January 26, 2024

Gideon was pursuing the kings of the Midian with his 300 men, who had slipped away while their men were killing each other. Remember, Gideon didn’t have to lift a finger because God was handling this victory with trumpets, broken pitchers, and light in the hands of the 300. However, when the kings ran off, Gideon pursued them with the sword! The army was out of provisions, so they stopped in two small towns in Israel and asked for help but were denied. He promised them he would be back to punish them for not helping. After killing those kings, he came back to Succoth and used thorns from the wilderness to puncture the skin of the elders of the city, and in Penuel, he beat down the tower and killed the men of the town. Do you think God was still in this as he had been in the victory over the Midian? He certainly was! We need to be careful when those doing the business of God ask for help; though we must use discernment and watch to see if their actions match God’s will, we should be willing to help when needed. They had only asked for provisions like food and water! Who are we to deny when a valiant servant asks for food and water? 

Even though Gideon denied becoming the ruler over Israel, they had peace under his guidance for 40 years, but after he died, they forgot about God and began worshipping Baal again. We are but one generation away from losing everything if our children don’t honor God as they should. Teach your children about Jesus, and if they depart from him in their youth, maybe they will return to him after they realize that there’s nothing better out in the world.

Side note: Gideon was also known as Jerubbaal. He had 70 sons and many wives. We can see that he didn’t follow the rules but was still honored in the Bible.

Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. Judges 8:22-23

January 25, 2024

Because of the oppression brought on by the Midianites, God had Gideon prepare for war. But, because He is God, it wouldn't go down like Gideon thought because he only needed a few men to rout this mighty army. God had Gideon sort out the men; those who were fearful, he sent them back to their tents; there were twenty-two thousand left, leaving ten thousand. God said there were still too many, so he set up another test and sorted them out by those who lapped water like a dog or politely kneeled by the water to drink. God chose those who lapped the water like a dog to be part of the regiment of three hundred. Gideon and his servant then went and spied on the enemy's camp and overheard one of the men telling his dream about a barley cake smashing a tent. The man with the dream's tent mate interpreted the dream, explaining that Gideon was going to win this war and called it the sword of Gideon by the hand of God. That seemingly minor word gave Gideon the confidence to get the job done because he knew God would make them victorious. The victory was even sweeter because they went armed only with trumpets and a torch hidden in a pitcher. They were scared by the trumpet and the pitcher's breaking, causing them to draw their swords upon one another, and the rest ran away in fear. 

God wants our victories to be attributed to Him and for us to give Him all the glory. That's why when you feel like He's yanking the rug out from under you, He's setting it up for you to see how good He is. Let no discouragement overtake you. Relax and let God handle the details; He is for you, not against you, and the victory will be even sweeter because you stepped aside and let Him handle it. 

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. Judges 7:20-21

January 24, 2024

How does it happen that after everything God did for Israel, they begin worshipping idols again? We are fortunate that most have never known this in the United States. However, we are beginning to see it more and more with the influx of people from other countries. We often see statues used for worship in homes and for sale in stores. Isn’t it funny that you can buy a god off the shelf? The truth is, if you are not worshipping God, you are worshipping Satan no matter what form he comes in. 

Because Israel turned against God and began worshipping Baal again, God allowed them to become oppressed by the Midianites (not the same ones as Moses’s father-in-law). They cried out for God’s help. Why didn’t they call on Baal to help? Here are my thoughts: It was probably the ones who still trusted in God who called on Him for help, much like here in the U.S., where the Christians are crying to God to rescue us from all the madness. After hearing their pleas for help, God called on Gideon, who used fleece to verify that God sent the angel, which I think was Jesus. He seemed very skeptical. If you don’t know the story, he set out a fleece, and if it was wet with dew and the ground was dry, then he would believe it was God, but the next day, he asked God to make the fleece dry and the ground wet. God honored his request to prove it was him. God still loves us even in our unbelief. 

There is still time for us to ask for God to help us. If you are not praying for God to rescue our country, please start praying today. We cannot count on the politicians to save us because many are being blackmailed for their illicit behavior brought on by the hands of Satan. It’s up to us and our faith in God to help deliver us from this evil. 

