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Saturday September 8th

What Will the Verdict Be?

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

In television courtroom programs, viewers watch as real judges decide real cases. Based on the merits of the evidence presented, we viewers decide how we think the judge should rule. We want him or her to judge fairly and all to receive their just due, whether that is a judgment for or against them. We like to see justice upheld.
Today’s reading speaks of God’s judgment. In His courtroom, we all stand guilty because of our sin. We deserve nothing less than a death sentence. But God, the righteous judge, judges with His mercy.
The verdict for us was “guilty,” but Christ stepped up to take our death sentence. Jesus took on our guilt and punishment, so now God sees us through Christ’s innocent suffering and death. Under the cover of Christ’s blood, we stand forgiven. In Holy Baptism, God clothes us in Christ, so instead of the punishment we deserve, we are awarded a crown of righteousness. We are not judged favorably for our own goodness, but we are judged favorably through Christ. Through faith in Him, we are free to live eternally with God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gracious gift of mercy to us. Amen.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part III

Meanwhile, the youth group had turned into a mumbling, grumbling bunch of complainers. “Where is he?” Brad asked. “Can we go ahead and eat, or do we have to wait on him?”

Someone sent a messenger to find Yo-Mo, who returned with the sad news that their leader had died. THEN the youth group changed its tune. They moaned, cried, refused to eat and didn't sleep very well. “What will we do?” they asked. “We've left everything to enter the Promised Land, and now we have no leader!”

Well, God never ever ever asks us to do something (or leads us somewhere) without providing everything we need to get the job done. He always meets our needs. And God had been consistently working behind the scenes. He already had His hand of direction on a young man in their very own youth group. His name was Joshua.

Josh was a solid, godly young man. He didn't compromise. Didn't buckle when the pressure began to mount. Didn't bend when the tension started to rise. He just walked straight ahead and consistently obeyed the Lord.

He took over Mo's maps and called the youth group together. “I've studied the travel plans,” he said. “And we're really not far from the Promised Land at all.” (Everyone cheered) “But there is this big city in the way. It's Jericho. And it's a very wicked city. So we're going to have to go through it and conquer it before we can enter the Promised Land.”

(Back in the days before Christ died for our sins, the way God abolished evil was to destroy it. That's why the guys in the Old Testament were always killing each other. It was the only plan at the time to clean everything up. Aren't you glad Jesus came?)

“Tell you what,” Josh continued. “You've all been through a rough time. Let's just set up camp right here (they were on the shores of the Jordan River) and take a few days off. That'll give me a chance to send our undercover agents inside the city of Jericho to see where everything is.”

Sounded good. So while the agents crossed the river and headed toward the big city, the world's largest backpacking group set up the volleyball nets, got out the jet-skis and started partying.

Know It!
Maybe you, like the children of Israel, have lost someone significant in your life. Perhaps your youth leader moved away, your dad left the family, your friend is gone. God understands the hurt we feel when we lose someone we love and admire. But God never leaves us hanging. He always provides whom and what we need. Can you trust Him to fill the vacuum in your life?

Read It!
Deuteronomy 1:19-46; Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Joshua 3.

Pray It!
Thank God for His promise never to leave you. Tell Him how grateful you are for His constant provision.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part IV

As soon as Josh's agents crossed the Jordan River, they were face to face with the largest wall they'd ever seen in their lives. It was huge. And it surrounded the entire city of Jericho.

But God always provides. (We talked about that yesterday, remember?) And the gates to the city just happened to be open. So Josh's undercover agents meandered right through. One guy pulled out his Sony Digital Camcorder and started taking movies, so Joshua could see where everything was.

There was city square. And off to the right was Jericho High School. Across the street, he noticed Jericho Swim and Fitness. And up closer on the left were some really cool split-level condos.

Some of the king's employees noticed the agents staking out the city. They rushed to the king and told him about the strangers with the cameras. “Hmmph,” the king said. (He had a great vocabulary.) “Betcha they're part of that world's largest backpacking group. They're the ones who've been trampling around in the desert for 40 years. I think they're headed for the Promised Land. Which probably means, they'll try to conquer us before they get there.”

“Well, what should we do, oh wise one?” one of the employees asked. (Oh wise one? C'mon! Who really talks like that? He was forever trying to get on the king's good side.)

