LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA
Lesson 8 : Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb

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8.7 Questions
Courage, Role Models, Media, and Humility in a Challenging World

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Introduction

We live in a time of great tension: societal expectations, social media, professional pressure, and moral challenges collide with us daily. In the midst of this world, God calls us to a life of courage, humility, and spiritual clarity. The following questions of this lesson lead us into a deep exploration of the forces that shape us—and the decisions we must make to remain steadfast in Christ.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: “Discuss the power of peer pressure and the courage needed to speak up when others don’t. What role does courage play in living out our faith? How can we avoid being impolite while standing for what we believe is right?”

Peer pressure is one of the strongest social forces influencing human behavior. Children and teenagers experience it in school, friend groups, or online platforms. But adults are not immune either. Peer pressure subtly produces the fear of being excluded, ridiculed, or judged.

To speak up when others remain silent requires strength of character, inner freedom, and a firm foundation in faith. Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to do what is right despite fear.

Courage plays a central role in the life of faith because:

• Our faith often challenges us to swim against the tide.

• True discipleship means becoming more like Christ—even when it is unpopular.

• Courage prevents us from compromising biblical principles.

• Courage allows us to shine as light in a dark world.

At the same time, we must remain courageous and polite. Even when we express a different opinion, our demeanor can remain respectful:

• We speak calmly instead of loudly.

• We critique arguments, not people.

• We listen before responding.

• We choose words that combine truth and love.

Courage without love becomes harsh.
Love without courage becomes powerless.
Both together reflect Christ.

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Question 2: “Share examples of faith from your church or community that have shaped your life and character. Which qualities of these people are worth imitating?”

Every church has quiet heroes—people whose faithfulness speaks louder than any sermon. It might be an elderly sister who comes to prayer meeting in any weather, a father who, despite illness, never loses faith, or a young adult who stands firm for Christ in school or at work.

Such people shape us not through big words but through their attitude:

• Faithfulness: They serve God even when no one is watching.

• Endurance: They don’t give up, even in crises.

• Humility: They seek God’s will, not recognition.

• Love: They meet everyone with warmth, patience, and understanding.

• Strength of faith: They trust God even when circumstances contradict that trust.

• Honesty: They live what they profess.

Such role models are a living gospel—sparkling jewels in a world full of deception—and worthy of imitation.

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Question 3: “Reflect on the influence of media on our lives and discuss it. How can we avoid their negative effects while using their potential for good purposes?”

The media of our time—television, social networks, streaming services, news portals—are powerful. They inform, entertain, manipulate, and shape opinions. Their influence is often unconscious but effective.

Negative effects arise especially when:

• we consume media without awareness,

• content triggers fear, anger, or envy,

• algorithms create dependency,

• mediated ideals distort our self-image.

To avoid negative consequences, it helps to:

1. Set clear boundaries:
   Media-free times and conscious breaks.

2. Choose wisely:
   Engage only with content that builds up, educates, or spiritually encourages.

3. Reflect:
   “Does this draw me closer to Christ or farther away?”

4. Practice digital fasting:
   Seek silence filled by God.

5. Use media intentionally for good:

   • sharing hopeful messages

   • online prayer groups

   • Christian lectures

   • testimonies

   • education and awareness

Media are neither good nor evil—they are tools. God expects us to use them wisely.

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Question 4: “Reflect on the humility of Joshua as a leader and his desire to live near the sanctuary. In what way does his example speak to you?”

Joshua was a military leader, political authority, and spiritual guide—yet deeply humble. He did not choose a seat of honor or a royal throne but the nearness of the sanctuary. That is where God’s presence was felt, and that is where he wanted to be.

What speaks to us?

• Joshua shows that true greatness is found near God, not in position or title.

• He lived dependence, not self-exaltation.

• His decisions were spiritually guided, not politically motivated.

• His leadership style was based on listening, not dominating.

His example calls us to maintain a quiet soul in a loud world—one that seeks God’s will first.

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Spiritual Principles

1. Courage grows in a heart firmly anchored in God.

2. Life preaches louder than words—role models shape us.

3. What we see and hear forms who we become.

4. Humility is the most beautiful form of strength.

5. Christian courtesy is not compromise—it is fruit of the Spirit.

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Application in Daily Life

• Ask yourself honestly: “When did I last stay silent when I should have spoken?”

