Posts that reference the book of Joshua

STT: The Meditation Method

When Joshua was about to lead Israel into the Promised Land, God gave him this instruction: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8). Meditation was God’s prescribed method for internalizing Scripture.

Biblical meditation is quite different from Eastern meditation, which often involves emptying the mind. Instead, biblical meditation means filling your mind with God’s Word through thoughtful, prayerful reflection.

1. Slow Down and Savor

Meditation requires unhurried time:

Choose a short passage (even a single verse)
Read it multiple times slowly
Emphasize different words each time
Pause between readings to let the words sink in

Try reading Psalm 23:1 five times, each time emphasizing a different word: “THE Lord is my shepherd,” “The LORD is my shepherd,” and so on. Notice how the meaning shifts with each emphasis.

2. Personalize the Text

Make Scripture your own conversation with God:

Replace pronouns with your name
Rewrite passages as prayers
Turn statements into questions for self-examination

For example, transform Colossians 3:12 from “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts…” to “Lord, help me, [your name], as your chosen and beloved child, to put on a compassionate heart today…”

3. Visualize the Scene

Use your imagination to enter the biblical narrative:

Picture the setting, people, and actions described
Imagine yourself as one of the characters
Consider what you might see, hear, feel, or smell

When reading about Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), imagine the spray of water, the howling wind, the disciples’ panic, and the sudden, astonishing calm.

4. Connect to Your Life

Move from reflection to application:

Ask: “Where do I see this truth in my own experience?”
Consider: “What would change if I truly believed this?”
Pray: “Lord, show me how to live this out today”

For your next study session: Choose Psalm 1:1-3, which itself describes meditation on God’s Word. Spend 15 minutes with just these verses. Read them slowly, visualize the imagery of the tree planted by streams, personalize the promises, and consider what it means to be “like a tree planted by streams of water” in your daily life.

What verse might you select for extended meditation this week?

STT: Miracles

By Paula Wiseman

Study tip tuesday water water everywhere miracles title graphic

“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” – Mark 4:41

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His sovereignty through miraculous control over water. These water miracles reveal not only divine power over nature but also profound theological truths about God’s character, His redemptive purposes, and His relationship with His people.

Water from Rock: Provision in Impossible Places

One of the most striking water miracles occurs when God provides water from solid rock:

Miracle at Horeb/Massah

When Israel complained of thirst in the wilderness, God instructed Moses: “Strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink” (Exodus 17:6)
This miracle demonstrated God’s ability to provide in seemingly impossible circumstances
The people named the place Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling), marking their lack of faith despite the miracle

Miracle at Kadesh

Years later, a similar situation arose at Kadesh, where God instructed Moses to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8)
Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it, yet water still flowed abundantly
Though the miracle occurred, Moses’ disobedience in how he performed it prevented him from entering the Promised Land

Theological Significance

Paul reveals the deeper meaning: “The rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4)
This miracle foreshadowed how Christ, when struck, would become the source of living water
The abundant water from a seemingly barren source symbolized grace flowing from an unexpected place

Parting of Waters: Path Through the Impossible

Multiple times in Scripture, God miraculously parts waters to create paths for His people:

The Red Sea Crossing

When trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, Moses stretched out his hand, and “the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land” (Exodus 14:21)
The Israelites passed through on dry ground while the waters formed walls on their right and left
When the Egyptians pursued, the waters returned to their normal course, destroying the enemy

The Jordan River Crossing

Under Joshua’s leadership, when the priests carrying the ark stepped into the Jordan, “the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap” (Joshua 3:16)
This miracle echoed the Red Sea crossing, connecting God’s past faithfulness with His present activity
The twelve memorial stones taken from the riverbed served as a lasting testimony to future generations

Elijah and Elisha’s Crossings

Elijah struck the Jordan with his cloak, and “the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground” (2 Kings 2:8)
After Elijah’s ascension, Elisha repeated the miracle, confirming the transfer of prophetic authority
This smaller-scale parting of waters connected these prophets to the Exodus tradition

Theological Significance

These miracles demonstrate God’s power over chaos (represented by water in ancient Near Eastern thought)
They reveal God’s commitment to making a way where there seems to be no way
The dry path through threatening waters symbolizes salvation itself—safe passage through what would otherwise destroy

Water into Wine: Transformation Miracle

Jesus’ first recorded miracle involved water’s transformation:

The Miracle at Cana

At a wedding feast in Cana, Jesus instructed servants to fill six stone water jars with water (John 2:7)
When drawn out, the water had become fine wine—better than what had been served earlier
This transformation occurred without any visible action or incantation from Jesus

Symbolic Significance

The water jars were used for “Jewish rites of purification” (John 2:6), connecting this miracle to the theme of old and new covenant
The transformation of purification water into celebratory wine symbolized the shift from law to grace
The abundance (approximately 120-180 gallons) represented the overflowing nature of Christ’s provision

Calming the Storm: Authority Over Chaotic Waters

Jesus demonstrated divine authority over threatening waters:

The Miracle on the Sea of Galilee

During a violent storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat while the disciples feared for their lives
When awakened, “he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39)
The disciples’ response—”Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”—indicates the theological significance of this miracle