“We're going to lock the gates to the city so anyone who's not a citizen won't be able to get in! And if we see anyone trying to get in or out, we'll kill him on the spot.”

But the king's employees weren't the only ones watching those undercover agents. There was a woman named Rahab who was standing on the balcony of her condo wringing out her wet laundry.

She wanted to help these men of God, and she'd also overheard the conversation of the king's employees. So while the agents were still taking pictures, she tried to catch their attention.

“Psssst.”

Click. Click. “Hey, Eric! Stand over there by that fountain and act like you're gonna fall in. That'll make a great shot.”

“Psssssst.”

“Oooooh, yeah. And get one me next to this statue.”

“Pssssssst.”

“Ryan, did you hear something?”

“Yeah. What was that?”

“PSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTT!!!”

“Eric, there's a lady up there making faces at us!”

“No, I think she's doing her laundry.”

“Uh . . . maam. Are you talking to us?”

“Yeah, but I can't talk loudly because I don't want anyone to hear me.”

“That's okay. Ryan's pretty good at reading lips and watching hand signals. Sharp guy this Ryan.”

“The king's gonna kill you! If you want . . . you can climb up here and hide underneath my dirty laundry.”

Hey, sounded like a plan. They didn't have any other options! So they hid on Rahab's balcony till nightfall.

Know It!
When it seems there's no way out, God always provides an exit.

Read It!
Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6.

Pray It!
Ask God to help you respond in obedience when He shuts one door and opens another.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part V

As soon as the sun had set, Rahab grabbed a rope, made a lasso and tossed it over the wall. The agents climbed down the rope, over the wall and headed back to Joshua's beach party.

“You're not gonna believe it,” Ryan gasped.

“That place is huge!” Eric added. “And we have the footage to prove it.”

“There's absolutely no way we could ever conquer that city,” Ryan said. “It's too big, and there are too many people.”

“And there's a massive wall surrounding the entire city! We'll never get inside. They have a special warrant issued for all non-citizens to be killed. We'd never get over the wall!”

“Someone hand these guys a Pepsi,” Josh said, keeping his cool. “I think you've forgotten something.”

Ryan quickly checked his battery pack. “Nope. All here.”

“Our theme,” Josh said. “You've forgotten our theme.”

“What's that?” Eric asked.

“The fact that God always provides! Guys, listen to me! He would never ever EVER ask us to do something (or lead us somewhere) without providing everything we need. Now remember that! In fact, memorize it. Because we are going to the Promised Land. And we're going through Jericho!”

Plans were made to head out the following morning, but by dawn the Jordan River was flooded. We're talking tidal wave material. Joshua halted his group. “Let's just spend a few days in prayer and wait on the Lord.”

So they waited. And waited. And waited. Finally a couple of weeks passed. The river was still overflowing. It looked like they would drown if they even tried to cross. Joshua continued to seek the Lord. And as he did, God spoke back.

“Joshua, I have commanded that you cross this river, conquer Jericho and enter the Promised Land. What are you waiting on?”

“The river, Lord. It's overflowing! How can we cross?”

“Trust me. I've already told you to cross.”

“But, Lord, are You sure we're supposed to cross right now? I mean, we don't mind waiting,” Josh said. “You don't need to spend time praying about things I've already made clear, Joshua. There may be some battles in life you won't win, but I have already promised this is one you will win! I've already made Myself clear: Cross the river, conquer Jericho, enter the Promised Land. No need to continue praying about it. Simply step out in faith believing that I will do what I have said.”

Know It!
Are you spending precious time going over the same spiritual ground again and again when God is prompting you to move forward?

Read It!
Hebrews 11:1-3; Luke 7:9; 1 Peter 1:21; Romans 12:12.

Pray It!
Ask God to solidify your faith and to stretch your dependence on Him. Tell Him you're ready to exercise your faith even when you can't see the outcome.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part VI

Joshua exercised his faith, gathered the world's largest backpacking group together and lined them up. Row after row after row. Over 500,000 of them. And his instructions probably went something like this:

“Okay, gang, we're crossing. I know. I know. I know. The Jordan River is still flooded. I realize that. But I also have faith that the God who calls us to cross will somehow provide a way. I mean, that's our theme, right? Let's join hands and walk together.”

