Forgiveness

Josiah tore his clothes when he realized he was not living in God's trench. When did he realize this, what did he do to get into God's trench?

5 Day Getaway

Forgiveness

If a person taking a survey asked you what the most frequently quoted Old Testament and New Testament verses were which verses would you say?
OT:_______________________
NT:_______________________

Day 1

A path could be something as simple as a hallowed out ditch by which you can move from one location to another. It could be a road or a thoroughfare. The key application is to travel along the path God guides us through. This brings me (in my opinion) to the most recognized verse in the Old Testament, Proverbs 3:5-6. Read it! is it familiar to you?

When we acknowledge Him, he will make our paths straight. The Hebrew word translated "paths" means a well established road or a caravan.

Whenever I have to travel on the road over a long distance, I try to travel on roads I am most familiar with. I know what to expect when it comes to stopping at gas stations, restaurants, and needed restrooms that I prefer. There are no surprises when I stop.

The first year of the Dodge Caravan was rolled out on the assembly line in 1983. Our family was fortunate to buy one. It was great because we were able to get the whole family in the vehicle, and we were all comfortable. God wants our caravan to be a comfortable ride. It will be but only if we

P:___________________
A:___________________
T:___________________
H:___________________

1 Chronicles 28:9 has an identical word in it that is also found in Proverbs 3:6. What is that word? It starts with "A" in many versions. 
What does it mean we are to do in order to travel down "straight paths"?

For kicks and giggles ask 5 people at random this week to tell you the most recognizable verse to them in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Try to select people with varied backgrounds in order to get a good sampling. Write these verses down in no special order. Your findings will indicate the value people have in God's word.

Just a side note here: in studying more deeply about trench warfare from our previous study during World War 1 there were 2 major drawbacks in implementing trench warfare strategy.

As you would be safely hunkered down in your trench, it was wrong to underestimate your enemy's ability to penetrate your line of defense and attack you. The most vulnerable were the ones not always on their guard.

It was equally wrong to overestimate your seemingly safe position inside your trench. 

What can you do on a daily basis to guard against these two vulnerabilities? The reality of it is that the only safe trench is the trench God places you in.

Day 2

​Find a place on the internet where you can watch the movie, "Sergeant York" with Gary Cooper with your family or friends. Write down every Bible verse stated or quoted (and the reference if you can find it) in the movie. pay close attention to the way trench warfare was conducted.

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Day 3

Read the following poem I wrote entitled Forgiveness.

FORGIVENESS

Do I forgive offenses by others and what about offenses toward others and God that I have made?
We look to the Bible for instruction on the subject and to an open heart it is sure to persuade
The key verse in understanding the doctrine of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9
Without looking closely at this verse, you will wander around spiritually blind
“If we confess” tells us it is important toward others we offend to initiate
As it sets the tone for restitution and feelings of hurt are sure to dissipate
Confessing our wrongs is extremely hard but it exhibits a true sense of humility
And it signals to the offended that a compassionate acceptance is their responsibility
“Our sins” indicates that is Romans 3:23 “that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
So to think that others sin but you don’t makes you out to be a fraud
So don’t pridefully listen to people who confess their wrongs to you
Because one day the tables will turn and you will have to do the same too
“God is faithful” means that when we approach God and confess sins to Him
His character is reliable, capable, unchangeable and doesn’t shift in a whim
God will not forgive you and another time hold a grudge
​“To forgive” is to write off and release from payment a debt or liability owed
Not erasing others’ offenses harboring anger and bitterness will surely cause you to implode
“Our sins” embodies a rejection of the entirety of God’s character in what we say, think, or do
A deception from the Evil One who seeks to convince us that everything about us is cool
“And cleanses us” you might say that God is the ultimate “Mr. Clean”
He takes everything wrong about us and removes it never again to be seen
Though my sins may be as scarlet, God makes them white as snow
The labor of His love to remove them is His desire for all men to know
The key ingredient that removes my sin never to be seen again
Is the precious blood of Jesus without whom I would surely reoffend
“From all unrighteousness” means that anything that is not pure and holy must be left upon the altar
Never to be retrieved again under any circumstances or you are sure to falter
Lastly, 1 Corinthians 13 says we are to keep no record of others’ wrongs
Because by doing so we reveal to everyone the pride of being headstrong
Restoring broken relationships is a big part of life and needed action periodically arises
As you follow these guidelines you'll do the right thing, thus avoiding unpleasant suprises

Day 4

A phrase in Proverbs 3:6 says "in all your ways" acknowledge Him.

Focus on the term "your ways." The Hebrew word "derek" is used over 700 times in the Old Testament, and it can be translated "your ways". It may mean a path, journey or road travelled. In some instances it doesn't mean a physical road traveled but a positive moral road or "way". The Hebrew word "derek" means a positive moral decision, a moral and righteous method of action, or a morally correct decision that leads to winning the favor of God.

Can you find the word as it appears in Genesis 3:24.  What is “the way” being referred to here as?

2 Chronicles 34:1-2 also uses the word “derek” in describing the actions of King Josiah of Judah. Although there were _____ kings between David and Josiah according to Matthew 1:6-11, Josiah sought to walk in _____________ of his ancestral father David. This was when Josiah was 8. When he was 16 2 Chronicles 34:3, Josiah began to ___________ God (look at Jeremiah 29:13). When Josiah was 20, he began to actively do what according to 2 Chronicles 34:3-7  
___________________________________________
In 2 Chronicles 34:8 when Josiah was 26 what did he do?
___________________________________________
2 Chronicles 34:9-13 give detail as to what work was performed in restoring the temple that had fallen into disrepair. Read and take note.

Josiah had many caregivers and mentors as he grew into manhood.  He was dependent on them to educate him in the ways of the Lord. These caregivers most likely were holdovers from the 2 previous kings Josiah’s father and grandfather.   

Before reading further, what kind of job did these caregivers do in mentoring Josiah to walk “in the ways” (derek) of the Lord? Remember Josiah had the best intentions to “walk in the ways of the Lord” from a young age.​

Day 5

Read 2 Chronicles 34:14-21.  What was the major roadblock keeping Josiah from FULLY following “in the ways” of his ancestral father, David? 
___________________________________________
First of all what did Josiah do to fix the problem according to 2 Chronicles 34:19 & 2 Chronicles 34:27?
___________________________________________
Alvin York and King Josiah (both true stories) realized they were living in the wrong trench, and both made decisions to humble themselves before the Lord to get in the right trench.

Are you living your life in God’s trench?