Daily Devotionals on the Book of Joshua- By Kevin E. Jesmer 2017

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

Joshua, the sixth book of the Bible, covers the period from the death of Moses to the conquest of the Promised Land. The beginning of the conquest was in 1406 B.C., forty years after the Exodus. The conquest lasted seven years, until 1399 B.C. A new generation of God’s people were trained by God in faith and obedience. The historical fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs and to Moses occurs in this book in very dramatic fashion.

There are three sections:

1. Entering the Promised Land (1:1-5:12)

2.  Conquering the Promised Land (5:13-12:24)

3.  Dividing the Promised Land (13:1-24:33)

 

In part one, Joshua accepts his call and demonstrates his faith in God as he led the nation. The Israelites reaffirmed their commitment to God. They were committed to obey him and follow him into battle to possess the land.  In part two, Joshua and his army fought from city to city, as God brought them into their inheritance. In part three, Joshua urged the Israelites to always follow the Lord and to love and worship him exclusively if they were ever going to find rest from war and take root in the land.

The teaching of this book is very applicable to us today. There are amazing accounts of courage, born of peoples’ faith in God. The conquest involved faith, obedience, love for God and dependence on God, who faithfully led his people to victory and into their inheritance.  Every believer today can find hope and encouragement in Joshua.

Saturday, July 1

THE CALL TO “GET READY”

Joshua 1:1-18

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites. (2)

1. God issued the called to get ready (1-15)

The Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land. God appointed Joshua as their leader. He told Joshua and the nation to get ready. Despite the impossibility of leading millions of Israelites into the Promised Land, God had a plan. Joshua could get ready by hearing God’s call (1,2); holding onto his promises (3-4); trusting in God’s protection (5); determining to be strong and courageous (6-7a); obeying the word of God (7b); meditating on God’s word (8) and embracing the call practically (10-15).

2. Getting ready brings unity (16-18)

The Israelites had rallied around the Lord and his chosen leader. A spirit of unity grew among them. When people answer the call to “get ready”, God works powerfully and draws them together. He will keep them unified and their hearts impassioned.

Lord, help me to hold onto your word and your promises. Help me to be strong and courageous so you that though me, your name may be glorified.

One Word: Answer the call to get ready

Sunday, July 2

THE LORD GOES ON BEFORE HIS PEOPLE

Joshua 2:1-24

“and said to them, I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” (9)

1. God protects his servants (1-21)

Spies were sent to Jericho. God went ahead of the spies, planting fear in the hearts of the citizens of Jericho and establishing Rahab as a helper. She hid the spies and sent the king’s agents away. She encouraged the spies with words of faith. She sent them off safely. Rahab spoke from the heart. She knew that God would give them the land and that Jericho would fall. She made a covenant and committed herself to the God of Israel.

2. It is all about what God has done (22-24)

God is the one who went ahead of his people. He is the one protecting his servants and filling Rahab’s heart with faith. When the spies returned they gave glory to the one who was making this possible, saying, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands;!”

Lord, you are going on before us. Help us to trust and obey each step of the way.

One Word: God prepares the way in many ways

Monday, July 3

THE LORD DOES AMAZING THINGS

Joshua 3:1-17

“Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (5)

1. Be consecrated to the Lord (1-5)

God told them to consecrate themselves to him, for he was going to do amazing things through them. The distance from the Ark shows the sense of holiness that God demanded. Before he could work through his people, they needed to consecrate themselves. This involved a purification ceremony to stand before God with a pure heart. Today God consecrates us. But still, we can come before him with humble, repentant hearts, seeking his grace of forgiveness.

2. God seeks faith and obedience (6-17)

God wanted the Levites to carry the Ark and go ahead of the people, stepping into the raging waters. This took faith. The river was at flood stage. While they stood in the river, the waters stopped, allowing the Israelites to pass. God can do amazing things through consecrated people.

Lord, consecrate me and help me have faith to follow wherever you lead me.

