Joshua 14 "A Forty-Five Year Old Promise"

"The Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses.” (v.10)

In Joshua 14 we read that Caleb did not allow his advancing age to prevent him from believing that God would still honor His promise given 45 years earlier (Joshua 14:10-12). As one of the original scouts sent into the Promised Land, he saw large cities inhabited by powerful people of great stature. But Caleb was faithful to God and believed He would help the Israelites conquer the land (Joshua 14:6-9). 

Now at 85 years of age, Caleb was still physically strong and his faith unwavering. He trusted that God would help him to conquer the land, even though it still had giants. So Joshua blessed Caleb with his portion of the land, fulfilling God’s 45-year-old promise. Despite all the land Caleb received, a greater reward was the compliment he received in verse 14: “He followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.” 

Caleb's example is an inspirational reminder of purpose for believers as we advance in years: growing older, but never weaker in Jesus. Caleb wanted to fight for the promise. He could have asked for an easy place, but he knows that these foes must be faced and figures that he may as well be the one to do it. He doesn’t leave the work to someone else, though he could have, especially at his age.

Following God with courage and confidence was his lifelong pursuit. Such was the legacy of Caleb.

The Truth: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)

Joshua 13 "The Greater Inheritance"

"But to the tribe of Levi Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He had said to them.” (v.33)

As we read through chapter 13 and the description of the land Moses had allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we are twice reminded of what Moses didn't assign, land to the tribe of Levi. Instead, the Levites had as their inheritance portions of the offerings that Israel would bring to the LORD. These were their “financial security” in Israel. And this practice reminded the Levites (and the rest of Israel) that God provided for their sustenance. Additionally in verse 14 we are told that the Levites received a greater inheritance than that: God Himself. Meaning, the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance. 

In this sense, if there is any tribe that Christians are spiritually connected to, it is the tribe of Levi. For in scripture we (Christians) also are called priests (1 Peter 2:5) and have a special inheritance in God (Ephesians 1:11, Colossians 1:12, and 1 Peter 1:4) - far better than the material, which is fleeting at best. We (Christians) then, like the Levites, now have an enduring intimate connection to God that could not be invaded or stolen, which is greatest inheritance of all! 

However, many Christians today become dissatisfied with their place before God. I call it the James and John syndrome. They look around at others and wish they would have been given something different, and can even become bitter towards God about this. The primary answer to this is to see ourselves as priests and to understand that our real inheritance is God Himself.

The Levites weren't missing out on any added bonus—knowing God is a reward in itself. If you find that your focus has shifted to what you do not have, turn your attention to what you do possess - your inheritance through Jesus Christ.

The Truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4) 

Joshua 12 "Defeated Kings"

Chapter 12 is a review of all the kings and kingdoms defeated under the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. Later, in chapter 13:7 it will become clear what makes this military conquest different than any other, for Israel wasn't just taking the land, they were inheriting it!  

Scripture tells us that the land Joshua and Israel occupied was the result of a promise from God to Abraham, the father of the entire nation of Israel. His descendants inherited, not by force but by faith, a peaceful existence in perhaps the most desirable land on the face of the earth. God had set apart the land and prepared it for Israel. All Joshua had to do was help the nation claim it.

Likewise, the battle for our spiritual inheritance has already been fought and won by Jesus Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is, have we claimed it? The Bible tells us that, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life" (Johne 3:16). It's that easy, believe on His name and you become a child of God, and as such hire to His heavenly kingdom. 

The Truth: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Psalm 116 "A Life Rescued"

 “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (v. 12)

This “halal, or praise psalm was written by one who was celebrating the deliverance of a severe physical affliction. Many Jewish commentators attribute it to Hezekiah, who was told to get his house in order because he was about to die (2 Kings 20:1). But, after much prayer the LORD healed him and gave him 15 more years on earth (2 Kings 20:5-6). Upon reflection of all that God had done for him in his lifetime, Hezekiah asks the question here in our text, “What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?"  

