Author: joemarino (Page 26 of 56)

Joshua 12:1 – 24 | Celebrating The Win

January 9, 2020 / joemarino

Joshua chapter 12 is basically a transitional chapter in the book that helps to move the narrative from one major section of the story to the next. It’s kind of like a bridge from one main body of land to the next main body of land. It can be helpful if you can envision yourself standing on the middle of that bridge looking back at the land you just left with an eye towards not only what lies behind you but also what lies ahead of you.

Joshua 11:1 – 23 | Wartime Strategy

December 31, 2019 / joemarino

The book of Joshua is an exciting book that is full of stories about war. Reading this book can be similar to watching a movie like Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers or Pearl Harbor or even the Lord of the Rings.

Luke 2:1 – 20 | Unto Us A Child Is Born

December 22, 2019 / joemarino

The passage in front of us today has often been referred to as the Christmas story. Many Christians over the years have made a tradition out of reading this story on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. It’s a beautiful story of the birth of Jesus. But let’s not forget that Jesus wasn’t born into an American cultural context.

Luke 1:56 – 80 | Lord Have Mercy

December 14, 2019 / joemarino

The Christmas season is a beautiful time of the year. It’s probably my favorite season of the entire year. All of the lights, laughter, joy, Christmas movies, family get-togethers, food and gift giving… Christmas really is a beautiful season. But it’s also a season where some of our deepest unmet desires and struggles are brought to the surface.

The Magnifying Glass | Luke 1:39 – 55

December 6, 2019 / joemarino

My heart is like a magnifying glass. There are many small things that have a tendency to consume the attention of my heart.

Joshua 9:1 – 27 | The Invisible War

November 23, 2019 / joemarino

The Christian life is about spiritual advancement in a physical reality. One author says that, “there are no spiritual advances, personally or corporately, (that will happen) without challenge and conflict” (Jackman 2014: 104). In other words, if you want to follow Jesus in this world then you should expect to face opposition and deception.

Joshua 8:30 – 35 | Under the Rule of the Rescuer

November 15, 2019 / joemarino

A lot of things have happened in the first eight chapters of Joshua that make these verses feel like a lull in the action. Looking back we remember God’s commissioning of Joshua to lead his people into the Promised Land.

Joshua 8:1 – 29 | The Greatest Comeback Story Ever

November 9, 2019 / joemarino

Joshua chapter 8 is a great comeback story. Most of us enjoy a great comeback story. The pain and agony of defeat can be absolutely demoralizing. Defeat leaves you feeling numb, broken and confused. Who in their right mind likes to live in defeat?

Joshua 6 | Anchor Points

October 27, 2019 / joemarino

Last week I asked the question “what area of your life are you seeking victory in right now?” I don’t doubt that many of you immediately thought about some relational, physical or spiritual barrier that you have been fighting with for a long time. The reality is that every one of us has major areas of struggle in our lives. It probably isn’t too hard to identify some areas of your life where you are waiting for God to show up and give you the victory.

Joshua 5 | Trust and Obey

October 20, 2019 / joemarino

The prerequisite for spiritual victory is renewed trust in and obedience to the Lord. The Lord has just done a really miraculous thing in bringing the Israelites across the flooded Jordan River. If you put yourself in the shoes of the Israelites it would make total sense to storm the gates of the city of Jericho right now since the hearts of the kings of their enemies were melting like butter under a hot knife (5:1).