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. Judges 6:15

January 23, 2024

Deborah was so pleased with Israel's victory over Canaan that she wrote a song of praise to God. This chapter reminds us that when we see what God has accomplished through us, we must quickly offer Him praise lest we forget where our help comes from. Not only did she give God all the glory for his answer to their prayers and releasing them from the bondage of Canaan, but she acknowledged those who were there with her doing the fighting, including those who were not Israelites. She called out those tribes who continued with their daily lives while the rest of their family went to war. Then, not only does she remember Jael, who killed Sisera with a ten peg in this song, but she also remembers Sisera's mother, who waited and waited for him to come back from war only to realize he wasn't coming home. The central theme of this song and chapter is to give credit where credit is due, with the most significant praise going to God, without whom we wouldn't have our victories. 

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. Judges 5:31

January 22, 2024

Even though women may seem to be second place to men in the Bible, God clarifies that we are very valuable to Him. Deborah was one of the judges in Israel and had a solid connection to God; she was called a prophetess and could hear the voice of God. Even though the Bible doesn't mention it, it is said that she made wicks for the lamps of the Tabernacle. She helped provide the lighting in God's house! Israel was being oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, who had many iron chariots. Israel cried out to God for help. Deborah sent and called for Barak to gather men for war, but he was timid to go against them. However, Deborah got word from God that they would defeat Canaan, but Barak wouldn't engage the enemy unless Deborah went. She was confident that he had heard the same thing as she did and encouraged him. She agreed to go with him but warned that a woman would overshadow his accomplishments. They kill all of the soldiers of Canaan but their leader, Sisera. He got away and hid in the tent of Jael, Heber's wife, who gave him milk to drink and covered him with a rug. While he was fast asleep, she drove a tent peg into his head, killing him; she wasn't even an Israelite, but she became the heroine of the story. 

God speaks to us every day, but we sometimes miss it because he is not loud or intrusive; we know it's him because what he tells us is the right thing to do, but we want to go our own way. If you think you hear him, stop and verify it with him through prayer. Ultimately, our best way to hear his voice is through scripture, but he does speak in other ways when you learn to tune him in. 

And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. Judges 4:14

January 21, 2024

In Judges 3, we have the account of the first three judges. It had been quite a while since Israel had trouble, and because few of them had seen war, they became complacent. Many married into the Canaanite families that they hadn’t driven out as God had commanded, and they began worshipping their idols.  

Othniel: The king of Mesopotamia oppressed Israel for eight years, and they cried to God for help. “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Judges 3:7.” The spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, Caleb’s son-in-law; he judged Israel and went to war, he overcame that king, and they had peace for forty years, then he died. 

Ehud: For 18 years, Elgon, king of Moab, oppressed the Israelites, so they cried to the Lord for help, and he raised up Ehud to deliver them. Ehud made a double-edged dagger, hid it on his thigh, and went and met with the Moabite king. His attendants left the room, and Ehud thrust the dagger into the king’s belly. He was so fat that the dagger disappeared in it, and Ehud was able to get away before they even knew he was dead. The Ehud led Israel to war against Moab, and they killed 10000. None escaped. They had no more trouble for 80 years. This story has much more; read it if you have time. “And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. Judges 3:21-22”

Shamgar: After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel. Judges 3:31

The point of today’s message is not to become complacent. God will use whatever means necessary to draw your attention back to Him, even if that means oppression or war. Keep your eyes on Jesus at all times.

January 20, 2024

Anything you hold more closely than God and give more time to could be considered an idol. God is jealous and will leave you to your own devices if you chase after them rather than Him. What’s even sadder is the children; they only follow what they see, and if you don’t put God first, they will follow after whatever makes them feel good rather than God. With all the main characters gone, Moses and Joshua, it didn’t take long before Israel fell into the trap of the Canaanites. The children didn’t see or know God as the elders did, so they didn’t fear Him as they should have. Israel didn’t drive out the Canaanites as God had warned them, and if they weren’t going to make the effort to get rid of them, he wasn’t going to do it for them. God is so good that he sent an angel to advise them of their foolishness, which I believe was probably Jesus because he spoke the words in the first person rather than speaking them as if God had said them. They wept upon hearing his words and then made the appropriate sacrifices; that seemed short-lived, so God raised up judges, but they wouldn’t listen to them, so he let their enemies overtake them. 