One Word: A consecrated, faithful heart

Tuesday, July 4

THE PURPOSE OF THE TWELVE STONES

Joshua 4:1-24

“tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (7)

1. Why did they gather the stones? (1-18)

God instructed Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to each pick up a stone from the river bed where the priests stood. They placed them together as a memorial to what God had done. It was a memorial to God’s presence and his grace to his people. It would remind future generations of God’s faithfulness to fulfill his promises. The grace of God’s deliverance is meant to be memorialized.

2. God is powerful and to be feared (19-24)

This knowledge of God was to be proclaimed from generation to generation. The fear of God is not about punishment, but about respect for God who is powerful, faithful and who saves. To fear God is the response of anyone who experiences his grace and power in their lives.

“Lord, you deliver me daily by your power. I want to tell of your awesome deeds and faithfulness.”

One Word: Memorialize God’s grace forever

Wednesday, July 5

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR THE BATTLE

Joshua 5:1-15

“At that time the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.'” (2)

1. Circumcision is needed to begin the fight (1-9)

They had crossed the Jordan and were about the attack Jericho. That generation had never been circumcised. They needed spiritual preparation before embarking on their mission. God told them to take flint knives and circumcise all the males. In doing so they were renewing their commitment to God and their covenant with him. This was rolling away the reproach of Egypt (9). They were renouncing idols and committing to the Lord.

2. Thanksgiving and reverence to God (10-15)

After the Israelites were healed, they celebrated the Passover. They celebrated the grace of God, who saved them from slavery and brought them to this point. On the way to Jericho, Joshua met an angel. He fell face down in reverence towards to God. He recognized the place as holy ground. Thankfulness and a sense of holiness are needed to fight any spiritual battle.

Lord, circumcise my heart to you, fill it with thanksgiving and holiness.

One Word: Be prepared spiritually

Thursday, July 6

THE LORD DELIVERS TO THEM, JERICHO

Joshua 6:1-27

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” (2)

1. God granted his people victory (1-19)

God led his people to a battle of strategic importance. God presented an unusual battle plan. The Israelite army, led by an armed guard, then the Ark, carried by priests, would circle the city, once a day for six days. The priests blew trumpets.  On the seventh day, they circled the city seven times, blowing their trumpets. At the right time, everyone shouted and attacked. It was uniquely a plan from God. It required strong faith.

2. The Lord granted them victory (20-27)

When they obeyed the Lord’s directions, the walls fell. They stormed the city and conquered it. They dedicated the entire city to the Lord. They even kept their covenant to spare Rahab and her family. God could work through them because their hearts were made right by him and they obeyed God.

Lord, help me to trust and obey your ways, as you lead. 

One Word: Trust God and his ways

Friday, July 7

FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S GREAT NAME!

Joshua 7:1-26

“What then will you do for your own great name?” (9b)

1. Repent for the sake of God’s name (1-13)

The Israelites faced the city of Ai. They felt confident in their own strength, not seeking God’s strategy. The Israelites were soundly defeated and did not know why. Joshua and the leaders humbled themselves and prayed to God. Joshua was concerned about God’s great name (9). God revealed that someone had disobeyed and taken devoted things. All the people needed to be consecrated newly to God. Only then would they be able to stand against their enemies and God’s great name be glorified through them.

2. Joshua dealt with Achan’s sin (14-26)

Joshua knew how serious this matter was before God. He wasted no time to find out that Achan was the culprit. Achan and all that he had, were destroyed. The Lord is very serious about his people obeying him with a pure heart. We obey God, and fight spiritual battles, not for personal gain, but for the sake of God’s great name.

Lord, how foolish to think I could serve you by my own intellect. Grant me a consecrated heart.

One Word: For the sake of God’s great name

Saturday, July 8

HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO OUR GREAT GOD

Joshua 8:1-35

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.” (1)

1. Hearts that are yielded to him (1-29)

The Israelites had just consecrated themselves. They humbly and depended on God’s military strategy. When they humbly obeyed, they won a great victory. This time God allowed them to keep the plunder. This shows that he is not concerned about the plunder, but rather he is concerned with his peoples’ hearts and their humble obedience that trusts in the Lord always.

2. God’s people must give thanks (30-35)

After the victory, Joshua thanked the Lord. He built a simple altar in accordance with the word of God. The Ark was present. The priests offered up sacrifices. Joshua wrote a copy of the law of God on stones and read aloud the blessings and the curses. All the people were present. God was thanked. He and his word were honored.