What a legitimate question. We could all ask the same thing. What can we give to the LORD?, the creator of the universe who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, for all He has done for us. In the material sense there is nothing that God really needs. For "the earth is the LORD’s and all that is within it.” And anything we give to Him in that sense, is already His. So what can we give Him?

When my children were growing up they would bring me pictures they had drawn in sunday school, crafts they had made for “fathers day,” bookmarks they had made with their pictures on them, cards expressing their love. To this day I still have many of those tokens of their love and affection that I can look at and enjoy at any time. Priceless! Now as they are grown and have great responsibilities of their own, a quick text or phone call, an unexpected visit, coffee, an occasional outing, all speak to me of their love, their desire to stay in touch, that I am on their mind and in their hearts. These expressions of love, no matter how simple, still mean the most and are priceless.

What then can we give to God for all His benefits toward us, that He might consider us priceless? Our time, our hearts, and our love. Our time, by staying connected to our heavenly Father, in His Word, in prayer, in praise and thanksgiving for delivering us from sin and death. Our hearts and love, by recognizing all He has done for us through His love and grace, and by giving Him the glory and honor due His name.

And, in so doing, we will as the psalmist wrote, “offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving” - our love, priceless to Him, for His deliverance in and of our lives.

The Truth: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Joshua 11 "Battle Against The Northern Kings"

“So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.” (vv.4-5)

After Jabin king of Hazor heard of Israel’s total conquest of the southern kings, the northern kings came together to defeat Israel. The huge army assembled together reflects an attitude that they believe they must stop Israel now or never. All this was prompted by what the northern kings heard regarding Israel’s success and victory. Walking in victory means that we become targets – when we are awakened, so is the devil.

Israel was about to face challenges they had never faced before. First, the size of the enemy army: as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude. Second, the technological superiority of the Canaanites: with very many horses and chariots (vv.4-5). Here a massive army gathered in the valley of Megiddo to come against Joshua. Because this attack was new, and more severe than previous challenges, Joshua needed a fresh confirmation of God’s promise for his life. And the LORD was faithful to bring it, "Tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel" (v.6). 

The historian Josephus tells us this coalition numbered 300,000 infantrymen, 10,000 cavalrymen, and 20,00 chariots - being like tanks in those days, a formidable arm to say the least. Israel again is outnumbered and seemingly no match for its enemy. Sound familiar? This event pictures the prophecies of Revelation, when a massive army will one day come against Jesus Christ and His reign here on earth in the “Battle of Armageddon” (Rev.16:16). And, like the five kings of the north (with their overwhelming numbers) who came against Joshua and were utterly destroyed (v.18), so too shall this future army who comes against Jesus be totally destroyed (Rev.19:19-21).

We too can have victory against overwhelming odds in our lives as well. Remember, He who is in us is greater that he who is in this world. God Bless you all.

The Truth: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Joshua 10 "Do Not Fear Them"

 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.” (v.8)

Do not fear them: This was a command, not a suggestion. And, the command was joined to a promise, "I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you." 

Fear takes away our ability to fight God’s battles. Even in the face of strong enemies, Joshua was commanded to not fear. For Joshua, fear was unbelief – being unwilling to believe what God promised. Though Joshua had reason to fear because Israel faced a confederation of five kings, God commanded him to not fear his enemies.

The most dangerous kind of soldier is one who does not fear death - one who believes he is invincible, and is fighting for the greater good. In our text, the LORD assures Joshua that He has already delivered the enemy into his hands and that not a man will stand before him. All Joshua needs to do is believe and take action, for the battle has already been won.

So it is with us when stepping into any area God has called us on His behalf. Being human we tend to say to ourselves, “I can’t do this or I’m not the right person for the job.” When in reality, we are afraid, afraid of failure. The truth is, where God guides, God provides and He will give us the boldness to believe and take the necessary action.

If we are in His perfect will, like Joshua, nothing can stand against us.

