The Bandjoun nomad

For the result of unrepentent sin is suffering and pain. This is an ancient fact for a modern problem. We all have to consider times to lament and weep before the Lord for our transgressions. (NIV)Lamentations 1:1 1 How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave. (NIV)Lamentations 1:7 In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands, there was no one to help her. Her enemies looked at her and laughed at her destruction. For our sinful nature eventually comes too circle. We can't escape the obvious in our lives and think that we'll hey away with it. (NIV)Lamentations 2:5 The Lord is like an enemy; he has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for Daught...

(NIV)Jeremiah 27:11 But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain in its own land to till it and to live there, declares the Lord.” ’ ” Its amazing how God decided to pull himself this far away from his people to the point where Babylon (the nation that he cursed) had become his servant of destruction. (NIV)Jeremiah 28:15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. For its so easy to listen to the things that make sense to us. But yet, us serving God requires us to discard common sense and obey exactly what he says as absurd as it might be. (NIV)Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This scripture now becomes so vivid as it was part of letter sent to ...

 Jeremiah was of the priests in Anathoth, a city of priests, which lay about three miles from Jerusalem. He assisted king Josiah in the purging of Judah's idols, images and high places.  9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. (Jer 1) 5 Thus says the LORD: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? (Jer 2) God tries to appeal his case with us! Amazing! Almost a sign of desperation but really a truer sign of utter humility and deep love for His chosen.   8 The priests did not say, ‘Where is the LORD?’ Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit. (Jer 2) For it's for the priest to initiate inquiry of the Lord. We need to constantly seek him without rest or contentment as long as he can be foun...

The Prophet that shows us complaining and having unresolved issues should draw closer to God and allow him to give us the answer that we so long to have. 2How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. (Hab 1) The amazing thing about this Prophet is that it makes it seem as if all these things are happening right now instead of the future of Judah. 5“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (Hab 1) The Lord responds in a fashion which is both scary and helps us understand one fundamental truth: GOD'S TIME IS NOT OUR TIME! Had to swallow but true... 13Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treache...

The prophet sent to be give ill news to those who show God contempt. To Hod, vengeance is his. (NIV)Zephaniah 1:4 “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests--- (NIV)Zephaniah 1:12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.’ This is a warning against thinking God is forever silent. For God is giving plainly giving us a chance to repent and come back to him. (NIV)Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. Foe even the righteous are not guaranteed safety from God's anger. We must continuously fight for our salvation. (NIV)Zephaniah 3:1-2 Woe to the...

The prophet sent to Nineveh to give them a final warning about their way of life. 100 years after Jonah, the sins of the Assyrians had become too much for God to bear. (NIV)Nahum 1:2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. (NIV)Nahum 1:6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. For its truly a dreadful thing to be in the hands of the living God! (NIV)Nahum 2:2 The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines. God promises that restoration to Judah. For God is a faithful God and will always care for his people. (NIV)Nahum 2:10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale. Assyrians known for pillaging the...

A prophet sent to both Samaria and Jerusalem. Impartial and just for the sins people have commited against God. This was while Israel was been ruled by the Assyrians. (NIV)Micah 3:11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.” (NIV)Micah 4:12 But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. His plans we don't understand. (NIV)Micah 5:4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. For Jesus is our shepherd. He will guide us to green pastures and land of milk and honey. (NIV)Micah 6:3, 8 “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened yo...

The book is split into two visible messages from God with a similar contrast to the old and new testament. Here focuses on comforting Israel and bringing the good news. (NIV)Isaiah 40:18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? For surely, all praise should be given to God the Almighty. For the Lord deserve our fear and reverence. (NIV)Isaiah 42:9 See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” For new things have come and through Christ we find redemption of our soul! For his plans are not our plans. (NIV)Isaiah 42:20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” Far too often I don't listen to his voice and hence deny his power in my life. (NIV)Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (NIV)Isaiah 44:10 Who shapes a god and cas...