Lord, when I am afraid and discouraged, I come to you in humble obedience with thanks and praise. 

One Word: God blesses humble obedience

Sunday, July 9

HUMBLED, THROUGH LACK OF PRAYER

Joshua 9:1-15

“The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.” (14)

1. Be on your guard against deception (1-13)

The kings of six nations west of the Jordan were fearful. These kings formed an alliance to wage war on Israel. The Gibeonites, however, knew that they would be defeated and devised an ingenious plan. They sent a delegation, dressing them in worn clothes and carrying moldy food. They convinced the leaders that they were from a distant land and they sought a peace treaty, declaring themselves to be their servants. They did their best to survive and it worked. God did not reveal their deception. God had a plan for these people during the conquest.

2. The results of not being prayerful (14-15)

The Israelites did not inquire of the Lord. They tasted the dry, moldy food and depended on their human intellect to figure out what to do. As a result, they could not see through the deception. They were blinded and ended up ratifying a treaty by oath. Human intellect is not enough. Servants of God must always depend on God by praying.

Lord, how often I am spiritually blind. prayer. Teach me to pray always as I serve you. 

One Word: Humbly depend on God in prayer

Monday, July 10

KEEPING OUR OATHS MADE BEFORE GOD

Joshua 9:16-27

“but all the leaders answered, ‘We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now. ‘” (19)

1. They decided to keep their oath (16-21)

The Israelites discovered, three days after making the oath, that they had been deceived. The Gibeonites were actually living near them and should have been driven out. When the Israelites pressed forward in battle, they spared the four cities of Gibeon. The leaders didn’t like this, but, they decided that keeping their oath before God was top priority. By doing so they glorified God. Though they spared their cities, they decided to make them servants for the whole assembly.

2. Falling into the merciful hands of God (22-27)

Joshua was upset. He tried to place them under a curse (23). They were made slaves in the house of God. But God blessed them. They were saved from annihilation and they served a deeply meaningful and glorious role (Ps 84:10). Mankind is ready to curse, but God is ready to bless.

Lord, it is not easy keeping oaths. But, grant us the strength to do so for the sake of your glory. 

One Word: Keeping oaths brings glory to God

Tuesday, July 11

DO NOT FEAR, GOD IS LEADING THE FIGHT

Joshua 10:1-15

“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you” (8)

1. The Lord drew the enemy out (1-

The city of Gibeon was powerful with strong fighters. The Amorite kings depended on the Gibeonite cities to stand as a military buffer zone. But now they had made a treaty with the Israelites. These kings decided to invade them, and they pled for protection from Joshua. This made conquering the Amorites easier for they would gather together in one battlefield, drawn out of the hills. God prepared the victory for his people in his wisdom.

2. God helps in miraculous ways (7-1

Joshua’s army marched to Gibeon. God assured them of victory with a brilliant strategy. Joshua struck by surprise after an all-night march. The Lord sent huge hailstones that killed many. Joshua prayed for an extended day, so the army could completely defeat them. God answered his prayer. God fights for his people in miraculous ways.

Lord, your power is great. You are the giver of every victory. Lead us Lord; we will follow.

One Word: Don’t be afraid, God is fighting for us

Wednesday, July 12

STRONG AND COURAGEOUS WITH GOD

Joshua 10:16-43

 â€œJoshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.'” (25)

1. The call to be strong and courageous (16-27)

The five Amorite kings were held in a cave while the destruction of their armies was completed. Joshua brought out the kings and put them to death in dramatic fashion. The army feared about what lay ahead. If these five kings did this, what could they expect in the future? There are times when we get fearful and discouraged as we are drawn into the will of God. But we must remember that God is with us and His power will uphold us.

2. God proves there is nothing to fear (28-43)

Joshua and his army swept across the southern region. Thanks to God, they were experiencing total victory, fulfilling his promise to plant his people in the land. When it is God’s right time, no opposing force can stop the Lord and his plan to bless.

Lord, as you draw me into deeper commitment, fear and discouragement harass me. But there is nothing to fear. Your guidance is perfect.

