Tag: courageous

Learning From Joshua (Joshua 1-4)

Friday, September 23

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By Jill McClain

With the death of Moses, Joshua becomes the new leader of God’s chosen people.  The book of Joshua records Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land.  God quickly reminds Joshua that it is imperative that Joshua and his people remain faithful and then they will succeed in finally entering Canaan.  “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)  God has lovingly given us a book that contains instructions for how we are to live our lives.  However, it is up to each of us to thoroughly study his word day and night, so that we will know how to do just as it says, not veering to the right or left of what has been written.  Hopefully, these devotions have encouraged you to read your Bible daily. Meditating on the Bible is an important first step, but that must be followed up with obedience to all that is taught in God’s word.

Leading God’s people out of the desert that they had been wandering in for 40 years was a challenging assignment.  Yet, Joshua bravely and with calm determination stepped up and became the strong leader that the Israelites needed.  Joshua was able to act courageously because for years he had witnessed God’s faithfulness and he knew that God would always be with him.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)  What is something that you are facing that requires you to be strong and courageous?

In chapter two Rahab stepped out in faith to help the spies.  Rahab had heard how God had led his people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.  She had heard stories of God’s protection of his people, and she knew that he must be the one, true God.  Because of Rahab’s faith, God was able to use her, a prostitute from Jericho, to help keep his people safe.  Think of a way that God may be calling you to step out in faith?

In the following chapter, God caused the Jordan River to stop flowing so that his people could walk across. He used this miracle to demonstrate once again that he was with his people.  Then in chapter four the people created a memorial from stones to serve as a reminder of God’s always present help.

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Be Part of the Solution (Deuteronomy 20-23)

Sunday, September 18 

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By Jill McClain

Deuteronomy continues with more instructions about how God’s people should live.  In chapter 20 regulations are given about how the Israelites were to prepare for and go to war.  Deuteronomy 20:3-4 says, “…Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies.  Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them.  For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”  How encouraging for us today, to know that the same God that delivered the Israelites from their enemies in battle will also be with us as we fight evil.  What battles are you facing?  Are you trying to stand up for what is right?  Are you fighting for righteousness at a worldly school campus?  Or are you struggling to lead someone to Christ?  Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will fight with you.  Be brave and courageous for you are fighting on the side that will ultimately be victorious!

Chapters 21-23 give additional guidelines about how society should function in a variety of different situations.   Deuteronomy 22:1-4 clearly instructs us to be concerned with and get involved in the problems of those around us.  It is so easy in our day and age, to look the other way and not get involved in the lives of those around us.  However, these verses repeatedly tell us to help others and not ignore our brother’s problems. “If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to him.” (Deuteronomy 22:1) The following verses go on to state that if the owner of the livestock lives too far away, or you do not know who the owner is, you are to take care of the animals until the owner can be reunited with the animals.  Then two more times the people are instructed to not ignore such problems, but to be part of the solution for those facing such troubles.  Your neighbor may not be losing any livestock today; but what other hardships are you aware of?  Fight the urge to live only for yourself, and look instead for others that could benefit from your assistance.  Is there someone you can help today?