The Day the Sun Stood Still

Joshua 10:9

Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise.

Lord, I'm stuck on the phrase which says that Joshua traveled all night. His troops had to be exhausted after marching all night. Conventional human wisdom says that you want to arrive at your battles fresh and well rested. Once again, your wisdom proved far greater than human wisdom!

You displayed your mighty power through the weakness of Joshua and his army. They were able to destroy all 5 armies and keep fighting through an extended day! You even sent a hailstorm to help them.

Next time I'm thinking that I need extra sleep instead of getting up and doing what you are asking me to do, please remind me of this. As long as I am walking in obedience to you, my weakness will never be a hindrance to your power! In fact, your power works best in my weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Thank you, Lord, for this reminder! I love you!! In Jesus' name, amen. <3

MEMORY VERSE

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, the have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV 

James 4:7-10 NLT 1st Edition

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.

James 4:7-10 NLT 1st Edition

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Remind Me to Seek YOUR Will

Joshua 9:14-15

So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.

Lord, how often do I make this very same mistake in my life?? Too often! I too often trust my own understanding of the situation and forget to seek your will in all I do so you can show me which path to take. If I would just consult you, then I would save myself loads of trouble.

Lord, please remind me to seek your will no matter how small the matter seems. Joshua and the leaders felt that this was a simple matter too. Remind me to consult you even if it is just about which check out line to go to at the grocery store!

Please guide me in what to read with A today. Put questions in her mouth and answers in mine. I want to share your words, not my own. Lord, you alone know how to deal with A. I need your wisdom and the Holy Spirit to take charge.

Lord, if there is any sin in me right now that needs to be dealt with, please show me. I need to be a clean vessel for your Holy Spirit to flow through me.

I felt you immediately point to my stinky attitude toward my FIL and in general these past two days. Lord, please forgive me! I was allowing myself to listen to all the wrong voices. I was giving the voice of my sinful nature free rein. I'm so sorry. I've believed the lie that PMS and forgetting to take my antidepressant one of those days was a valid excuse to not take my thoughts captive. Please help me to recognize that lie in the future so I won't fall for it again.

Thank you, Lord, for pointing that sin out to me! Holy Spirit, please fill me up! Clear away the filth of my nasty attitude and negative thoughts and feelings. Then fill that space with yourself! Use me through your mighty power at work in me to accomplish infinitely more than I could ask or think, for your glory! In Jesus name, amen. <3

MEMORY VERSE

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, the have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV 

James 4:7-10 NLT 1st Edition

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.

James 4:7-10 NLT 1st Edition

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

My Defeats Make Me Stronger

Joshua 8:12-13

Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given you the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land."

I should not let my defeats discourage me. Instead, I should be quick to confess, repent, and then learn from my mistakes. This should make me stronger and more prepared for the next battle. All too often I instead focus on my failure letting it make me feel discouraged and like it is no use fighting any more, which is exactly what my enemy WANTS me to feel!!

Just like he did for Joshua at Ai, God knows how to take the broken pieces of our defeat and turn them into a rousing victory the next time we fight that battle. This should give me great hope and encouragement.

Joshua was careful to follow God's instructions for how to fight Ai the second time. The plan of attack is different for each battle. Lord, help me to listen carefully for your instructions for how to fight each battle in my life. Sometimes it will be simply pray and watch God achieve the victory. Other times I will be called to stand and fight with the Sword of Truth. But in EVERY battle, victory can only come through complete obedience.

Joshua did not neglect to give God the glory and praise for their victory over Ai. He gave burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. The burnt offering showed their devotion to God, while the peace offering was an expression of their gratitude and represented their fellowship with God. 

Lord, help me to daily give you my burnt offerings and peace offerings. Help me to give my wholehearted devotion, not letting anything or anyone hold me back from obeying and praising you! I want to live in constant, sweet fellowship with you! I love you!! In Jesus' name, amen. <3

MEMORY VERSE

Joshua 1:8

"Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in everything you do."

Joshua 1:8

Isaiah 45:18-19

"I am the Lord," he says, "and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right."

Isaiah 45:18-19

YEAR VERSE

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Things Set Apart for Destruction

Joshua 7:12-13

"That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction. Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you."

This picture was borrowed from the blog: iCrucified

If there is sin in my life that God has told me to deal with ad I don't, or worse, if I try to hide it (as if I can hide anything from God!) I will not be able to live in victory over my enemies. My enemies are my sinful nature and anything that tries to keep me from obeying God and walking in close fellowship with him. Not only will it keep me from living in victory, but it will eventually destroy me. It did destroy Achan and his whole family.