Walking on Water

In a separate incident, Jesus approached the disciples’ boat by walking on the stormy sea (Matthew 14:25)
Peter briefly joined Jesus on the water before his faith faltered
Jesus’ command over the water that threatened to engulf Peter demonstrated His power to save

Theological Significance

These miracles echo Old Testament descriptions of God’s power over chaotic waters: “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them” (Psalm 89:9)
Jesus’ authority over water revealed His divine identity
The calming of external chaos parallels Jesus’ ability to calm internal turmoil

Healing Waters: Restoration Through Water

Several miracles involve healing through water:

The Pool of Bethesda

Jesus healed a paralyzed man who had waited 38 years beside the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9)
Popular belief held that an angel would stir the waters, healing the first person to enter
Jesus bypassed the water entirely, demonstrating His superior healing power

The Pool of Siloam

Jesus healed a man born blind by applying mud to his eyes and instructing him to “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (John 9:7)
The man’s obedience in washing resulted in complete restoration of sight
The name “Siloam” means “sent,” connecting this healing water to Jesus as the One sent by the Father

Naaman’s Healing

Elisha instructed Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:10)
Naaman initially resisted, expecting a more dramatic healing ritual
His eventual obedience resulted in skin “like the flesh of a little child” (2 Kings 5:14)

Theological Significance

These healing waters demonstrate that restoration often comes through simple obedience rather than spectacular displays
The contrast between expected and actual methods of healing challenges human preconceptions about divine activity
Water becomes not magical in itself but a medium through which faith is expressed and God’s power manifested

When you encounter water miracles in your Bible reading, consider:

Divine revelation: What aspect of God’s character does this miracle reveal?
Human response: How do witnesses react to this demonstration of power over water?
Symbolic meaning: What spiritual truth might this water miracle illustrate?
New Testament connections: How does this miracle connect to Christ’s person and work?

Water miracles in Scripture remind us that the same God who controls the physical elements holds sovereign power over all circumstances in our lives. These miracles serve as divine signatures throughout biblical history.

STT: Water, Water Everywhere: Rivers

By Paula Wiseman

Studt tip Tuesday Water Water everywhere Rivers title graphic

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” – Psalm 46:4

Throughout Scripture, rivers serve as more than mere geographical features—they are powerful symbols that help tell God’s story of redemption. By understanding the significance of these waterways, we gain deeper insight into biblical narratives and their theological meaning.

The Jordan River: A Boundary of Promise

The Jordan River stands as perhaps the most significant waterway in Scripture. When Joshua led the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, the Jordan represented the final barrier between their wilderness wandering and their inheritance. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water, “the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap” (Joshua 3:16), allowing God’s people to cross on dry ground.

This miraculous crossing echoed the Red Sea deliverance and demonstrated God’s faithfulness to His promises. The twelve memorial stones taken from the riverbed served as a lasting reminder that “the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over” (Joshua 4:23).

The Jordan as Symbol of Transition

Throughout Scripture, the Jordan consistently marks significant transitions:

For Israel, crossing the Jordan represented the transition from nomadic wilderness life to settlement in the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4)
For Elijah, the Jordan marked his transition from earthly ministry to heavenly reward as he crossed it before being taken up in the chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:6-8)
For Elisha, crossing back over the Jordan using Elijah’s mantle symbolized his transition into the prophetic office (2 Kings 2:13-14)
For Jesus, his baptism in the Jordan marked the transition from his private life to public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17)

The Jordan as Symbol of Cleansing

The Jordan’s waters are repeatedly associated with cleansing:

Naaman the Syrian was instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cleansed of leprosy, symbolizing both physical and spiritual purification (2 Kings 5:10-14)
John the Baptist conducted his ministry of repentance at the Jordan, where people were “baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5)
Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan established it as the archetypal location for Christian baptism, which Paul later describes as washing away sins (Acts 22:16)

The Jordan as Symbol of New Beginnings

The Jordan consistently appears at moments of new beginnings in biblical narrative:

Israel’s new beginning as a nation in their own land commenced with crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3)
Elisha’s new ministry began after crossing the Jordan (2 Kings 2)
The Gospels present Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan as inaugurating a new covenant, marked by the voice from heaven and descent of the Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)

Other Rivers That Tell God’s Story

The Nile River: Symbol of Both Provision and Judgment

The Nile River features prominently in Egypt’s relationship with God’s people:

It became the cradle of protection for baby Moses when his mother placed him in a basket among the reeds (Exodus 2:3-5)
God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt’s most revered resource by turning the Nile to blood as the first plague (Exodus 7:17-21)
The Nile represented Egypt’s agricultural prosperity and false security, which Isaiah prophesied would dry up as judgment (Isaiah 19:5-7)
In Egyptian culture, the Nile was worshipped as a god, making God’s control over it a powerful statement about His supremacy over false deities

The Euphrates and Tigris: Boundaries of Civilization and Empire

These rivers defined the cradle of civilization and played significant roles in biblical history:

Both are mentioned in the Garden of Eden narrative, establishing them as part of God’s original creation (Genesis 2:14)
The Euphrates marked the northeastern boundary of God’s territorial promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18)
Babylon, situated on the Euphrates, became the place of Israel’s exile and captivity (2 Kings 24:10-16)
The prophets used the Euphrates symbolically in their messages about coming judgment and restoration (Jeremiah 13:1-11)
Revelation depicts the Euphrates drying up to prepare the way for the kings from the east in end-time events (Revelation 16:12)

The Jabbok River: Site of Spiritual Transformation

Though smaller, the Jabbok River marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s spiritual history:

Jacob wrestled with God at the ford of the Jabbok, experiencing profound spiritual transformation (Genesis 32:22-32)
After crossing this river and encountering God, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (“he struggles with God”)
This river crossing represents the spiritual struggle that precedes blessing and the intimate encounter with God that transforms identity

The Kishon River: Instrument of Divine Victory

The Kishon demonstrates how God uses natural features in His deliverance:

This river became the site of Deborah and Barak’s victory over Sisera’s army when God sent a flood that immobilized the enemy’s chariots (Judges 4:7, 5:21)
The Kishon is celebrated in Deborah’s song as having “swept them away,” showing how God uses creation itself to accomplish His purposes

Rivers in Prophetic Vision: Future Hope and Restoration

Rivers feature prominently in prophetic literature as symbols of God’s future restoration:

Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1-12) grows deeper and wider, bringing healing and life wherever it flows
This imagery finds its fulfillment in Revelation 22:1-2, where “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” sustains the tree of life whose leaves are “for the healing of the nations”
Isaiah speaks of God making “rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19), symbolizing the miraculous provision and restoration God promises His people

Each of these rivers carries not just water but profound theological significance, helping us understand God’s character, His dealings with humanity, and His ultimate purposes for creation.

When you encounter rivers in your Bible reading, consider:
Historical context: How did this river impact the geography and history of God’s people?
Symbolic meaning: What might this river represent in the spiritual narrative?
Connections: How does this river connect to other biblical passages and themes?
Personal application: What spiritual lessons can you draw from this river narrative?
Rivers in Scripture often mark boundaries between promise and fulfillment, slavery and freedom, death and life. They remind us that God often leads us through barriers that seem impossible to cross, making a way where there seems to be no way.
For reflection: What “Jordan River” stands between you and God’s promises in your life? How might God be calling you to step into those waters in faith, trusting Him to make a way?

Not a Word Failed

By Paula Wiseman

Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. Joshua 21:45

Not a word failed. All came to pass.

God had spoken three major promises to Israel:

He promised to give them an inheritance.
He promised to give them rest.
He promised to give them victory over their enemies.

They received all three. Joshua 21:43-45 summarizes this. Genesis through Joshua gives more details.

Now consider…

God has given us an inheritance that cannot be taken away.
God has given us rest body and soul.
God has given us victory over our enemies, chiefly sin and death and hell.

Not one word has ever failed of any good thing God has ever spoken.

Ask God to show you the evidence. Resolve to give Him due praise.

God’s Words
Whose words?

Joshua

By Paula Wiseman

So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel. Judges 2:7

Do you know someone like Joshua?

Someone who served as a role model for you.
Someone who served God with consistent passion.
Someone who lived their faith rather than simply professing it.

You could argue that generation had great faith because they saw great works.
I would suggest that they had great faith first, so they saw great works.
Joshua called on Jehovah as a slave in Egypt before he ever saw the Red Sea part or the walls of Jericho fall.

We have a generation who desperately needs a Joshua or two, or more.

We need people who will serve as role models.
People who serve God with consistent passion.
People who live their faith rather than simply professing it.

People who will exercise great faith so God can reveal His mighty works.

Take time to thank God for your Joshua.
Commit to being the next one.

Don’t Fear, Believe

By Paula Wiseman

Don't fear only believe title graphic with a goldfish jumping from a small bowl to a big one

Last week, we talked a little about fear. More often than not, fear leads to distrust of God’s goodness and disobedience to His commands. Jesus encouraged us to believe rather than be afraid. I don’t think He’s advocating simple positive thinking, or some kind of abstract visualization. Fair enough. But believe what? Well, believe God. Okay, but that also sounds like an unsatisfying “church” answer. Let’s use God’s encouragement of Joshua for a framework of what truth we can cling to rather than our fear.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? – God is sovereignly in control of every situation, even the ones that cause us anxiety and fear. This is important. The circumstances are not in control, and the other people in the situation are not in control. God is. He has allowed a fearful situation to develop because He determined He can be glorified in it, and we can grow because of it. One way of looking at it is that fear is an indicator that God is ready to do some next-level training with us.

LORD – This is how English Bibles render the covenant name of God, YHWH. It invokes all the promises God made to His people and His gracious fulfillment of those promises. Through Jesus, we have an amazing intimate relationship with God, and He has made us some stunning promises. He will keep every one of them.

God is with you – God is not a detached coach or judge, ordering up tests and challenges for us, then watching and grading our performance. He is with us. Jesus went with Jairus into the room where his daughter lay. Jesus was on the boat when the storm hit. He is no less present with us.

He is in control.
He will keep His promises.
He is with us.

Believe that.