The Truth: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) 

Joshua 9 "The Gibeonite Deception"

Joshua Makes Them Slaves To The LORD

Then Joshua called for the Gibeonites, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell near us? Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves; woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” So they answered Joshua and said, “Because your servants were clearly told that the LORD your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” So he did to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, in the place which He would choose, even to this day. (vv.22-27)

Joshua could not kill the Gibeonites (because he and the leaders of Israel had accepted the deception of the Gibeonites, and made a covenant with them to let them live;), but he could control them by making them perpetual workmen for the tabernacle service. They would serve in menial ways such as cutting wood for the sacrificial fires of the tabernacle and carrying water used in its service. 

What is interesting here is that there seems to be no complaint from the Gibeonites. They simply say, “here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” Essentially, they were happy with the prospect of being incorporated into Israel, and being made servants of the LORD, even if it was in menial service. In this, the Gibeonites express the same heart David did in Psalm 84:10: For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

It is essential to see that they did this out of a love for the God of Israel, not out of weakness. Indeed, it was said of Gibeon that all its men were mighty (Joshua 10:2). The Gibeonites were not thrilled so much at being woodcutters and water carriers, but in knowing they could be those things for the LORD – and in knowing where they would be if they were not serving the LORD. Interesting. Do we have the same heart? Can we rejoice in any kind of service, if we see we are in the presence of the LORD as we do it?

Later, Gibeon becomes a priestly city; the ark of the covenant stayed at Gibeon often in the days of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40 and 21:29). At least one of David’s mighty men was a Gibeonite (1 Chronicles 12:4). God appeared and spoke to Solomon at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4-5). The Gibeonites were among those who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:7 and 7:25). And finally prophets such as Hananiah the son of Azur came from Gibeon (Jeremiah 28:1).

The Truth: These are examples of the great things God can do with people who are sinners but come to Him in humility and love.

Joshua 8 “Israel Defeats Ai”

“And the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be you dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: And you shall do to Ai and her king as you did to Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall you take for a prey to yourselves: lay you an ambush for the city behind it.” (v.1-2)

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” (Maya Angelon) These words seem to fit perfectly in the wake of Israel’s tragic defeat and judgment by Ai back in chapter 7, as they get ready to face them again here in chapter 8. 

It would have been easy for Joshua to be discouraged or afraid after the setback at Ai and the judgment of Achan, but God doesn't afford Joshua that opportunity. Instead, He directs him boldly to prepare for the next battle and in so doing, He reinforces the truth that He is the supreme leader of His people. 

Joshua’s leadership was effective the second time against Ai because he obeyed God. If you hold any kind of position of leadership or influence—remember this lesson. God has authority over all, and any success we enjoy is to God's glory. 

The Truth: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.” (Psalm 115:1)

Joshua 7 "Defeat At Ai"

 The Sin of Achan

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.” (v.1)

Joshua commanded the nation in Joshua 6:18 that they should not take of any of the accursed things, those things that were associated with the demonic and debasing worship and practices of the Canaanites. The wars fought by Israel in Canaan were not to be plundering wars of personal gain; they were an unusual, sacred instrument in God’s hand, used for judgment against a society ripe for judgment. Israel could not be defeated by the Canaanites, but they could defeat themselves by alienating themselves from God’s plan and power. The sin of Achan was not only disobedience, but that he valued silver and gold more than God. As the consequences of sin never stop with just us, many died as a result of his greed and lust for riches (v.5). 

Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.  And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them (the stolen articles) with fire after they had stoned them with stones. Then they raised over him a great heap of stones, still there to this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.Like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, the ripple effect of our sin goes out and affects those around us as well (vv.22-26).

Achan’s sons and daughters had specific knowledge of the sin because it is unlikely that he could bury so much under their tent without their knowledge. At the same time, they were not necessarily stoned with Achan. Instead of being killed with their father, Achan’s children were probably brought forward to witness the judgment against their father. Notice the use of the singular in Joshua 7:25 and 7:26 (you…. you…. him…. him), in reference to a person being stoned. The use of the plural in Joshua 7:24-25 (them…. them…them) probably has reference to Achan’s possessions, not his children. Like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, the ripple effect of our sin goes out and affects those around us as well. Even though Achan's family was not killed, they suffered. A sobering thought for all of us.

