Reading for today: Joshua 6:12-14, Mark 1:21-28

“Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit.”  Mark 1:23

These passages remind us of the real nature of the spiritual world.  Demons are just as alive and active in the world today as they were in Jesus’ time.  But thankfully we don’t need to fear them because God has given us victory in His power and freedom through Christ.  But you must also remember to “Put on the whole armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:11-12 ) so that Satan “….will flee from you.” (James 4:7).

Reading for today: Joshua 6:10-11, Mark 1:16-20

Focus on:  Joshua 6:10

Notice how precisely Joshua and the people of Israel obeyed God’s complex instructions to them.  No doubt the resulting victory would not have turned out the same if they had only partially obeyed, or done it with half-hearted effort.  Let us resolve to give God our all, and obey him fully with a true heart!

Reading for today: Joshua 6:6-9, Mark 1:9-15

“And he said to the people, ‘Proceed, and march around the city…’”  Joshua 6:7

We can see by Joshua’s obedience that he believed God’s promise.  He knew that God is true to His Word, and had seen God come through for the Israelites in astounding ways.  So when God promised to collapse the walls of this great and mighty city as they simply stand and shout, Joshua knew that his God could, and would, keep His word - even in a situation that is humanly impossible.  When you are tempted to question God or doubt His promises to you, think back on the good things He HAS done for you and all the times He HAS come through in your life - and remember the faith of Joshua!

 Reading for today: Joshua 6:1-5, Mark 1:1-8

“As it is written in the prophets: ‘Behold I send my messenger before your face…’”Mark 1:2

Here we see one of the many prophecies of the Bible that have been fulfilled.  God has a consistent track record of fulfilling His Word.  Take this time to reflect on the truth and accuracy of the scriptural prophecies, and let it build your faith to see His faithfulness.

Reading for today: Joshua 5:13-15, Hebrews 13:18-25

“…make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ…”  Hebrews 13:21

I like that quote by Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, who said, “I used to ask God to help me.  Then I asked if I might help Him.  I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me.”

Reading for today: Joshua 5:10-12, Hebrews 13:7-17

“Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.”  Joshua 5:12

Sometimes the Lord shows us what to do next.  Other times He removes what we had been accustomed to (a job, a home, a friend, a certain way of doing things) so that He can lead us to the next step.  It is a good thing to be led by the Holy Spirit of God.

Reading for today: Joshua 5:9, Hebrews 13:1-6

“…be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”  Hebrews 13:5“The one with the most toys wins.”  All of us don’t feel that way, but most would say, “If I had just a little bit more, things would be better.”  As logical and reasonable as it seems, we have as much as God has seen fit to give us.  The apostle Paul said that he had learned to be content (Philippians 4:11 and 1 Timothy 6:6).

Reading for today: Joshua 5:7-8, Hebrews 12:18-29

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”  Hebrews 12:28

Kingdoms of this world, governments, and businesses all have a beginning and an end.  But God’s kingdom is forever and He has invited us to be a part of it.  He has also equipped us for this work.  By natural thinking this would seem to be a story, a fable, a tall tale - but we, being taught by the Holy Spirit, know this to be wonderfully true.

Reading for today: Joshua 5:4-6, Hebrews 12:12-17

“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,…”  Hebrews 12:12

A brother was going through an extremely difficult time and, when it seemed he was at the end of his strength, he went before the Lord and cried out, “I can’t take it anymore.  I just can’t take it!”  To which the Lord replied, “Yes you can.” God doesn’t put any challenge before us that He hasn’t already equipped us to overcome.  By His Spirit we can do all things; we will finish the race, and we are already victorious.  Believe it!

Reading for today: Joshua 5:2-3, Hebrews 12:3-11

“For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”  Hebrews 12:6
Many people go through life doing whatever they please and nothing seems to be withheld from them.  Meanwhile, we may encounter trials and difficulty every step of the way.  Instead of complaining remember that God is watching us and is doing what He knows is best.  We all will need some correction at some point in time.  Our Heavenly Father is giving us what we need.  (Hebrews 12:11).