Samuel 1:25 & 26) What do you think of David and Jonathan’s friendship? Why are friendships so important? What do you learn about friendship from these two men?

March 30: 1 Samuel 20:1-42 – “But show me unfailing kindness like that of the LORD as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” (vv. 14 & 15) David would not only honor that promise as long as Jonathan lived, but he would continue to fulfill that promise so that every one of Jonathan’s family members was protected. In 2 Samuel 9 we will read about David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, who was one of Jonathan’s sons. That will be our Scripture reading on Easter Sunday. Why is loyalty so important? Why is it hard to trust people? How might you develop a friendship like this one in your life?

March 31: 1 Samuel 24:1-22 – “Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, ‘The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.’ With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” (vv. 5-7) It is amazing to see David’s respect for Saul, the king, when the whole time Saul has been trying to kill him. David trusted God’s way of avenging. It reminds me of Romans 12:17-19. It is God’s prerogative to avenge a wrong, and David trusted that. How do you think of your enemies? Are there people in your life that are opposing you? How could David’s example help you?