Was Rahab justified in lying to save the lives of the spies?.. Jos2

Although the Bible doesnt speak negatively about her lie, its clear that lying is sin. However, Rahab is commendedfor her faith in God. Her life isnt mentioned. Several explanations have offered :

1) God forgave Rahab's life because of her faith;

2) Rahab was simply deceiving the enemy, a normal acceptable pratice in wartime;

3) Because Rahab wasnt a Jew, she couldnt be held responsible, for keeping the moral standarts set forth in God's law;

4) Rahab broke a lesser principle--telling the truth--to uphold a higher principle--protecting God's people.

There may have been another way to save the lives of the Israel spies. Byt under the preasure of the moment, Rahab had to make a choice. Most of us will face dilemmas at one time or another. We may feel that there is no perfect solution to our problem. Fortunately, God doent demand that our judgment be perfect in all situations. HE simply asks us to put out trust in HIM and to do the best we know how.

Many would assume that Rahab--a pagan, a Canaanite and a prostitute--would never be interested in God. Yet Rahab was willing to risk everything she had for a God she barely knew.

We mustnt gauge a person's interested in God by his or her background, lifestyle, or appearance. We should let nothing get in the way of our telling people the GOOD NEWS.

God Often Uses People with Simple Faith.. Jos2

Why would the spies stop at the house of Rahab, a prostitute? 

1) It was a good place to gather information and have no questions asked in return.

2) Rahab's house was in an ideal location for a quick escape because it was built into the city wall.

3) God directed the spies to Rahab's house because HE knew her heart was open to HIM and that she would be instrumental in the Isralite victory over Jerico.

God often uses people with simple faith to accomplish HIS great purposes, no matter what kind past they have had or how insignificant they seem to be. Rahab didnt allow her past to keep her from the new role God had for her.

To Be Successful, Follow God's Word.. Jos1

Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria.

HE said that to success Joshua must :

1) Be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy,

2) Obey God's law, and

3) Constantly read and study the Book of Instruction--God's Word.

You may not succeed by the world's standarts, but you will be a success in God's eyes--and HIS opinion is most important

Nourishing Our Love, Respect and Awe.. Deu34

Moses was the only person who ever spoke with God face to face. He was called Israel's greatest prophet. Yet even this great man wasnt allowed to enter the Promised Land because He disobeyed God. No matter how good we are or how much we've done for God, we sometimes disobeye HIM. The result of our disobedience is that we will be disciplined. God disciplined Moses severely but still called Him HIS friend. In the end, God was still Moses best friend

Moses was one person who did not let success go to His head. His love, respect, and awe for God had grown daily throughout His life. Moses knew that it wasnt any greatness in Himself that made Him successful, it was the greatness of the all powerful God in whom He trusted

When you experience the sting of God's discipline, respond as Moses did. Dont turn away in anger, embarrassment, or resentment. Instead, turn toward God with love, openness, and a desire to do better.