Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read  Deuteronomy 28

Highlights:

Blessings of obedience; consequences of disobedience.
The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself . . . if thou shalt keep the Commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in His ways . . . if thou wilt not . . . all these curse shall come upon thee . . . until thou be destroyed (Deut. 28:9,15, 20).

The pathway of blessings is inseparably linked with loving obedience to the Word of God. When Israel obeyed God, they defeated their enemies and possessed their inheritance. On the other hand, the inevitable consequence of sin would reduce them to final ruin. Moses solemnly warned them: Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and He shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until He have destroyed thee (28:47-48).

God wanted Israel to recognize that submission to God was essential if they were to enjoy life. This is an inflexible spiritual principle.

Many Christians are like the Old Testament nation of Israel — they have never realized the relationship that obedience to God has to enjoying life.

A seed will sprout in low-quality soil, but it will not grow into a healthy and useful plant unless the soil in which it grows has the necessary nutrients. The same thing is true spiritually. We can "sprout" (that is, be saved with very little scriptural knowledge), but just as plants need good soil to produce, we need spiritual nourishment. The person who lives a victorious Christian life sets aside time every day for reading the Bible, praying, and fellowship with God to receive this nourishment.

God draws us to Himself through reading the Bible. As we faithfully read all of His Word, He will lead us in the pathway of peace and fellowship with Himself.

When we spend time alone with God and allow Him to communicate His love to us, it soon becomes apparent that this is the most blessed and most profitable time of the entire day.

He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him (John 14:21).

Thought for Today:

One's love for the Lord is in direct relationship to his love for the Word of God.
Christ Portrayed:

As the One from whom our blessings come (Deut. 28:1-2). Blessed be . . . God . . . who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Word Studies:

28:4 fruit of thy body, children; fruit of thy ground, produce; 28:7 smitten, struck, defeated; 28:13 observe, guard with your life and obey, the same Hebrew word translated keep in many places; 28:20 vexation, confusion, frustration, trouble; 28:21 pestilence, disease; consumed, destroyed; 28:23 iron, unproductive; 28:26 fray, scare; 28:28 madness, insanity; astonishment of heart, bewilderment; 28:29 spoiled, robbed, exploited; 28:32 fail with longing, yearn, suffer emotionally; 28:33 eat up, take away; 28:40 coasts, territory, borders; 28:41 go into captivity, be taken as slaves; 28:43 within thee, living among you; 28:44 head, chief, leader; 28:46 seed, descendants; 28:48 a yoke of iron, oppression; 28:50 regard, respect; 28:52 fenced, fortified; 28:53 straitness, hardship; 28:56 tender, young, timid; delicate, weak; evil, hostile; 28:58 fear, have reverential heartfelt submission to and respect for; fearful, awe-inspiring; 28:59 plagues, diseases, disasters; wonderful, extraordinarily great; 28:68 bondmen, male slaves.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and several African languages • Limited religious freedom • 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that the Lord protects you and provides your needs (Phil. 4:4).
Optional Reading: John 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:13

[Judy Harder]

Read  Deuteronomy 29 – 31

Highlights:

Moses' final appeal for obedience; warnings against disobedience; Joshua commissioned as Moses' successor; the Law to be placed in the Ark.
And the Lord said unto Moses . . . call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge (Deut. 31:14).

It is not difficult to see why Joshua was chosen to succeed Moses. Forty years earlier, he was one of the two spies who opposed the majority opinion and emphatically said: If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us (Num. 14:. But the majority of the people were ready to stone him (14:10). For forty years Joshua had been Moses' faithful servant (Ex. 24:13; 32:17).

In the midst of unbelief and bitter complaints, his remarkable faithfulness was not marred by any incident of unbelief, criticism of Moses, or faultfinding with those around him. Joshua wholly followed the Lord (Num. 32:12).

Furthermore, he departed not out of the Tabernacle (Ex. 33:11) at the time of the golden calf incident, when the nation had yielded to idolatry, but remained in the presence of God.

It is no surprise that the Lord told Moses: Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hand upon him (Num. 27:18).

Many Christians — in order to gain personal advantage — have compromised their convictions and proved to be disloyal. But loyalty is a distinguishing characteristic of people who are faithful to God. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

In the midst of difficulties, many give up rather than stand up for the Lord. But the men and women who achieve anything for God are not moved by the opinions or actions of the majority. Their faith is not dependent upon favorable circumstances, but it is grounded in the eternal God.

