Praise the Lord

Scripture:

Psalm 103


Observation:

This is a Psalm of praise, focusing on who God is and what He has done.


Application:

Praise is NOT about feelings. It is NOT about a time of day or day of the week. Praise IS about who the LORD is and what He has done. It is a response to His mercy and love.

We need to focus on praising God no matter how we feel. Today’s challenge is to bless the LORD no matter what happens. When you’re tempted to respond in frustration, anxiety, or despair choose instead to spend time praising God for who He is.


Prayer:

I will praise You, Lord! Your mercy and love are unfailing. You know me and You are compassionate toward me. You reign. You forgive, heal, and redeem. Bless Your holy Name!

Have Mercy On Me

Scripture:

Psalm 51


Observation:

This prayer of contrition by David is written to express his feelings about his sin against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11:2-12:25). David recognizes that ultimately he sinned against God, and is writing a confession seeking forgiveness.


Application:

This Psalm of confession outlines for us some of the ingredients of true confession:

• Admit your disobedience (vv. 1-2)
• Recognize that all sin is sin against God (v. 4)
• Ask God for forgiveness (v. 7)
• Ask God to give you a clean heart (v. 10)

The results of confession and the forgiveness God grants:

• Restoration of joy, strength, and fellowship with God (v. 11)
• Ministry to others (v. 13)
• Praise for what God has done (v. 15)

Prayer:

Father, convict us of any sins we have committed against You, draw us to true confession and repentance, and restore us to intimate fellowship with You! Thank You!

The Lord is my Shepherd

Scripture:

Psalm 23


Observation:

God is like a Shepherd, Who leads, guides, comforts, and protects His sheep!


Application:

This is a well-known Psalm, and it is often glossed over due to the familiarity we have with it. So today, let me challenge you to take some time to meditate on this Psalm.

Picture in your mind the green pastures. Pretend you are actually standing in them. What do you see? Hear? Smell? Feel? Taste? Picture the still waters. If you were there, what would you see? Hear? Smell? Feel? Taste? Imagine the comfort of Jesus being right beside you in “the valley of the shadow of death.” Feel the comfort. Continue in this way through the remainder of the Psalm.

Rest in the comfort and protection of the Shepherd!


Prayer:

Thank You, Father, for your leading, guidance, comfort and protection! Thank You for the security Your children have in You!

SHORT SURVEY and Reading Schedule - "Psalms and Proverbs"

Mom’s Toolbox is once again hosting The Bible in 90 Days Challenge. This challenge will begin on July 11th. Here at Better Things, we are scheduled to start the New Testament E-100 readings that same week. We could, however, take a break from the E-100 readings and join the B90days challenge. If we did that, we would resume the E100 readings in October, when the B90day challenge was complete. What we do is up to you. :)

Please leave a comment or send me a message letting me know your preference between the following options:

1) Continue with the E-100 readings as originally planned; or

2) Join the B90days challenge with Mom’s Toolbox and resume the E-100 readings in October.

I will post the results of the survey in next week’s reading schedule. :)


In the meantime, here is this week’s reading schedule:

Psalms and Proverbs:

41) The Lord is My Shepherd
Psalm 23

42) Have Mercy on Me
Psalm 51

43) Praise the Lord
Psalm 103

44) Godly Wisdom
Proverbs 1 to 4

45) Proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 16 to 18

The Fall of Jerusalem

Scripture:

2 Kings 25


Observation:

First, consider some of what happened between the reign of Solomon and today’s passage.
(I apologize for not sharing this in the last post.)

Many years after becoming king, Solomon turned away from the LORD and began to worship idols (see I Kings 11). As a result, the LORD took away the kingdom from Solomon’s descendants. Because of God’s promise to David, God didn’t take the entire kingdom. He removed 10 tribes from the reign of Solomon’s descendants; these tribes continued to be known as Israel. God left one tribe under the reign of Solomon’s descendants; this tribe was Judah. The removal of Israel from the reign of Solomon’s descendants happened under Solomon’s son, Rehoboam (see I Kings 12). The books of I and II Kings chronicle the kings of both Israel and Judah. When the kings did not walk in the ways of the LORD, they were no longer under His protection, and they were vulnerable to attacks from their enemies. In II Kings 17 we read about Israel’s fall to Assyrian rule.

