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.
Bible Chapter: Joshua 15 & 16
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.
In writing about the chapters I am reading in the Connect2LIFE reading program, I have to be honest that there are times when it is a challenge to write a response. These two chapters fit in that category. What can you write about geographical descriptions of land distribution? We find here very detailed information about which tribes got which parcels of land. Exciting, isn’t it?
But, God has included every part of the Bible for a reason. I believe that at least part of the reason for these chapters is to show God’s plan and fulfillment of His promises. The nation of Israel was looking for a land God had promised. They were to all received a place to live and prosper. Here we see that God is concerned with the details and He really does know what He is doing.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What can I apply? God not only knows what He is doing for the whole world, He knows what He is doing for me and my life. He has a personal concern and plan. I have sometimes struggled with this whole process. Not that I think God doesn’t know what He is doing, but that the process, the timing, the lessons learned in my wanderings through life don’t always fit my plan and timing. Seeing how God brings life together is exciting as I can look back. So, the application? Trust God and follow His directions.
3. How can I help someone?
The instructions for safely crossing a railroad track while driving have always included: stop, look and listen. That works out well for life, as well. Stop, look at what God is doing and listen to what He is saying.
Bible Chapter: Joshua 13 & 14
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 land had rest from war. But, there were still areas that needed to be conquered. The inhabitants needed to be driven out because of their evil worship. Idolatry brings problems. As time passed, the influence of idol worship continued to plague Israel.
God did guide the nation to divide the land according to the tribes. This is what God promised would happen. This gave hope to the nation and encouraged them to live in peace.
The story of Caleb in chapter 14 is very inspirational. Because of his obedience and faithfulness to God earlier in the story, God allowed him to enter the promised land. Now, at age 85, he said he was as strong as ever. He asked to be able to conquer the hill country. He told them to give him that mountain, for he would drive out the inhabitants as God had promised. And, that is just what happened.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I trust that all can be inspired by Caleb. Whatever our age, we can do anything God calls us to do. God enables. God provides. God empowers. Some people say they are too young for God to use them. Others say they are too old. Some say they don’t have enough experience or education. Yes, we have to mature, learn and gain experience. But, God will use us for His plan. In Numbers 14:24 we read God’s promise to Caleb that he would inherit that land. Here we see the fulfillment of the promise. Caleb believed God when he was a part of the group that spied the land. He believed God for forty five years. He saw God fulfill His promise.
Believe. Be faithful. See God show His power and fulfill His promises. That’s a great application to life.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see God’s promises. I want to help them see the importance of submission to them and the eternal results that come. God does know what He is doing.
Bible Chapter: Joshua 11 & 12
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.
Obeying God brings the results desired. I see this in these chapters. Chapter 11 starts out with a group of kings all gathering together to destroy Israel. They made an army with horses and chariots as numerous as the sand of the seashore. It looked bad. But, God made a promise to Joshua. They were to not be afraid for the next day God would hand them all over to Israel. This was another lesson in trust. They were commanded to destroy the armies as well as their equipment. The good news is that Israel obeyed and they saw God miraculously give them victory.
A very important picture we see here is that God judges sin. The Canaanite inhabitants of the land were so wicked that God judged them. Wickedness will inevitably bring judgement. It will happen. Sadly, many people think they can live any way they please and nothing will happen. Their lives are mocking God. They have been deceived. God, the righteous Judge, will hold all sinners accountable. This truth has not and never will change. People today are not smarter than previous generations. We don’t have greater insights to life. God, who never changes, still keeps track of sin and righteousness in people. God is always the final Judge.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God had given directions to Moses regarding the promised land. When Israel entered, they were to conquer the land. A good teaching passage is found in the statement that Joshua took the entire land just as the Lord had directed Moses. Then the land had rest from war. They were living in obedience and saw the result of God’s help. In reading these history books I see it over and over again -- God called for obedience and blessed them when they obeyed. That truth needs to sink in. God’s law is not based on a popularity contest. God doesn’t take a poll and see what should be truth this week. He doesn’t ask people what they like best. He gives us His truth and expects obedience. He blesses obedience.
3. How can I help someone?
God is full of mercy. God does amazing things for people. People must understand that there is a limit to God’s mercy and forgiveness. Those who simply refuse to submit and live God’s way will reach a point of judgement. We see that in these chapters. I want to help people see that truth and submit to the awesome life God offers.