The prophet who, according to Josephus, was from royalty and was humbled to preach to the kingdom of Judah about its coming destruction and future redemption. (NIV)Isaiah 2:2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. For the book of Isaiah is full of prophecies about Jesus and the will of God in the coming ages. (NIV)Isaiah 3:8 Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence. (NIV)Isaiah 4:3-4 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. [4] The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. For this prophecy transcends through time and kingdoms. For the Lord's word doesn't leave men neutral. There...

So today was a day of separating the men from the boys. Today was a day that will take me back to my high school days when I riding a bicycle to school was a norm. Feeling scared (and cold @ 5:30am), there's was this sense of freedom and anticipation for the trip ahead. Surprisingly, 5km done 20min, i wasn't completely finished. It was actually a really cool ride. I must say a good portion was downhill... I wonder how the trip will be.

This is message that the Lord sends anyone he wishes. Amos was a poor farmer from the south sent to preach to wealthy owners of the North. This was prior to Israel taken into captivity by the Assyrians. (NIV)Amos 2:10 I brought you up out of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness to give you the land of the Amorites. He reminds them of what God has done and how should take inspection of how they live and have forgotten God and his ways. (NIV)Amos 3:2 “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins. ” God expects to act a certain way since we've been chosen above all the nations around us. With great blessings come great curses. We should never take the love of God for granted. He will then be forced to bring calamities upon us. (NIV)Amos 5:14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. God shows that he's incredible love and patience even ...

Hosea's plea to the northern kingdom of Israel. God anger and disgust was demonstrated by him marrying a prostitute, having children with them, disciplining them and disowning them. WOW! Hosea 1:5 5 And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.” Yet with all that effort, Isreal was taken into captivity by the Assyrians, never to return again. What a sad moment. Hosea 2:16 16 “And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’ This is in essence, the center of the Hosea's prophecy. God showing loyalty and faithfulness to a nation that had become rebellious in every sense of the word. Hosea 3:1 1 And the LORD said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” This is a very hard teaching, even in God's perspective, how much more with ad our spo...

Little is known about this prophet and the period in which the prophecy applies. He had a terrible message for Israel and that the day of the Lord will be full of darkness and pain. (NIV)Joel 2:28-29, 32 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. [29] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. [32] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls. Joel explains the double call of salvation and that we all can be saved. For surely the last days we now. For deliverance and been shown and the Spirit of the Lord has been poured down on all those who call on the name of the Lord.

Fix you - X&Y This song almost feels like a mother is singing to daugther trying to fall asleep. Angelic voice from Steve Martin and that piano. The build-up with the guitar is crazy!Major major hit!

Jonah was sent to Nineveh to preach God's word but refused to go. And his excuse. (NIV)Jonah 4:2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. It's amazing that we can get upset about the fact that God doesn't punish bad people forgetting our sins before him. (NIV)Jonah 2:2 He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Ita It's amazing how even in the belly of giant fish. In pitch darkness, Jonah remembered the Lord. If it was me, I would be spending my time thinking of ways to get out. This is a true test of faith. (NIV)Jonah 3:10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on th...

I lost all my notes for the book of Job so I thought I should post the communion message I did this past sunday. Enjoy! I've just finished the book of Job and unlike our English bibles, it is part of the poetry section along with psalms, proverbs, ecclesiastes and songs of Solomon. The story of Job is a story that we can all identify with. Questions of "why we are here" or "why do the righteous experience pain" or "why does God seem distant during our tribulations".  I often ask those questions inwardly eventhough and a voice inside of me, similar to Job's friends, tells me there's no place for such questions or thoughts. That we have no right in questioning God and his judgement. And yet to deny those questions is to deny the very essence of being human im the first place. The book of Job deals with our weaknesses with pain, carelessness, faithlessness, anger and bitterness. But instead of suppressing those feelings, Job shows that i...

Album title - Viva La Vida This song is going to rock the concert No doubt!. You're the king of your castle and requires every ego-headed man and woman to "rule your world" and live life. Awesmone piano playing!