In today’s passage, we read about Judah’s fall to Babylonian rule. People are torn from their homes and sent to a foreign country - as slaves. The palace and the temple are booth looted and burned to the ground. Several leaders of Judah were executed. For the people who were left alive, their life was never again the same. Those that weren’t exiled to slavery “were left to be vinedressers and plowmen.” Life as they had known it no longer existed. The only thing they could take with them into their new lives was their faith in the one true God. If they chose to do so.


Application:

When disaster strikes us, how do we respond? Do we turn away from God or draw nearer to Him?

We see a biblical example of a response to disaster in the heart’s cry of the psalmist who penned Psalm 74. In the first 11 verses, the psalmist laments the devastation he sees around him. Then, starting in verse 12, we see the psalmist’s focus change. He shows us one way to approach disaster in our lives:

• Remember Who God is (v. 12)
• Remember what He has done (v. 13-17)
• Ask Him to meet you where you are and to deliver you (v. 18-23, especially v. 22)

God will deliver us, if not from our circumstances, then from ourselves. :)


Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, that You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose! Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me, and that Your power is made perfect in weakness! May the power of Christ rest upon me in my weakness. I love You!

(from Romans 8:28 and II Corinthians 12:9)

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

Scripture:

I Kings 16:29-19:18


Observation:

In this (lengthy!) passage, we see two Elijahs. We see a bold, impassioned Elijah who is a vessel of God. This Elijah is the one God uses to feed a desperate widow and her son, bring the woman’s son back to life, confront (and overthrow) the idolatry of an entire nation, and run several miles at a speed so fast he beats a horse and chariot. He valiantly confronts the prophets of Baal and chastises the people.

The second Elijah is afraid, depressed, exhausted, and running for his life. All in his own strength. Eventually, though, Elijah exhausts his own strength and once again encounters the one true God, and Elijah is refreshed and restored!


Application:

Everyone gets discouraged, depressed, or exhausted at some point. Often, people feeling this way will retreat, feeling defeated. Elijah did. The apostle Paul did. When we feel this way, however, instead of focusing on how we are feeling we need to listen for the gentle whisper of God. Spending time with Him is essential to hearing His voice. Even when we are exhausted, it’s so important to spend regular time with Him in Bible reading, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers! It’s also vitally important to have regular rest times (we are commanded to observe the Sabbath for a reason!).


Prayer:

Father, fill those of us who are feeling tired, spent, exhausted, discouraged, depressed, or defeated. Thank You for always loving us and for always meeting our needs. Refresh us, Lord, so we are ready again to serve You!

Solomon's Temple

Scripture:

I Kings 8:1-9:9


Observation:

I wish I could have seen Solomon’s temple! Chapters 6 and 7 of I Kings describe it, and the word “spectacular” doesn’t seem to be sufficient!

In today’s reading, the temple is completed and Solomon is hosting a lavish celebration. The most important part of all, though, is that God showed up - He allowed His glory to fill the temple! (8:11)


Application:

We often think of “worship” as components of a church service, but worship is about meeting the living God! Let’s take a few moments to think about what this passage teaches us about worship....

True worship:

1. Requires careful preparation (8:1-9)
2. Inclues prayer (8:22-53)
3. Includes praise (8:56)
4. Includes exhortation/preaching (8:57-61)
5. Includes offering (9:25)
6. has the singular aim of meeting with God (8:10; 9:2)

The bottom line - True worship is not about what we do or how we do it, it’s about WHO we meet!


Prayer:

Father, teach us to worship You with our entire lives (Romans 12:1). Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). May our worship be acceptable to You as we worship you in reverence and in awe (Hebrews 12:28).

King Solomon

Scripture:

1 Kings 2:1-3:28


Observation:

David has died and Solomon is now king. Solomon establishes his reign by removing former officials and replacing them with people of his own choosing (that’s the PG instead of the PG-13 version). :)

In chapter 3, the LORD appears to Solomon in a dream. (Remember in our last passage we are told that the LORD loved Solomon, and Solomon was also given the name “Jedediah” which means “beloved of God.”) In the dream, God said to Solomon “Ask what I shall give you.” Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave him not only wisdom (“Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you”) but also riches and honor.