• Seek a spiritual role model—or become one.

• Review your media consumption this week.

• Plan intentional ‘sanctuary moments’: time alone with God.

• Practice courage in small things to develop it for big ones.

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Conclusion

A life with God requires courage, humility, and vigilance. Role models inspire us, media challenge us, and God’s presence transforms us. Every day offers us the chance to make our faith visible—quietly but firmly; kindly but clearly; humbly but courageously.

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Thought of the Day

“Courage begins where God’s truth becomes more important than people’s opinions.”

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Illustration

“The Light on the Mezzanine”
A story about courage, truth, and the quiet strength of faith in the 21st century.

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Chapter 1 – The Assignment

The morning fog still hung over the city as Mara Lindner stepped through the revolving doors of the “GlobalTrend Media Tower.” The building was a glass colossus with twenty floors, a symbol of modern power: news, opinions, trends—everything took shape here before reaching millions.

Mara, 24 years old, new to the profession, loved writing. She wanted to become a journalist to bring truth to light. But since she’d started working in this corporation, she realized: truth was often considered an inconvenient disturbance.

The open-plan office smelled of freshly ground coffee and artificial coolness. People typed, made calls, filmed themselves for social clips. Air-conditioning noise and the clatter of keyboards filled the room.

“Mara, I have something for you,” said her team leader, Oliver Brandt, without looking up. He pushed a folder toward her. “Our next campaign involves a group from the West District. A Christian church. Apparently they’re blocking a new municipal youth program. You’ll write a commentary.”

Mara skimmed the documents. The more she read, the tighter the knot in her stomach grew. The accusations seemed exaggerated—some facts even questionable or distorted.

“Should I do additional research?” she asked carefully.

Brandt waved her off. “Not necessary. Just write it so that it has impact. You know—some emotion, some outrage.” He grinned. “That always works.”

Mara nodded, but something burned inside her. This article would publicly condemn a group of people—on a shaky foundation.

The peer pressure in the office was like an invisible net. Don’t stand out. Don’t contradict. Don’t be the “moral one.”

But something inside her protested.

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Chapter 2 – The Conversation in the Hallway

Later, as she stood in the hallway making tea, she noticed Jonas, a shy IT employee who sometimes smiled at her kindly. He stood by the drink machine, fiddling nervously with his ID badge.

“You look troubled,” he said gently.

Mara told him about the assignment, the distorted information, and the pressure to write the article without asking questions.

Jonas nodded slowly. “I know that church. My sister goes there. They… they really help a lot of young people.”

Mara looked at him, surprised. “Really?”

“Yes. They offer tutoring, free meals, counseling. If you want, I can help you meet some of them. Just…” He lowered his voice. “No one here can know. Faith isn’t exactly… welcome in this building.”

Mara smiled gratefully. In that moment, she knew: God had just opened a door for her.

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Chapter 3 – The Decision

The next day, a major meeting was scheduled. Presentations, strategies, social media plans—all in bright spotlight.

“We expect the commentary by Friday,” Brandt said at the end. “Mara will write it.”

Everyone nodded approvingly. Someone patted her shoulder. “It’ll be great. Make it sharp.”

The pressure was enormous.

But by then, Mara had spoken to several church members, conducted interviews, checked the facts. The truth was clear: the church wasn’t blocking anything—they were simply requesting that the new youth program not replace their existing counseling support.

Nothing in the dossier had been fair.

As she sat in the meeting, she felt a strong push inside. She knew she had to speak. And she knew the risk.

“My commentary…” she began softly.

All eyes turned toward her.

“…I can’t write it the way it is.”

Silence.
Frozen silence.

Brandt’s expression hardened. “Excuse me?”

“The documents are distorted,” Mara said calmly. “I visited the church. The facts don’t hold up. We would harm people publicly—without cause.”

A murmur went through the room. Someone snorted dismissively. Someone else rolled their eyes.

Brandt glared. “We’re not in a church choir, Mara. We work with narratives. We shape public perception.”

She took a deep breath. “But we must not lie.”

For a few seconds, absolute silence. Then Brandt said curtly:

“We’ll discuss this later.”

Mara knew: the storm was coming.

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Chapter 4 – The Price

That evening, she found an email in her inbox:

“We need to discuss your role on the team. Bring your ID card tomorrow.”

Her heart sank. The unspoken message was clear: termination.

