Trench Warfare

Day 1

 Look carefully at this World War 1 picture

​The trench was evidently a safe place to be, so much so that soldiers felt secure to catch up on sleep and even write a letter back home.  The trench was designed to provide safe harbor in times of war.  David in the Old Testament made reference to the concept of the “trench” when he wrote Psalm 23.  Read the Psalm and focus on verse 3.  

David says that the Lord ________________along right paths (entrenchments).  What 2 statements does David make in Psalm23:4-5 that give David a greater sense of protection as God guides him in these trenches?
1. _________________________________________
2. _________________________________________
Stop and ask God to guide you along right paths, “in the trenches” every day claiming his protection especially during times of intense spiritual battle.  At the end of each day, your goal should be to claim the same success as the Psalmist claims in Psalm 17:5 when he says
_________________________________________

Day 2

Jeremiah was a prophet during a time when the Jewish people were very stubborn and obstinate. In Jeremiah 6:16 God through the Prophet Jeremiah tells the people to do what this lady in the picture above is doing.  “Stand at the crossroads and look.” Further instruction from the Lord follows as you continue in verse 16.
Ask for the ______________________.

What were these ancient paths?
________________________________________________________

“Where is the good way?”__________________________________

Walk ____________        

​Walk in the trenches God provides 

Find ____________________________.
Unfortunately, what was the unified response of the people to God’s request? __________________________________________
Rather than say “ancient paths”, what could you say that would be more understanding? _________________________________________
__________________________________________

Day 3: At the end of Jacob’s life, he blesses his sons.

As Jacob blesses all of his sons, he mentions his son, Dan. He is the 5th born, and on one hand, the Danites will provide justice for Israel through the efforts of Samson found in the Book of Judges who was from the tribe of Dan.  On the other hand Jacob reveals the character of the Danites as being deceptive and cunning.  Jacob likened the tribe of Dan to that of a ________ hiding along a path or an entrenchment that people travel down.  Genesis 49:17 explains more of what the character of the Danites was like.  Notice the target was the horse (indirectly), but the real purpose of the attack was injure or destroy the rider. Have you ever seen a horse after it was bit by a poisonous snake?
Read more about the Danites in Judges 18:1-30.  Be careful as you travel along God’s entrenchments, you might encounter snakes like the Danites.  In what ways can you be cautious travelling along God’s entrenchment?  ________________________________________

Day 4: “path” word study.

There are several words in the Old Testament that we translate as “path”.  Some paths are actual trenches that are hollowed out and provide added protection as we travel on them. Other Hebrew words that we translate are simply described as walk ways or roads or even thoroughfares that enable people to travel from one place to another.  God uses the “path” as a means to encourage us to draw closer to God by following His directions in order to maximize success.  Let’s look at some verses that give clear guidance from God as we travel along the pathways of life. 
Isaiah 26:7 __________________________________________
Prov. 1:15 __________________________________________
Prov. 2:13 __________________________________________
Prov. 3:6 __________________________________________
Prov. 3:17 __________________________________________
Psalm 16:11 __________________________________________
Psalm 77:19 __________________________________________
Psalm 119:105 __________________________________________
Psalm 142:3 __________________________________________
 
Is there anything you can learn as you study these verses that will guarantee safe travel through the paths of life?
__________________________________________

Day 5: Memory verse and project challenge

“In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality” Proverbs 12:28 (NIV). King James says in the pathway of righteousness there is no death.  “Immortality” & “no death” should be very inviting.
Most practical exercises in order to guarantee travelling along God’s path (trench) and having a constant focus on travel ONLY along God’s PATH is to
1. Memorize Proverbs 12:28 in the version you prefer
2. Point  All  Things  Heavenward – PATH
Give everything to the Lord. By doing so, we are able to rest in God’s trenches in the heat of daily battles (look again at the picture on the front page of this study). This week make a conscious effort to verbally “point all things Heavenward”. That means out loud verbally talk to the Lord.
“Lord, right now I am POINTING ALL THINGS HEAVENWARD.” By doing so, you are no longer encumbered by THINGS, TROUBLES, TRAUMATIC events or news.
Remember Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Where are these 2 verses found? _____________________