Joshua 14

God gave the Promised Land of Canaan to Israel to be their “forever” home. What He gives, He doesn’t take back. The squabbles raised by Muslims are going to always be fruitless. God will see to that.

Joshua 14

The older I get, the more this subject is on my mind. Joshua’s conquest yielded lands and riches to the tribes to enjoy and pass on to their offspring. We all generally enjoy blessings someone else paid the price for.

Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than receive.” I trust that I can leave an inheritance to those I love.

Lord, help me.

Joshua 10

God had commanded Joshua to eliminate all the inhabitants of the Promised Land. It was a gruesome scene.

We have enemies, but they are the carnal deeds of our own flesh. In His Word, God says, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” [Col. 3:5]

It is to be a likewise gruesome scene where we hold court on such behavior and eliminate it from our lives.

Have no mercy!

Joshua 9

The Gibeonites heard of Israel’s victories and feared for their existence. They deceitfully dressed and acted like they had come a long distance when, in fact, they lived very close. They conned the leaders of Israel into a pact of non-aggression.

Joshua had failed to inquire of the Lord.

Leaders need to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance in EVERYTHING.

Joshua 6

God instructed Joshua on how the Israelites were to conquer Jericho. The strategy included the “shout.” On the 7th day and the 7th lap around the walled city, the entire population were to shout to God. He’s not deaf. It was God’s idea. It no doubt stunned the city’s inhabitants, and provided a dramatic backdrop for God to demolish the impenetrable walls.

In the Psalms, one of the Hebrew words for praise is shabach. It means shout. Some Sunday morning at church, don’t be surprised if the worship leader invites everyone to shout to God. It’s very scriptural.

Walls will fall!

Joshua 4

God instructed Joshua to have 12 stones from the Jordan River stacked up where the nation crossed near Jericho. He knew the children would ask, “What are these stones for?”

Children learn so many spiritual truths from their parents. Godly parents should always take valuable opportunities to teach their children when valuable moments and questions arise.

When you raise your children for Jesus, you will reap unbelievable blessings as they journey through life.

Joshua 2

Israel’s two spies sent to Jericho to evaluate it for conquest were hidden from the king by Rahab. Because she saved their lives, they promised to spare her and her family from devastation when they attacked. They instructed her to hang a scarlet cord from her window to exempt her in the assault.

Christ’s scarlet blood has provided for us a pass from the fate of all who reject Him.

I’m glad Ohio State’s colors are SCARLET and Gray. Just sayin’ …

Joshua 1

The immediate goal in the Promised Land was to defeat the inhabiting nations, displace them, and find REST. The Israelites were prepared for battle. They obtained rest WHEN the resistance was conquered.

Jesus said, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden. i will give rest to your souls.” Matt. 11

My son Jeffrey’s dog, Bella, passed yesterday. Patty and I were dog-sitting her as Jeff and Nicole are presently in Greece. Everybody who knew Bella loved her … a great dog! She was a golden doodle. I lifted the following commentary to provide some thoughts on the death of pets.

Although we cannot definitively say “all dogs go to heaven” based on biblical teaching, we can affirm several important truths:

1. God values and cares for all His creation, including animals.
2. God’s ultimate plan involves the renewal of all creation (Romans 8:19-22).
3. The love we feel for our pets is real and valuable, reflecting God’s own love.

While “all dogs go to heaven” is not a biblical concept, we can trust in God’s goodness and His care for all His creatures. As we comfort those grieving the loss of a pet, let us point them to the God who knows when even a sparrow falls, and whose love encompasses all of creation. Let us encourage them to entrust their beloved -*companions to the merciful care of our Creator, confident in His wisdom and love.

Deut. 34

God would not let Moses enter the Promised Land, but He gave Moses a glance at it from the top of Mt. Pisgah. Then Moses passed away, and God Himself buried the retired leader.

Moses had laid his hands upon Joshua to impart the leadership mantle.

God imparts spiritual gifts through the laying on of hands. It was a NEW ERA.