Leaving the Past Behind
Leaving the Past Behind
Reading: Joshua 5:9-12
Exposition: Moving Forward in Faith
Change can be difficult. Letting go of past struggles or failures often feels impossible. In Joshua 5, Israel stands on the brink of a new chapter, having finally crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land. God tells them, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Their identity as former slaves is being replaced with their new reality as God’s free people. For the first time, they eat the produce of the land, no longer dependent on manna.
This passage signifies a spiritual shift. The Israelites had wandered for forty years, but now they were stepping into the fulfillment of God’s promise. Just as God provided for them in the wilderness, He was now calling them to trust Him in a new way. This foreshadows Christ, who delivers us from sin and invites us into the freedom of new life in Him.
Application: Embracing God’s Provision and Freedom
We all carry burdens from our past—sins, regrets, or fears that keep us from moving forward. But in Christ, we are no longer bound by what was. Like Israel, we must trust that God has freed us and step into His promises. This means letting go of shame, believing in His provision, and living in gratitude for what He has given. When we stop dwelling on the past and embrace His present work in our lives, we walk in true freedom.
Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Lord, help me to leave the past behind and trust in Your provision. Free me from shame and remind me of my new identity in Christ. Teach me to walk in faith and embrace the freedom You have given me. Holy Spirit, guide me into the new life You have prepared. Amen.
Reading: Joshua 5:9-12
Exposition: Moving Forward in Faith
Change can be difficult. Letting go of past struggles or failures often feels impossible. In Joshua 5, Israel stands on the brink of a new chapter, having finally crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land. God tells them, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Their identity as former slaves is being replaced with their new reality as God’s free people. For the first time, they eat the produce of the land, no longer dependent on manna.
This passage signifies a spiritual shift. The Israelites had wandered for forty years, but now they were stepping into the fulfillment of God’s promise. Just as God provided for them in the wilderness, He was now calling them to trust Him in a new way. This foreshadows Christ, who delivers us from sin and invites us into the freedom of new life in Him.
Application: Embracing God’s Provision and Freedom
We all carry burdens from our past—sins, regrets, or fears that keep us from moving forward. But in Christ, we are no longer bound by what was. Like Israel, we must trust that God has freed us and step into His promises. This means letting go of shame, believing in His provision, and living in gratitude for what He has given. When we stop dwelling on the past and embrace His present work in our lives, we walk in true freedom.
Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Lord, help me to leave the past behind and trust in Your provision. Free me from shame and remind me of my new identity in Christ. Teach me to walk in faith and embrace the freedom You have given me. Holy Spirit, guide me into the new life You have prepared. Amen.
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February
The Lord’s Messenger Prepares the Way: Malachi 3:1-3A Dwelling Place for the Lord: Psalm 84The Depths of Sin and the Grace of God: Catechism Q18-24Jesus, Our Merciful High Priest: Hebrews 2:14-18A Light for the Nations: Luke 2:22-40God's Call in Our Weakness: Judges 6:11-24God’s Faithful Restoration: Psalm 85The Call to Faith and Repentance: Catechism (25-35)The Gospel That Transforms: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11A Call to Follow: Luke 5:1-11Roots in the Desert or Streams of Life?: Jeremiah 17:5-10The Search for Happiness: Psalm 1God's Mission and Family: Catechism (Q38-41)The Fear of the End: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20When Sucess Isn't Enough: Luke 6:17-26Good News for the Broken: Isaiah 61:1-4A New Song for a Weary World: Psalm 96The Call to Love and Obedience: Catechism (Questions 42-44)The Question of Belonging: Romans 10:9-17When Doubt Creeps In: John 20:19-31
March
Reflecting God's Glory: Exodus 34:29-35The Holiness of God: Psalm 99The Grace of Justification: Catechism (Questions 45-47)The Greatest Gift: 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13Seeing Jesus as He Truly Is: Luke 9:28-36A Story That Shapes Us: Deuteronomy 26:5-11Sheltered in God's Presence: Psalm 91:9-16Sanctification: Catechism (Questions 48-50)The Security of Salvation: Romans 10:4-13The Struggle with Temptation: Luke 4:1-13Faith in the Midst of Doubt: Genesis 15:1-18Seeking God in the Midst of Fear: Psalm 27:8-16The Assurance of Salvation (Questions 51-52)Our True CitizenshipJesus’ Compassion in the Face of RejectionCalled by God in the Midst of WeaknessThe Boundless Mercy of GodThe Role of Scripture in Our Lives (Questions 53-58)Standing Firm in the Face of TemptationThe Call to Repentance and FruitfulnessLeaving the Past Behind
April
Tasting and Seeing God’s GoodnessThe Power of Prayer (Questions 59-62)A New Creation in ChristThe Father’s Heart for the LostGod’s New ThingSowing in Tears, Reaping in JoyWalking in ObediencePressing On Toward the GoalRejecting or Receiving the CornerstoneThe Servant Who Brings JusticeA Prayer for Strength in Troubled TimesThe Gift of the Holy SpiritThe Lord’s Supper: Remembering His SacrificeIt Is FinishedMonday of Easter Week 1 – DevotionTuesday of Easter Week 1 – DevotionThe Church as the Body of Christ (17th Wednesday - Questions 73-76)