Only those who are willing to be lowly, humble servants will have the privilege of saying with our Master, For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).

Thought for Today:

Are you as willing as Joshua to wholly follow the Lord?
Christ Revealed:

As life (Deut. 30:15). Jesus is The Resurrection, and The Life (John 11:25).
Word Studies:

29:17 abominations, detestable things; 30:3 turn thy captivity, restore you from captivity; 30:4 unto the outmost parts of (under) heaven, to the ends of earth; 30:9 plenteous, prosperous; 30:18 denounce, announce; 30:19 record, witness; 31:10 solemnity, appointed time; 31:12 stranger, foreigner; 31:14 charge, commission; 31:16 go a whoring after the gods of the strangers, be unfaithful to the One True God; 31:17 devoured, consumed, destroyed; 31:21 sware, promised.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Matthew Hansen Mead (WY), Rep. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Assoc. Justice Antonin Scalia • Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tongan and English • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything (Phil. 4:6).
Optional Reading: John 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 32 – 34

Highlights:

The song of Moses; Moses permitted to see the promised land; Moses blesses the twelve tribes; death of Moses; Joshua succeeds Moses.
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the Land of Moab, according to the Word of the Lord (Deut. 34:5).

Moses was anxious to lead the children of Israel into the promised land. Although he was 120 years old, he was still physically strong. His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated (34:7).

Our hearts are filled with compassion as we read of this meek hero of faith climbing Mt. Nebo to die — just outside the promised land. For forty years Moses had looked forward to entering Canaan. He had prayed for this privilege. But God did not allow Moses to lead the Israelites into the promised land — the task he began 40 years earlier. The task he began was left for Joshua to complete.

Some may think God punished Moses too severely by not allowing him to enter the promised land. But even though his sin was very serious, God was only denying Moses this one earthly desire. The mercy of God always exceeds His punishment — it always goes beyond man's ability to see His great plan. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Prov. 12:28).

Moses' prayer was not answered when and how he expected. But think how much more gloriously and remarkably God answered his prayer! God only postponed his prayer until he could stand triumphantly with Jesus and the apostles in the promised land on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8).

We are all on a pilgrimage in life in preparation for that promised land of many mansions (John 14:2). Our desire in life should be to magnify Christ.

When we come face to face with death, we will see the priceless value of life as we have never before seen it. Will it be a moment of regret for wasted years, having lived in vain, or will it be one of satisfaction for having faithfully served the Lord?

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21). I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (II Tim. 4:7-8).

Thought for Today:

Many have passed prematurely into eternity with unfinished goals; but their life's work, if it was God, will continue to bless others.
Christ Revealed:

As our Rock (Deut. 32:31). Christ was that spiritual Rock (Petra) that followed (accompanied) them (I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:

32:3 publish, proclaim; 32:19 abhorred, despised; 32:20 froward, disloyal, perverse, corrupt; 32:41 whet, sharpen; 32:44 Hoshea, Joshua; 33:9 Covenant, binding agreement with all qualifications given by God; 33:28 corn, grain; 33:29 tread upon their high places, trample down their heathen altars; 34:2 utmost sea, Mediterranean; 34:6 sepulchre, grave; 34:7 abated, lessened; 34:12 great terror, marvelous deeds.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Official: Sen. Kent Conrad (ND • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you contentment in your circumstances, whether in plenty or in want (Phil. 4:11-12).
Optional Reading: John 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Joshua 1 – 3

Highlights:

Joshua given position of leadership; spies sent to Jericho; pledge between spies and Rahab; direction for crossing Jordan; the Israelites pass over Jordan.
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Josh. 1: .

The Holy Word of God is the only thing to which God has linked true success, and Joshua clearly explains how we can achieve that success.

The key to Joshua's great faith was his love for the Word of God. True faith is not an act of human reasoning, but is based upon what God has spoken through His Word.

Forty years earlier Joshua and Caleb were the only two out of the twelve spies who believed they could conquer the Canaanites and take possession of the promised land. The report by the others showed they doubted the Word of God that He would give them victory.

Therefore, the crossing of the Jordan River, led by Joshua, was a major step of faith in the ability of God to fulfill His Word. The earlier generation refused to place their faith in the promise of God.

