Category: Daily Bible Reading

Joshua 11:1-12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 13:5-6

Are there things that frighten you? How about being challenged by every nation in a 100 mile radius? How about all your enemies joining forces to defeat you and shame you? This is what Israel was up against. These kings had trained armies and the most sophisticated fighting machines of the time. They had horses, chariots, armor and weapons.

Israel had spent 40 years in the wilderness and all the people who were knowledgeable about war had died. Israel had the numbers but they did not have the experience to defeat these foreign armies. It would have been a challenge to beat over 30 nations individually, but almost impossible all at once. They really needed a supernatural victory!

Well thank God, that is the kind of God He is! He will take what seemingly appears impossible and with Him it becomes possible. When all these nations rallied against Israel they were certain Israel would fall. But what they didn’t realize was that they made God’s job easier. Rather than fighting them one at a time, they were able to topple over a dozen at one time. Don’t you ever fear when enemies or challenges rise up against you!

Your God is The Lord of Heaven’s Armies (Lord Sabaoth). He knows how to fight and win! He has marshaled all the forces of heaven to fight on your behalf. When your enemy comes against you one way, they will flee seven different ways. God will not leave you alone when your persecutors unite against you. He will defend you!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 13:1-14:15; Luke 18:1-17; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 13:7-8

Joshua 9:3-10:43; Luke 16:19-17:10; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 13:4

It is not a small thing to listen to the Lord’s leading. God gave Joshua very specific instructions to clear out all the people in the land so that Israel could live in peace and prosperity. A group from Gibeon was afraid that they would be destroyed so they launched a deceptive plan to sign a treaty with Joshua to save their lives.

The Gibeonites played their part well and Joshua fell for it! Only after the Israelites gave their word that the Gibeonites were safe did Joshua and the leaders learn that these strangers were not from a distant country. How were they able to be so easily tricked? Here is the answer: “they did not consult the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14). Joshua and the leaders did not do what God told them to do.

The greatest asset you have as you interact with the world and people whose intentions are not pure, is to let God lead you. God knows the hearts of people and He searches out their hearts. He knows things that you cannot know and God sees things that you cannot see. Why would you launch out without His leading? Only trouble can arise from self-reliance! Purpose in your heart today to let Jesus lead you every moment of every day. When you do this, you will never be tricked or taken advantage of.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 11:1-12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 13:5-6

Joshua 7:16-9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3

Today, we see an Old Testament reality of disobedience to God’s command. It cost Achan and his whole family their lives. What was it that Achan did that was so wrong? After all, he had fought in the battle and shouldn’t he be able to enjoy the spoils of war?

Under normal conditions, yes, Achan would have been able to enjoy the spoils. But, before they went into battle, God was clear that everything was to be destroyed because it was dedicated to Him. This seems strange because as soon as they go to fight Ai, God tells Joshua that the people can enjoy the spoils. Why couldn’t Achan enjoy the spoils of Jericho?

The biggest challenge for us as humans is to put God first in everything. Our desires usually win out so that God is last on our list– if He is on the list at all! God wanted the spoils from Jericho because it was the first city that they conquered (In fact, they didn’t do anything but walk around and shout). So, as an act of humility and to show God that He was more valuable than the treasures, they were to destroy it all.

Have you ever noticed how “things” distract us? Our never-ending drive to have more (which is covetousness and materialism) pollutes us and causes us to put the gifts before the giver. God wants you to enjoy the best of everything–He really does! But, it cannot come through disobedience and materialism. Give God your first and best in every area (time, talent and treasure) and then He will make certain that the rest is blessed!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 9:3-10:43; Luke 16:19-17:10; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 13:4

Joshua 5:1-7:15; Luke 15:1-32; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 13:1

When Israel gets into the Promised Land, God instructs Joshua to circumcise all the men. This was a sign of the covenant that God had with His people. At the conclusion of the circumcision, God says that “the reproach of Egypt” has been rolled away!

To reproach is to show disapproval. All through the wilderness journey, God  repeatedly disapproved of  His children’s behavior. The more God did for Israel, the more they seemed to stray from His path.  Even when they renewed their covenant with Him, they were the same people after the circumcision as they were before. The only difference was the presence of the covenant.

Now, fast forward to the New Testament. Jesus comes to give us a New Covenant (Testament) that is founded on grace. In the same way that the Old Testament covenant removed the reproach, so does the New Testament covenant. In Christ, Jesus does not disapprove of  you. God does not disapprove of you! You are Righteous– through and through! Not because of you, but because of Jesus’ Blood Covenant!

Remove all feelings like you are unworthy or awaiting God’s judgment. God loves you and has made a better covenant with you! God is pleased with you! You are the Apple of His Eye! You are His Beloved Child! Receive! Receive! Receive!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 7:16-9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3

Joshua 3:1-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28

The big day finally arrived for Israel. They were crossing into the land that God had promised their ancestors. As they prepared to go forward through this open door, God tells them to have the priests carry the Ark first. The Ark represents the presence and power of God. God lays out a pattern for us to follow as we face situations and opportunities in life.

When the Ark went first, a pathway was made. The Israelites did not have to find their own way across the river, God made a way for them and He will make a way for you! The self-reliant will take matters in their own hands and try to forge ahead. The God-dependent person will not make a move unless God leads the way.