She sat at her desk on the mezzanine—the room between the newsroom and the archive, hardly used. She often wrote here and sometimes even prayed when no one was around.

“Did I do the right thing?” she whispered.

Inside, she heard the words from Joshua’s story, which her grandfather had read to her as a child:

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you.”

Courage sometimes meant losing something so you wouldn’t lose yourself.

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Chapter 5 – An Unexpected Turn

The next morning, she entered the office—prepared for the worst.

But Jonas rushed toward her, excited. “Did you see the news?”

“Which news?”

He held up his tablet. An independent blogger had published a detailed report on the church—fact-based, well-researched. The video was going viral.

“That is… exactly what I found,” Mara whispered.

Soon after, she was called into Brandt’s office. His expression was tense but less hostile than yesterday.

“It looks like you were right,” he admitted. “We… need to reconsider the campaign.”

Mara was stunned. He didn’t say “sorry,” but his tone was the politest she had ever heard from him.

“Write a new article,” Brandt finally said. “Clean. Objective. As you see fit.”

She nodded, grateful and relieved.

Courage had a price.
But courage was rewarded.

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Chapter 6 – Humility on the Mezzanine

A few weeks later, Mara wrote an internal report on how editorial processes could improve: more fact-checking, more source diversity, more humility.

Yes, humility.

Not the cringing “I am nothing” kind, but Joshua’s posture:

“I want to be where God is—whether in the spotlight or on the mezzanine.”

She continued working at GlobalTrend Media, but differently: braver, more aware, clearer.

Sometimes she went to the quiet mezzanine, sat by the window, and looked down at the city. In those moments, she felt God’s presence more strongly than in any cathedral.

She learned:
You don’t need a holy temple of stone to be close to God.
Just a burning heart.
A clear mind.
And the courage to do what is right.

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Chapter 7 – The Light That Continues

A year later, Mara gave a lecture to young journalists titled “Truth in a Time of Overwhelming Voices.” Many listened attentively. Some asked questions. A few came afterward and said:

“Thank you. We need people like you.”

As she walked home that evening, the streetlights glowed warmly on the pavement. A deep peace settled in her heart.

She knew:
Her courage hadn’t changed the whole world, but it had changed a part of it.
And sometimes, that is the beginning of something greater.

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Lessons from the Story

1. Courage begins in the heart — not on the stage

Mara did not need to be loud, aggressive, or spectacular to be courageous.
Her courage was shown in the fact that:

• she spoke the truth,

• even though she stood alone,

• even though she risked consequences,

• even though everyone else pushed in a different direction.

True bravery is quiet, steady, and unwavering.

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2. Peer pressure is powerful — but not stronger than conviction

Everyone in the office expected Mara to simply go along.
But she made a different choice because her values were stronger than her fear of rejection.

Anyone whose identity is rooted in God remains stable, even when others fall.

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3. Truth is precious — and often uncomfortable

Truth was almost lost because it didn’t fit the narrative.
Mara reminded us:

• Truth sometimes needs to be defended.

• Truth needs people who will not sell it for convenience.

• Truth may threaten jobs or reputation — but it will never endanger the soul.

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4. Kindness and courtesy make courage believable

Mara remained calm, respectful, and composed — even toward her superior.
This shows:

Courage without courtesy becomes harshness.
Courtesy without courage becomes weakness.
Together, they form Christian character.

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5. God opens doors where people build walls

When Mara seemed on the verge of losing her job, God brought truth to light through an independent report that confirmed everything she had said.

When we stand for what is right, God works behind the scenes.

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6. Humility strengthens — it does not weaken

Mara did not seek recognition or prestige, but God’s presence and a clean conscience.

Humility is not shrinking into smallness — it is becoming strong in God’s hands.

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7. Role models matter — and we are called to become one

Jonas supported Mara quietly.
And Mara became a role model for young journalists.

Anyone can be a light — even on the mezzanine of a media company.

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8. Media must be used responsibly

The story shows the power of modern media:

• They can manipulate,

• but also reveal truth,

• destroy reputations,

• or build community.

Media are tools — the moral responsibility lies with us.

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9. God is everywhere — not only in sacred spaces

Mara experienced God’s presence on the mezzanine, while writing, praying, and in quiet moments.

Whoever invites God into everyday life will find the “sanctuary” everywhere.

