Anchor My Faith

Faithful God, Humble Hearts, and Lasting Inheritance

Old Testament Reading

Joshua 13:1–14:15 — Dividing the Land and Caleb’s Faithful Inheritance

Overview:
As Joshua grows old, the LORD instructs him to continue the task of dividing the land among the tribes, even though portions remain unconquered. The inheritance east of the Jordan is reviewed, and the Levites are set apart to receive no land, for the LORD Himself is their inheritance. The focus then shifts to Caleb, who, because of his unwavering faith, boldly claims the land promised to him decades earlier. His request demonstrates enduring trust in God’s promises and strength in old age, resulting in his receiving Hebron as his inheritance.

Theological Themes:
• God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises
• Inheritance as a gift of grace, not human achievement
• Wholehearted devotion and perseverance in faith

Key Verse:
Joshua 14:14 – “Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the division of the land teach about God’s promises?
   Answer: It shows that God fulfills His promises precisely, even over long periods. Though some land remained unconquered, the allocation demonstrates that God’s word is reliable and unfolding according to His plan.
2. Why is Caleb highlighted in this passage?
   Answer: Caleb serves as an example of steadfast faith. Unlike others of his generation, he trusted God fully and remained faithful for decades, showing that God rewards wholehearted devotion.
3. What does it mean that the Levites had no land inheritance?
   Answer: It emphasizes that their portion was the LORD Himself. This points to a deeper spiritual truth that fellowship with God is greater than material possession.

New Testament Reading

Luke 18:1–17 — Persistent Prayer, Humility, and Childlike FaithAs Joshua grows

Overview:
Jesus teaches His disciples through parables and encounters about the nature of true faith. The parable of the persistent widow encourages continual prayer and trust in God’s justice. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector contrasts self-righteousness with humble repentance, showing that justification comes through humility. Jesus then welcomes little children, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with childlike dependence and trust.

Theological Themes:
• Persistence in prayer and trust in God’s justice
• Justification through humility, not self-righteousness
• The necessity of childlike faith for entering the kingdom

Key Verse:
Luke 18:17 – “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does the persistent widow teach about prayer?
   Answer: She teaches that believers should not lose heart but continue in prayer, trusting that God will act justly in His perfect timing.
2. Why is the tax collector justified instead of the Pharisee?
   Answer: The tax collector approaches God with humility and repentance, acknowledging his sin, while the Pharisee trusts in his own righteousness. God honors humility over pride.
3. What does it mean to receive the kingdom like a child?
   Answer: It means approaching God with dependence, trust, and humility, recognizing our need for Him rather than relying on our own merit.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 85:1–13 — Revival, Mercy, and Righteousness

Overview:
The psalmist reflects on God’s past favor in restoring His people and pleads for renewed mercy and revival. There is a longing for God’s anger to be turned away and for His salvation to be revealed again. The psalm beautifully portrays the harmony of God’s attributes, steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace, meeting together. It concludes with confidence that God will bless His people and bring about righteousness in the land.

Theological Themes:
• God’s restoring grace and covenant mercy
• The relationship between repentance and revival
• The harmony of God’s righteousness and peace

Key Verse:
Psalm 85:10 – “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What is the psalmist asking God to do?
   Answer: The psalmist is asking God to restore His people again, to forgive their sins, and to revive them so they may rejoice in Him.
2. What does the meeting of righteousness and peace signify?
   Answer: It reflects the perfect balance of God’s character, ultimately fulfilled in salvation where justice and mercy are both satisfied.
3. How does this psalm encourage believers today?
   Answer: It reminds believers that God is willing to restore and revive His people when they turn to Him, offering hope in times of spiritual dryness.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 13:7–8 — True Wealth and the Value of Wisdom

Overview:
These proverbs contrast appearances with reality regarding wealth. One may pretend to be rich yet have nothing, while another may appear poor yet possess great wealth. The passage also highlights that wealth can serve as protection, but the poor are often free from certain threats. Together, these insights emphasize the importance of wisdom in understanding the true nature and value of riches.

Theological Themes:
• The difference between perceived and true wealth
• Wisdom in evaluating material possessions
• The limitations and dangers of earthly riches

Key Verse:
Proverbs 13:7 – “One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does this passage teach about wealth?
   Answer: It teaches that outward appearances can be deceptive and that true wealth is not always visible or material.
2. How can wealth act as a ransom for life?
   Answer: Wealth can provide protection or resources in times of trouble, but it is not ultimate security, as spiritual wealth is far greater.
3. What is the main lesson of these proverbs?
   Answer: The main lesson is to seek wisdom and not be deceived by appearances, understanding that true value lies beyond material riches.