This was the third book of Solomon. This was when he was long in years and reflects on his days. It's q sharp considered to the Song of songs where God wasn't even mentioned. He suggests that pleasure and wisdom living have the same fate. We all are long forgotten. Striving to acquire either brings great distress. For everything is meaningless. For there're nothing better for a man than to enjoy the fruit of his hands. For toiling under the sun must bring enjoyment. Marriage should be seen with God in it just like a cord of three strands. For each can protect each other. For surely, the simple things in life should be praised and advertised as good. Whoever loves money has never enough. The labourer sleeps well for he enjoyed his toil under sun during the short days in his earth. Bring shoe to find enjoyment in our prosperity is a blessing from God. For we all pass through under the shadow. Thinking how we put ourselves through help so we can have enough money to enjoy...

Search for wisdom and seek understanding for through this you will learn the fear of the Lord. (Pr 2) Don't withold good from those who deserve it (Pr 3) Keep my commands and you will leave. Get wisdom, it will cost all you have but strive to get it. Keep them within your heart. For it is the wellspring of life (Pr 4) Keep your path away from godless woman. May you enjoy in the wife of your yout X h. May she satisfy me always. Captivated by her love. For man's ways are always before the Lord. (Pr 5) Consider the ant and its ways. Bind them upon your heart. For the prostitute reduces you t a loaf of bread. Wow! For truly that's what it is. Based on us spending money on such things, we provide a living for others. For such lacks judfement. (Pr 6) With her smooth talk, she seduced him. For her house is a highway to the grave. (Pr 7) To fear God is to hate evil and I hate pride and arrogance. Do I also hate pride in people? For surely it needs to start with me and my hou...

Sparks - Parachutes Love promised to that special one and cried to hurt her again. And then... I saw sparks!

The Lord will crush kings with his might. For the Lord said to my Lord; sit at my right hand. (Ps 110) GGood will come to him who is righteous and generous. For he has scattered his wealth to the nations. For the Lord delights in those who are concerned about those who are needy. (Ps 112) Not to us oh Lord, but to you is all the glory. (Ps 115) I love the Lord foe he heard my voice. For I called on the jame of the Lord.  I will fulfill all my vows to the Lord (Ps 116) His love endures forever. I will give you thanks and rejoice in the day you've made. (Ps 117) Blessed are they, those who keep your righteous laws, how can a going man keep his way pure? Teach me your decrees. For I need to meditate on your precepts. For my soul is consumed with the longing of your law. Keep me from deceitful ways. I've chosen the path of righteousness and not crooked ways. Fulfill your promise so you can be feared. I've put my hope in your laws. Because I love your commands, I ...

Lord you've been our dwelling place from generations to generations. The length of our days is 80 years at most. Teach us our ways so we May have joy in our short days. (Ps 90) The world is firmly established. It cannot he moved. (Ps 92) That he who formed eyes not see? Blessed is the man,whom the Lord disciplines. Don't be fooled for the Lord will come with thunder and might to destroy them for wickedness (Ps 94) Come let us sing for joy! If you hear his voice today, don't harden your hearts as times yet not forgotten. For the Lord was angry with them for 40 years. (Ps 95) Let those who love the Lord, hate evil. For surely we can't proclaim his glorious deeds if our lives and doctrine are not in balance. I need to always watch out that I'm worthy of praising him. (Ps 97) For the Lord is good and is love endures forever. (Ps 100) A man who truly suffers for his afflictions and yet believes that the Lord is still around and brings praise up to God. For surely t...

42 - Viva La Vida Talks about ghosts and those are not dead but living in your dead. Creepy but can relate.

VhaaI remember you oh God and I grew faint. Has God forgotten how to be merciful. But I will remember our Lord. (Ps 77) Not hide God'd decrees but tell them to our children. The nations had forgotten what God had done.  For surely we need to remember what God has done in our lives so we can share it our children and the mistakes that our brothers ad sisters. For God remembered we are but flesh, a passing wind soon forgotten. So the Lord guided them like sheep but still they were rebellious. (Ps 78) Restore us oh God and shine your face. Revive us so we praise your holy name again. (Ps 80) If they would just listen to me how quickly I would subdue their enemies and restore them. I guess sometimes we just need to do what God wants and he will delivery us. When in high places we use our own understanding and wisdom to the peril of our people. (Ps 82) Blessed are those whose strength is in you. I'd rather be a doorkeeper in your house for one day than a 1000 years away...

