Pastor Sharon Lee's QT

“Get circumcision of the heart”

SRIPTURE

Joshua 5:2. At that time, the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.”

OBSERVATION

Summary
When the story of Israel’s safe crossing of the Jordan surprised the Gentile kings west of the Jordan, God ordered Joshua to circumcise Israel’s people, and Joshua circumcised.

Who is God
• God performs signs and wonders.
• God can alarm the world.
• God wants His people to be distinguished from the world and belong only to Him.

APPLICATION

God orders Joshua to circumcise the Israelites. When was that? It’s right after a huge victory. It was the time when the whole Israelis were excited to experience such a miracle. It’s the time when Israel was feared by surrounding nations and peoples. It was the time for the whole Israeli community to celebrate the miraculous victory. At this very time, God teaches them an important lesson that leads to the next victory.

The Israeli people were stationed in Gilgal just right in front of Jericho. God gave a difficult order for all soldiers who must fight on the battlefield to be circumcised right in front of the enemy camp. God was giving an incomprehensible order at the time when all soldiers should renew their strength. Joshua must have known through Moses because the Genesis had been already recorded at that time. Jacob’s sons offered circumcision to all the men in Shechem, and while the men in Shechem were being circumcised, they killed all men in Shechem, including the prince of Shechem. So Joshua must have known better than anyone else that circumcision could be a fatal weakness on the battlefield. However, Joshua immediately circumcised the people without delay.

What is circumcision? The circumcision God ordered to Abraham was a sign of the covenant that he entirely belonged to God. In the New Testament, however, Paul urged the Jews to get circumcised inwardly. What does the circumcision of the heart mean?

The circumcision was compared to baptism similarly in Col. 2:11-12. Like baptism, circumcision is a decision to deny the fleshly desire to belong to God more and become a man of spirit. In other words, circumcision of the heart means the death of self so that Christ lives in me.

It is a strange place where people get a circumcision. It may mean to prevent sexual crimes to stay holy. Holiness is the key to victory in the spiritual realm. God rejoices our holiness. God dwells in the heart of holy people. Pursue holiness in thoughts, words, and actions.

As Joshua obey and circumcised every man in the Israeli camp, God gave them victory after victory, for war belongs to God. When we are equipped with holiness, God could dwell in us and gives victory. The best decision we can make in the midst of battle must be to get circumcision of the heart.

“Bury my old self in the Jordan”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 4:24. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.

OBSERVATION

Summary
The Israelites came out of the Jordan and set up twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan River to commemorate them, and Joshua explains the meaning of setting up the stones.

Who is God
• God is strong and mighty
• God wants us and our children to remember the great wonders God has done in the past.

APPLICATION

Joshua set up twelve stones that they had taken out of Jordan River in Gilgal and told the Israelites to remember the mighty and strong God who cut off the Jordan in the past will do great things for us, too. Remembering what God did in the past strengthens our faith. All the people of Israel’s complaints, or distrust, stemmed from their failure to remember God’s faithfulness that keeps His promises. On the other hand, one of the best ways to improve our faith is to remember all God has done in the past. When you rely on God’s mighty hands, the Jordan River can not be a problem.

Joshua also told the Israelites to fear God forever as they remember the miracle of crossing the Jordan. The crossing the Jordan can be compared to that of crossing the Red Sea. 1 Cor. Chapter 10 compares crossing the Red Sea to baptism. Then, crossing the Jordan also can be referred to as baptism. Baptism means to bury our old selves in the water and come out of the water with a life of resurrection. In other words, the twelve stones of the Jordan River symbolizes the burial of our old selves in the Jordan River and the new life of resurrection. In other words, we must remember that our old selves died as we become believers, and now we have a new life reborn in Jesus Christ. I should deny my old self as if I were buried in the Jordan River. Think of the metaphor of a prodigal son. While working at his father’s house, the older son complained and was disappointed and angry because he compared himself with his younger brother, who led a debauchery life, yet received better things from his father than the older one. I want to examine myself to see if there is ‘elder son syndrome’ within me.