In the last section of today’s reading, we see the fruit of Solomon’s wisdom when he is able to determine which woman is actually the mother of the child in question.


Application:

When presented with the opportunity to ask God for ANYTHING, Solomon chose wisdom in order to govern God’s people well. Many times in the Scriptures we are told to be wise.

What are some of the things we know about wisdom?

1. If we ask for wisdom, God will give it to us (James 1:5)
2. Wisdom is found in God alone (Proverbs 2:6, 9:10)

Prayer:

In Matthew 6:33 Your Word says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” and in Jeremiah 29:13 You tell us “you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Give us a yearning for You, Oh Lord. Teach us how to seek You. Draw us to Yourself. I pray we would each know you more intimately and more fully each moment of every day. Fill us with You!

David and Bathsheba

Scripture:

2 Samuel 11:1-12:25


Observation:

David sinned by committing adultery, and then attempted to cover up his sin by killing Bathsheba’s husband and marrying her. David quickly learned he could not make up for the sins he had committed however, and the consequence of his sin (which was actually against God - David had “utterly scorn[ed] the LORD” [12:14]) was the death of his son. David was not the only one who had to live with the consequences, however - Bathsheba lost both a husband and a child to death in less than one year. God forgave David, however, and even blessed David with another son, Solomon.


Application:

1) Ultimately, when we sin we are scorning God.
2) We cannot atone for our sin ourselves.
3) Our sin has consequences that also can impact other people.
4) God provided atonement for our sin once and for all through Jesus Christ.
5) God loves us and will forgive us when we confess and repent of our sins.


Prayer:

Father, thank You for offering us a way of atonement for our sin. Thank You for forgiving us when we ask, and thank You for loving us enough to discipline us when we stray!

Reading Schedule - "The Fall of Israel"

The Fall of Israel

36) David and Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11:1-12:25

37) King Solomon
1 Kings 2:1-3:28

38) Solomon’s Temple
I Kings 8:1-9:9

39) Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
I Kings 16:29-19:18

40) The Fall of Jerusalem
2 Kings 25

King David

2 Samuel 5-7


After reading this passage, I have not been lead in any specific direction for a blog post on it, so I am simply posting the sermon outline from the E100 site:

Key Thought: David shows us how to have a close relationship with God.

Overview: Let’s examine the traits David built into his life during his struggle to the top. First, David sought God’s direction (5:19, 23). He also celebrated God’s work (6:14, 21). If your times of worship are becoming dry or routine, get in touch with what God is doing around you. And David focused on God’s priorities (7:18-29) and understood God’s “big picture” (7:23). It all helped him become a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

Sermon Outline:

1. David: A Man After God’s Own Heart
   • David sought God’s direction (5:19, 23)
   • David celebrated God’s work (6:14, 21)
   • David focused on God’s priorities (7:18-29)
2. [Us]: Becoming A Person After God’s Own Heart
   • God is pleased with those who seek His direction for their lives (Proverbs 3:5-8)
   • God is pleased with those who worship and celebrate Him and His works (2 Samuel 6:16-7:17)
   • God is pleased with those who seek to know and focus on His priorities (I Kings 3:5-15)

Challenge: Make it your heart’s desire to know God better.

David and Saul

I Samuel 23:7-24:22


Observation:

David is on the run with 600 men because Saul is seeking David’s life. Saul’s son Jonathan is David’s friend and offers his support to David. As Saul gets close to capturing David, the Philistines attack Israel and Saul must abandon his pursuit of David in order to defend Israel.

When Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he resumed pursuit of David. During this time, David had opportunity to kill Saul, but chose not to do so because Saul was the anointed King of Israel, and David was leaving the timing of the end of Saul’s reign in God’s hands. When David called to Saul to say he (David) was not a threat to Saul, Saul realized that David could have killed him. After that realization, Saul acknowledged that David was the Lord’s choice to succeed Saul, and Saul went home.


Interpretation:

Saul’s jealousy had come to a head, and between his jealousy and his fear of losing the throne, his solution was to destroy David. Saul was unwilling to accept what the Lord had said. Saul’s son, Jonathan, DID accept what the Lord had said, and fully supported David as the next King of Israel.

God’s hand of protection was on David. The time spent running for his life would have been a time of training David, preparing him for aspects of being a king.