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In short

Stand for what is right — gently yet firmly.
Remain humble — and God will bless your courage.
Choose truth — even when it costs something.
And trust that light always finds its way.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/8-giants-of-faith-joshua-and-caleb-8-7-questions-%f0%9f%97%ba%ef%b8%8f-lessons-of-faith-from-joshua-%f0%9f%8c%b1-living-faith/

22.November 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading

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Judges 9 – Abimelech – When Power Becomes a Trap
A chapter about ambition, betrayal, and God’s judgment

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Bible Text – Judges 9 (KJV)

¹ And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying,

² Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.

³ And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

⁴ And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

⁵ And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

⁶ And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

⁷ And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.

⁸ The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

⁹ But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

¹⁰ And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us.

¹¹ But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

¹² Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

¹³ And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

¹⁴ Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us.

¹⁵ And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

¹⁶ Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;

¹⁷ (For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

¹⁸ And ye are risen up against my father’s house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;)

¹⁹ If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you:

²⁰ But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

²¹ And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

²² When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,

²³ Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

²⁴ That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.

²⁵ And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

²⁶ And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.

²⁷ And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

²⁸ And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?

²⁹ And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.

³⁰ And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.

³¹ And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

³² Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

³³ And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

³⁴ And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

³⁵ And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.

³⁶ And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.

³⁷ And Gaal spake again, and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.

³⁸ Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

³⁹ And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

⁴⁰ And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.

⁴¹ And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.

⁴² And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.

⁴³ And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.

⁴⁴ And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.

⁴⁵ And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

⁴⁶ And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.

⁴⁷ And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

⁴⁸ And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.

⁴⁹ And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.

⁵⁰ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.

⁵¹ But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower.

⁵² And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.

⁵³ And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and all to brake his skull.

⁵⁴ Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A women slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

⁵⁵ And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place.

⁵⁶ Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:

⁵⁷ And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

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Introduction

Chapter 9 in the Book of Judges is a dramatic story filled with political intrigue, abuse of power, and divine judgment. It tells how Abimelech—the son of Gideon (Jerubbaal)—became king through violence and deceit, and how he ultimately perished by the same violence he had sown. The lessons from this chapter are sobering and highly relevant today.

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Commentary

1. The Rise Through Violence (Verses 1–6)

Abimelech wanted to become king—not by calling, but by manipulation.
He killed his 70 brothers so he could rule alone.
The people of Shechem supported him—not because God appointed him, but because of family ties.
→ Power without God’s calling is dangerous from the very beginning.

2. Jotham’s Parable (Verses 7–21)

Jotham, the only surviving brother, told the famous parable of the trees seeking a king.
Noble trees like the olive, fig, and vine refused—only the thornbush accepted.
→ The warning is clear: when people choose low, destructive leaders, they must live with the consequences.

3. Internal Destruction (Verses 22–45)

After three years, the people of Shechem turned against Abimelech.
Intrigue, betrayal, and violence followed—the very tools with which he built his rule.
The city was destroyed, and salt was scattered over its ruins.
→ Whoever rules through injustice will reap disaster.

4. The Bitter End (Verses 50–57)

Abimelech died ironically at the hand of a woman who threw a millstone on his head.
To avoid this “shame,” he asked his armor-bearer to kill him.
→ Pride until the last breath—yet God had the final word.

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Summary

• Abimelech was not appointed by God, but seized power through violence.

• The people supported him and became complicit.

• God’s judgment fell on both.

• Jotham’s fable was prophetic—those who submit to a thornbush will be consumed by its fire.

• God cannot be mocked—justice prevails in the end.

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Reflection Thought

• Not everyone who has influence or power is appointed by God.

• People often follow the wrong leaders out of self-interest.

• Beware the “thornbush”—there are leadership styles that cause destruction.

• God sees what happens in secret.

• Sin brings long-term consequences—for both perpetrators and supporters.

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Reflection

Where in your life do you pursue your own goals by wrong means?
Do you choose your “leaders” (influences, ideals, voices) with spiritual discernment—or simply because it’s convenient or familiar?
Are you willing, like Jotham, to stand up for truth even if you stand alone?

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16–22 November 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy

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Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 41
Apostasy at the Jordan | Warning against spiritual apostasy and moral seduction

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Read online here

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Introduction

The people of Israel stood directly at the border of the promised land. After great victories and divine guidance, the long-awaited homeland was within reach. But precisely in this moment of outward success, rest, and comfort came one of the worst spiritual collapses in Israel’s history: the apostasy at Baal-Peor.