Joshua 7:12 "That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.

Lord, if I have any activities, thoughts, or belongings which you want set apart for destruction, please let me know. Then give me the strength and resolve to destroy them.

I love you, Lord, and I don't want ANYTHING to stand in the way of my obedience, worship, and love for you. In Jesus' name, amen. <3

MEMORY VERSE

Joshua 1:8

"Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in everything you do."

Joshua 1:8

Isaiah 45:18-19

"I am the Lord," he says, "and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right."

Isaiah 45:18-19

YEAR VERSE

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Don't Rebuild Jericho

Joshua 6:26

At that time Joshua invoked this curse: "May the curse of the Lord fall on anyone who tried to rebuild the town of Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay its foundation. At the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates."

Thank you, Lord, for speaking so clearly to me! I had no idea what you wanted to say to me from this chapter. So I was searching the footnotes, and looking at the cross-references while asking, "Lord, what to you want to say to me from this??" Then suddenly you spoke to me.

Rebuilding Jericho is the same as turning back to my old life of sin. Going back to any part of that life brings a curse that will not only effect me, but also my children.

Lord, you have freed me from that curse of sin! Help me to live in that victory! The voice of my sinful nature is always trying to get me to go for a roll in the hay with it. Please show me when I am listening to any other voice but yours! I don't want to go back to that old life of sin and death.

I confess that there are times and parts of that old life that make me want to go back. Sometimes it is hard to turn away and choose a life of sacrifice, purity and holiness instead. I don't like dying to myself. Quite honestly, I've been having days when I get tired and feel like I'm always giving up something for other people. 

But, Jesus, you gave up EVERYTHING for me! How can I do any less for you?? When I'm feeling that pity party and wanting to rebel instead of sacrifice, remind me of what you gave for me, please! That can't help but shut my mouth and humble me. Thank you, Jesus!! I love you so much!! In Jesus' name, amen. <3

MEMORY VERSE

Joshua 1:8

"Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in everything you do."

Joshua 1:8

Isaiah 45:18-19

"I am the Lord," he says, "and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right."

Isaiah 45:18-19

YEAR VERSE

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Give Me Wisdom!

Joshua 5:1

When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings who lived along the Mediterranean coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross, they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear because of them.

Picture borrowed from the blog, "Cold Waters to a Thirsty Soul"

I have a feeling that the Amorite and Canaanite kings were counting on the flooded Jordan river to keep the Israelite army on the other side. Typical of us humans, they were probably not taking into account God's power, or they were greatly under estimating it. They were relying on conventional human wisdom.

Lord, please help me to break the habit of relying on human wisdom and forgetting to account for your great power!

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the Lord with all your hear;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

Then you will have healing for your body

and strength for your bones.

Lord, help me to take the words of this proverb to heart and do what they say! My own wisdom is nothing to be impressed with. But your wisdom is what created the universe and keeps it in place!

Lord, please give me common sense and discernment! (Proverbs 3:21) I desperately need them! I need them to show me how to make sure my teenagers are getting school done even when I am not here to prod them. I need them to show me how to help my FIL grow the business. I need them in my myriad daily seemingly inconsequential choices. Help me to remember that I have access to the wisdom that created and upholds the universe! Your wisdom out wits human wisdom every time! I love you so much!! In Jesus' name, amen. <3 

MEMORY VERSE

Joshua 1:8

"Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in everything you do."

Joshua 1:8

Isaiah 45:18-19

"I am the Lord," he says, "and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right."

Isaiah 45:18-19

YEAR VERSE

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Let Me Live in the Light of Your Presence!

Joshua 4:23-24

"For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations might know that the Lord's hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever."

Lord, help me to remember all the times and ways that your hand has been powerful for me! I always want to live in awe and respect for you. Give me stories to tell others about your faithful love for me. I want everyone to know that your hand is powerful, so they might fear the Lord God Forever.

Psalm 89:13-15

Powerful is your arm!

Strong is your hand!

Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.

Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,

For they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

James 1:16-18

So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Lord, your presence is all the light I need! Your presence illuminates all and never changes or casts a shifting shadow. It shows me the way to go, shines a spotlight on my sin so you can help me get rid of it, and washes away my fears. I want to walk daily in the light of your presence, Lord! In Jesus' name, amen. <3

MEMORY VERSE

Joshua 1:8

"Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in everything you do."

Joshua 1:8

Isaiah 45:18-19

"I am the Lord," he says, "and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right."

Isaiah 45:18-19

YEAR VERSE

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5