• Sin to void: I repent of my old self which still alive.
• Promise to hold: God makes us overcome the impossible.
• Action to take place: crucify the old self that remains in me.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I repent that I find ‘the elder son’ within me. I repent that sometimes I was more interested in God’s praise and recognition than your presence as a full-time minister for you like the older son. I want to nail all my weaknesses on the cross as if they were buried in the Jordan River. I decide to serve you and your people with joy because I love you more than people’s recognition. May the life of a resurrection revive within me so that I can lead my life more joyful, grateful, and triumphant in the Lord. Amen.

“Remember God’s grace”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 4:7. Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.

OBSERVATION

Summary
Joshua asks each of the 12 tribes to take a stone from the Jordan and carry it on their shoulders.

Who is God
• God wants us to remember what He has done for us.
• God wants us to pass down the grace we have received to the next generation.

APPLICATION

We are surprised while reading the Bible because people forget God’s grace so quickly. God performed such great miracles in Egypt. However, the Israelites promptly complained, were discouraged, and feared, although they experienced the miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh’s oppression and miraculous crossing the Red Sea. Every time we noticed their unbelief, we’re annoyed. But the same is true with us. We also forget what God has done for us so quickly. It must be the weakness of humanity that we all have. Today’s text has a story after a miracle. They just experienced the wondrous miracle that God performed. It is essential to pray for miracles and thus to experience God’s great grace. But after experiencing God’s wonders, it is also important to remember them. Today’s text teaches us to keep memorials is also very important.
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God must have thought it would be very important for Israelites to remember the miracle of crossing the Jordan River forever. In an urgent moment when the water could overflow again, God made each of the twelve tribes pick up a stone for the memorial. The same principle will be applied to communion. Jesus told us to remember His crucifixion as a sacrament. It also shows remembering what Jesus has done for us is very important in our faith life. We forget too quickly. We especially forget the grace. There is a saying that people carve grace in water and resentment in stone. That is the weakness of all human beings that inherited Adam’s sinfulness. But the Christians should be the opposite. One must forgive and forget others’ wrongdoings easily and remember what they did well to us forever. Above all, God’s grace must be remembered forever, which would make our faith stronger.

Joshua also explains that picking up stones teaches the Israeli children the miracle of crossing the Jordan River. Not only do we remember God’s grace, but also the grace must be passed on to our children. What is God’s grace that I must remember today? What is the miraculous performance of God that I forget today? What is God’s grace that I should teach my daughter today?

• Sin to void: Do not forget the grace of God.
• Promise to hold: God does miracles.
• Action to take place: Remember what God has done for me and tell the next generation.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the vulnerability of forgetting the countless grace you have given me so far. I will never forget how you have been taking care of my daughter and me so faithfully since my husband passed away. I will never forget your grace that how you have blessed our church which began so humbly. I will always be happy, pray, and thank you as I remember all the amazing grace you have bestowed upon me.

“Trust, obey, and go forward”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 3:17. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited there until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.

OBSERVATION

Summary
The overflowing Jordan River dried up, and the Israeli community crossed the Jordan following Joshua’s instructions.

Who is God
• God works through the obedience of man.
• God is alive and does miracles.
• God fulfills his words

APPLICATION

Joshua listened to God’s word and obeyed the words without compromising. And all the priests who followed Joshua did not compromise either and entered the Jordan river in obedience to Joshua’s instructions. They were stepping into the river and stood in the middle of the river with the ark of the covenant until all Israelites crossed the river. The Jordan still overflowed in front of their eyes, but they only trusted the Lord and stepped into the Jordan.

We can’t stop the water flowing in the Jordan. However, we can trust God, who will make the Jordan dry and obey him completely. In John 11:40, Martha was unable to raise the dead man, Nazaro, but she could move the stone that was blocking the tomb, believing in the Lord who would raise the dead. We can’t move the mountain. However, if you fully trust and obey God who moves the mountain, God will move the mountain for us.

This is how the Jordan River dried up. A miracle happened. God stopped the flowing water. Then the two million Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry land with their wives and livestock. Miracles can take place in communities where God’s presence is exhibited. What is the impossible river standing in front of me today? “I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh, is there anything I cannot do?” There is nothing God cannot do. Have faith and obey fully, then God will do miracles for His children.