However, thanks to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, we no longer live under the condemnation of law but under grace. Thus, through repentance, we can be washed by His blood and do not pay with our own. This does not stop the ripple effect of sin but does cleanse us from it.  

The Truth: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

Joshua 6 "Joshua Obeys God's Plan"

Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (vv.1-6)

Jericho itself was on full alert; from a human perspective, this would be a hard, if not impossible, battle. Yet from God’s perspective, the battle was already over, because He can say to Joshua I have (in the past tense) given Jericho into your hand. The method of warfare given to Joshua by God was one that made absolutely no sense according to military intelligence. It required total dependence on God. It required great faith from Joshua because he had to explain and lead the nation in this plan. And, it required great faith from the elders and the nation because they had to follow Joshua in this plan. Obviously, this was something that God could have done without Israel’s help at all, but He wanted them to be a part of His work – as He wants us to be a part of His work today.

Joshua does not hesitate to do what the LORD has told him to do. And it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner as the other six days. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city," that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword (vv.20-21). 

Today, we should apply the same pattern when facing obstacles in our lives. Listen for that still small voice in His word, obey His instruction, trust He will bring us victory (as He did here with Joshua), and have the patience to wait on God as He brings His perfect will to completion in our lives. 

The Truth: “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

Joshua 5 “What does my LORD say to His servant?”

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so. (vv.13-15)

Here in chapter 5 Joshua has an encounter with what he thought to be just a man. This person stood opposite him, sword drawn in His hand causing Joshua to question him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” The answer came back, “No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come” (v.14a). In a sense, the Man refuses to answer Joshua’s question because it is not the right question, and it is not the most important question to be asked at the time. The question really wasn’t if the LORD was on Joshua’s side. The proper question was if Joshua was on the LORD’s side.

This was God Himself pulling rank on Joshua, who himself was a great military leader – but he was not the Commander in Chief. Yikes! He had to be thinking, what does that mean for me at this very moment. Joshua’s immediate reaction was exactly like those who encountered God or an Angelic representative before him (Abraham, Jacob, Moses), he fell on his face in awe and worshiped Him.

This is exactly where we need to be in our hearts when we approach God, prostrate, worshipful, paying honor due His name. Like Joshua and Moses before him, we need to remove our junk, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy” (v.15), when we approach God and listen for His direction in our lives in – where to go, what to say, what to do.

The Truth: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he may fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His right hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

Joshua 4 "Memorial Stones"

And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’” (vv.1-3)

When God’s people crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, He told their leader, Joshua, to choose 12 men, have each one take a stone from the middle of the river, and carry it to their campsite that night, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever” (vv.1-7).

We often fail in our trust in God because we forget the great things He has done, and often the faith of our children is weak because they have never been told how great God is and how real His working is in our lives. As followers of Christ, it’s good for us to have tangible evidence of God’s help in the past. Those mementos remind us that His faithfulness continues today, and we can follow Him confidently into the future. 

Our “stones” may also help others know that God’s hand is mighty, as they encourage us to fear the Lord our God forever (Josh. 4:24). 


The Truth: “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)

Joshua 3 "God Exalts Joshua As Leader"

Now the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.” (v.7)

God told Joshua that He was about to exalt him, not so the Israelites would know of Joshua's greatness, but rather that they would know the Lord was with him. Joshua was now leading people who were not alive to see the parting of the Red Sea. Most of them didn't know any life other than the wandering wilderness. They had not witnessed first-hand some of God's miraculous provision. So God was about to give them a sign that would remove any and all doubt of Joshua’s leadership.

As all of Israel stood in formation over half a mile away from the “ark of the covenant," the priests carried it to the overflowing Jordan River. Their faith was about to be tested in a task that required them to put their trust in God and the words He spoke through His servant Joshua, “When the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above will stand in one heap.” (v.13) Wow, instant credibility or not. 

It's a lot easier to be a leader, when the people you're leading trust you. Most leaders have to earn that trust over time, but God gave Joshua a huge endorsement here. For as the priests feet entered the Jordan, “the water rose up in one heap and the people crossed over opposite Jericho on dry ground.” (v.16) This miracle obviously connects with the miracle the nation experienced some 40 years earlier: the passing through the Red Sea. God brought the previous generation out of Egypt’s bondage with that miracle, and He now brings the current generation into the Promised Land with a similar miracle.