You may be facing big meetings, challenges, opportunities, don’t enter on your own. Let God’s presence and power precede you! In this way, your victory will be assured because your God is a mountain moving, sea splitting, river opening God.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 5:1-7:15; Luke 15:1-32; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 13:1

Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24; Luke 13:22-14:6; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 12:26

Moses is considered by the Bible as the greatest prophet. In fact, the Bible says that there was never another prophet like him in Israel. Moses was so close to God that he could meet with God face to face.

You will recall in Numbers when Miriam and Aaron murmured against Moses’ leadership and his choice of wife that God informed them that Moses maintained a special relationship with Him because God even shared His secrets with Moses. As we see Moses’ leadership end and Joshua’s begin, it really makes you ask, “Where am I in my relationship with God?”

If someone had to ask God what He thought of you, what would He say? Moses clearly wasn’t perfect. Moses became angry and disobeyed God. He was far from perfect. Moses couldn’t even enter into the Promised Land because of His actions. Yet, God says this “failed” leader was the closest to Him. How can this be?

Well, Moses knew how to rely on God even when he made mistakes. When pressures mounted and Moses needed direction, He went to God. He relied on God completely. How about you? Are you independent of God? Or, are you fully dependent on God? Moses’ heart was always connected with God’s heart. The same can be true of you. Desire to have that close relationship with God. He’ll show you more than you could ever think.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Joshua 3:1-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28

Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Luke 13:1-21; Psalm 78:65-72; Proverbs 12:25

God values productivity. Jesus told a parable about a man who had an unproductive fig tree. The farmer had a choice: cut it down, cut his losses and start over or nurture the tree a little longer in the hopes that it would produce as it was designed. The farmer agrees to the latter plan.

Why does God want you to be productive? First, because He knows that He created you to be productive. Everything in creation has a purpose and reproduces after its own kind. God expects His sons and daughters to live productive lives. Second, He expects fruitfulness because He knows that He has invested in each of us.

When you look at your life, are you really being as productive for God as He would expect? Is there more you could and should be doing? Is there some additional fertilizer that you need so that you can be more productive?

Whatever you need, seek for it earnestly so that you can live your life being productive for the One who created you!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24; Luke 13:22-14:6; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 12:26

Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Luke 12:35-59; Psalm 78:56-64; Proverbs 12:24

Moses reaches the end of His life with a major disappointment. After winning the Israelites release from Egypt and leading the children of Israel through the wilderness, he gets to the edge of the Promised Land but cannot enter it. One rash decision caused both he and Aaron to forfeit their ability to go to Canaan. The only thing that Moses could do was look at it but never enter it.

What was it that disqualified Moses? God said Moses failed to “demonstrate His holiness.” What does that mean? The people had complained once again about not having water. So, God told Moses to speak to the Rock so that He could perform a miracle and provide water. Moses was frustrated because of the constant complaining and took the staff and struck the rock. Water came out but it looked like Moses had provided the water instead of God.

God’s holiness is tied to the demonstration of His power because His promise was on the line. He promised Israel that He would care for them. God did not need any help- even from Moses.  God had shown His ability to care for His people in a supernatural way throughout the wilderness. You are His child and He knows how to take care of you and provide for all your needs. Like Moses, oft times we step into the way and add our effort to God’s. God really does not need our help. When God does something it always turns out right!

Let’s not commit Moses’ sin which was really a lack of faith! Let’s commit to get out of God’s way so He can show His glory through our lives. Since God desires the glory, let Him do all the work! The results will amaze you!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Luke 13:1-21; Psalm 78:65-72; Proverbs 12:25

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27; Luke 12:8-34; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 12:21-23

Have you ever given much thought to what will happen after you are gone? I know it’s not a happy thought but it is a necessary question. Most of us spend our lives looking in the rearview mirror. Through that mirror you see everything clearly. You can see turns you shouldn’t have taken. You will see choices that you wish you could do over.

Moses understood that his time was drawing near and it was time to pass the baton to the next generation. Moses put things in place to prepare for the time when he was not going to be present. When it was nearing Moses time, God spoke to him and told him that he was about to die. He gave Moses specific instructions so that Israel would have consistent leadership that would build on the model that Moses left.

Moses documented everything for others to follow. What must it be like to live your life so full of passion and purpose that when it’s time to die, you know that you completed everything that God told you to do.

Today, use the rearview mirror from eternity and see what the status of your legacy is. If you see things that need to be corrected, start now. Give God your best each day and when it is that time to salute your service, you will hear Almighty Good say, “Well Done.”

Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Luke 12:35-59; Psalm 78:56-64; Proverbs 12:24

Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20; Luke 11:37-12:7; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20

God created us with freewill and He will never violate our will! Therefore, our entire life is about the choices that we make (or refuse to make as the case may be). We are where we are because we made a conscious decision to do certain things.

I marvel at the Bible’s clarity. Moses has presented so much information to Israel about God’s plans and His law. He reminds them that if they break the covenant that God will punish them but, once they repent, God will bring them back and bless them again.

Then Moses simplifies the message so that no one could say they did not understand. He basically says that in all of our choosing, we really are making a choice between life and death! This really lets us know what is at stake. The littlest, insignificant decision could lead to death. Or, the biggest decision we could ever make would lead us to life– everlasting life. When you speak in terms of these extremes, it does give us a clear picture of the repercussions of our decisions.

Are you making decisions that lead to life or death? God cannot choose for us (though we know what He would want us to choose.) Check the decisions you make every day. Make certain they are life-giving decisions and not those that detract from your purpose. Life is choice driven. Let’s make the right choices.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27; Luke 12:8-34; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 12:21-23