We plan a joint service for this Resurrection Sunday. And after the service, we plan to go out for street evangelism. The Corona pandemic is not over yet, and some may think that the joint worship service, where many people gather in one place, maybe too hasty. However, I would like to declare the resurrection of worship again by faith as we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. Also, the Bible said that we should preach the gospel in season or out of season. Like the priests who stepped into the water, we want to move on even if Corona Pandemics does not end. God will bless and protect all our worship services and street evangelism on Resurrection Sunday.

• Sin to void: Don’t be afraid of what we see
• Promise to hold: God does miracles.
• Action to take place: Do not be afraid of circumstances, but only trust the Lord and obey him.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, like the priests who were not afraid of the overflowing Jordan river and moved forward, we want to move forward without fear of COVID 19. May the Lord protect all our saints and bless our street evangelism. Amen

“When we stand facing the impossible”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 3:4. Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile[a] behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.”

OBSERVATION.

Summary,
Joshua prepares the Israeli community to focus only on God to cross over the Jordan River.

Who is God
– God works miracles among the holy ones.
– God leads us ahead and guides us.
– God wants us to wake up early in the morning.

APPLICATION

Finally, the moment has come when the people of Israel take the first step in the conquest of Canaan. It is crossing the Jordan River. God led them to Jordan after telling them to conquer Canaan. Today’s text presents the strategy to cross the impossible river.

We should do our best to cross the impossible river. To obey God’s commands without delay, Joshua and all the Israel people got up early in the morning and camped near the Jordan. They cannot make the Jordan dry, but they try to do their best in what they can. Do my best to conquer the impossible river.

Then Joshua tells the people to follow the ark of the covenant. Although they have never been there, Joshua said they would know the way if they followed the covenant’s ark. They were supposed to stay about half a mile behind the ark, keeping a clear distance between people and Ark. They should not come any closer for everyone to look at the ark of the covenant. To conquer the impossible river, the people focused on the ark of covenant instead of looking at the river. The ark of the covenant symbolizes the presence of God and His word. We should not look at the impossible situation and be discouraged, but focus on God and His word and rely only on Him facing the impossible river.

Then Joshua orders them to consecrate themselves. Consecration means to be distinguished. God said he would perform the miracle among the Israelites only if they are consecrated. Holiness is not a condition of salvation. However, being consecrated is an essential condition of life required for those who want to overcome their enemies and seek God’s favor. Examine myself in front of the impossible river and make me holier.

• Sin to void: Do not be discouraged as I look at the situation, but look to God facing an impossible situation.
• Promise to hold: God makes the impossible possible.
• Action to take place: Do your best in impossible situations, look to God only and be holier.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I repent that I was discouraged by the situation. I won’t look to people or circumstance but look to you only to cross the impossible river. I will be more diligent, more consecrated, and focus only on the Lord.

“Speak words of faith”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 2:24. The Lord has given us the whole land,” they said, “for all the people in the land are terrified of us.”

OBSERVATION

Summary
The two spies went to Joshua and made a very positive report on exploring Jericho.

Who is God
God works according to our faith.

APPLICATION

The two spies returned and made a very positive report. Forty years ago, ten spies made the exact opposite report. At that time, the spies said they looked so frazil comparing to the Canaanites, as if they were like locusts. However, this time, the spies declared with confidence, “The Lord has given us the whole land!” God said to the Israelites, who poured out negative words of disbelief, “I will do as I heard from you.” As they said, the people of Israel who were complaining they would die in the desert died in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb said,” They are our food,” entered Canaan as they declared and conquered the land. As reported by the two spies, Jericho’s people were utterly destroyed by Israel in today’s text.

Words change the fate of life, as Prov. 18:20-21 says, “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” Speak the words of faith, of love, thanksgiving, and blessing,

• Sin to avoid: I repent to speak negatively.
• Promise to hold: God does as we believe.
• Action to take place: Speak the words of faith, love, thanksgiving, and blessing,

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive my negative words that I have spoken. I resolve to speak positive words of faith, thanksgiving, forgiveness, love, and mercy.

“Pray for the salvation of family”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 2:18. When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members—your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives—must be here inside the house.

OBSERVATION

Summary
Rahab helps the spies to escape safely. And instructions are given to tie a scarlet rope to save Rahab’s family.

Who is God
• God saves sinners through the blood of Jesus.
• God wants to save the whole family.
• God wants believers to lead their unbelieving family to the LORD.