The application here for us is, fear fads when we trust God, and He will never ask you to go where He does not lead. Sometimes He'll use you to show His glory, other times He'll just remind you of His presence. No matter the situation, He is faithful to help you fulfill the tasks He gives you to complete.

The Truth: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8)

Joshua 2 "Rahab's Faith"

“For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” (v.10-11)

Which is harder for God to do, conquer a city with thick, thirty-foot-high walls, or conquer the heart of one person? The answer, of course, is that neither but in the ancient city of Jericho, He did both.

Jericho stood in the Israelites’ path as they advanced into Canaan, and the people of Jericho were under God’s judgment for their gross immorality. He brought the walls down by His sovereign power without an arrow being fired. But, because God is also gracious, He opened the heart of a women there who seemed to be the least likely candidate for salvation.

Rahab, a harlot in Jericho, had heard about the approaching Hebrews and their great God who parted seas and flattened enemies on their behalf (v.10). Like the rest of her neighbors, Rahab feared this God. But hers was a different kind of fear (awe) – producing a belief in the God of Israel (2:11).

James 2:25 says Rahab’s faith was genuine because she acted on it by receiving and hiding the Israelite spies. Rahab’s faith was rewarded by the salvation of her entire family. She came to live in Israel, and even became part of Jesus’ lineage by marrying a man named Salmon and becoming the father of Boaz, David’s great-grandfather (Ruth 4:21; Matthew 1:5)

Because of her faith and God’s blessing on her, Rahab came to be highly regarded both by Jews and by Christians despite her former life as a prostitute.

The Truth: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Joshua 1 "God's Commission To Joshua"

“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.” (v.8)

After the death of Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua saying, "Arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them; the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you" (vv.2-5). 

After God's commission of and promise to Joshua (vv.2-5), came the conditions of the promise of victory, "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (vv.6-9).

What an incredible task for Joshua here. And yet, not once does he question God, he just obeys. He's told to study the "Book of Instruction" continuously, meditate on it day and night so that he knows it and can live by it, and he does just that. Without following God’s instructions, Joshua would have failed at leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 

God’s “recipe for success” given to Joshua here can work for us too, but His idea of success has little to do with money or popularity, as the world defines success. Just as God called Joshua to walk in His ways, He wants us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools” in His Word as well (Eph. 5:15). And we can take comfort in that no matter how difficult that walk seems to be, just as God was with Joshua so too shall He be with us, never leaving us nor forsaking us. Then as we take courage in the Lord, feast on His Word, and obey Him, we have our recipe for godly success that’s better than anything we could cook up on our own.

Armor up!

The Truth: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-4)

Acts 28 "Paul Spends Two Years In Rome"

"Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” (v.30-31)

Paul spent more than two years at Caesarea waiting for his case to be resolved (Acts 24:27). Now he spent another two years in his own rented house waiting for his case to be heard before Caesar. He probably continued his work as a tentmaker (leatherworker) to supply the rent for his house (as in Acts 18:1-2 and 20:33-35). Paul was always a hard-working man. 

We also read that, "He received all who came to him." One example of someone who he received in Rome was a convert of Paul’s, a runaway slave named Onesimus (Philemon 1:10), who Paul told to go back to his master Philemon. Though Paul could not travel, he could teach and preach to all who came to him – and this he did (Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence). He also wrote many letters; we have these two years of Roman custody to thank for the letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, and the Colossians. These two years were obviously not wasted, and God didn’t waste Paul’s time in Rome. God never wastes our time, though we may waste it by not sensing His purpose for our lives at the moment.

As Paul came to Rome, the sea, the soldiers, and the snake all threatened his life. But God delivered him from them all. Through Paul, God shows that God’s man, fulfilling God’s will, cannot be stopped – though all kinds of difficulty may come in the way. Even the disbelief of some of the Jews – or anyone else’s rejection of Jesus – will not hinder the gospel. The gospel will go forth and find those who will believe.

