This is the seventh and final post highlighting lessons we can learn                                                from a variety of different Bible characters. [From Judge 4-5)  Deborah sits under a palm tree, helping to resolve disputes and adjudicate law cases. As Israel’s judge and prophet, people come from far and wide to hear her reasoned deliberations. She has a unique position, for she is the only female judge the Israelites have had and is a leader for her people.  One day, having felt a strong prodding from the Lord, Deborah summons an Israelite general named Barak. She relays a message that is God’s command - gather men for battle against their Canaanite oppressors. As a prophetic leader, her job is to sing encouraging war chants – and a victory song – during and after the battle.  But Barak wants more from her tha...

For the next seven weeks I will highlight lessons we can learn  from a variety of different Bible characters.  I love the story of Joshua, especially in this moment where uncertainty in our world is at an all-time high. It’s easy for us to feel overwhelmed, yet Joshua reminds us that we can have confidence in God at all times.  Consider how Joshua was shaped by his experiences...many of which were not easy. Soldier : Soon after the Israelites left Egypt, Moses appointed Joshua to defend Israel against an attack from the Amalekites. Moses watched while the battle raged. His arms were continually raised to God, because – if he lowered them – the Amalekites would seize the advantage, so other men held Moses’ arms aloft. The fighting was fierce, but Joshua courageously led the Israelites and refused to give up. And yet…can you imagine how it felt to be on the front lines, but the battle was being determined by whether or not Moses was acknowledging God? Joshua learned th...