David refused to lift his hand against the Lord’s anointed (Saul), trusting God to remove Saul from the throne in God’s timing. David trusted God and waited for His timing in the unfolding of the plan God had revealed to David (putting David on the throne as king).


Application:

We must trust God’s plan and God’s timing, even when circumstances look like He is not going to do as He said. Trials lead to maturity (Romans 5:3-4, James 1:2-4). God is faithful even when we are faithless (II Timothy 2:13)!

David and Goliath

I Samuel 16:1-18:16


Observation:

God has rejected Saul as king (the reason is found in chapter 15) and has Samuel anoint David as the next king of Israel. David is a shepherd with musical abilities, and his ability to play the harp and sing bring him into the palace to help soothe Saul’s tormented (I read this as “guilty”) soul.

During a battle against the Philistine’s, David’s father sends him to the battlefield to check on his older brothers. David hear’s Goliath’s challenge to battle one-on-one rather than as two armies, and David (who is NOT one of the soldiers) takes on the challenge and defeats Goliath with a slingshot and Goliath’s own sword. David is celebrated as a hero, and Saul develops an intense jealousy.


Interpretation:

David was walking in the will of God, and God’s favor shone on him. Walking with God meant David had confidence in Who God is. This confidence fueled David’s dependence on God. God used David to defeat Goliath because:

1. David understood that Goliath’s fight was with God,
2. David was prepared to depend on God, and
3. David’s heart was committed to God!

Application:

We need to follow David’s example and depend on God, trusting His presence and power, in all circumstances. The battle does not belong to us, but belongs to God and we are simply the vessels He chooses to use. We need to not allow our pride and self-sufficiency to take over. God-reliance is a character trait we need in order to be victorious in all things!

King Saul

I Samuel 8-10


Observation:

The people of Israel wanted a king “like other nations” instead of judges. They asked Samuel to appoint for them a king. Samuel was displeased with the request, but took it to the LORD, who told Samuel the people were rejecting God, not Samuel, so Samuel was to give them what they wanted and to inform them of the consequences of their choice. Saul was selected by God to be the first king of Israel. When Saul was to be crowned king, he hid among the baggage. Saul’s selection was not met with approval by all the people, and some openly disrespected him, but he chose to ignore them.


Interpretation:

The people of Israel were unhappy with the way God was choosing to lead them, and they asked for something different. They presumed to know better than God did. God, in His love for them, allowed them to both have what they were asking for and to live with the consequences. He offered a better way, but did not force them to accept it.


Application:

God has a perfect plan for my life. He has given me salvation and has a purpose for me. He will not force Himself on me, however. If I choose to follow something different than His perfect plan for me, He will allow me to do that. He also will allow me to experience the consequences. Thankfully, He also offers forgiveness and restoration!

Samuel Listens to God

I Samuel 1-3


Observation:

This passage looks at Samuel’s birth and call to ministry. There is much to this passage. For today, let’s focus on Hannah (Samuel’s mother).

Hannah was the favored wife, but was barren. Her barrenness was heartbreaking for her. In addition to the ache of empty arms, barrenness was shameful in that culture. Hannah was desperate for a child, and in her desperation she sought help from the LORD. Her prayer at the temple was passionate and heart-felt. When Eli (the high priest) realized she was praying, he said to her “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him” (1:17). Hannah’s response to this was to cease mourning and to go about her day. And “in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son” (1:20).


Interpretation:

Hannah had an unmet desire of her heart. In her grief and desperation she turned to the LORD with her petition. When she perceived her prayer had been answered (which was BEFORE she actually conceived) she moved forward in faith, believing God.


Application:

Hannah is an example of how we should treat our own deep-seated grief, hurts, and unmet needs: passionate, powerful, heart-felt prayer followed by trusting God to answer even though we haven’t yet seen the answer ourselves!

Reading Schedule - "The Rise of Israel"

The Rise of Israel

31) Samuel Listens to God
I Samuel 1-3

32) King Saul
I Samuel 8-10

33) David and Goliath
I Samuel 16:1-18:16

34) David and Saul
I Samuel 23:7-24:22

35) King David
2 Samuel 5-7

The Story of Ruth

Scripture:

Ruth 1 - 4


Observation:

Ruth is a wonderful example of a godly woman. Times are tough, and yet she models several positive character traits. She is loyal (1:14), optimistic (1:13), hard working (2:7), submissive (3:5-6), and acts with faith and integrity (1:16; 3:7-14). She is blessed by God, and is one only five women who are named in the genealogy of Jesus.


