Pop-Out Verse:
"The Lord said to Joshua, 'Don't be afraid of those armies, because I will hand them over to you. None of them will be able to stand against you."- Joshua 10:8 (NCV)
Relation to NOW:
(v. 5) five kings joined forces to attack Gibeon and Joshua had to face all of them. I can easily list 5 opponents I face: self-esteem, school, procrastination/laziness, lust, and my old self. There are probably many more obstacles I face daily besides the ones I just mentioned. I do get intimidated and anxious because I feel inexperienced and unprepared. I second guess myself and rely on my own will and strength to face these obstacles. But, I've got it all wrong. Just as the Lord stood by Joshua and delivered the armies to him, God will do the same for me. Whether I acknowledge Him or not, He's ALWAYS by my side when I face these trials everyday. There should be no reason for me to feel afraid or overwhelmed because I'm NEVER alone.
God in MOTION:
He wants to be my partner. I don't have to face anything alone. He is here always by my side. I just have to turn to him. Lift up my burdens to Him because His "yoke is easy and burden is light." He STRENGTHENS me. It is all up to my own DECISION if I'm willing to access that power. I must TRUST in Him because He always delivers and fufills His promises. I do the best I can on my behalf and He will take care of the rest; GUARANTEED.
OTHER thoughts:
(v. 40) the Lord commanded the offering
It was the Lord's Will for them to kill the kings and the people living in the entire city. This was all an offering to Him. That was back in the Old Testament. As of today (the New Testament Era) no sacrifices or offerings to that extreme are necessary or called for. Jesus is our mediator and he is the LAMB OF GOD . He was sinless and pure and the ultimate sacrifce for our sins.
This verse also reminds me not to ACT without aligning with His WILL . I must be aware and make sure that my life and everything I do each day is to "offer my life" to Him. I must SURRENDER. I didn't accept Him just to be my Savior for my sins but also my Lord who controls and guides my life here on earth.
The majority of the chapter is about Joshua and his army's triumphant victory for the Lord. Let us all be partners with Him. Let Him lead us to the VICTORY. He has conquered death and has rewarded us with ETERNAL LIFE so as children of God, we are ALREADY on the VICTORY SIDE.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for this time of prayer we could have. Lord, I pray that my mind and heart is always set on You. I want to be used by You. Let me understand my purpose and Your Will for me. Allow me to be aware of how I present myself to the world. Thank You for always pulling me out of my comfort zone. Thank You for being my EVERLASTING PARTNER. For always being by my side, ready to take care of me. I life up to You any obstacles I will be facing. I will praise You always in whatever circumstance You put me in. Cleanse me of any sin and forgive me for my transgressions. I know I am never worthy but I'm ready to be used by You. Ready to become the masterpiece You've planned me to be. I love and praise Your glorious name, in Jesus' Name. AMEN