One Word: Drawing nearer to God in confidence

Thursday, July 13

JUST AS THE LORD HAD DIRECTED

Joshua 11:1-23

“So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.” (23)

1. Overcoming huge odds (1-11)

Jabin organized an alliance of dozens of northern kings. It was a foreboding army that would cast fear into any heart. But God assured his people that by the next day, the huge army would be handed over. They had to fight them and would defeat them completely with the Lord’s help. Terrible odds is never a problem for the Lord.

2. God granted a sweeping victory (12-23)

God hardened the kings’ hearts so that they would continue forming alliances and attacking Israel. Joshua waged war for a long time. Joshua even destroyed the Anakites, the same people who inflicted such fear in the hearts of the Israelites earlier (Num 13:33). God shares his sweeping victories with his people.

Lord, I am tempted to do things in my own way. But I see that when I trust and obey you, I can overcome great odds and share in your victory.

One Word: Do not fear; only trust and obey God

Friday, September 1

GOD’S PLANS COME TO FRUITION

Joshua 12:1-14:5

“As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you,”(13:6)

1. It was time to allot the land (12:1-13:13)

Joshua was getting old. He fought hard and through the Israelite forces, God conquered the pagan people. Now it was time to allot the land to his people. Each tribe would be given an area as the Lord had directed Moses. There were still cities to conquer that called for more fighting, but it was merely a cleaning up operation. The Lord was faithful.

2. Some special arrangements (13:14-14:5)

The 2 ½ tribes were given their allotment on the east side of the Jordan that they asked for. Their fighting men had kept their promise to remain with the main army for seven years. The Levites were allotted no land. The Lord was their inheritance. Their needs would be met, and they were free to serve their priestly duties. God thinks of everyone.

Lord, though it seems like a long struggle, we know you are faithfully leading.

One Word: The Lord fulfills his plan

Saturday, September 2

THE LORD MATURED CALEB IN HIS FAITH

Joshua 14:6-15

“So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.”‘ (9)

1. Training develops faith and character (6-11)

The Israelites fought hard. They wandered in the desert for forty years. They fought seven years after crossing the Jordan. God trained Caleb through it all, developing many spiritual qualities like conviction and courage. He followed the Lord wholeheartedly. He served his role faithfully. God gave him strength into old age. Caleb was blessed by God to grow and mature into these qualities through God’s training and sufferings.

2. Caleb asks for his inheritance (12-15)

Hebron still had Anakite strongholds. Caleb was not asking for something easy, but something very difficult, for it would involve driving out huge soldiers from the hills. Faith drove out all fear from his heart. He would follow the Lord into Hebron.

Lord, I praise you maturing Caleb in his faith and godly character. Mature me in my faith.

One Word: God matures our faith and character

Sunday, September 3

REPSONDING IN FAITH TO GOD’S BLESSING

Joshua 15:1-63

“From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites-Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak.” (14)

1. The people still had to fight (1-12; 20-63)

As he had promised, God defined the boundaries of Judah’s land. It was extensive. They were in the land, but still, they had to drive out remnants of the pagan nations. If they did not obey the Lord’s commands, then the pagan nations would remain and be like a thorn in their side. This happened at Jerusalem. Jerusalem was held the Jebusites and was not conquered until the time of King David. (63; 2 Sam 5:9).

2.  People who responded in faith (13-19)

Caleb’s tribe claimed Hebron. Caleb inspired his army by offering his daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who defeated a city. Othniel conquered the city and claimed his bride. He later become Israel’s first judge. Acsah also claimed what was hers. She had faith to ask Caleb for springs which her people needed. They were granted. God blesses those who actively claim their inheritance.

Lord, thank you for your desire to bless your people. Help us to know your will and respond in faith. 

One Word: Respond in faith

Monday, September 4

IT IS YOURS BUT YOU MUST CLEAR IT

Joshua 16:1-17:18

“but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.” (17:18)

1. An inability to clear the land (16:1-17:13)

Joseph’s portion was actually two portions given to the tribes of his two sons. They too needed to claim their inheritance and dislodge pagan nations. At times, they were unable to do what the Lord commanded (16:10; 17:12). The remaining Canaanites were subjected to forced labor. We are not sure why they could not dislodge them. This caused problems for these tribes in the future.