Every story has an ending. But the great stories end with a new beginning. In the final chapter of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, the characters are invited “further up, further in” as the land of Narnia is restored. Lewis writes;

“The things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this, the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” (C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle)

Just as one adventure leads to another in the Narnia series, so Paul’s story is not over. Even though the book itself comes to an abrupt end, another story is about to begin. The Epistles are loaded with more chronicles, if you will, on the life and ministry of this faithful servant of God.

The Truth: His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:21)

Acts 27 "Peace In The Storm"

“For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, Saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.”(v.23-26)

Here in our text, God sent an angelic messenger to Paul to bring good, encouraging news when all else seemed hopeless. This wasn’t a direct appearance of Jesus (as in Jerusalem, Acts 23:11), but of an angel who said to Paul, "Do not be afraid. Indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you." 

There was a reason Paul needed to hear this. He was afraid in the storm, for both himself and those with him. Paul knew he would make it to Rome because God promised it. Yet in the storm (here, a literal storm) it was easy to doubt and Paul needed the assurance from God for the safety of everyone on the ship.

Paul then turns to all on board this sinking ship and says, "take heart, men. I believe God that it will be just as it was told me." He couldn’t keep this hope to himself. He had to pass it on to both the believers on board the ship and to those who had not yet believed. Paul’s confident word to the troubled sailors on a storm-tossed ship express the essence of what it means to put our faith in God and His Word. God said it to Paul (through an angel) and Paul said to everyone on board, “I believe God.”

Notice what Paul said here, “I believe God.” He didn’t say, “I believe in God.” Every demon in hell agrees with the existence of God. Paul declared his total confidence in God’s knowledge of his situation and His promise in his situation. Paul believed God when there was nothing else to believe. He couldn’t believe the sailors, the ship, the sails, the wind, the centurion, human ingenuity or anything else – only God. Paul’s unshakable confidence in God made him a leader among men, even though he was a prisoner of Rome.

Finally Paul says, "However, we must run aground on a certain island." This was mixed news, and in these circumstances to run aground might be fairly called to shipwreck. Paul essentially said, “We’re all going to shipwreck on an unknown island, but everyone will be alright.” A certain island means that God did not tell Paul everything about what was going to happen. Paul had to trust that God knew which island they would run aground on, even if Paul didn’t know.


When the storms of life hit, we like Paul must place our trust in the Lord and cling firmly to the sure promises of His Word. Our confidence in God should be so steadfast that no matter how severe the trial, like Job we can affirm, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15). 

The Truth: “To those who trust Him, He gives His "perfect peace" (Isaiah 26:3)

Acts 26 “Almost Persuaded”

“Then King Agrippa said to Paul, you almost persuade me to become a Christian” (v.28)

In the previous chapter we saw that the Jews asked Festus for Paul to be returned to Jerusalem, so they might try him under Jewish Law. But Paul, being warned of a plot to kill him (while on the road to Jerusalem), requested of Festus to be judged by Caesar (25:11)

Now in chapter 26 Paul is still being held by Festus awaiting his audience before Caesar. Festus, wishing to have something to report to Caesar of Paul’s case, explained it to king Agrippa, who had come to Caesarea to visit saying; “When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about one, Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”

Upon hearing this king Agrippa agreed to here Paul - who uses the opportunity not only to defend his position but to witness to all present testifying, “that Christ would be the first to rise from the dead” (v.23). King Agrippa upon hearing his testimony replied, “Paul, you almost persuade me to become a Christian” (v.28). However, king Agrippa then stood up and ended the proceedings (v.30).

By standing up, King Agrippa II was declaring that his part of the proceedings was over.  Paul would not testify any further on that particular day, before this minor king. Sadly though, by ending the proceedings, he was refusing to hear any more about the Lord. 

Jesus Christ died for kings, just like he did for you and me. He loves us no matter what our station in life is. Agrippa, was "almost" persuaded to receive the Lord but, “Almost” isn't enough. 

The Truth: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)