This chapter vividly describes how moral seduction, spiritual unfaithfulness, and worldly mingling separated God’s people from their Lord—and what deep spiritual lessons it holds for us today.

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Commentary

1. The surroundings of Shittim – beauty and danger

Israel camped in a fertile, tropical plain by the Jordan. Outward prosperity, pleasant surroundings, and rest felt relaxing—but also disarming. This phase of leisure became a spiritual trap.

2. The secret seduction by the Midianite women

Midianite women entered the camp unobtrusively. Their intention was not friendship, but targeted seduction into sin. Under the guise of harmony and culture, the Israelites were to be led into idolatry and moral excess.

3. The feast in honor of the idols – Balaam’s strategy

Balaam, who had previously been unable to curse Israel, now found another way: he led the people close to temptation. Music, wine, cheerful feasting, and sensual allure undermined their self-control. Moral fall turned into idolatry.

4. The deadly plague – the consequences of apostasy

The spiritual and moral collapse had catastrophic consequences:
– A plague broke out that took tens of thousands.
– The leaders of the apostasy were judged.
– The camp underwent drastic purification.

5. The zeal of Phinehas

With holy determination, Phinehas acted to stop the judgment.
God affirmed his action and granted him the “covenant of peace”—an everlasting priesthood.
The message: God’s zeal against sin is an expression of His love for His people.

6. God’s judgment on Midian

Because Midian had deliberately led Israel into sin, divine judgment followed.
The lesson: those who cause others to fall spiritually bear tremendous responsibility.

7. The timeless warning—from the Old Testament to the end times

The account is not merely past. Paul explicitly states:
“This happened to them as an example … written for our admonition.” (1 Cor. 10:11)

Just as then:
– Seduction through pleasures
– Blending with worldly values
– moral dullness
– playing with temptation
still lead us away from God.

8. The spiritual mechanism of falling

The decline does not begin suddenly, but:
– thoughts become impure
– vigilance weakens
– prayer is neglected
– association with the world becomes careless
– small compromises accumulate
– in the end, a person visibly falls into sin

9. God’s way of escape: purity of heart

The Bible calls for a sanctified, guarded inner life:
– “Guard your heart” (Prov. 4:23)
– “Gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Pet. 1:13)
– “Whatever is true… think on these things!” (Phil. 4:8)
– “Create in me a clean heart” (Ps. 51:10)

Victory over temptation always begins in the heart—not in outward behavior.

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Summary

The apostasy at the Jordan shows that the greatest enemy of God’s people is not external threats but inner susceptibility. Israel did not fall by war, but by moral corruption and spiritual negligence. The path into sin began quietly, led to open excess, and ended in heavy judgment. Yet God offers purity, renewal, and protection to those who remain watchful and treasure His Word in their hearts.

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Message for Us Today

Spiritually speaking, we stand just as close to the “heavenly Canaan” as Israel did then. That is why the danger today is great—to fall in this final phase of history through comfort, worldly blending, or moral temptation. Satan uses the same means as then:
– sensual allure
– love of pleasure
– mingling with godless values
– neglect of prayer
– compromises in thinking

Therefore God’s call is:
Watchfulness, purity of heart, separation from destructive influences, and deep connection with His Word.

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Reflection Questions

What “Shittim moments” are there in my life—times of rest or self-satisfaction when I am particularly vulnerable to temptation? And how can I guard my heart before small compromises grow into great sins?

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16–22 November 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy

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Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 42
The Law Repeated | Moses’ final exhortations and God’s enduring call to obedience

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Read online here

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Introduction

Shortly before entering the promised land, Moses gathers the people of Israel one last time. He knows that his time as leader is ending—and that he himself will not enter Canaan. But before he departs, he repeats God’s law and reminds them of the great responsibility connected with the covenant with God. In a passionate, far-reaching appeal, he calls the people to faithfulness, obedience, and a choice for life.

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Commentary

1. Moses’ farewell in humility and concern

Moses asks God to allow him to go into the land—God does not permit it. Yet Moses accepts God’s decision and is not concerned about himself but about the people. He asks for a successor—and God chooses Joshua.

