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Welcome & Study Notes:

Welcome to this episode of our study in the book of Joshua! Today, we explore Joshua 3:1-16, a powerful passage that teaches us how to respond when we face seemingly impossible situations. Just as the Israelites stood before the flooded Jordan River, we often encounter barriers in life that seem insurmountable. But through faith, preparation, and obedience, we can witness God’s power at work in our lives. Let's dive into the study and discover how Joshua's experience can encourage and guide us in our own challenges.

Study Notes:

1. Facing an Impossible Situation (Joshua 3:1-4)

Lesson: When facing challenges, we must keep our eyes on God’s presence and trust His guidance, rather than relying on our own understanding.

2. Preparing for the Miracle (Joshua 3:5-6)

Lesson: Spiritual preparation—through confession, sanctification, and focusing on God—positions us to experience His power in our lives.

3. God’s Promise to Joshua (Joshua 3:7-13)

Lesson: True faith requires action. We often have to step out in obedience before we see the results of God’s promises.

4. The Miracle at the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-16)

Lesson: God specializes in doing the impossible, but He calls us to trust Him fully before we see the outcome.

Application Questions:

1. What "impossible" situation are you currently facing? How can you focus on God's presence rather than the problem?
2. In what ways can you spiritually prepare yourself for God’s work in your life?
3. Are you willing to take a step of faith even before you see the outcome? What might that look like in your circumstances?
4. How does Joshua’s leadership and trust in God inspire you in your own faith journey?

Key Takeaways:

• Keep your eyes on God – He is the one leading the way.
• Prepare your heart – Sanctify yourself to be ready for God’s work.
• Step out in faith – Obedience often precedes miracles.
• Trust God's timing – His plan may not always be immediate, but it is always perfect.

As we reflect on this passage, may we be reminded that no situation is truly impossible when we trust in the Lord. Whatever challenges you are facing today, step forward in faith, knowing that God goes before you.

Blessin

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For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
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Welcome & Study Notes:

Welcome to Today’s Episode!

In this episode, we continue our journey through the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter 2. Last time, we saw God’s commission to Joshua and the Israelites' pledge of obedience. Today, we explore Joshua’s strategic decision to send spies into Jericho—a move that teaches us a valuable lesson about preparation in fulfilling God’s plans.

Although God had already promised victory, Joshua understood the necessity of gathering information and preparing wisely. We also encounter Rahab, a surprising yet pivotal figure, whose faith and actions secured not only her safety but also her place in God’s redemptive plan.

Study Notes: Key Themes & Lessons from Joshua 2

1. The Role of Preparation in Fulfilling God’s Will (Joshua 2:1)

2. Rahab’s Act of Faith & God’s Grace (Joshua 2:2-7)

3. Faith That Leads to Action (Joshua 2:8-24)

4. The Spies’ Report & God’s Sovereignty (Joshua 2:23-24)

Practical Takeaways:

• Preparation is key – Knowing God’s will isn’t enough; we must take practical steps to act on it.
• Faith requires action – Rahab didn’t just believe; she acted on her belief.
• God’s grace is for all – No one is beyond redemption; God can use anyone who trusts in Him.
• God is always working ahead of us – Like the spies discovered, God often prepares the way before we even arrive.

Final Thought: Rahab’s scarlet cord serves as a powerful symbol of God’s redemptive grace, pointing to Jesus Christ. Her story reminds us that no matter our past, faith in God can lead to transformation and inclusion in His plan. As we move forward in our own journeys, let’s embrace both faith and preparation, trusting that God is always ahead of us, guiding our steps.

Thanks for joining this study! Stay tuned as we continue through Joshua and uncover more about God’s faithfulness and our call to trust and obey Him.

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In today’s episode, we explore the significance of obedience, both to God and to human authority, as seen in Joshua 1:10-18. Obedience is not always easy, but it is foundational to spiritual growth and God’s plan for our lives.

Key Themes:

• The tension between wanting to obey God and the pull of self-interest.
• The challenge of obeying human authority, especially when leaders are imperfect.
• Joshua’s commands to the Israelites and their response of full submission.
• The importance of unity and collective obedience in fulfilling God’s purposes.

