Backpacking Through Joshua - wk 2

Well. Here we are in week 2 of our hike through the Old Testament book of Joshua. Can I be real here for a second? Is anyone else already losing steam? I hate this unruly pattern I have of being so, so excited about a Bible study and then, gradually finding more and more things to occupy my time.

So ~ isn't it interesting that this week's focus is about how God is worthy. Worthy of what? Well, specifically in the lesson this week, worthy of my efforts to be a good witness to who He is. And you know what else He is worthy of? He is worthy of my undivided attention. Do you think that God was distracted by facebook when He was creating me? Of course not. Did He take the time every.single.day to feed the Israelites when they were wandering in the wilderness before we picked up their story in Joshua? Yes He did. Did He, knowing full well every sin I would ever do against Him, create a way from the beginning of time for me to be forgiven of those sins that I might be in full relationship with Him. In awe, I say to you, yes He did.

And where does 'your witness' come from? Is it in your countenance (your facial expressions)?. Is it in your tone of voice? Is it in your willingness/unwillingness to forgive others? Is it in your reactions to circumstances? Is it in the way you treat people? Is it in the time/effort you devote to getting to know your God better?

Yes.

Really poking at my heart tonight. What does it say about my God to the outside world that I am caught up on all my friend's statuses on facebook and I have the reigning score on Zumablitz AND Bejeweled Blitz, but I cannot even list all of the books of the Bible? Not because I have tried and lack the memory skills mind you, but because I have barely tried and then moved on to other things. Don't get me wrong, this is, by no means, a post about the evils of facebook, blogging, tv or whatever else. Nor is this me shaking my finger at you because, you also cannot list the 66 books of the Bible because you have the reigning score at a game I have not played against you :). (Or maybe you can) But I do have to ask the very real question of what of ME is my God worthy of? Answer = everything. Next question = Would people, through knowing me, believe that my God is worthy, like Rahab did, of turning from everything they have grown up doing and believing and rest their very survival in Him? I can't answer that question. But I can say this...I wish that is true.

Wishing is not enough.

Is our witness important? Fo shizzle. Are we always going to get it right? Of course not ~ there is no one perfect. Not one.
But being a sinner is not an excuse. We still have to try.

Geez. Did I even address this week's questions?

Worship =
In addition to You Are My God, which I posted at the beginning of the week, take some time to ponder this song...

McWitness

One thing that you will always hear coming from my vehicle is really, really loud worship music, unless the chillin's are in the car; at those times the volume is kept at an auditory protective level. :) I LOVE to sing my worship to God, and even to grieve and love and wonder through Christian music. I realized today that people are watching. They are looking and listening to me being who God has created me to be. How did I realize this? I travel through a certain McDonald's drive-thru rather often on my way to my various activities. (Thankfully, McDonald's has made the move to provide healthier choices to those on the go). As always, I turned down my music and pleasantly gave my order for some apple dippers and a diet coke. Turned my music back up and joined back in as I curved around to the pay window. As I handed over my card, I smiled and said, "Hello" and joined back in with the worship. And today the girl working the window said, "You're always so happy and you make me smile." I responded, "Praise Jesus! Have a great day." Then I moved on to the get your food window and when the guy saw me, he grinned from ear to ear, "What are you singing today?" I responded, "Worshiping my Jesus." It has not occurred to me before that these people are paying attention to me. What a blessing that I bring a little brightness to their day and hopefully they are seeing not me, but Jesus in me. How did I know I was living a biblical principle?! Matthew 5:14(NIV) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Although the Great commission calls us to go and make disciples, that doesn't mean we are all going to be Billy Graham. Evangelism starts at home with how you live out your walk.