So they began. Ryan's hand was sweaty, but he clung to his brother, Eric. And Eric clung to Joshua. And Joshua clung to Geoff. And Geoff clung to Mark. And Mark clung to Annette. And Annette clung to Liz. And on and on and on it went-all holding hands and walking toward that huge powerful body of roaring, terrifying 15- foot waves.

You know what happened, don't you? Their feet touched the water and God split the river! (If Eric would've been thinking, he could've grabbed the Sony camcorder and videoed the whole thing for us! But he was so shocked it was all he could do to keep putting one foot in front of the other while his mouth hung open.) Over 500,000 people walked across on dry land.

How did they do it? By holding hands and walking together. You see, God promises that there's nothing you'll face that will be too strong for you to handle-if you'll walk with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Isn't that what the Church is all about? Joining hands and walking together?

It's about patting someone on the shoulder and saying, “Good job!” Or looking a friend in the eye and saying, “Jamie, I sense that you're going through a tough time right now. Can I treat you to a Coke?” It's walking the second mile. Mailing a note of encouragement. Making a phone call. Giving a hug. Sending an e-mail.

Christ want the Church to be a place where you can rush in from the world, collapse into the arms of your brothers and sisters and say, “Whew! It feels good to be out of the storm.”

He wants your church to be your shelter; your place of refuge. We often get so caught up in who said what and misunderstandings that church and youth group become a place of avoidance instead of the place we rush to for support. Joshua was in the process of teaching his group an invaluable lesson: “If we walk together, there's no river too deep for us to cross. When we stop holding hands, become divided and take our focus off of God, we'll drown.”

Know It!
God wants to use you as a catalyst to promote spiritual wellness in your youth group and church. Will you let Him?

Read It!
Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 Corinthians 14:33.

Pray It!
Ask God if there's anyone in your youth group with whom you need to make amends.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part VII
As soon as the world's largest backpacking group had crossed the Jordan River, they realized they were up against the largest wall they'd ever experienced in their lives! But everyone remained calm. Josh had already gone over the game plan. He'd already rehearsed the instructions. They knew exactly what to do.

They reached behind their heads and untied their backpacks. Then-even though years earlier Yo-Mo had specifically said not to bring anything extra- everyone had. It just so happened that 40 years earlier, they were all members of the Egyptian High School marching band. So-even though they weren't supposed to-they all packed their band instruments!

They pulled out their horns, tubas, flutes and other music makers and lined up. After tuning up, they marched around the great wall playing “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In.”

And the people inside the city of Jericho stopped. “Oh, when the saints,” someone sang. “Go marching in,” someone hummed. “Oh, when the saints go marching in,” a soprano belted.

“Hey! I know that song.”

“Where's that music coming from?”

“Did our city council decide to pipe in special music for us?”

“That's so special!”

And the next day at the same time, the world's largest backpacking group marched around the wall again and played the same tune. And the next day. And the next. And the next. Until finally at the end of the week, the people inside the city of Jericho were sick and tired of the same old music.

“Hey, can't you play anything else besides 'The Saints'?” someone yelled.

“Yeah, we're SICK of that song!”

“How 'bout a C-scale or a minor chord or one of those augmented things--something!” Know It!
When God gives you a specific song to sing, there will always be those who try to change your tune. Don't compromise! God gives specific visions, certain dreams, unique messages for one reason: He want those visions, those dreams, those messages . . . and those specific songs delivered. Don't succumb to the pressure of a crowd who wants to change your delivery.

Read It!
Joshua 6; Psalm 112:6-9; Psalm 119:1-3; Psalm 119:101-106.

Pray It!
Seek God's strength to continue living the way He wants you to live, and discipline to deliver the message He has given you to share.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part VIII

Josh addressed his group: “We're gonna keep playing the same song, and since this is the seventh day, we'll play it seven times. Ha!”

So they adjusted their instruments and began marching. But this time, as sort of a grand finale . . . at the end of the seventh rendition, they threw their instruments loudly on the ground. They then stood tall with their shoulders back and screamed as loudly as they could: “JO!”

The people inside the city of Jericho stopped. Jo? Men who were coming out of the bank and placing money in their wallets, stopped. Jo?

Women who were pushing babies in strollers down sidewalks, stopped. Jo?

Adults who were coming out of grocery stores with bags in their arms, stopped. Jo?

Teachers who were lecturing and giving homework assignments, stopped. Jo?

And students who were listening and passing notes, stopped. Jo? Jo! Jo?

