Joshua gives the people a clear choice just before he died.  Either they choose to love the Lord, or they choose to love other gods. It really doesn’t get much simpler than that, does it? 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” A stark contrast outlines the difference in the lives of those who … Continue reading Joshua 22-24: Choosing Clarity

The Lord gave them rest on every side….” Rest.  I am resting tonight as I type these words on a laptop.  My back is supported by pillows, and a heating pad is slowing warming the muscles in my chest. I would LOVE to have rest on every side.  Rest from myself and my own anxious thoughts.  The good news is that I do have rest if I am willing to do the one work that God requires: Trust Jesus. So what happens when I do trust him but the anxious thoughts remain? Just. Keep. Trusting. Be dependent.  Be joyful that … Continue reading Joshua 19-21: Rest All Around

More land divisions among the twelve tribes of Israel…some of the tribes had apparently been dragging their feet and were afraid of expanding their territories because the inhabitants had iron chariots.  But Joshua told them to forge ahead and assured them of their future victory despite the iron chariots. The word Joshua used, “yarash,” is translated “shall drive out” in both the NIV and the KJV.  The verb yarash is used in the imperfect tense in that particular sentence.  We don’t have an adequate English word to convey its meaning: to destroy, to dispossess, to bring to ruin, to disinherit. … Continue reading Joshua 16-18: Defeating the Iron Chariot

The Joshua Machine, working under the power of the Lord, went out and completely destroyed the people living in the Promised Land…except one group of people from Gibeon.  They heard tales of the Lord’s power and feared for their lives, so they resorted to trickery to save their lives.  They put on old, worn down clothes, packed moldy bread and old wineskins, and presented themselves to Joshua as travelers who came a long distance, seeking peace. Joshua and the Israelites examined their food — but they did not consult the Lord.  As a result, they ended up making a vow … Continue reading Joshua 9-11: Sly Deception