Bible Chapter: Joshua 9 & 10
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.
Israel got themselves into trouble because, as 9:14 says, “but they did not inquire of the Lord”. Men from Gibeon deceived the Israelite leaders to make them think they were from a distant land, and not close neighbors. Israel made a pact with them to not destroy them. This decision went against the commands God had given to destroy the sinful inhabitants of the land. This would lead to future problems.
In spite of the fact that they failed to ask God and made an ill-advised covenant with Gibeon, God was with them. As they faced another major battle, God promised to be with them. The enemies would not be able to stand up against Israel. As a sign, God made the sun stand still for almost a whole day as they defeated the enemy. This was an awesome sign. The God Who created it all in the first place suspended the rules of the universe and stopped things for a time. This proved God’s word to them that they were not to be afraid.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This book of history (Joshua) is a good example of God’s provision and protection. They faced many battles to take the land. God said He would be with them. History repeats itself and there are constantly battles. Today the battles we face are spiritual battles. God is still with His people to take them through. I must always remember this. I must continue to put my trust in God to win. As in these chapters, today there are many “cities” to conquer.
3. How can I help someone?
A passage from Proverbs comes to mind here. A paraphrase: Trust in God with all your heart, don’t try to figure it out, in everything you to recognize God, He will give you His direction.
Bible Chapter: Joshua 7 & 8
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.
People still do what Achan did, disobey and think God isn’t going to know. They were specifically warned to leave everything in Jericho, to take no spoils. He was caught with greed and envy and took some clothes and precious metals. This brought a curse on the whole nation. His sin was exposed to the nation and he was punished for his sin. God’s desire was for them to be a holy and obedient people. By judging Achan, the people knew God was serious about His expectation of obedience. God does not tolerate sin.
After the exposure of sin in the camp, God directed them to go out and conquer Ai. This time they were successful. And, this time they were instructed to take spoils of war. Jericho was the first, but the other cities were not devoted to God. They conquered the city and destroyed it, just as they were commanded. God was judging the inhabitants of the land for their sinful lives and worship of false gods.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Joshua built an altar and worshiped God. He wrote down the commands of the Law of God and read it to all the people. We all need constant reminders of what God has said. We need to hear so we know what God expects. Then we must obey. The nation needed a reminder at that time to help keep their focus on God’s commands. Everyone in the nation, the men, women and children, all heard the reading. They all knew what God expected.
3. How can I help someone?
People must understand that God really does see everything. There are countless examples in life of people who think they can hide sinful things and get away with them. God sees. The time will come when people will be held accountable for their sins. I want to help people see and know this, and repent before it is too late.
Bible Chapter: Joshua 5 & 6
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.
Israel was finally in the promised land. They celebrated the Passover while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho. Their ancestors had celebrated the Passover when the left Egypt. The next day they ate some of the produce of the land, and the manna stopped. For forty years Israel had received a daily supply of food miraculously provided by God. Now that they were in the land and there was food available, God’s provision stopped.
God’s first plan for them in taking the land was the conquest of Jericho. This was a fortified city that was thought to be impregnable. They people thought it was protected by the gods of the Canaanites. For Israel to conquer it through God’s power showed the superiority of God. God gave them a unique strategy that proved His power. After walking around the city daily for a week, they shouted praises to God and blew the trumpets. Those walls that seemed unassailable came tumbling down. The city was conquered. The battle plan was revealed to Joshua by God’s messenger, the commander of the army of the Lord. There is a spiritual battle happening that we can’t see. God is our protector and victor.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One of the facts of the conquest of Jericho is that it was the first city they defeated. God had given specific directions that they were to take NO spoils of war. It was common for a victorious army to loot the conquered. Since this was the first, it belonged to God. This shows us the law of the first things. Throughout the Bible God always received the first. This speaks to us today as well. The first, the tithe of our increase, belongs to God. Learning to tithe to the Lord is a lesson that makes one stronger in the Lord. It opens up the path for God’s provision and blessing. The firstfruits always belong to God. Some in Israel might have thought it was a waste to let things just lay there, but God wasn’t concerned about that. They needed to be reminded of this important principle. Many today ask how they can afford to tithe. The real question is how we can afford to not tithe.
3. How can I help someone?
We can see God’s provision with the manna they ate for forty years. We see God’s expectation of His people when He calls for the first to be brought to Him. God has no problem in providing for His people. We must learn to obey. That always works best.