APPLICATION

The scarlet rope plays a decisive role in the salvation of Rahab and her entire family. The scarlet rope distinguished Rahab’s house from other houses in Jericho. When Jericho collapsed, and Israeli troops invaded, the scarlet rope saved Rahab and her family from destruction. The scarlet rope symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Let me learn the lessons about evangelism through Rahab’s story to save her entire household.

First, pray earnestly for the salvation of family: Rahab asked the spies to save her family and relatives in verse 13,” when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.” Eventually, her request was accepted. Family salvation is God’s will. We should pray more earnestly for the salvation of unbelieving family members.

Preach about God: Rahab must have first told the God of Israel she knew to her family. Faith comes from hearing. Be more courageous to preach about God to unbelievers.

Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ: Rahab must have made her every effort to tell her family about the scarlet rope’s role after she tied it on the window. We should tell the unbelievable family about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the secret of His blood shed for our sins. Be bold and strong in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, even if persecution and rejection follow.

Deliver the message of coming judgment: Rahab knew Jericho would be ruined sooner or later. She must have delivered the message of the destruction of Jericho to her family. Whether people hear you or not, we should spread the message of judgment.

Gather your family into the church: People could not have been saved if they went out of Rahab’s house. Only those who entered Noah’s ark were saved. You must enter the church built on the blood of Jesus Christ. You must belong to the body of Christ. I should invite my unbelieving family and relatives to the church. Rahab urged all her family members to come to her house. The salvation of the whole family and relatives is the will of God. Let’s pray and preach more earnestly for all my family and relatives’ salvation.

• Sin to void: I repent that I sometimes failed to preach the gospel persistently to my unbelieving families.
• Promise to hold: Believe in Jesus, and you and your family will be saved.
• Action to take place: Have more courage to preach the gospel to families who refuse to listen.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, my oldest brother and his family, and my younger sister and her family do not believe in Jesus. But I believe that you will save them someday. Please save all of my unbelieved family. Please give me the courage and patience to deliver the gospel. Empower me with the Holy Spirit to be a courageous witness for Jesus, who saved me by His grace.

“Faith comes by hearing the Word”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 2:11 No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord, your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.

OBSERVATION

Summary
Rahab’s faith came by hearing what the Lord had done for the Israelites.

Who is God
• God is the almighty God who can open the Red Sea for the people who believe in Him.
• God gives victory to the people who believe in Him, no matter how weak they may be.
• The Lord is the only God in heaven and earth.

APPLICATION

Faith to save man begins by listening to God’s Word. How did Rahab’s faith begin? It started with hearing what God had done for Israel. Rahab confesses after knowing what God did. “As soon as we heard it, our hearts were melted, and people lost their minds because of what your God Jehovah did. He is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” It is the great proclamation of who God is.

Thus, Rahab’s faith began with listening. “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Rom 10:17) So we must keep listening to the Word. When God’s Word is spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit, dry bones are revived. Many people in Jericho heard about what God did for Israel. Their hearts were melted, and they lost their minds. They were overwhelmed by God’s power. But they did not believe in God. If they did, they would have sought reconciliation before fighting Israel, and they could have avoided such disaster.

But Rahab responded with faith to the Word of God, and she asked the Israeli spies to save her. Faith is the response to God’s Word by intellect, emotion, and will. (Dr. Elmer Town) Many people hear the gospel and are touched by them. But they don’t believe in God. Only those who respond with faith will be saved. We always listen to God’s Word. How do we react to what we hear? There was a CWMI executive meeting last night, where I preached on the importance of faith to act by obedience, sharing my QT yesterday. Afterward, we made some crucial decisions to take some practical actions to bless Israel. I had peace since the decision was made by the Word we heard.

Meanwhile, Rahab heard about God through spreading stories about what God did for Israel. We must continue to spread and testify about what God has done for us. Our testimony glorifies God. Mal. 3:16, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.” Ps. 9:1, “I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.”

In this age of countless sounds, let’s hear only God’s Word. If the Lord says, trust him as he says. Trust and obey. Trust and don’t worry. Speak with faith. See with faith.

