Joshua 23 & 24: Serving The LORD
Verse of the Day: (24:15) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 

1. Souls (23:1-16)
And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. (23:14)

What matters most is where you will go after you die. You may not believe in God, and you may think that death is final, but what happen if there is a God, and that you have a soul, and your soul will either go to God’s heaven or the devil’s hell. Indeed, there is a God, and when we believe in Him, we shall not die, but our souls shall live forever in glorious heaven. However, if we reject God, our souls will be condemned in hell because of our sins and wrongdoings. Joshua came to the end of his life story, and he truly believed with all his heart and soul that when he would depart from this earth, he shall be promoted to heaven to be with his God forever. In his last words, he encouraged Israel to keep loving and serving God, as His promises never fail, not even once. (Mark 8:34-38)
    
2. Serve (24:1-15)
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. (24:14)

Unless we serve God with sincerity and truth and as living sacrifices, He shall never accept our service. Joshua’s last challenge to Israel was that they must choose to serve God, and put away their idols, including their career and family, or anything that, or anyone who, stood between God and them. Indeed, God desires us to seek Him first and love Him with all our hearts because He first loves us, and gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins, so that we shall have everlasting lives with Him in heaven. (Romans 12:1)
 
3. Servant (24:16-33)
And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. (24:29)

God’s servant is one who serves Him sincerely until the day He calls him home. Joshua was God’s servant as he served Him without wavering to the end. Israel was indeed blessed by his testimony, and they too served God to the end. Let us leave a legacy of service to God so that our next generation will also serve Him like us. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to serve You until the day You call me home to heaven.

Joshua 21 & 22: All Came To Pass
Verse of the Day: (21:45) There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

1. Aaron (21:1-42)
And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities. (21:4)

Except for the tribe of Levi, God blessed Israel with the inheritance of the Promised Land. However, there were still 12 lots as God chose to bless Joseph with 2 lots for his 2 sons, namely, Ephraim and Manasseh. Though the Levites had no inheritance yet God blessed them with 48 cities that were scattered over the Promised Land, and of which 6 were the cities of refuge, where alleged murderers took refuge until sufficient evidence had been gathered for their judgment, or they were released upon the death of the high priest. God blessed the descendants of Aaron as His chosen priests, and gave them 13 cities as their inheritance. Today, we, who believe in Jesus, are chosen as God’s priests. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

2. All (21:43-45)
And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. (21:44)

God’s Word and promises shall surely come to pass. God promised Israel that He shall fight for them and grant them rest. Indeed God fought for Israel, and delivered all their enemies into their hand, and grant them great victory. However, Israel failed to possess all the Promised Land, neither did they had rest, because of their unbelief. (Hebrews 4:11)

3. Altar (22:1-34)
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God. (22:34)

Be sober and vigilant and find out the truth first before jumping to conclusion as the Devil seeks to divide and destroy God’s family and ministry. Israel almost had a civil war when they found out that the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh had erected an altar on the east side of Jordan River, which was their inheritance. Israel assumed that they rebelled against God by erecting another altar for their sacrifices beside the altar at the tabernacle which resided with them. However, they explained to Israel that they erected the altar as a memorial so that their descendants would know that God had blessed them with an inheritance, and that they had helped Israel, their people, to fight against the enemies. Israel was pleased with their clarification, and called the altar, Ed or Witness, as it was a witness to all Israel that the LORD is God. (1 Peter 5:8) 

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that all Your Word and promises shall surely come to pass.
 

Joshua 19 & 20: Too Much For Them
Verse of the Day: (19:9) Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. 

1. Judah (19:1-48)
And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. (19:1)

God loves His children so much that He blesses them with much more than they ask from Him. In the allocation of the Promised Land, God gave the tribe of Judah too much that they had to share it with their fellow tribe, Simeon. Indeed, God blessed Judah, because Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, shall come from this kingly tribe. All the 12 tribes gladly received God’s allotment, because they knew that without Him miraculously opening the Red sea and river Jordan, and destroying the walls of Jericho, and overcoming all their enemies, they would never have inherited all the Promised Land. (Ephesians 3:20-21) 

2. Joshua (19:49-51)
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein. (19:50)

God remembered all His children especially His leaders, and He shall richly reward and bless them. God rewarded Joshua with the city of Timnathserah that he had asked for, because he had victoriously led Israel in overcoming their enemies and possessing the Promised Land. Indeed, let us pray and ask God for all our needs and desires, and He shall fulfil them according to His will, and for His glory and praise. (Matthew 7:7-12)