 As a deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you oh God. (Ps 42) Why are you downcast my soul? Praise the Lord our God!(Ps 43) God is our refuge and strength. Be still and know that I'm God. (Ps 46) How awesome is the God of all the earth! (Ps 47) Why should I fear when evil days come? Death is inevitable. For I should not fear for even the rich would not take his riches with him. May I have spiritual eyes to see the Lord my God for who he really is. (Ps 49) The confession psalm (Ps 51) For truly my sins are always before me. Cleanse me that I may be whither than snow. Then I will teach others your ways and sacrifices will offered unto to you. But as for me, I will trust in the Lord (Ps 55). When I'm afraid, I will trust in you (Ps 56). I will lie under the wings of God. yet I'm in the mist of lions. My heart is steadfast, my heart is steadfast. WOW! For I need to draw strength from God's power and see that I only need to wait and trust in God. May ...

Amsterdam - Rush of Blood to the head Story about a man stuck in a hole and while there ponders about the notion of time before he's rescued. Brilliant piano solo by Steve Martin.

To some Psalms (instruments used during the singing of the worship) is described as bible within bible. A collection of songs of praise written over a period of 1000 years - from Moses to David. Quoted the most in the NT and the OT. For it exposes our hearts and the innest thoughts and feelings that brew as we profess our Lord and Saviour. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice in trembling. For the Lord our God is majestic. He needs to hounored for he's our refuge and not forget our righteous acts. For we beg God not to punish us in his anger. For cursed is the man who falls in the hand of the living God. For we need to trust in God's unfailing love and rejoice in his salvation.  For the fool says there's no God. Yet their wickeness will be shown for what it is. For sometimes we feel oppressed from every side. We feel anger brewing in my heart. We're troubled and weak because of the beatings of life. But the Lord is our deliverer, our refuge for the Lord is not far o...

From here onwards there's a distinct change in how the Hebrew bible and the English bible plits. It can be summarized as follows: English bible architecture: History - Poetry - Major prophets - Minor Prophets (the prophets are categorized based on number of writtings) Hebrew bible architecture: Law - Former prophets - Latter prophets - Writtings (this includes such that was not descriptive of a specific time) So I'm going to follow the hebrew bible architecture as it doesn't feel disjointed. See the figure below:

The king wanted to consult Baal instead of God about his illness. Because of that, he died. Elijah prayed and fire consumed the man that came to "enquire" of him. Only when the men came in humility did the fire stop. Wow! God Takes Elijah up in a whirlwind with Elisha watching. Elisha vowed not to leave the side of his master. Elijah struck the water and it parted. The only thing Elisha wanted was to be just as his master with his spirit. Elisha did the same thing and it was done as such. Elisha was called a "bold head" and called upon curses upon them and two bears came and devoured them. The funny part was that it was because he was called a "bold head". The kept performing miracles one of them was the overflowing oil until there was no jar left to fill it with oil. Then the story of a woman who was blessed with a boy but then he died. She went grumbled against Elisha and gave him "I told you so" speech. Sometimes even when we're bles...

Solomon is made king and spares the life of the fraudulent king. This was the first sign of wisdom and grace that he showed. Again the pattern of the younger brother being the line of heritage is followed even during these dark times when God walking with his people. It says that Solomon loved God and offered sacrifice to him. It could only have been tested through time. Based on that, God granted him a wish. Solomon says he's but a little child and needs wisdom from God. For above all things, the one thing we need in abundance. is an understanding of God's will for our lives in order to find favour in his eyes (Moses said that). One mistake he made was raised the Levy of all Israel so he built his palace (13 years) and the temple of God (7 years). Unlike the times of exodus where God would give specific instructions, the temple was build to show the spendour of God reflecting the manhours used for the tent of meeting. Solomon offers prayers up to God and dedicates the te...