2. Joshua’s calling – a spiritual leader appointed

God chooses Joshua, “a man in whom is the Spirit” (Num. 27:18). Moses lays hands on him before the whole nation, investing him with authority. This shows: leadership is not human ambition but a divine commission.

3. Why the law needed to be repeated

The new generation was young at Sinai. They needed to hear God’s law again—to understand why obedience is the foundation for blessing, safety, and fellowship with God. The repetition was meant to touch heart and conscience anew.

4. Looking back at God’s guidance and grace

Moses reminds Israel of:

• the deliverance from Egypt

• the miracles in the wilderness

• the giving of the law

• God’s nearness

He shows: No other nation was ever so loved, guided, and blessed by God.

5. Israel—chosen out of love, not merit

“Not because you were more in number… but because He loved you” (Deut. 7:7–9). God’s covenant is based on faithfulness and grace—not on Israel’s strength. This truth is central to prevent pride and self-righteousness.

6. The promised land – both gift and responsibility

Moses describes the land: fertile, beautiful, supplied by God. But the warning follows immediately: When you are full, do not forget the Lord (Deut. 6:10–12). Prosperity can become a danger if it creates spiritual drowsiness.

7. Blessing and curse – the choice of life

Chapter 28 contains two mighty lists:

• Blessing for obedience: abundance, protection, success

• Curse for disobedience: hardship, scattering, judgment
  These warnings were tragically fulfilled in Israel’s history—among them the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome.

8. The solemn appeal: Choose life!

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse… therefore choose life” (Deut. 30:19).
God does not force—He calls. Obedience is not external duty but a decision born of love for God.

9. The Song of Moses – remembrance in poetic form

To imprint everything, Moses composes a song. It recounts God’s dealings and warns toward faithfulness. The people are to memorize it and pass it on to future generations—God’s truth is meant to penetrate the heart.

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Summary

Chapter 42 is Moses’ final great appearance before his death. He repeats the law, calls the people to decision, and transfers leadership to Joshua. The heart of his message: Israel was chosen by grace—now they are to respond with obedience and love. Blessing and curse lie openly before them. The choice is theirs.

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Message for Us Today

We too stand spiritually at the border of the “promised land”—the second coming of Jesus. God’s law still stands as the standard for our lives. The choice between life and death, obedience or our own path, arises anew each day. Prosperity, routine, and spiritual indifference are the same dangers now as then. God’s call applies to us as well:
– Choose life.
– Hold fast to the Word.
– Teach it to your children.
– Live with God—and for God.

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Reflection Questions

What shapes my daily decisions—comfort or obedience?
Is God’s law alive in my heart—or merely a duty?
How can others tell that I have chosen life with God?
How can I pass on the spiritual heritage to the next generation?

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LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-11-2025-%e2%9a%96%ef%b8%8f-judges-chapter-9-abimelech-when-power-becomes-a-trap-%f0%9f%93%9c-believe-his-prophets/

November 22, 2025

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Joseph – Faith That Carries You Through
Devotions from the Life of a Dreamer with Character

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25. The Power to Forgive Completely
What it means to let go of the past – fully and honestly

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Daily Bible Verse

“Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good.”
Genesis 50:19–20

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Introduction

Many people say they have forgiven.
Yet inside they feel: something is still there.
A residue of mistrust. A shadow of resentment. A slight distance that shows:
The wound is closed, but not healed.

That is what partial forgiveness looks like.
It sounds good, but it doesn’t feel free.

Joseph could have forgiven exactly like that.
He could have taken care of his brothers in Egypt – and still built a wall of protection around his heart.
He could have remained polite – but inwardly cautious.
But he didn’t do that.

Joseph forgave completely.
He gave not only security, but relationship.
Not only provision, but closeness.
Not only words, but his heart.

This kind of forgiveness not only changes the past – it changes the future.

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Devotion

After Joseph had forgiven his brothers and brought them to Egypt, an outwardly stable and peaceful time began. The family lived close to one another, there was enough food and security, and Joseph made sure they lacked nothing. But as so often in life, outward peace does not always mean that everything is settled inside. Some tensions are only felt when something happens that touches an old wound again.

So the day came when their father Jacob died. For Joseph it was a moment of farewell, but for the brothers it became a moment of fear. They remembered what they had done to Joseph, and suddenly all the years of living together were no longer strong enough to quiet their conscience. In their hearts, a fear stirred that Joseph might now, since their father was gone, use the opportunity to take revenge.