Finally, the entire city dumbfounded, stood to their feet and in unison cried out, “JO? JO WHO?”

And 500,000 on the other side screamed back: Jo Mama! Jo Mama is a wimp! Jo Mama wears combat boots. Jo Mama ! Jo Mama! Jo MAMA!

There was so much noise, the walls began to shake. The ground quivered, and only minutes later, the entire wall completely collapsed!

The world's largest backpacking group wasted no time. They rushed inside with B-52s, M-16s, B-B guns for small objects that moved quickly and Roman candles for special effect. The people of Jericho were in such a state of shock and confusion they were defeated and slaughtered on the spot!

Joshua grabbed the microphone at city square and announced the continuing plan of action. “Glory be to God!” he cried, “for giving us the strength to defeat a city six times our size. Now listen carefully to the following instructions. I want you to go into every condo, home and apartment and destroy everything except anything that's valuable.”

“Like what?” Todd asked. (It had been so long since any of them had even seen valuable stuff, they were a little confused. That's what wandering around in the desert for 40 years can do to you.)

“Jewelry,” Josh said. “Bring all the jewelry out here- along with any valuable metals-turquoise, gold, silver, copper. We'll melt it all down and use it to build the Temple once we get to the Promised Land. Bring the valuable stuff out to city square, destroy the rest-and NO ONE KEEP ANYTHING FOR HIMSELF!”

Know It!
Throughout history, God has equipped His people to overcome incredible odds. You may be struggling with something that appears six times your size, but if it's a battle God has called you to fight, He's in it with you and will provide everything you need.

Read It!
Psalm 20:5; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 11; 1 Peter 1:9.

Pray It!
Ask God to give you His spiritual vision so that instead of seeing insurmountable odds through your eyes, you'll learn to see with His vision.

The World's Largest Backpacking Group Part VIII

Josh addressed his group: “We're gonna keep playing the same song, and since this is the seventh day, we'll play it seven times. Ha!”

So they adjusted their instruments and began marching. But this time, as sort of a grand finale . . . at the end of the seventh rendition, they threw their instruments loudly on the ground. They then stood tall with their shoulders back and screamed as loudly as they could: “JO!”

The people inside the city of Jericho stopped. Jo? Men who were coming out of the bank and placing money in their wallets, stopped. Jo?

Women who were pushing babies in strollers down sidewalks, stopped. Jo?

Adults who were coming out of grocery stores with bags in their arms, stopped. Jo?

Teachers who were lecturing and giving homework assignments, stopped. Jo?

And students who were listening and passing notes, stopped. Jo? Jo! Jo?

Finally, the entire city dumbfounded, stood to their feet and in unison cried out, “JO? JO WHO?”

And 500,000 on the other side screamed back: Jo Mama! Jo Mama is a wimp! Jo Mama wears combat boots. Jo Mama ! Jo Mama! Jo MAMA!

There was so much noise, the walls began to shake. The ground quivered, and only minutes later, the entire wall completely collapsed!

The world's largest backpacking group wasted no time. They rushed inside with B-52s, M-16s, B-B guns for small objects that moved quickly and Roman candles for special effect. The people of Jericho were in such a state of shock and confusion they were defeated and slaughtered on the spot!

Joshua grabbed the microphone at city square and announced the continuing plan of action. “Glory be to God!” he cried, “for giving us the strength to defeat a city six times our size. Now listen carefully to the following instructions. I want you to go into every condo, home and apartment and destroy everything except anything that's valuable.”

“Like what?” Todd asked. (It had been so long since any of them had even seen valuable stuff, they were a little confused. That's what wandering around in the desert for 40 years can do to you.)

“Jewelry,” Josh said. “Bring all the jewelry out here- along with any valuable metals-turquoise, gold, silver, copper. We'll melt it all down and use it to build the Temple once we get to the Promised Land. Bring the valuable stuff out to city square, destroy the rest-and NO ONE KEEP ANYTHING FOR HIMSELF!”

Know It!
Throughout history, God has equipped His people to overcome incredible odds. You may be struggling with something that appears six times your size, but if it's a battle God has called you to fight, He's in it with you and will provide everything you need.

Read It!
Psalm 20:5; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 11; 1 Peter 1:9.

Pray It!
Ask God to give you His spiritual vision so that instead of seeing insurmountable odds through your eyes, you'll learn to see with His vision.