Joshua's battles were outward, but our battles are primarily inward emotional conflicts. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (that is, our conflicts are not actually with people), but against principalities, against powers (Eph. 6:12). Our battle is not with men, even though Satan may use people at times to resist our efforts to please the Lord.

Just as Joshua was enlightened to know the will of God by meditating upon the His Word day and night, so our faith is also strengthened as we daily read and meditate upon His Word. Our victory is assured by the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (6:17).

The more we read His Word, the more we realize the presence of God. The unfailing mark of true discipleship is reverence for the Word of God and humble submission to all its teaching.

It is of utmost importance that every Christian spend time with the Lord in reading His Word — to meditate therein day and night (Josh. 1:.

The vital principle of victorious faith is also revealed in the New Testament: But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1: 25).

Thought for Today:

The unfailing mark of true success lies in meditating on the Word of God and humbly submitting to all its teachings.
Christ Revealed:

Through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household — symbolic of the blood of Christ (Josh. 2:21; Heb. 11:31; James 2:25). The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Word Studies:

1:1 minister, assistant; 1:4 coast, territory, boundary; 1:15 rest, peace; sunrising, east; 1:17 hearkened unto, obeyed; 2:17 blameless, free, released; swear, promise under oath; 2:19 on our head, our responsibility; 2:20 quit, free; 3:16 Salt Sea, Dead Sea; against, opposite
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Pam Murton • Government Official: Sen. John Henry Hoeven III (ND) • Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities • 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and give thanks to the Lord for your brothers and sisters in Christ (Col. 1:2-3).
Optional Reading: John 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Joshua 4 – 6

Highlights:

Memorial of twelve stones; circumcision renewed; passover at Gilgal; manna ceases; Jericho besieged and destroyed.
And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent (Josh. 6:17).

Jericho was a powerful Canaanite city just inside the promised land. It was a wicked city, typical of all that was ungodly in Canaan. God used the Israelites to execute judgment on all of Canaan for their wickedness (Deut. 18:9-14).

Jericho was the first city in the promised land that God gave to Israel. In fact, it was the only city the Israelites inherited where they did not have to go into battle. God had said, the city shall be accursed. The word accursed means devoted — dedicated things that should have been utterly destroyed. God gave them the city in order that they might burn it as an offering to Him. Only that which comes from God can satisfy Him.

Just as God required the firstborn and firstfruits of their harvest, so He required that Israel dedicate the first city to Himself. Therefore, until Jericho was totally devoted to God, the people could not claim the rest of the cities for themselves.

That is why Achan's sin of taking some of the loot was of such serious consequence. He took something that belonged to God.

Achan deceived himself when he thought his secret sins would be overlooked. Many people deceive themselves in believing God will overlook their sins and accept them into heaven because they were born in a Christian nation or a Christian family, were baptized, and have kept the Golden Rule.

But only those who have come to the Lord Jesus — confessing their sins, repenting, and asking Him for forgiveness — will be saved. To reject Christ is the greatest of all sins (John 1:12; 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10).

After the accursed thing (Josh. 6:18) was settled, Joshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in mount Ebal (8:30). Following the Burnt Offerings (8:31), Joshua read all the words of the Law. . . . There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel (8:34-35).

First, the sacrifice is made — symbolic of giving ourselves to God. Then we receive further revelation of His Word.

He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them . . . I will love him, and will manifest myself to him (John 14:21).

Thought for Today:

Throughout His Word, God has always required His people to give Him first place in their heart and life.
Christ Portrayed:

As the Captain of the host of the Lord (Josh. 5:14). Christ is the Captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10).
Word Studies:

4:6 sign, memorial monument; 4:11 clean passed, finished crossing; 4:14 magnified, exalted; 4:20 pitch, set up; 5:11 old corn, produce from previous harvest; unleavened, yeast-free; 5:14 host of the Lord, army of the Lord; 6:1 straitly shut up, carefully barricaded; 6:3 compass, march around; 6:9 rereward, rear guard; 6:19 consecrated, sacred, set apart to the Lord; 6:26 adjured them, required an oath of them; 6:27 noised, spread abroad.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Sen. Tom Coburn (OK) • Country: Turkey (64 million) in Asia Minor and southeastern Europe • Major languages: Turkish, Kurdish, and Arabic • Official resistance to Christian witnessing • 79% Sunni Muslim; 20% Alawi Shi'ite Muslim; .2% Christian; .04% Jewish (25,000); .09% Armenian Orthodox; .02% Syrian Orthodox; .02% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord and praise Him openly, for He has redeemed you through His blood and forgiven all your sins (Col. 1:12-14).
Optional Reading: John 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Joshua 7 – 8

Highlights:

Sin of Achan; Israelites flee at Ai; Law recorded at Mount Ebal.
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few (Josh. 7:3).