3. Judgment (20:1-9)
And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled. (20:6)

God is just and fair, and He only punishes those who intentionally sin or rebel against Him. God through Joshua commanded Israel to appoint 6 cities of refuge where those who were accused of murder shall seek refuge in them. They would dwell in these cities until the day when they were called by the people for judgment after they had gathered evidence against them, or upon the death of the high priest. When we believe in God, we must be just and fair in our dealings with others, as one day, we shall appear before His judgment seat, and He shall judge us for our works on earth. Indeed, let us be found faithfully and diligently doing His works for His glory and praise. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You give me everything in abundance for Your glory.

Joshua 17 & 18: Great People, Great Power
Verse of the Day: (17:17) And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only

1. Joseph (17:1-18)
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong. (17:18)

God blessed the 2 sons of Joseph; Ephraim and Manasseh, each with an inheritance, and hence Joseph had 2 lots and was regarded as 2 tribes of Israel, because Joseph helped Pharaoh of Egypt in providing for his people during the time of famine, as well as the people of Israel, and the rest of the world. Now Joshua challenged the 2 sons of Joseph, the 2 great peoples with great power, to completely drive out the Canaanites, and possessed all the Promised Land. Though there were 12 sons of Jacob yet Levi had no inheritance because God was their inheritance, and therefore the 2 sons of Joseph made up the rest of the 12 tribes. Though God blessed Israel, yet she must believe in Him, otherwise, they could not claim all the Promised Land. Today, we must believe in God, and claim His promises, otherwise we are still in the bondage of sins. (Romans 7:22-25) 

2. Joshua (18:1-10)
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you? (18:3)

Though we are God’s people, yet we must believe in Him and continually walk in His Spirit, instead of our flesh. Though God gave Israel the victory over their enemies, yet there were still 7 tribes who had not completely received their inheritance. Joshua rebuked them for their slothfulness. Even today, Israel have yet to claim all the Promised Land because of their slothfulness and unbelief. Indeed, God shall only richly bless and keep us, when we walk in His Spirit, and not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Romans 8:1-6)

3. Jerusalem (18:11-28)
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families. (18:28)

Though Benjamin was one of the smaller tribes, yet one of its cities, Jerusalem, was the site of the temple of God as well as the palace of the King of Israel. In fact, one day, during the Millennium, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, shall reign and destroy the old Jerusalem and create a new Jerusalem on a new earth. During this period, He shall wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there shall be no more pain or even death. (Revelation 21:1-4)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I am a great people with great power because of You.

Joshua 15 & 16: Give Me A Blessing
Verse of the Day: (15:19) Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs. 

1. Caleb (15:1-62)
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. (15:16)

Whose fathers shall not give the best to their children if they truly love them? This is even more so for the perfect and heavenly Father, who loves His children or those who believe in Him, that He shall give them the best. Caleb, one of God’s servants gave his best to Achash, his daughter, when she asked him for springs of water. Not only did he gave her both the upper and the lower springs, he also gave her and her husband a south land. Caleb also fulfilled his promise when he gave his daughter in marriage to Othniel, as he had offered her to anyone who could overcome the city of Kirjathsepher, their enemy. Othniel did, and thus he married Achsah. God always fulfil His promises, and shall grant the desires of those who call upon Him according to His will. (Matthew 7:7-12)

2. Children (15:63)
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day. 

Though God promises us to grant us His rich blessings, yet we must first seek and obey Him first. This was why the children of Judah could not completely drive their strong enemies, the Jebusites, from the land. In fact, until today, Israel has never fully claimed all the Promised Land. Let us seek God and His righteousness first, and He shall grant us all our desires and needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Let us live one day at a time and never worry about the future as God is already there. (Matthew 6:33-34)

3. Canaanites (16:1-10)
And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute. (16:10)

It is not easy to live victoriously for God if we have not fully trust and obey Him, and put on His whole armour consisting of the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of His Word and above all, prayer. Beside the children of Judah who failed to fully drive out the enemies, the children of Ephraimites, also could not totally drive out the enemies, the Canaanites. What went wrong? They failed to obey God and put on His armour and thus unable to overcome all the enemies and inherit all the Promised Land. (Ephesians 6:10-19)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please give me Your richest blessings as I fully trust and obey You.