Application:

Trials help grow character. I need to remember this and be thankful for the trials God allows me to experience.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:24 ESV

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s loves has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5 ESV

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for the times I have complained about difficulties. Forgive the pride, arrogance, sense of entitlement, and disbelief that such grumbling implies. Thank You for the times of growth You’ve given me through trials. Help me experience joy in the midst of all kinds of trials and suffering. And thank You for loving, saving, and using me to accomplish Your will! I love You!

Samson Defeats the Philistines

Scripture:

Judges 13 - 16


Observation:

I have heard it said that Samson lacked self-control and we see evidence of that here. He was impatient. He acted in anger. He lied by omission (when he fed his parents unclean honey, for example). And despite his flaws, God used Samson as a judge in Israel for 20 years!

Samson's reactionary nature did have grave consequences. When he told Delilah the secret to his strength, it cost Samson his strength, his freedom, and his eyesight! In Samson's brokenness, God used him for one last assault against the Philistines. When Samson humbly asked God for his strength back, God gave it to him and Samson was able to kill 3000 Philistine men and women (including all the lords of the Philistines)!


Application:

God uses whom He chooses.

Samson's greatest victory was turning back to God in his brokenness.

My role is to rely on God in all things!


Prayer:

Father, teach me how to be brought low and how to abound. Teach me, in any and every circumstance, the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Thank You that I can do all things in You, thank You for strengthening me!

(from Philippians 4:12-13 ESV)

Gideon Defeats the Midianites

Scripture:

Judges 6 and 7


Observation:

God used Gideon to bring freedom (again!) to His people. What did Gideon bring to the equation?

1. He prayerfully (and humbly!) sought confirmation of what God was asking him to do
2. He was willing to submit to the calling of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (he was obedient)
3. He relied on God’s power and not his own

Application:

In order to be used by God I need to:

1. Accept His invitation, by faith, to become His child
2. Humbly and prayerfully seek God’s will for me
3. Be willing to submit to that calling (be obedient)
4. Rely on God’s power and not my own

Prayer:

Father, please use me! I commit my all to You and trust Your power to accomplish what You call me to. Thank You for using someone such as I!

Deborah Leads Israel

Scripture:

Judges 4 and 5


Observation:

Deborah is the only female Judge mentioned in the Bible. Deborah simply said and did what God told her to (4:6, 7, 14), and the effect was freedom for an entire nation (4:23, 5:31). The natural response to this victory was a song of praise (chapter 5).


Application:

What’s important is the ability to listen to God and the willingness to rely on Him! Bottom line? It’s about listening and obeying. Freedom will follow. And praise is the natural response of a freed life!


Prayer:

(Psalm 84:11-12, adapted)

For You, my Lord and my God, are my sun and my shield! You bestow favor and honor. You withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts! Blessed is the one who trust in You!

May my life reflect my trust in You!

Israel's Disobedience

Scripture:

Judges 2:6-3:6


Observation:

Judges 2:10b: “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that He had done for Israel.”

A new generation, who had not experientially known the work the LORD had done for Israel, is now living in the land. They abandoned God and went after idols. They were doing what was evil, and the LORD disciplined them (because He loved them) by allowing them to experience the natural consequences of their foolishness — they were unable to withstand against their enemies.

Because God loved them, He raised up judges to lead them. When the judges were in place and the people were following the LORD, God was with them. When the people turned away, God left them to their own devices. When they tired of the consequences of their actions and cried out to Him, He raised another judge for them. While they were following Him He was protecting them. When they chose to walk away from Him, they also chose to walk away from His protection.


Application:

Obedience to the LORD is a natural byproduct of our love for Him. Love and obedience are intertwined. We cannot say we love Him if we do not obey Him.

Spiritual protection is a natural byproduct of obedience. Obedience does not mean we will not have trials. God will, however, protect us from our enemies when we are obedient to Him.


Prayer:

Lord, my spirit is willing even though my flesh is weak. Help me continue to grow in obedience to You. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your protection! I love You....

