Bible Chapter: Joshua 17 & 18

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.
    God had given commands to Moses regarding the promised land.  The people knew these promises and received them as God’s word.  This is an important principle to apply.  When God speaks people must listen.  God’s word is authoritative and must be obeyed.  The nation did a good job at this, but not always.
    One of the problems they had was the tribe of Manasseh dealing with the Canaanites, who were determined to live in that region.  Having failed to drive out the Canaanites, the tribe of Manasseh didn’t have enough room to live.  It appears that they were afraid of them because of their armament, their iron chariots.  It also appears that they were not trusting God as they previously had, considering all the battles Israel won with God’s help.  God had no problem overcoming iron chariots.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Living for God is vitally important.  Just as important is continuing to live for God.  How does a person live, progress and finish?  I have read some teachings on the concept of finishing strong.  I have preached on that theme.  It is important to have dreams and plans.  It is important to work on them.  It is very important to not give up but finish strong.  It appears that some of the folks here were not sticking with God’s plans and promises.  They got their eyes on the potential of prosperity and the problems they faced.

3.  How can I help someone?
    A verse in Proverbs tells us to not lean on our own understanding.  That is really good advice.  While God gives us brains and the ability to figure things out, we must first of all lean on what God says and trust that He really does know what He is doing.