Joshua 13 & 14: Wholly Followed The LORD
Verse of the Day: (14:8) Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

1. Five (13:1-33)
From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites: (13:3)

God’s work can never be completed even until the day we die, as there will always be millions of souls who have yet to hear the Gospel that Jesus saves. The harvest of souls is plenty, but the labourers are few. This was why though God blessed Joshua at his dying moment, yet He told him that there was still much land to be possessed as He promised Israel the entire Canaan, but they had not fully completed their conquest. Indeed, life is short, and like Joshua and Apostle Paul, may we declare at the end of our lives that we have indeed fought a good fight, finish our course, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

2. Follow (14:1-9)
And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. (14:9)

It is easy to believe in God, but to repent of our sins, and wholly follow and obey Him is the hardest. Caleb was one of the few men who truly believed in God, and repented of his sins, and wholly followed Him. Subsequently, God through Moses blessed him the land of Hebron as his inheritance. Let us keep on following and serving God as He remembers our obedience and labour of love, and shall truly reward us in due time. (Hebrews 6:10)

3. Fourscore (14:10-15)
And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. (14:10)

Age is only a number, and it is our mind and heart that truly determines how much zeal and passion we live for God and His Word. Though Caleb was 85 years old, yet he proclaimed that he was as strong as he was 45 years ago when Moses first sent him out as a spy. In fact, only he and Joshua, the 2 out of the 12 spies, came back and assured Israel that they could overcome their enemies, while the rest refused to fight claiming that their enemies were too strong for them. Subsequently, Israel fought and won and inherited the Promised Land, because it was God who fought for them! (1 Corinthians 15:57-58) 

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to wholly follow You, and obey Your Commandments.

Joshua 11 & 12: A Long Time
Verse of the Day: (11:8)
Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

1. Tomorrow (11:1-14)
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. (11:6)

Divide and conquer. This was the strategy that God gave to Joshua and Israel, and since then many army generals used this strategy to battle and win wars. Joshua led Israel to attack and defeat Jericho, the central area of Canaan, before they moved to the South to overcome their enemies. They then moved to the North, and faced off with their enemies who were countless in numbers. Joshua and Israel feared their strong and formidable enemies and thought this time they would surely fail in their mission to possess their Promised Land. However, again God encouraged and promised Joshua and Israel that the next day He shall fight for them and they shall surely defeat their enemies if they would only trust and obey Him. Indeed, God overcame their enemies, and they immobilised their enemies’ horses and burn their chariots so that there shall be no more weapons of war in the future. Though the best strategy of winning wars is to divide and conquer, yet the best strategy of God for His people is to unite and love one another! (Psalms 133) 

2. Time (11:15-23)
As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. (11:15)

God shall deliver us from all our troubles only when we obey Him and wait patiently for Him. Moses and Joshua obeyed God and wait patiently for Him, and this was why He opened the Red Sea and delivered Moses and Israel from the Egyptians, and He opened the Jordan river and let Joshua and Israel crossed it dry to fight their enemies and possessed their Promised Land. Both Moses and Joshua took a long time before God finally grant them victory over their enemies. Indeed, it may take a long time for us to accomplish God’s plan, but let us keep obeying and waiting upon Him. (Isiah 40:31)

3. Thirty-one (12:1-24)
The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one. (12:24)

We shall live victoriously when we obey God and wait patiently for Him in everything. Joshua and Israel obeyed God and fought a long time with their enemies before they overcame the 31 kingdoms of their enemies and finally possessed their Promised Land. Indeed, let us pray and wait patiently for God as though everything depends on Him, and let us work and serve Him as though everything depends on us. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to obey You, and wait patiently for You in everything.

Joshua 9 & 10: Sun Stood Still
Verse of the Day: (10:13) And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 

1. Shoes (9:1-27)
And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. (9:5)

Let us first seek God in everything, otherwise, we shall reap the consequences of our disobedience. This was exactly what happened to Joshua and Israel when they sought not God, and was deceived by the Gibeonites who wore old clothes and shoes telling them that they were from a far country. Instead of destroying them as God had commanded them, Israel made allegiance with them. Subsequently, Israel reaped the consequences of their rebellion as the Gibeonites became their perpetual enemies. (Matthew 6:33)

2. Sun (10:1-14)
Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sin, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. (10:12)