They did not dare to face him directly. Instead, they sent a message that was supposedly from Jacob. In it, it said that their father had asked Joseph to definitely forgive his brothers. It was an attempt to protect themselves, born out of guilt and insecurity. And when Joseph heard these words, it struck him deeper than they could ever have imagined. He began to weep. These were not the old tears of pain from back then. They were tears because his brothers could not believe that his forgiveness was real.

They had seen him for years, watched how he provided for them and protected them, yet a part of them remained convinced that Joseph was only waiting for an opportunity. They still saw him through the eyes of their guilt. But for Joseph, the past had long been forgiven. He had given it to God, not to his memories. His brothers did not understand that he had not just spoken words, but made a decision that went far deeper than everything that had happened.

He let them come to him and looked into the faces of the men who had once been his greatest enemies and who now stood before him in fear and uncertainty. The years had made them older, but also more broken and cautious. Joseph knew they had carried this burden with them all their lives. And so he did not speak harshly or severely to them. He did not try to belittle them or list their guilt. His first words were full of gentleness: Do not be afraid.

He made it clear to them that he had not placed himself in God’s position. He did not see himself as the judge over their past. He had understood that it was not his task to take revenge, even if he would have had every right to do so. In this moment, his maturity showed more clearly than in anything he had ever achieved. He had been freed from the desire to balance the scales of the wrong that had been done to him.

Then he reminded them of the truth that had carried him all these years: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good. Joseph did not downplay the wrong, but he saw it in the light of a greater plan. He recognized that what was meant to destroy him had become the path on which God formed him and led him to the place where he was meant to be. And because he understood this, he was able to forgive – not superficially, but completely.

His brothers needed time to understand how deep his forgiveness really was. But for Joseph the matter was settled. He would continue to care for them, not out of a sense of duty, but out of love. He did not hold the past over their heads, he did not remind them of old failures, he did not make them feel what he had lost because of them. Instead, he gave them closeness, security, and peace.

In that moment it became clear what complete forgiveness means: not only letting go of what was, but also being willing to move forward – together and without shadows. Joseph had given his story to God, and because he had done that, he was free to write a new chapter with the same people who had once been his greatest wound.

It was the power of forgiveness that not only healed the family, but also set Joseph’s own heart free.

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Thoughts for Your Heart

• Complete forgiveness is not an emotional reaction but a spiritual decision.

• It does not depend on whether others seem worthy, but on whether you want to be free.

• It does not mean sugarcoating the past, but placing it in God’s hands.

• It opens doors that partial forgiveness always keeps closed.

• It brings peace – not only into relationships, but into your own heart.

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Practical Steps

• Take time to examine: Is there someone you have only “partly” forgiven?

• Ask God to show you where bitterness or guardedness still lives in you.

• Decide consciously to hand your pain over to God – not to your memory.

• Think about what real, complete forgiveness could look like in practice.

• Pray a prayer of release, even if your feelings haven’t yet caught up.

• Renew your forgiveness when old thoughts resurface.

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Questions for Reflection

• Is there someone I have outwardly forgiven but still keep at a distance inside?

• Am I afraid to let go completely – and why?

• What would need to happen for me to forgive fully?

• To what is God inviting me through this story?

• What kind of freedom is waiting for me on the other side of forgiveness?

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Prayer

Lord,
you know the places in my life where forgiveness is difficult.
You see the wounds that have shaped me,
and the people whose words or actions have hurt me.

I ask you:
Give me the strength not just to forgive a little – but completely.
Give me courage to place my past into your hands.
Free me from bitterness, from fear, and from the shadows of old stories.

Make my heart free, just as you made Joseph’s heart free.
Teach me to forgive as you forgive –
fully, honestly, and without reservation.

Amen.

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Key Thought of the Day

Complete forgiveness begins where we stop being the judge – and allow God to be the Judge.

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Blessing to Close

May the Lord bless you with a heart that can let go.
May He fill you with a peace that goes deeper than old hurts.
May He give you the freedom that comes when you no longer have to hold on.
May He strengthen you to take courageous steps of forgiveness –
and fill you with a new and spacious heart.

Amen.

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LumenCorde | Daily light for a living soul.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-11-2025-%f0%9f%8c%bejoseph-faith-that-carries-you-through-25-the-power-to-forgive-completely-%e2%9a%93-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/