Daily Devotion

Let’s be honest—too often, we trust our own ability to choose what’s best. And speaking for myself, when I decide based on my desires rather than on what God wants me to do, my own judgment usually puts me in a risky position. Here’s why. Scripture tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9). Turns out, we are our own worst counselors. There is an entire book of the Bible that clearly confirms this. 

Weekend Recharge!

Weekend Recharge!

The land of Canaan was inhabited by wicked nations under God’s judgment (Gen. 15:16). Israel’s conquest of the promised land began with Jericho, but they faced setbacks—they were defeated at Ai because of Achan’s sin (Josh. 7). Achan saw, desired, and took, following the pattern of sin. 

Forty years after God led Israel out of Egypt, he brought them into the promised land. The nation camped on the plains of Jericho and “kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month” (Josh. 5:10). Since leaving Egypt, the people had been eating manna daily. But now, the manna stopped, and they began to enjoy the “fruit of the land of Canaan” (Josh. 5:12). 

Someone has said that God is seldom early, never late; he’s always right on time. It’s true, God acts according to his perfect timing. If you are waiting for God…keep waiting. When it’s time, he shows up in amazing ways.

Joshua learned much from his mentor, Moses, including what to do and what not to do. When Israel was ready to enter the promised land forty years earlier, Moses sent twelve spies to scope it out. It didn’t go well. Ten came back fearfully reporting that there was no path to victory because giants were in the land. Only Joshua and Caleb disagreed. But the people went with the majority report. As a result of their disobedience, Israel wandered in the desert for the next thirty-eight years until every person twenty years or older had died.

We are continuing our study of the Old Testament section of God’s Story in God’s People. Our focus now is on Joshua leading Israel into the promised land. Over the next few days, we will examine this faithful man’s leadership as recorded in Joshua 1-7 — a fascinating part of Israel’s history that teaches us many lessons. 

Weekend Recharge!