Study Notes:

1. Joshua’s Commands (Joshua 1:10-15)

• Joshua instructs the people to prepare provisions as they prepare to cross the Jordan.
• This marks a transition from reliance on supernatural provision (manna) to taking responsibility for their sustenance.
• The Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are reminded of their duty to help their fellow Israelites claim their inheritance before settling in their own land.
• This obedience required sacrifice, patience, and trust in God’s timing.

2. The People’s Response (Joshua 1:16-18)

• The Israelites pledge wholehearted obedience: “We will do, we will go, we will obey.”
• They affirm Joshua’s leadership, recognizing that God is with him as He was with Moses.
• Their commitment underscores the importance of obedience for spiritual growth and collective success.
• They recognize that disobedience carries serious consequences.

Lessons for Today:

• Obedience is foundational: It is necessary for spiritual growth, leadership, and God’s blessings.
• Faith and trust are required: Obedience often means stepping into the unknown, trusting God’s plans even when they don’t align with our expectations.
• Sacrifice may be necessary: Just as the 2½ tribes had to leave their land and fight for others, we may be called to serve without immediate personal benefit.
• Encouragement for leaders: The Israelites’ obedience strengthened Joshua’s leadership—our obedience can encourage those leading us in faith.

Reflection Questions:

• How do you respond when obedience requires sacrifice, patience, or trust?
• Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to authority? How can you align your attitude with biblical principles?
• What can you learn from the Israelites’ willingness to obey wholeheartedly?

Final Thought: Obedience may not always be easy, but it

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Study Notes for Joshua 1:1-9

Background:

• Joshua 1:1-9 marks the beginning of Joshua’s leadership after Moses’ death. God’s charge to Joshua is both a personal encouragement and a declaration of divine support as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land.

Key Themes:

• The Continuation of God’s Plan:
• Inheritance by God’s Promise:
• God’s Assurance of His Presence:
• Strength and Courage Through Obedience:
• Growth Happens Gradually:

Application Points:

• Trust in God’s Promises:
  • Reflect on God’s promises in Scripture and how they apply to your life today.
• Live Courageously:
  • Courage is not the absence of fear but faith in God’s presence and power.
• Meditate on God’s Word:
  • Prioritize daily time in Scripture, allowing it to shape your decisions and actions.
• Embrace Gradual Growth:
  • Recognize that spiritual maturity and fulfilling God’s purposes happen incrementally.

Reflection Questions:

• What challenges in your life require strength and courage right now?
• How can you meditate on God’s Word more intentionally this week?
• In what ways have you seen God’s promises fulfilled in your life?

Memory Verse: Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you trust His promises, meditate on His Word, and step forward in courage, knowing He is with you.

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This audio is edited version of a longer Video presentation originally given on 12th of January 2024 to a secular group and made available to my Patrons on 15th Jan 2024.

To see the longer complete video, follow the link to my Patreon community.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-reaction-to-96546184?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Welcome to Our New Season.

Today, we begin a series exploring the biblical book of Joshua. Over the coming weeks, we’ll study it chapter by chapter and, verse by verse.

Also, it is my plan that as we progress through the whole project to create a playlist, with a single longer episode to give an overview in its entirety of each of the books of our bible.

Joshua is an invaluable addition to the proceeding five books of the bible (The Pentateuch). It is the book where we finally see God’s deliverance plan realized

With Moses now deceased, Joshua became their leader, ready to enter Canaan.

Structure

Like Exodus and Deuteronomy, there is a great deal of geographical material in the book of Joshua. Yet there is a narrative story also. Beyond that, the details of the division of the land, as well as a farewell address.

The geography of the promised land is one of the unifying factors throughout the book.

I. Entering the Land to Possess it 1:1-5:15

II. Conquering the Land to Possess it 6:1-12:24

III. The Division of the Land to Possess it 13:1-21:45

IV. Appendix 22:1-24:33

The purpose of the Book of Joshua is to document how God led the Israelites into the land of Canaan, and how they subsequently conquered and divided it. This book continues the geographical and chronological narrative of Israel from Abraham to Malachi. Without this text, there would be significant gaps in our understanding of the history of Israel, particularly regarding how they entered and settled in the land.

You cannot spend any time studying this book without also thinking about the man himself. Joshua is one of the Bible's most remarkable figures in the bible and by studying his life, we can discover valuable lessons about what makes great men and women truly great—and in the process, learn something about ourselves.

Joshua was undeniably a great man. Few would argue with that. But what made him great? What made him tick? What made him function so effectively as a leader?