2. God blesses, with our obedience (17:14-18)

The people of Joseph felt they needed more land. But their enemies had iron chariots. They had a different attitude than Caleb. Joshua acknowledged their strength and granted them more land, but the people would have to clear it, which meant driving out the Canaanites.

Lord, I want things to be just given to me. But I know there are times when you call us to struggle spiritually. Help me to obey you at these times.

One Word: Clear the land and be blessed

Tuesday, September 5

JOSHUA HELPED HIS PEOPLE TO OBEY GOD

Joshua 18:1-19:51

“Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out to make a survey of the land and to write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me.” (18:4)

1. Joshua helped his people spiritually (1-10)

Seven tribes were slow to obey God and possess their land. Joshua helped them overcome. First, he rebuked them with the truth. He directed them to send three men from each tribe to survey their allotment and write a description of it. Then Joshua cast lots for them at the tabernacle. In doing so, they allowed God to assign tribes to certain lands. Joshua acted as a good shepherd.

2. God’s wisdom in the allotments (18:11-19:51)

The allotments were clearly described with the boundaries and the cities listed. This is God’s wisdom. If each tribe had their own territory, then each would be responsible for it. They could not delay in clearing the land. Each region would have ownership, a clear identity and unity. God helps us overcome procrastination so we can move ahead.

Lord, so often I hesitate to obey your words. But I thank you for helping me to obey you, through others and also by your Spirit. 

One Word: God helps us in our time of need

Wednesday, September 6

GOD CONCERNS ABOUT JUST TREATMENT

Joshua 20:1-9

 “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.” (2-3)

1. God established the cities of refuge (1-6)

God was concerned about upholding justice. If a person killed someone by accident, then they could flee to the city of refuge and live there, protected from any who would seek to kill them. They would stand trial and, if innocent, after the death of the high priest, they could return to their town. God understands our tendency to seek revenge. He makes a way for people to be saved from injustice.

2. God wants equal access to this refuge (7-19)

Six cities of refuge were evenly distributed throughout the land. People from every tribe would have equal access to refuge. No one tribe would have an advantage. God is a refuge from those suffering from injustice. In a world that is full of revenge, God’s mercy and grace shines forth.

Lord, I praise you that you are a God who cares about those who are unjustly treated. Help me to care about those suffering from injustice like you do.

One Word: Run to God, our refuge

Thursday, September 7

GOD’S JUDGEMENT AND MERCY MEET

Joshua 21:1-45

“So, as the Lord had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:” (3)

1. God solved a dilemma (1-43)

The Levites were not allotted territory. According to a prophecy given through Jacob, Levi’s descendants would be scattered (Gen 49:7) because of the slaughter of the Shechemites. Yet, they were blessed by Moses (Ex 32:28-29). Moses commanded that they be given towns (Num 35:2-3). How can God fulfill all of these factors? He gave them a priestly mission; scattering them in towns. Now the Levites were blessed, provided for, and made a blessing to the entire nation. The judgement and the mercy of God meet together. It is revealed in God’s treatment of the Levites

2. God fulfilled all of his promises (43-45)

The nation was settled. There was a time of rest from war. Fulfilling these promises took time. But the Lord works in his own time, not on our timetable. He is our faithful, sovereign Lord. We can trust him.

Lord, you are a God of justice and mercy. I can see it with the Levites. Thank you for your grace.

One Word: God’s faithfulness and mercy

Friday, September 8

A REMINDER OF OUR TOP PRIORITY

Joshua 22:1-9

“But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (5)

1. Keeping our spiritual direction in life (1-5)

It was time for the 2 1/2 tribes to return to their families. More than just building up their cities, they needed to keep their spiritual direction. Joshua reminded them of the importance of maintaining their relationship with God, which involved keeping the commands of God, loving and holding fast to him; obeying him and serving him wholeheartedly. Our relationship with the Lord must be our top priority in a world that competes for our attention.