The lesson for this chapter is for us not to allow anything to come between us and our worshipping of God. Whatever your distraction is, make sure it doesn’t override your dedication to God. If you do, you may be in danger of Him allowing you to reap the consequences of what you sow. 

And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. Judges 2:1-3

January 19, 2024

Even though we may come from many different denominations, we are one in Christ Jesus and should help one another in our quest to defeat the enemy. Judah, the largest tribe, was the first to set out to conquer their land after Joshua had died and requested the help of the Tribe of Simeon, which was the smallest tribe. They told them if they helped them, Judah would return the favor. We should do our best to help one another, whether strong or weak, in faith; combined, we can conquer the enemy. Someone strong in faith can help another in their weakness to become stronger. 

The other day, I realized we had a lapsed insurance policy three months past due! We've changed our address many times, but this one fell through the cracks. I freaked out a little and began to pray. After talking to the agent, she assured me we would have to get an entirely new policy because they never reinstate policies that have lapsed for that long. I mentioned returning to the old company and trying to get the new insurance through them since they already knew our property. I hate getting new insurance because they usually want to do inspections, which is much more complicated when you have tenants. She called me back the next day, extremely excited because the insurance company made an exception and agreed to reinstate the original policy. She couldn't believe it and said she had never had that happen. That's when I told her that I had been praying. She was a believer, and her faith was strengthened because of my faith and prayers. Do you see how simple that was? All I did was mention that I had been praying. Others need to hear our "God" stories. Use them whenever you can.

And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him. Judges 1:3

January 18, 2024

In this last chapter of Joshua, we have him encouraging them to continue their devotion to God. In this book, we get the scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." These words are written in the hearts of most believers. I have a painting with them, and I know others who have it tattooed on their bodies. He encouraged them by making it a matter of their choice, but if they chose wrong, they would have to face the consequences of their actions. All those standing before him committed to follow God. 

Not long after he gathered the people, he passed away. They called the mountain where he was buried the quaking hill, "the Jews say it was so called because it trembled at the burial of Joshua." Matthew Henry. The Bible doesn't mention the quaking, but it makes perfect sense, being the people didn't mourn his loss; the hill mourned for them. Also mentioned in this chapter was the burial of Joseph's bones and the death of Eleazar, Aaron's son. 

Those reading this have chosen to follow God and are saved through faith in Jesus. You have chosen well, my friends. Continue your quest to know and honor Him in all you do. 

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. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; Joshua 24:15-16

January 17, 2024

It is hard to obey, but we are not to have fellowship with unbelievers or those who run after fake gods. Joshua warned the Israelites not to have communion with the Canaanites or marry them because of their idol worship. Doing so would cause them trouble, would negate their covenant with God, and give him no choice but to leave them to their own demise and provide him with cause to run them off the good land he had given them. When reading God’s warnings, I remember that he never changes, though because of Jesus, we have a shield between us and the Father. However, we should be obedient in this command so we don’t get caught up in sinful behavior and cause our witness to be tainted. It’s easy to get lured away from following God fully, so we must be diligent to stay holy because He is holy. Following Jesus is a lifestyle change and something to be embraced. Don’t allow the enemy to pull you away. When I began to fully embrace everything Godly, my life changed drastically! I’m not saying I don’t have trouble, but I am saying it’s much easier to cope. He soothes our anxiety and helps us focus on Him when things go awry, giving us the peace and confidence that all will work out for the best. Avoid idols, make no covenant with people who worship them, and trust God fully.

That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. Joshua 23:7-8

January 16, 2024

When all the fighting was over, Joshua dismissed the two-and-a-half tribes to return to their land. After entering their land, they decided to set up an altar to remind them of the altar of God at Shiloh. When the rest of Israel found out, they became fearful that God would punish all of them for the error of those tribes, so they decided to fight against them to remedy their sin. However, they decided to send ambassadors before starting a civil war, and thankfully, they got to the bottom of the issue before they began killing their brethren. They discovered it was more of a memorial so they wouldn’t forget about God, who had been so good to them. The ambassadors were pleased to hear their intentions. I found it commendable that the other tribes offered to give them land with them rather than have them stay across the Jordan. They were willing to give up parts of their land to accommodate them so they could be closer to the altar of God and not forget about Him. They were incensed by the appearance of sin but took the time to dig a little deeper rather than immediately persecute them. 