God answers prayers when we pray to Him according to His will. As Israel were fighting the 5 kings of the Amorites, Joshua prayed to God to let the sun and the moon stood still, so that they could have more time to destroy their enemies. Indeed, God miraculously answered them, as the sun and moon stood still the whole day until they destroyed all their enemies, except for the 5 kings who escaped and hid in the cave. (Jeremiah 33:3)

3. Stones (10:15-43)
And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day. (10:27)

We can never prevail against God as He is the Almighty God. Joshua and Israel came to know that the 5 kings were hiding in the cave, and immediately rolled great stones to block their exit. After they had completely destroyed their enemies, they captured the 5 kings and hanged them upon the trees. They then brought their corpses into the same cave they hid, and covered the entrance with the great stones. Indeed, God helped Israel to overcome all their enemies who were wicked people so as to tell the whole world and you and me that He is the Potter and we are the clay. Whoever believes in Christ shall never perish in fiery hell, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven. (Isaiah 64:8)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to trust fully You that You can do all things except fail.

Joshua 7 & 8: Fear Not
Verse of the Day: (8:1) And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land

1. Few (7:1-26)
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. (7:3)

Why Israel manage to defeat a great city like Jericho, but failed to overcome a small city like Ai? Sins in the camp and complacency! Joshua and Israel thought that they could defeat Ai with only 2,000 to 3,000 men as Ai had only few people, but they failed to realise that it was God who shall grant them victory over their enemies. The reason for the defeat of Ai was that there were sins in the camp, as Achan had stolen and kept the forbidden spoils of their enemies. Subsequently, God revealed to Joshua that Achan from the tribe of Judah was the culprit. Achan, his family and possessions were then stoned and burnt to death. Though Achan was from Judah, and her reputation had been tarnished, yet God did not condemn her, and even blessed her as out of her came forth Jesus, the Saviour of the world. Indeed, God is fair in His dealing with mankind. (Matthew 1:1-3) 

2. Fear (8:1-23)
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. (8:18)

Just like God commanded Moses to fear not, and to stretch out his hand with his rod, as He miraculously opened the Red Sea to let Israel crossed it dry so as to escape the pursuing Egyptians, He also commanded Joshua to fear not, and to stretch out his hand with his spear, as He shall miraculously defeat Ai for them. Indeed, God taught Moses, Joshua, Israel, you and me, that it is not really the rod or the spear or anything or anyone, but God alone, who shall overcome all our struggles and storms. (Exodus 14:13-22)

3. Fallen (8:24-35)
And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. (8:24)

Indeed, God gave Joshua and Israel great victory over Ai, as all the people, except their King (who was subsequently hanged) were fallen and destroyed, as they trusted and obeyed Him. They then built an altar before God to thank Him for His great deliverance.

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to fear not, but to trust and obey You and You alone.
 

Joshua 5 & 6: And Joshua Did So
Verse of the Day: (5:15) And the captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. 

1. Jordan (5:1-8)
And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. (5:1)

When God is with us, no one, not even the Devil, can be against us. The great enemies of Israel were fearful of them when they heard that God had miraculously dried up the Jordan River for them to cross dry to their territory to fight against them. (Romans 8:31)

2. Joshua (5:9-15)
And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. (15:9)

Gilgal means “rolling away”, and God rolled away the shame of Egypt from Israel as they repented their sins of rebellion. God then commanded Joshua to circumcise the young generation who were 19 years and below who survived the 40 years’ wilderness journey, while those 20 years and above, except for Joshua and Caleb, died because of their disobedience. Today, we no longer practise circumcision, but God shall circumcise our hearts to make us holy as we believe in and receive Jesus, His Son, as our personal Saviour. Joshua obeyed God without questioning, and God sent His Captain, Jesus, to encourage him just before he led Israel to their victory over Jericho. (Numbers 14:29-30)

3. Jericho (6:1-27)
And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. (6:2)

God assured Joshua before he even led Israel to overcome Jericho that He had already given Jericho to them. This is God’s promise to every of His children that He shall grant us victory over all our trials, troubles and temptations, as we trust and obey Him. God commanded Joshua and Israel to go round the city of Jericho once for 6 consecutive days, and 7 times on the 7th day, and as the priests would blow the trumpets, and Israel shall shout with a great shout, and the walls shall fall. The wall did fall, and Israel defeated Jericho. Though in the book of Hebrews, God mentions “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days” yet there was no mention of Joshua’s name when God commends a number of them for their faith. Indeed, it is never about man’s great achievements, but it is all about God, and His great work. (Hebrews 11:30)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to obey Your commandments without questioning.