David kills the man who put Saul to the sword for he didn't show fear to God for the Lord's anointed. Irrespective of what happens, we must always show fear God and his word above everything else. David made a song about how the mighty have fallen. This shows us how personal David took the disgrace of Israel as if it was his. At that time, David was leading Judah and was at war with the house of Saul. David shows heart and humility by weeping for Abner and is the first to walk behind the tomb. He wasn't scared to weep aloud and to show weakness by not eating in front of everyone. For he sang songs of joy and bitterness for those who had fallen by the sword due to injustice. The amazing story of David and Mephibosheth. A lesson of providence and compassion and love that can transcend generations. For truly the one thing that can have an everlasting impact is how we treat one another with time that we have. David finally became king overall all Israel. We went to war ...

Daylight - Rush of blood to the head. Seeing the daylight after a night of madness brings calmness to the soul. The addition electro beats, creates that feeling of a trance.

Synominous to the story of Rachel who also couldn't have a child, Hannah prayed to the Lord and decided to concencrate the child to be nazarene. So Samuel grew up in the temple of the Lord. Given a vision from God, he was aks (at a young age) to tell Eli about the calamities that are about to happen upon his family. At the time the Philistines ruled over Israel (what's new) and they captured the ark. But God being a God that honours his word, struck down the philistines for dishonouring God to the point of performing a burnt offering and take the ark back where it belonged. Israel asks for a King and anoints Saul. What's weird is that in Deut 17, the king needed to be chosen by God and noone else. This was the case with Saul. He started off so valiently and freed his nation of their enenmies. Then he gets rebuked for making an offering to the Lord without proper consultation with Samuel. The issue of pride and arrogance started as he didn't show remorse and begged fo...

This could also be combined with the book of Judges. Ruth was a Moabite women whom God was prepared to bless her because of her unfailing love for God and God's people. Naomi and Ruth became a strong bond. This story is in such contrast to the previous book of evil priests, prostitutes, civil war. Ruth's humility and also the knowledge of God's word which commanded the Israelites not to take everything out of their fields but leave some for those who don't have. For truly Ruth's simple heart touched Boaz and was amazed by her hard work and focus spirit and noble character. So Boaz took Ruth as his wife being the next redeemer in line. Ruth gave birth to a son his name was Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David. Because of her faithfullness and love for her mother-in-law and her God, She formed the line of Jesus. May God be praised! Amen

-JEPHTHAH The son of a prostitute chased away from his father's household. He reminds the Moabites and the Ammonites that it's because of their stubborness that God struck them down. His daugther was the sacrifice of his stupid vow to God and he obeyed it. With his daughter's blessing! Wow! Be careful when you show a vow to people! -IZBA, ELON, ABBON ruled over Isreal with no special mention -SAMSON - A nazarene, a devotion to the Lord since birth, the stories have been told in various movies. But the funny thing is why did Samson tell Delilah his true secret if he saw that she was being deceitful? One reason can be attributed to this? Human weakness. In every man, there's a sinful and wicked side. -MICAH Hires a priest for money which (1) The Priest's share was in the offerings (2) A combination Idols and God was never part of the plan. Then the Danites, who were looking for a place to settle, took the priest and other god images (forcefully) and made it thei...

The Israelites attacked the lands allocated to them. But unlike the word of God which asked them to destroy everything, they didn't do so and only forced them to hard labour. There was no leader for God to direct them. The angel of the Lord rebuked the community for having made a covenant the inhabitants of the land and not drive them out completely. This was a recipe for chaos and utter rebellion against God and his word. People forgot God and worship other gods and what was promised happened. So judges were raised but were not listened to. It says the anger of the Lord, The following judges were mentioned: -OTHNIEL (Caleb younger son) the deliverer -EHUD The double edge sword that killed the fat king (follow me) - 10000 Moabites were struck down -DEBORAH (Prophetess); King killed by a woman (jaheL) with a tent peg. She sings a song to exhalt the tribes of Israel Midianites plumdered the livestock and their land and left them nothing. -GIDEON (Mighty Warrior of Manas...

The impressive list of the defeated kings is shown. Often we see something like that as boasting. But in fact it is boasting as it's Lord himself who has allowed these miracles to happen. We must be shy or feel that its not our place, but we should proclaim such news in order to direct God's people in worship and praise. A lot of time (and ink) is spent to discuss the territory of Israel. Like anything, unless it's properly defined, it's up for discussion and debate. God knows us very well and we struggle to be content with what we have. Cities of refuge were also defined of those who would await trial before the high priest. The wonders God is shown in that not ONE of the promises He had made had failed! We should be encouraged and know that the same can be done in my life. The tribes east of the Jordan set up an dummy altar to show that they are heirs of the promises of God. Joshua makes a final appearance before all the people and urged them to consider the je...