Following the victory over Jericho, Joshua prepared to move into the hill country of central Palestine. He sent spies to Ai to determine what strategy they should use in attacking the city. They returned with full confidence of victory saying Let not all the people go up . . . and smite Ai . . . for they are but few. A favorable report from his spies gave him even more confidence of victory than when they marched around Jericho. The Lord had not directed Joshua to send spies to Ai, nor did Joshua seek or receive instructions from the Lord to fight Ai (7:2).

It seemed unnecessary to Joshua and his spies for the whole army to attack the small village of Ai. This act of self-confidence was based on the supposition that they had conquered Jericho through their own strength. Actually, it was God who had destroyed the city walls.

The spies had accomplished their mission without the Lord's guidance, and the soldiers went in to the battle without His assistance; consequently, thirty-six Israelites were killed and they fled. The most alarming aspect of this event was that Joshua was unaware that the Lord was not with him.

God withdrew His presence, protection and power from Israel when Achan took a garment, silver, and gold from Jericho. But the reason for the defeat goes much deeper than Achan's sin. God exposed the fact that Israel (not just Achan) was guilty of trespass (7:1).

Eight times in the first six chapters of Joshua, the Bible records how the Lord directed Joshua (1:1; 3:7; 4:8; 4:10; 4:15; 5:2; 5:15; 6:2). Then in Joshua 7:2-3, Joshua and his committee, (not the Lord) unanimously decided what action was to be taken, which resulted in failure. Often we make the same mistake as Joshua in that we sometimes take matters into our own hands rather than wait upon the Lord for His direction in our lives. Apart from the mercy and grace of God, the smallest temptation will be too powerful for the greatest Christian. We dare not trust in our own strength! Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths (Ps. 25:4).

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing (John. 15:5).

Thought for Today:

When communication and fellowship between God and Israel was ignored, their good intentions and well-laid plans resulted in failure!
Christ Revealed:

Through the uncut stones at the altar (Josh. 8:31). Daniel saw Christ as a Stone which was not cut by human hands (Dan. 2:34,45). Jesus is our Chief Corner Stone (I Pet. 2:6; Matt. 21:42).
Word Studies:

7:1 the anger of the Lord was kindled against, the Lord was furious with (7:26); 7:6 rent, tore; put dust upon their heads, expressed intense sorrow by defiling their heads; 7:9 environ us round, surround us; 7:11 dissembled, deceived; 7:13 sanctify, consecrate, cleanse, make undefiled; against, before; 7:18 taken, chosen; 7:26 Achor, Trouble; 8:11 pitched, camped; 8:13 liers in wait, concealed ambushers.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy (Dr. John Hash's mother) • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Senate President (Acting Gov.) Earl Ray Tomblin (WV), Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA), and Assoc. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to write His precepts in your heart (Col. 3:16).
Optional Reading: John 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Joshua 9 – 10

Highlights:

Deceit of the Gibeonites; their servanthood to Israel; defeat of the Amorites; sun and moon stand still until all the kings are defeated.
And the Lord delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah (Josh. 10:32).

The primary key to all victories of Joshua against the Canaanites is recorded in tomorrow's reading: As the Lord commanded Moses His servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses (11:15).

Joshua's swift and fierce raids against the Canaanite kings of the south caused the king of Jerusalem to be alarmed. He attempted to unite all the remaining kings in the north in an effort to prevent the Israelites from occupying the promised land. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee (10:.

The secondary key to Joshua's victories is that he and his army didn't relax in their tents expecting the Lord to win their battles, but exercised their faith in the Word of God. Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal ALL NIGHT (10:9).

After a twenty-five mile, all-night march from Gilgal to Jerusalem, Joshua led a surprise attack against the kings of the north at daybreak. It is clear that the Lord discomfited them (the Canaanites) before Israel (10:10) and the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword (10:11). Because of the hailstones and the prolonged day, these men of faith were enabled to destroy the great number of enemies.

