This week's theme

Readings in Joshua. 1 Into the promised land

Today's reading

Joshua 6:15-27

Today's prayer

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying on the cross to save us from our sins. Help us to place our faith in you each day and experience your kingdom now, and forever. Amen.

Fresh From the Word

Futher thought 2

For further thought

Are there areas of your life where you know you have disobeyed God and need to confess and repent? Remember, he loves us and forgives all of our sins when we believe in him.

Be still, and know that I am God. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Pray through Psalm 46 to acknowledge Gods power over any strongholds in your life.

How do you display the signs of Gods promise in your life? Think and pray about the ways in which Jesus loves you, and ask him to help you show that same love to others.

Jesus gave us the practice of communion to remember him and what hes done for us. Why not have a meal with friends and talk about what God has done for you in your life?

Have you ever been told by God to move somewhere difficult or undertake a seemingly impossible task? Did he do amazing things? Was it also a witness to others of his power and glory?

Has God ever invited you to move into a promised land in your life? Did you need to take steps in faith? Has God provided unexpected help, like he did through Rahab, when youve needed it?

Think back through the past fortnight. What have you heard God say through these reflections on trees? What is your response to God?

Think about the church or fellowship you attend. Who needs to be grafted in to make this community more diverse and fruitful?

Find a copy of the poem Jesus Christ the Apple Tree or listen to the carol. What is God saying to you through these words?

Go for a walk outside or spend time looking out of a window. In what ways can you see creation praising God?

Find a small venture or charity that is producing significant good for others. Thank God for this work and support it in some way.

Take some time to identify the good fruit that God is growing in your life. How are you using this fruit to encourage others into the kingdom?

How is conflict handled in your church and community? What more can you do to encourage peace in your neighbourhood?

Find or make a picture of the tree of life that resonates with you. Use it in a creative way to enhance your prayer life.

What part does hope play in your life as a disciple of Jesus?

What models of leadership can you see being exercised around you? What leadership lessons might we all learn from the cedar and the cross?

If possible, take a walk in a wooded area. Be attentive to the trees around you. How do they speak of Gods presence and provision?

Resolve to plant a tree or make a donation to a charity dedicated to reforestation.

Take a walk alongside a river or look at a picture of flowing water. How do you experience God in this place?

Spend some time revisiting old altars today, thanking God for past encounters and breakthroughs and reaffirming that you trust him with your future.

Spend some time today naming the many gifts God has given you in your lifetime and thanking him for them.

What helps you to feel Gods presence and peace? Listening to worship? Getting outdoors? Something else? Make a point of doing that today.

What do you think triggered the disciples recognition of Jesus at last? What do you need him to reveal about himself to you today?

If Jesus was physically sitting or walking next to you today, what would you want to share with him, directly from your heart? Go ahead!

What evidence can you bring to mind to reassure yourself that Jesus is alive and at work in your life, even amidst doubt and uncertainty?

How does Josephs example inspire you to respond to adversity? How might the themes of Passion Week impact your faith and daily life moving forward?

Jesus said: He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18). How can you support oppressed imprisoned innocents?

How can you champion justice and seek truth in your own life and community? What is God asking you to be obedient to today?

How has silence been used as a tool by social justice movements for resistance and dignity?

What can your church collectively prioritise for Gods kingdom? What actions can you take to exhibit the revolutionary holiness of Jesus in your life?

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International Community

The states in which our FfTW notes are used in IBRA Nigeria, include the following states; Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Kano, Oyum Kaduna, Edo, Ondu Osun and Taraba. The National President Rt Rev Dr Segun Okubadejo

It makes Bible become more relevant to their everyday situation and aiding the development of their spiritual stamina

Nigeria

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This week's writer

Andy is a communications, marketing and fundraising consultant, and has led fruitful young adult, small group and family ministries. Lifelong pilgrims, now living in Scotland, in 2019 he, his wife and three daughters travelled through Europe in a moto

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IBRA celebrated 140 years in 2022!

The knowledge and appreciation of the Bible carries on the 140-year-old IBRA tradition of encouraging people around the world. 

Read about our rich history and the origins of our founder Charles Waters, bank manager and Sunday School teacher – not a scholar, preacher, or public speaker – who had a gift for organisation and a vision for making the Bible accessible to all.

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