2. God blessed them beyond measure (6-9)

They received Joshua’s blessing as they set off to their homes. They acquired cities, livestock, precious metals, iron, and clothing. All this was plunder given to them by their gracious Lord.

Lord, help me to love you, obey you, hold fast to you and serve you, Oh Lord my God. 

One Word: Keep your spiritual direction always

Saturday, September 9

A WITNESS THAT THE LORD IS GOD

Joshua 22:10-34

“Today we know that the Lord is with us, because you have not been unfaithful to the Lord in this matter. Now you have rescued the Israelites from the Lord’s hand.” (31b)

1. Seeking to find out the truth (10-20)

The 2 ½ tribes had built an imposing altar. Israel assumed it was used as a place for sacrifice. They sent a group to find the truth. They warned them of what would happen if they set up alternatives to worship. They gave them a chance to explain themselves. They heard rumors and were ready to fight, but they were still ready to investigate. The truthfulness and justice of God was revealed.

2. God revealed the truth (21-34)

The eastern tribal leaders stated their motive. They feared that, as time passed, the other tribes would reject them, stating that they have no part in the Lord. This might have caused future generations to stop fearing the Lord (24-25). The altar was a witness that the eastern tribes are indeed part of Israel. God was with them and saved them from war.

Lord, I misjudge people’s motives and break relationships. Help me to seek the truth in you.

One Word: The Lord leads us in all truth

Sunday, September 10

REMEMBER GOD’S GRACE AND LOVE HIM

Joshua 23:1-16

“One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (10-11)

1. The call to a covenantal life (1-11)

Joshua was now old and wanted to bless Israel. He reminded them of God’s grace. God fought for them and would help them to take root, just as he promised. Joshua told them to be separate from the nations, by courageously standing as God’s people; by obeying God’s word; holding fast to God and rejecting idolatry. They were to be careful to love the Lord their God (11). God would help th

2. Consequences of turning from God (12-

If the people compromised with pagan nations and worshipped their idols, the Lord would not go ahead of them as they continued the conquest. They would suffer if they didn’t repent, even perishing from the land. Though God is full of grace, there are consequences to disobedience. We must not depend on ourselves, but on the Lord who is able to help us remain faithful to him and love him.

Lord, thank you for your grace and your call to hold fast to you and love you. I am weak but you are strong. Help me to hold fast to you.

One Word: Carefully love the Lord

Monday, September 11

BY GOD’S POWER AND FOR HIS GLORY

Joshua 24:1-13

 “I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you -also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow.” (12)

1. Not by our might, but by God’s power (1-12)

Through Joshua, God reminded his people of his grace. He began with Abraham, who was brought out from his idol worshipping people to live by faith. God blessed his descendants. After four hundred years of slavery in Egypt, God led his people out under Moses’ leadership. He protected them and brought them into Canaan. He helped them to defeat the fortress of Jericho. He drove out nations. None of this was by their own strength. It was by the power of the Lord God Almighty who was with his people and helped them settled there.

2. God blessed them abundantly (13

God gave them vast fields with cities. They ate fruit they did not plant. It was a hard road, but God led them into abundant blessings. God wants to bless his people. We can never pay him back. All we can do is thank him and commit our lives to him.

Lord, you have been going on before me and constantly delivering me. It is not my feeble efforts but by your power that got me here. Thank you.

One Word: God delivers and provides

Tuesday, September 12

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WE CAN DO

Joshua 24:14-33

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (15)

1.  Joshua spoke the words of God (14-28)

Joshua was about to die. How could he bless the Israelites, prone to disobedience? He can’t control everything. But he could decide not to follow idols, but serve the Lord. He dedicated his family to serve the Lord. He set the example of faith for the whole nation. When the people declared their eagerness to serve the Lord, Joshua reminded them that they couldn’t (19). But he told them what they could do. They could throw away their idols and yield their hearts to the Lord.

2. God made Joshua’s life a blessing (29-33)

Joshua was a faithful leader through whom God worked. Though the nation had its problems, the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua. His faith is a blessing to us even today.

Lord, we want to serve you. I can’t do much, but I dedicate my life and my household to serving you. 

One Word: Dedicate our lives to God