God gave Joshua and the Children of Israel victory over all the inhabitants in the Promised Land except at Ai when Achan’s disobedience deflected God’s favor.

It was God’s plan for the Israelites to destroy and displace these dominions just as it is His desire for us to destroy and displace carnal strongholds in our own lives … greed, jealousy, lust, slothfulness etc.

The young leaders were given the opportunity to put their foot on the heads of the defeated kings.  That’s where our besetting foes belong … under our feet rendered powerless by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Jesus said, “Be of good cheer.  I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, let Your great power in my life deliver me from every besetting sin and habit.  I want to live a life that pleases You.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 10-12;  Luke 13

Jesus owned only a robe, and probably some sandals, that we know of.  Being the firstborn to Mary and Joseph, he was entitled to the birthright of His family, but Himself declared “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”  His example to us is that of one who pursues the task rather than the treasure.

We are trapped in a society that seeks material possessions.  Because God promises to meet our true needs, we don’t have to be driven by greed and materialism like those around us.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Phil 4:19

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, thank You for supplying our needs.  Continue to deliver us from greed and other impure motives that distract us from Your eternal purposes.  You own it all.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 7-9;  Luke 12

One of the clearest examples of God’s grace was the bread-like miracle food provided to the Israelites every day in their journey to the promised land.

When they needed it, it appeared.  When they no longer needed it, it vanished.

Grace provides to us what we cannot provide for ourselves. Strength to live, healing for our bodies, salvation for our soul … all provisions of God’s grace.

The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient.  In your weakness, My strength is made perfect.”  (2 Cor. 12:9)

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, I rely on Your grace to get me through. Every time today when I’m weak, I will call upon Your name asking for Your grace to strengthen me.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 4-6;  Luke 11

Too often we live Christian lives with a benefit oriented mentality rather than a task oriented mentality.

Jesus has a job for us to do.  He sent His disciples out two by two to “Heal the sick and tell [people] the Kingdom of God has come near to you.”  (Luke 10:9)

Our benefit package will primarily come in the hereafter.  Get to know Christ more fully as Mary did, and then get to work like Martha did.

DAILY PRAYER;  Father, dispatch me today to accomplish Your will.  Open my eyes to see the great, ripe harvest of souls that is ready to receive Your message of eternal life.  In the name of Jesus we ask this.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 1-3;  Luke 10

Jesus gave His disciples power to heal sicknesses and cast out demons.  It was actually their assignment rather than their option.  (Luke 9)

Are you a disciple of Christ?  Has He given you the same power?  Yes.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”  (John 14:13)

Let’s be asking!

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask you to heal Greg who is an FAA employee and former military pilot.  He needs Your touch today to deliver him from staff infection.  Thank You Jesus for his healing.

DAILY READING:  Deut. 32-4;  Luke 9

God’s blessings were extended to the Children of Israel if they obeyed His law with all their heart and soul.

Jesus spoke of the good seed of the Kingdom (God’s Word) falling on good ground, a heart that receives it and begins producing fruit.

It is more a matter of yielding to the Word of God and allowing it to fill your heart than it is your sheer will-power.  Allow your heart to receive God’s Word and His Spirit by spending quality time reading or listening to His Word.  Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, I give You my heart and soul.  Make me what You want me to be.  Use me for Your purposes today.  I love You.  I need You.

DAILY READING:  Deut. 29-31;  Luke 8

God’s blessing or curse depended upon the Old Testament Israelite’s response to His law.  (Deut. 28)

In the New Testament, God’s provision all came through Jesus Christ, His Son.  “God blesses those who do not turn away because of me,”  were the words of Jesus in Luke 7:23.

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.  And because they love me, my Father will love them.  And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (Jn. 14:21)

We get it all through Christ.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, my life is in You.  You are my strength, my joy, my reason for living, and I need Your nearness today.  Thank you Jesus for Your blessing in my life.

DAILY READING:  Deut. 27-8;  Luke 7

Jesus prayed all night on a mountain.  At daybreak, He announced the names of His disciples.  His overnight season of prayer affected the whole Kingdom of God.

How often we “throw up a prayer” like a football pass that is incomplete.  The patient process of prayer is like a huddle that yields understanding of the play, unity with the Heavenly Coach, and coordination with the other teammates.  Touchdown!

“The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  (James 5:16)

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, thank You for Your example of prayer to us.  It’s our desire to more intimately know You, thereby discovering Your perfect will for our lives.

DAILY READING:  Deut. 24-6;  Luke 6

Fishing!

After Simon Peter watched Jesus demonstrate the power of His influence as evidenced by the overly full nets of fish they pulled in upon his command, he fell to a position of worship.  Jesus was in that moment shifting their fishing skills and success to fishing for men.

Our earthly job skills all pale in eternal impact to God’s ultimate design for our lives.  He will take your skills and show you how you can be used in His Kingdom to serve His eternal purposes.

Everywhere you’ve been was preparing you for where you’re going.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, Your forethought amazes me.  Take my life, my skills, my joys, and use them to build Your Kingdom and build up Your people.

DAILY READING:  Deut. 21-3;  Luke 5

The Levites were the priests to God for the Israelite nation.  The law forbade them from having their own lands or homes.  How seemingly unfair.

Actually, God wanted them to be devoted to Him, and He provided for all their needs.  Jesus encouraged us to “take no thought” for material possessions because God would provide what we truly needed.

To the Sons of Zadok was given the highest premium for their service to the Lord.  In Ezek 44, God says, “I am their inheritance.  They get ‘Me.'”

DAILY PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, heal Laney Armistead’s jaw and remove the tumor that is threatening her teeth and well-being.  In Jesus’ name we ask this.

DAILY READING:  Deut. 18-20;  Luke 4