There are a few lessons in this portion of scripture: 1) Avoid the appearance of sin. 2) Listen to understand before condemning. 3) Offer accommodations to help if needed. 

And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. Joshua 22:33

January 15, 2024

Soon after the land was divided among the tribes, the Levites reminded Joshua and the leaders of Israel that Moses had told them to give the Levites cities. Joshua 21 gives an account of what cities and suburbs were allotted to them. God wanted them scattered amongst all the tribes to help keep Him and his laws in the forefront of their minds at all times. Though it took some time because of the disobedience of the Israelites, God had fulfilled his promise to give the land he swore to their fathers to give them, and now they were able to rest from their striving and fighting. Everything he told them had come to pass. 

Some of the promises that Christ-followers are given include eternal life, peace, joy, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Other things manifest because we believe in Jesus, such as spiritual gifts and the fruits of the Spirit. We are a blessed people because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His promises are trustworthy and true. 

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45

January 14, 2024

Now that the boundaries had been established in Israel, cities of refuge were appointed. If you remember, I compared those cities to Jesus, our refuge and protector from the consequences of our sins if we run to him. The chosen cities were significant in that they were only a half-day journey from anywhere in Israel, and they were situated on a mountain so a fugitive could easily find their way to it. Any sojourner or non-Israelite could also find refuge there or a priest to give them guidance or prayer, being they were not allowed to enter the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Until the cities were actually picked, we didn’t know their names, which chapter 20 of Joshua points out. These names show how detailed God is in his plan for all of his creation, especially for our salvation in Jesus. 

These are the names of the cities:

Kedesh means holy 

Shechem, a shoulder 

Hebron, fellowship 

Bezer, a fortification 

Ramoth, high or exalted 

Golan, joy or exultation 

Isn’t that a picture of Jesus? He is all those things and more. Run to him when you are hurting and in trouble. It may be uphill, but he becomes your safe haven, your city of refuge and protection once you get there.

That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. Joshua 20:3

January 13, 2024

While most of the Israelites moved into the cities they overtook, Joshua was allotted a portion that had no previously built structures. Before he could move, homes for the families within his family had to be constructed; he had to build his own city. From scripture, Joshua seemed selfless and put the needs of the other families of Israel before his own and his family's. He waited until all Israel had been given their portion before considering himself. Even though Joshua could have picked anywhere because of his position, he chose land within his tribe's allotment. Joshua was a good man; he gave the children of Israel a picture of Jesus because he was a type of Christ. Joshua was a godly leader. He's the example of how government should work, which is the exact opposite of the kind of leadership we see in our governments today. Rather than take, take, take, Joshua gave everything he had to promote the good of his people. We may not see that kind of leadership again until Jesus comes to rule and reign. Try as we may to elect good leaders; the world governments are too filthy and corrupt to allow that to happen. Our hope lies in Jesus; we can take comfort in him. 

Do not be discouraged by what you see in the press; most of what they tell are lies and do not give us a good picture of what is truly happening. Pray and trust that God has our best interest at heart; his plan is to help and not harm us. We are in good hands; trust Him.

When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: 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. Joshua 19:49-50

January 12, 2024

Even though God had given each tribe land, some still needed to be divided. The Levites set up the Tabernacle in Shiloh and the seven tribes that had yet to move on to their land set up around them. Joshua sent three surveyors out to bring back a description of each land the tribes were to inherit. It seems they were reluctant to leave the presence of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. That's why, even though we are comfortable in our surroundings, we must not linger there forever but must move into the territory that God gives us so we can testify to His goodness. I can't blame them for not wanting to move out independently; they had lived in harmony for so long that it probably seemed unnatural to part from the rest of their family. 

I can understand their hesitancy. When Richard's dad passed away two years ago, there was, and still is, much to do, but we sold our house and moved into his estate right away because thieves and robbers knew he had passed and were coming in and taking what they wanted. There was a lot that needed to be subdued! His sister also had a portion of his estate to move into, but there was an inhabitant that had to be removed so she and her husband could subdue her land of inheritance. It took some time, but we continued to move forward. It was unknown territory and beyond what we had expected, It's still challenging, but we are almost done! God gives each of us a portion, but it's up to us to take it and use it for His good.

