Bible Chapter: Joshua 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The book of Joshua continues the history of Israel, picking up where the writings of Moses leave off.  When Moses died, God appointed Joshua to lead the people.  He was given the great promises of God that when he would be strong, courageous and obedient to God’s law he would be a successful leader.  He was challenged by God to keep the Law in his heart day and night.  So, Joshua followed God’s commands and began to organize the people to finally enter the promised land.  The people responded that they would obey and follow Joshua’s leadership.
    Joshua sent two spies across the Jordan River to check out the situation.  The first city they encountered was Jericho.  They met Rahab and she helped them.  She told them that the people feared Israel because of all the things God had helped them do.  Because of her help the spies made an agreement that she and her family would be protected when Israel conquered Jericho.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Joshua had been through an amazingly long journey with the nation.  He was alive to see the plagues in Egypt that God used to free the people.  He saw the ups and downs of the nation for forty years in the desert.  He saw a whole generation of people die off.  Now, finally, he was chosen by God to lead the people to the place they had been promised.  He faithfully stuck with the calling of God.  He was obedient to what God commanded.  He was ready to be used in a big way.
    Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies Moses sent to check out the promised land.  These two saw the challenges and the potential.  Ten spies were afraid and gave a bad report.  These two said that God would help them conquer the land.  Because of their obedience and faith they were permitted to see the victory of conquering the land.  They stuck with what God called them to do.  Their faithfulness brought them victory.  They are a powerful example to follow.  Stick with it and serve God.  He is never late in how He will use a person.  Never quit.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Good examples make a difference.  When a person is going through a challenge it is easy to become discouraged and quit.  Life was not easy for Joshua.  He faithfully obeyed God and trusted that God would accomplish all that was promised.  I want to help people see how He will help them as well as He has helped people like Joshua.  Obedience and submission to God are keys.