By examining his life as it’s revealed in the book of Joshua—we can begin to answer these questions which I believe will be helpful to our understanding of both the book and the man.

Joshua the Soldier

Joshua the Statesman

The key to Joshua’s success as a statesman, just as it was in his military campaigns, was his obedience to the Word of God. Over and over, Scripture emphasizes that Joshua acted in accordance with God’s instructions.

In Joshua 13, God directly commanded Joshua to divide the land among

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This "Between the Seasons", bonus episode was originally made available on my Patreon website on, 14 Mar 2024

Studying this was quite an Eye Opener for Me this last week or so. My American friends will probably think how come you Brits do not know about this guy.

Hope you find my Newbee perspective of some value.

Blessings. Jeremy

Notes:

• Alexis De Tocqueville a prominent French political thinker, writer, and historian born into an aristocratic family in 1805.
• His main most notable work "Democracy in America" and its enduring influence on political thought and societal analysis.

Segment 1: Biography of Alexis De Tocqueville

• De Tocqueville's family background, including his aristocratic lineage and his father's involvement in French politics.
• His early career in law and politics, highlighting his advocacy for decentralization of government and abolition of slavery.

Segment 2: Travels and Observations

• De Tocqueville's travels to America in 1831 with Gustave de Beaumont, initially commissioned to study prisons but leading to broader observations on American society.
• His travels to England and Algeria, noting his critiques of colonization and his advocacy for cultural autonomy.
• His observations on Ireland before the Great Famine and his sympathy for Irish Catholics' struggle against aristocratic power.

Segment 3: "Democracy in America": The Book

• A brief on overview of De Tocqueville's seminal work, "Democracy in America," published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840.
• His examination of American democracy, including its strengths and weaknesses, as compared to aristocratic societies.
• His insights on the role of the Christian religion, inheritance laws, jury service, freedom of the press, and the evolving status of women in American society.

Conclusion:

• De Tocqueville's insights on democracy, society, and faith, emphasize his recognition of the importance of individual freedom and communal responsibility.
• His enduring relevance of his work for Christians navigating the complexities of modern democratic societies.

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Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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This audio is edited version of a longer Video presentation originally given on 12th of January 2024 to a secular group and made available to my Patrons on 15th Jan 2024.

To see the longer complete video, follow the link to my Patreon community.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-reaction-to-96546184?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Episode Notes.

Introduction:

Mary Wollstonecraft's Background:

Mary Wollstonecraft, born on April 27, 1759, found herself at a crossroads in life. A woman of immense intellect, she faced subjugation, misunderstanding, and societal castigation. Despite her brilliance, she was largely ignored by her contemporaries as an intellectual. Her failed suicide attempt, where she was rescued from the River Thames, marked a turning point in her life.

Her early life was marked by personal struggles, failed relationships, and financial difficulties. Raised in a household marred by her father's alcohol-fueled violence towards her mother, Wollstonecraft's traumatic childhood experiences profoundly influenced her perspective. She would later become a staunch advocate for women's rights, challenging the oppressive structures of patriarchy.

Mary as a Governess and Advocate:

After saving her sister Eliza from an abusive marriage in 1784, Mary Wollstonecraft became a governess, tutoring an Irish aristocratic family's four daughters. This experience exposed her to the corrupt system that confined 18th-century women to narrow roles, focusing solely on marriage and submission.

Wollstonecraft's influence on the four young girls under her tutelage was transformative. Initially conforming to societal expectations, they emerged as intelligent, passionate, and independent individuals under her guidance. This demonstrated the potential for change through education, a central theme in Wollstonecraft's body of work.

Her Seminal Work; "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman":

Wollstonecraft's ground-breaking work, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" (1792), challenged prevailing gender roles and called for the empowerment of women. She argued for education, critical thinking, and independence, rejecting the societal narrative that confined women to submissive roles. Her critique extended to the intellectual backdrop of her time, questioning the ideas of philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

She opposed Rousseau's view that women's education should revolve around pleasing and serving men, drawing parallels between women's roles and the dynamics of slavery. Wollstonecraft's rejection of traditional gender norms and advocacy for equality faced posthumous criticism, particularly regarding her unconventional personal life.

Mary Wollstonecraft's Legacy and Christian Perspectives:

Wollstonecraft's legacy extends beyond women's rights; it challenges societal norms and urg

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Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

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