This king of Jerusalem's organized effort to defeat Joshua is an example of the continual conflict between the Lord's people and Satan.

Such victories in spiritual warfare are won as we, like Joshua, accept by faith that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him . . . that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Eph. 1:17-19).

Thought for Today:

Spiritual victory is not dependent on human strength.
Christ Revealed:

As the One through whom we have victory (Josh. 10:25). Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57).
Word Studies:

9:1 great sea, Mediterranean Sea; 9:4 wine bottles, wineskins; rent, torn; 9:5 clouted, patched; 9:6 league, treaty; 9:15 sware, ratified it with an oath in the Name of God; 9:21 hewers of wood, woodcutters; 9:22 beguiled, deceived; 10:4 smite, conquer; 10:6 Slack not thy hand from, Come with haste; 10:10 discomfited, defeated in battle; 10:13 book of Jasher, book of heroes (literally, "upright ones); hasted not, delayed; 10:20 fenced, fortified, walled; 10:21 moved his tongue, uttered a word; 10:24 your feet upon the necks, a symbol of mastery; 10:40 vale, valley.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. John Crowley (NY) and Rep. Ron Kind (WI) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Continue to watch and pray with thanksgiving (Col. 4:2).
Optional Reading: John 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

[Judy Harder]

Read  Joshua 11 – 13

Highlights:

Defeat of many kings within Canaan; much land still to be possessed; inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh; Balaam slain.
And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. . . . And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them. . . . So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses (Josh. 11:5,8,23).

In the battle of Beth-horon where the sun stood still, Joshua defeated the kings of the south. As word of Israel's victories spread, the soldiers of the Canaanite cities of the north banded together against Israel, forming the largest army the Israelites had ever faced, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many (11:4). For the first time, the Israelites fought against horsemen and war chariots.

And Joshua took the whole land (11:23). He had established unquestioned military control over all of Palestine without the help of one horse or one chariot, and we believe he would say, with the Psalmist: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God (Ps. 20:7).

This league of armies uniting together to destroy the people of God is typical of Satan's attack against Christians. But the defeat of Jabin's gigantic armies clearly demonstrates that there is not the remotest possibility of any success for anyone who is fighting against God.

The fierce battle against the Canaanites of the north did not take place when the children of Israel first entered Canaan. But they had fought many battles before they encountered this vast united army.

God deals with us in the same manner. As we trust Him for the little things, our faith gradually becomes stronger and we trust Him for the greater things.

God arranges our circumstances in such a way that we may, through Him, become more than victors. The promises of God have been standing a long time! It is man's unwillingness to accept what is promised that causes the wandering in the wilderness.

No matter how strong the enemy is, how cunningly his plans are laid, or how he may come upon us with a host to terrify, if we are right with the Lord, we shall be more than conquerors. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ( I John 5:4).

Thought for Today:

Faith grows as we trust Him through our trails.
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses the servant of the Lord (Josh. 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:18).
Word Studies:

11:4 hosts, army; 11:5 were met together, joined forces; 11:6 hough, hamstring; 12:3 Sea of Chinneroth, Sea of Galilee; Sea of the plain, even the Salt Sea, Dead Sea; 13:22 soothsayer, diviner, fortune-teller.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you boldness and opportunities to share the Gospel with others (Col. 4:3-4).
Optional Reading: John 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Joshua 14 – 16

Highlights:

The promised land divided among the tribes; Caleb asks for and takes Hebron; cities allotted to Judah.
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said (Josh. 14:12).

Caleb was one of the twelve spies who had been chosen thirty-eight years earlier to spy out the land of Canaan. They all saw giants. Ten of the spies compared the giants to their own weakness, but Caleb and Joshua compared them to the power of God. At that time, Caleb wholly followed the Lord (Deut. 1:36) and was not influenced by the unbelieving majority. Along with Joshua, Caleb faithfully represented the Lord and urged the people not to rebel against Him (Num. 14:9). But the unbelieving spies were fearful of the giants and caused the people to turn back.

Because of his faithfulness, God promised Calbed the land of Hebron. Although he had to wait forty-five years before he could inherit his promised territory, we find no record that he found fault with God.

