The Reading Plan Daily Devotions

There are patterns in human history—ways in which man repeatedly walks and also ways in which God consistently responds. Nowhere is this seen in more bold relief than in the patterns of behavior seen in the book of Judges. Notice this pattern in Judges 3. The people had done "evil in the sight of the Lord" and then the judgment of God came upon them. It became so oppressive that we read this statement … "The sons of Israel cried to the Lord" (verse 9) God always hears and responds to a humble, united cry. Like you responding to your child’s cry, there is something irresistible to Him when His children pray fervently to Him. In response to their cry, we read this predictable result from God … "The Lord raised up a deliverer … The Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he judged Israel" (verses 9-10) And he was successful … "When he went out to war, the Lord gave" his enemies into his hand … Then the land had rest forty years" (verses 10-11) Bef...

It is essential to pause and remember all that God has done, is doing, and can do. Joshua stands in his closing challenge to Israel right before his death. He recounts for them all that God has done and challenges them very specifically in what their next steps are. In so doing, he reminds them of God's power in battle. One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you.   So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God. (Joshua 23:10-11) He reminded them (and us) …   WITH GOD, THE ODDS ARE CHANGED. "One man can put to flight a thousand…"   We must never forget that we are not powerless. As Paul would say in the New Testament: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).   GOD IS FIGHTING ON OUR BEHALF. "For the Lord, your God is He who fights for you."   God knows you, knows those who oppose you, and can work on both sides. He puts enemies to flight ...

It takes almost no energy for us to forget what God has done. There is enough pride in our hearts and distraction in our world to pull us away quickly from understanding God’s activity in our history and His directives for our lives. THE REMINDERS Joshua and his people had conquered Jericho as they entered the land of Canaan. But one man had stolen from Jericho’s plunder things that belonged to God. The Lord lifted His protecting hand from Israel, and they found themselves humiliated before a small army in Ai. When the “sin in the camp” was realized and dealt with, the Israelites returned to Ai, and God gave them a complete, resounding victory. And then we read this account: Then Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, in Mount Ebal … He wrote there on the stones a copy of the Law of Moses, which he had written, in the presence of the sons of Israel … Then afterward he read all the words of the Law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book ...

Every good and perfect thing in this world belongs to God. He made it. It came from Him, and He has a right to do with it what He desires. He created things for us to experience and enjoy and, in so doing, glorify Him. But just to remind us of His ownership, He has established a principle: the first fruits of all we receive are to be given to Him. Another word for this principle is tithing.  The word “tithe” literally means a “tenth.” We are to bring the “whole tithe” (the first tenth) into the storehouse (Malachi 3:10). Jesus assumed we would do this when He gave instructions about our attitudes when tithing (Matthew 23:23). The purpose of this tithe is to fund His work and be a weekly reminder of His ownership and our stewardship.  JERICHO AS A FRIST FRUIT When the Israelites entered the land of Canaan (present-day Israel), the first city to be taken was Jericho. This city and all that was in it were under this rule of the first fruits. 17 The city shall be under the ban, it...

Hard times happen… places where our back is against the wall and there seems to be no solution, nowhere to go. When our way has been thwarted or the path seemingly closed. When everything seems impossible and confusing. So, what do we do? THE PROBLEM OF THE JORDAN In Joshua, Chapter 3, the Israelites had wandered for 40 years in the wilderness because of their unbelief. Finally, their children, now grown, came to the Jordan, which was a raging river during that time of the year, impossible to cross. What do you do when what you need seems unreachable? FOLLOWING GOD IN THE CRISIS God gave Joshua instructions to have the priests lead with the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God. When their feet touched the water of the Jordan, the river parted. In fact, it backed up from the city of Adam to the Dead Sea, a distance of 30 miles! The people walked across to the Promised Land on dry ground. They met their problem head-on and overcame it simply by following God. And we...

Everybody wants to be successful. Some achieve success in the eyes of the world. But how can we be a success in the eyes of God? How can we so live that eternity counts our lives as successful? THE JOSHUA PLAN Joshua was facing a formidable challenge. He was called by God to be the leader following one of the greatest leaders in human history, Moses. Yet for all of his greatness, Moses could not get the Israelites into the Promised Land. After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, Joshua is now charged to take this new generation into Canaan. He must have been filled with a very natural fear, for God tells him three times in Joshua, Chapter 1, not to be afraid. And then God gives his leader the formula for success. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you...