Judges 4-5; Psalm 71

In the world, we are disposed of when we are no longer useful. That’s the perfect time for God to use us as a vessel.

In the world we are pushed to the side if we have nothing to offer. That’s the perfect time for God to shine generosity and provision.

In the world, we are often drowning with no one to come to the rescue. That’s the perfect time for God to say I’ve been here with you in the water. Breathe. You will not drown.

In the world, we are measured by our strength. In God we boast of our weaknesses so when good arises, we can remain humble.

May we not project onto God how humans treat us. When we are spent, God will again pour into us. When we are tired, God will provide rest. God can not be boxed.

Judges 1-3; Psalm 70

How we demand of God to do things quickly. How we demand of God to make haste when we are in need. How we want him to act as soon as we are poor and needy.

Isn’t this desperation and cry to God what God wants? Does that mean we actually need to be in a state of poor and needy in order to be where God desires us? He wants us pleading with him to intervene, not to taunt us, but to remind us how little control we have. He wants our eyes focused on him.

Right now God looks blurry and I’m not even sure where to pull focus. Jesus help.

Joshua 22-24; Psalm 69

We are our own witnesses to our covenant with God. We are held accountable to our own actions and promises. We are to tell the truth, know the truth. We are responsible for what we do in this life. If we pledge our life to God, we better do it because it’s all seen.

Can I get a witness?

Joshua 13-21; Psalm 68

God is the perfect balance of power and refuge. He conquers enemies and provides a home for the fatherless. How can one person be that strong, commanding yet safe and welcoming? Because his power is not used to rule by ego but to create space for good and love. Strength can lie in power and refuge. It ascribes a weight and a breadth to God’s character — you cannot put him in a box.

Power and safety. Love and safety. He is completely trustworthy. He rules with compassion and desires to create space for those pushed to the side. Can we be a bit more like God and a little less like selfish humans?

Joshua 9-12; Psalm 67

This is the constant repeated plea from Joshua to the people as enemies surround them: do not be afraid.

This is a reminder that the appearance of fear can be reflexive and out of control. Your body may shudder. Your body might tense up. Your mind might start running and you didn’t even step off; it just started happening. One, from our experiences and from narratives around us, this is totally normal! No shame for having the feeling of feat. No guilt for how your body naturally reacts.

But what we do have control over is how we respond to that fear. Is it a fear that has been programmed from outdated narratives? Is it fear we need to re-examine against the reality? Is it fear that doesn’t serve but actually harms? Take the time to hold the fear loosely with open hands. Why are you afraid right now? How is this current fear colored by the past? How can this current fear be released by looking at the present?

Joshua is not scolding the people to stop being afraid. He acknowledges the fear, but points them to something more powerful. When our gaze is on something more magnificent, lesser feats and obstacles gray out.

Joshua 5-8; Psalm 66

Joshua asked, “are you for us or for our adversaries,” essentially are you for us or against us.

The commander of the Lord’s army says, “no. I lead the Lord’s army.”

Humans think in binary. Yes or no. Us or them. This or that. God is a third way that offends everyone and throws everyone off. His mission isn’t to divide. His purpose isn’t to take someone’s side. His purpose is to lead the Lord’s army of justice, protection, grace and love.

How can we act more like God instead of human? The more we think in binaries and in boxes, the narrower the future will be. Let’s dance outside the circle. Let’s color outside the lines. But I’m all of it remember home: then energy of it.

Joshua 1-4; Psalm 65

Be strong and courageous. Only be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous.

• When you’re given a role that feels too big for you.
• In the eyes of fear.
• When you need to lead.
• When you don’t know what lies ahead.
• When you have big shoes to fill.

• When the promises given seem too good to be true.
• When you feel alone.

When you feel uncertain.

When you are in a new land.

When you don’t know how and need constant reminders to be brave.

Because God says he will never leave you nor forsake you. That is the source of our courage — Emmanuel God with us! It is nothing you need to do. You just have to remember who’s by your side. Let that give you the courage you need.

60 days in you would think I’m super into the Bible. I’m not. Life has been busy and stressful and the Bible falls to the wayside. How do you find a desire for it daily?

Psalm 63

Lord of the rings anyone?