Now, upon entering the promised land, Caleb reminded Joshua that Moses sware on that day, saying, surely (Hebron) the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever (Josh. 14:9). Caleb's faith was fully rewarded, and he conquered his mountain (14:14).

Like the unbelieving spies, many Christians complain that their circumstances make it impossible to live a victorious Christian life. Consequently, they fail to believe and act upon the Word of God. But when Caleb was eighty-five years of age, he was just as confident and eager to fight the giants as he had been forty-five years earlier. God always honors the faith of those who believe in the all-sufficient power of God. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (II Cor. 9:.

When you are faced with what appears to be impossible circumstances, read again the words of Caleb: The Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said (Josh. 14:12).

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much. . . . If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11).

Thought for Today:

God always honors the faith that is established.
Christ Portrayed:

By Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord (Josh. 14:8,14). Our Savior said: Lo, I come . . . to do Thy will, O God (Heb. 10:7,9).
Word Studies:

14:4 save, except; suburbs, pasturelands; 14:7 espy out, make a search in; 14:8 wholly followed, obeyed wholeheartedly; 14:9 sware, promised under oath; 14:12 fenced, fortified; 14:15 had rest, enjoyed peace; 15:6 stone, boundary marker; 15:10 compassed, curved; 15:19 nether, lower; 16:1 fell, went; 16:3 goings out thereof are at, borders reach; 16:10 under tribute, as forced laborers.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Howard Coble (NC) • Country: Ukraine (51 million) east-central Europe • Major languages: Ukrainian and Russian • Religious freedom • 55% Orthodox (various jurisdictions); 15% Catholic (mainly Greek-Catholic); 3.2% Protestant; 1% Jews; .5% Muslim; 25.3% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for more faithful Christian workers (I Thess. 1:2-3).
Optional Reading: John 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:15

[Judy Harder]

Read Joshua 17 – 19

Highlights:

Inheritance of Manasseh; Canaanites forced to pay taxes to Israelites; Tabernacle set up at Shiloh; remainder of the land divided.
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: According to the Word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein (Josh. 19:49-50).

It was not until every tribe had received their inheritance that Joshua, in true humility, asked for the portion of rough territory within his own tribe of Ephraim, near Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was erected and where he could best serve and worship the Lord. There he built the small village of Timnath-serah. It was the least inheritance asked for by anyone.

The earthly inheritance of this great leader was so insignificant that the only other reference made to it in the Bible is as the place of Joshua's grave (24:30).

Joshua was not only the last in his own tribe, but the last in all the tribes to be apportioned his land. He was truly a type of Christ who would teach us: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). Joshua illustrates the biblical principle of preferring one another (Rom. 12:10). When we have our lives and priorities centered upon the worship and service of the Lord, we need not fear getting our share. In fact, we will gladly accept less if it puts us in a closer relationship to the things of God.

The truly great people of God do not complain and are not greedy. They do not expect others to serve or praise them. Their goals and aspirations are not for material greatness or for recognition from others. Godly people find their satisfaction in being servants of the Lord and fulfilling His will.

Perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to a Christian's life is "things" — even good things — that crowd out Christ. But the more concerned we are with eternal values, the less important material possessions become. Walled cities and great wealth would be poor rewards for anyone who desires a city whose Builder and Maker is God (Heb. 11:10). Though Joshua was greatest among them, he asked for the least. Joshua's real reward was the satisfaction of knowing he had pleased the Lord.

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant (Matt. 23:11).

Thought for Today:

Is your greatest satisfaction in knowing you have pleased the Lord?
Christ Revealed:

Through Shiloh. The children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle (Josh. 18:1). The Tabernacle was located at Shiloh, meaning "peace." The Tabernacle was where the presence of God dwelt, and both the place and the Tabernacle were prophetic of Jesus. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace (John 16:33).
Word Studies:

17:1 man of war, great soldier; 17:13 waxen strong, grown stronger; 18:4 describe, draw a descriptive map of; 18:10 divisions, family groups; 18:12 the goings out thereof, its outer limits; 18:14 west quarter, western side; 18:17 was drawn, extended; the going up, the ascent; stone, marker; 19:14 compasseth, goes around; outgoings, limits; 19:34 sunrising, east.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Official: Rep. Mike Coffman (CO) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with earnestness night and day (I Thess. 3:10).
Optional Reading: John 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:15