Reading Schedule - "The Judges"

The Judges

26) Israel’s Disobedience
Judges 2:6-3:6

27) Deborah Leads Israel
Judges 4 and 5

28) Gideon Defeats the Midianites
Judges 6 and 7

29) Sampson Defeats the Philistines
Judges 13 - 16

30) The Story of Ruth
Ruth 1 - 4

The Fall of Jericho

Scripture:

Joshua 5:13 - 6:27


Observation:

The Israelites faced an impossible task and gained an impossible victory. The city of Jericho was heavily guarded and the walls were shut up tight. Still, the people followed God’s orders to march around the city walls silently for six days. It is presumed by many that the guards along the city walls ridiculed the Israelites. Yet they continued to follow the marching orders of the LORD. On the seventh day they circled the city walls seven times and then let out a shout of praise. The result: the walls fell down and victory was obtained. Not as a result of human might - only by the power of God (and in response to the praise of His people)!


Application:

Joshua and the Israelites trusted and obeyed God’s commands. They followed instructions, being silent when it was time to be silent, and shouting praise when it was time to shout praise. As a result, God’s power was unleashed and He was glorified.

When the task seems impossible, victory is not. God is bigger and He will be glorified! My responsibility is to trust, obey, and praise Him! He will take care of the rest.


Prayer:

Open my ears to hear, my eyes to see, and my heart to feel the instructions You have for me. Help me walk in the calling You’ve given me. I will praise You and I will serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength!

Crossing the Jordan

Scripture:

Joshua 3 - 4


Observation:

Joshua says to the people of Israel:

“For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4:23-24

The people of Israel that crossed the Jordan river on dry land were NOT the same people that crossed the Red Sea on dry land 40 years earlier. Joshua used the stones of remembrance to remind the children of Israel that their parents also were miraculously transported through a large body of water. He does this in the same place where he tells them to tell their children about the miracles God did for them.

I find it interesting that God began and ended the wilderness journey with the people crossing a large body of water on dry land. :)

The stones of remembrance were symbols to remind people of God’s great love and care for them. They were to be a reminder to both the people that crossed the Jordan and to their descendants. We also see symbols in our lives today that are intended to be a reminder of God’s love, care, redemption, power, etc.


Application:

Three questions to prayerfully consider:

1) What kind of a “living stone” am I? (see I Peter 2:1-9)
2) Am I letting my life speak for God?
3) What reminders am I leaving for future generations?


Prayer:

Father, I have tasted that You are good! I long for pure, spiritual milk. And I long to reflect the goodness, mercy, and love of You to my daughter and others in the generations to come. Help me reflect You clearly, I pray! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Joshua Succeeds Moses

Joshua 1


Observation:

Some background:
Forty years have passed since yesterday’s passage. The people of Israel had been given the opportunity to possess the land that God had promised them, but were too afraid to do so. As a result of their disbelief, they spent forty years living as nomads in the wilderness. Forty years of manna to eat. Forty years in the same clothes. Forty years in the same sandals. (Miraculously, their garments did not wear out.) They lived in the desert until the disbelieving generation passed away (except for Joshua and Caleb, who had both believed God).

This passage begins just after Moses’s death. Moses’s assistant Joshua was appointed by God to lead the people into the promised land, and God tells Joshua what he needs to do to lead the people:

1. Be strong and courageous (vv. 6, 7, 9)
2. Be obedient (v. 7a)
3. Stay focused on His calling - the path God ordained for him to walk (v. 7b)
4. Meditate on God’s Word (v. 8)
5. Believe God - do not be frightened or dismayed (v. 9)

As a result of God’s leading and direction, Joshua prepares the people to possess the promised land - by calling them to battle. Even though the land was a gift from Him to the people of Israel, God expected them to step forward and take it.


Application:

I am also to follow the instructions of the Lord. I am to trust Him, be obedient, stay focused on the calling He has given me, meditate on His Word, and I am not to fear.


Prayer:

Father, You are trustworthy and believable. Thank You for showing Your faithfulness to me time and time again. Forgive me for the times I have been faithless. May my life reflect complete dependence on and trust in You!


The saying is trustworthy, for;

If we have died with Him,
we will also live with Him;

if we endure,
we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him,
He also will deny us;

if we are faithless,
He remains faithful -
for He cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-13