• Sin to avoid, I repent of my failure to trust God sometimes, although He spoke.
• Promise to hold: God rules the heavens, the earth, and the earth.
• Action to take place: If I have heard God’s Word, believe in them and trust and obey.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I will believe as you say. I will trust and obey as you say. I won’t worry and trust you. I will speak with faith. I will see with faith. I will live a life of faith.

“Live by faith” 

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 2:4  Rahab had hidden the two men, but she replied, “Yes, the men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were 

OBSERVATION 

Summary 
Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho, hid two Israeli spies by faith. 

Who is God 
• God is pleased with faith accompanied with action 
• God saves gentiles and a sinner like prostituted by His grace.  

APPLICATION 

When Jericho collapsed, the only saved ones were the prostitute Rahab and her family.  Rahab cab be compared to Lot and Noah who were saved with their family in God’s judgements. Lot and Noah were God’s people.  But Rahab was a Canaanite woman. Moreover, she was a prostitute whom God hated. 
Rahab’s story shows that salvation is God’s gift by His grace.  What was special about her faith ? There must be countless people in Jericho. But why did God choose her?  There are two verses about Rahab in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:31 ” It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”  Today’s passage about Rahab’s brave decision to hide the two men played a decisive role for God to save her and her family  when Jericho fell. Bible praises her faith.  James 2:25. ” Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.”  In other words, her faith was proved by her action.  In fact, Rahab’s actions were made by very bold decision to risk her own life. If King of the Jericho knew about this, he would have killed her as a traitor to the people. As later story reveals, Rahab knew who God was. So  she decided to choose God instead of her people and nation. The prostitute, Rahab must be despised by many. However she was the only one saved in her kingdom.  God does not look at appearance but looks at heart.  I hope God would find right heart within me. God is pleased with our genuine faith which must be proved by appropriate action. 
In the end, Rahab’s faith was rewarded as Heb. 11:6 promises, ” And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. “ I want to please God through faith.  

• Sin to void, I repent of my little faith that relies on circumstance more than God sometimes.  
• Promise to hold, God reward our genuine faith that trusts God only. 
• Action to take place, Live by faith that pleases God. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father Increase my faith. I want to please you with my faith like Rahab. I want to show my faith to you through actions. Let me  live by faith, not by sight.

“Faithful community to be obedient to each other”

SCRIPTURE

Joshua 1:17  We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. 

OBSERVATION 

Summary 
Joshua encourages the tribes who chose the east of Jordan to participate in the conquest of Canaan, and they are willing to follow. 

Who is God 
• God wants His people to obey their leader appointed by God. 
• God wants His people to obey one another, 

APPLICATION 

The scenes of the people of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, who pledge allegiance to Joshua, are impressive. Thus, all leaders and the people of the Israelite community began their conquest of Canaan, vowing absolute obedience to Joshua’s words. They said they would go anywhere, as Joshua leads. They are now about to crossing the Jordan . When they say they would  go anywhere, it means they would go in the Jordan River. And they actually did. The priests carried the ark of the covenant and went into the Jordan and people followed them. Why did you go in the river risking their lives? It was simply because Joshua told them to go in.  They even encourages Joshua,  “Strengthen your heart and be bold.” 

Also people tried to be faithful toward each other. The background of  today’s passage is written in Nu. 32: 13-15. At that time, half of  God, the Reuben, and Manasseh tribes were allocated through Moses to occupy the land east of Jordan on condition that they would participate in the war of conquest of Canaan across Jordan. And now they want to keep their promises. It is a beautiful community of faith where people keep promises. Indeed we must obey each other with humility, honesty and faithfulness. Eph 5:21, “Submit to each other humbly in Christ.”  When people obey each other with respect and humility, they can build up a strong community to defeat the enemy. When the Israelites abandoned their selfish minds and built up a community faithful to each other, they could cross the Jordan, break the Jericho, defeat the Canaanites, and win the conquest of Canaan. To fulfill God’s dream of evangelizing the world, we must establish a community faithful not only to our God-appointed leaders, but also to each other. 

• Sin to void, Never ignore any single word spoken by our church people. 
• Promise to hold,  God gives victory to the community where people obey each other 
• Action to take place, Be a leader who listens to all. 

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for establishing our church as a community faithful  and obedient to each other. I also want to listen to the words of our associate parlors and saints, and build a church that fulfills your vision to save all humanity.