Joshua was told by God to be strong and courageous. Rahab showed godly fear by rescuing the spies and accepting the fate that was bound unto her own people. River Jordan upstream stopped flowing and priest stood on dry ground in the middle of the river. The hand of the Lord is powerful. It's as if the israelites that grumbled with God caused the time of the wilderness to last 40 years! It could have lasted a much shorter time! The sons of those men were now circumcised. And the amazing part is through that God forgave the people's sins from Egypt and the manna stopped that very day! Wow! The famous march around Jericho for seven days and its wall came down. They destroyed everything in it. Hectic! Through this Joshua became famous. God proclaims that people must surely follow him and do exactly what he says. God shows a pragmatic side of him that we shouldn't wallow in our self-pity but that we should focus on making things right with God first. So they stoned...

Album title - Rush of blood to the head Talks about how people just act out of impulse either because of hurt or disappointment

A rebellious son will be judged and be stoned to death if he has displeased his parents. If someone's sheep or posesssion we shouldn't ignore it and gather and keep it until he claims for it. Adultery required both man and woman to be put to death. Purge the evil among you. It's our responsibility to keep the integrity of the group. Nocturnal emission or "Wet dreams" is seen as unclean are requires the man to go outside the camp. We treat it so lightly but God wants complete holiness. No earnings of the male or female prostritute shall be accepted for any offerings. Taking vows should be taken carefully. The man is required not to be sent to war during his first year of marriage so he can please his wife. Moses says to the people they shall shout curses onto those who do them (which includes those who don't do everything that is in the law) and all the people shall say "Amen!". God proclaims that if we disobey him, our life labour bec...

This book starts off by telling what had happened in past tense. It's as if Moses is trying to make an autobiography of his life on what God had done not so much what he said. But it goes into more details of how the people of canaan, and the different tribes came about, the wars they won and the cities they lived in. Moses asks God if he could just peek at the land that will be given to his people. Moses didn't ask for God to reverse his judgement on him. That's true humility. You don't wish for things to get better, but for your heart to accept it and be at peace. The Israelites are warned to remember what God and not forget the covenant God made with them. Moses warns them about passing on this history of faith and obedience to their children and their children. This creates a sense of aweness that we need to have for God and how amazing is his love and there is no other. We should proclaim his name! This is Moses' sermon to the people, just like a father wil...

God proclaims that they (and we) should do just as he com manded, not taking away and not adding to it. God says you must follow God and him only. False prophets that go against what the law says must be put to death. We need to purge evil among us. It was everyone's duty to purge the evil. In our case, it's exclusion from the fellowship. The people are commanded to give generously and not forget the poor people in that land because they will always be among them. Its so weird because its almost the exact scripture that is used the letter to the corinthian church. God says that a man can only put to death on the account of two or three witnesses. When a king is chosen (among the people) he is to write a copy of the law for himself and read it all the days of his life so that he will not veer to the left or to the right. For leader in God's eyes must be his best student. Moses describes what a prohpet should be. Someone who proclaims the words of God in its entirety. S...

At the place where water came out from a rock, Moses didn't show proper respect to God when addressing the Israelites hence was cut-off from leading the people into the promised land. The Israelites go into the canaanite lands and find that they are able to defeat them (Moabites, Amorites). They capture and settle into the land of Moab. Aaron and Miriam died on their way to into the land. The story of Balaam is a very interesting one. I'm not sure why it's in the bible but a couple of lessons can be learnt. It sounds like Balaam was a prophet who knew how to inquire of the Lord but yet was not an Israelite. He also used to practice divination, hence the Moab elders asking for his help. He was rebuked by his own donkey having the voice of God and decided to repent and bless the Israelites instead of cursing them. It says that he was filled with the spirit of God when he uttered oracles to the people of Israel. What's interesting is that God used an alien to proclai...