And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance. 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? Joshua 18:2-3

January 11, 2024

The children of Joseph were not satisfied with the lot they were given and complained to Joshua. He was not sympathetic because what they were given was plenty of room for them. However, a portion was still inhabited by the Canaanites, Perizzites, and giants, and they would have to go to war with them to take it. It included forests, which would have taken a lot of manpower to clear, but it seems they may have wanted an easier allotment to possess. Joshua denied their request, but he encouraged them to go in and take it because they had plenty of manpower. 

Isn’t that a picture of our lives? Some people are like the tribes that were given cities that were already built and ready to move into, but others, like most people, have to work hard to earn every dime they have and have to build it for themselves. The most challenging part is conquering and controlling our minds, which may have been an issue with Joseph’s children being afraid of challenging the Canaanites and the giants. We work hard to slay the “Canaanites and giants” in our lives to possess and conquer the land, but with God, we will prevail!

And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country,and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. Joshua 17:15

January 10, 2024

Is there something from your past that you have failed to relinquish to Jesus? Maybe you had a painful childhood and were hurt deeply. Possibly, you've allowed negative words to penetrate your heart. Has someone you loved rejected you? A parent, family member, or friend? These are issues that, in one way or another, have inflicted each of us to a degree, but some people have an easier time letting go of the past, while some hold onto it as if it were an idol, and if they let it go, it would cut away part of them. 

Much like God telling the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites, some of the tribes allowed them to stay, forcing them to work as enslaved people, which ended up causing them issues later on. The Canaanites were idolaters, and even though they were probably forced to give up their idols, I'm sure that because of their heritage, they let it corrupt them, secretly worshipping them, thus corrupting Israel. 

If you have allowed your past to become an idol because you feel sorry for yourself, are you fully worshipping God as the one and only true God? Picture Jesus there during those painful moments because he was there! He allowed it to happen because he expected you to use it as a stepping stone to show his healing power, yet here you are still nursing your wounds. Ask him to heal you and take over so you can use it to testify to his goodness rather than giving the enemy an advantage. It's time to drive out the Canaanites and give up your idol.

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. Joshua 16:10

January 9, 2024

Most of Chapter 15 of Joshua is about dividing the land. However, it includes the story of Caleb clearing his portion of the land of three sons of Anak, who were giants before he took possession of his land. Then, it seems Caleb was getting tired of fighting or maybe as a way to marry off his daughter, Achsah, but he offered her hand in marriage to the warrior who would take out the inhabitants of Debir who dwelled in a portion of his land. It turned out that his nephew, Othniel, was the winner. He must have already been smitten with her; otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered. Maybe they were kissing cousins. Caleb gave them a portion of land, but it didn't have a water source, so Achsah asked her daddy for another portion so they would have water. Girls always seem to get what they want from their daddies; it was no different back then. 

We have a good Father who wants his children to succeed; whether you are a son or a daughter, he wants to give you good things, especially when it comes to food and shelter. The newlywed couple would have had a rough beginning without a water source for their animals, crops, and drinking water, so Caleb gave them what they needed. 

Side note: Achsah asked her daddy reverently by getting off her donkey. She asked for a blessing, and he gave her the upper and lower springs. Notice that he gave her more than she asked because he loved her. Don't forget to go to God when you are in need, but don't act like a spoiled child; be reverent because he is royalty.

And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? 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. Joshua 15:18-19

January 8, 2023

Caleb told Joshua that he wanted Hebron. Moses had determined to give it to him when the time came, but now, as the rest of the land was being divided by lot, he spoke up and told Joshua that it was supposed to be his. They had already conquered a portion of Hebron, the city, but Caleb wanted the mountain. He probably wanted it because it was where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had lived and where they were buried. Joshua agreed, and eventually, Caleb gave the land to the Levites, and it became a royal city. 

The lesson is that if God gives you a promise, you must be vocal about it. God will make it happen as he intended if it's determined to be accurate. 

Side note: If you cannot seem to hear the voice of God through the Holy Spirit that lives within you, you must hear him through his Word. Read your Bible systematically. Start in the New Testament and read it daily. He will answer you or speak to you through it. I cannot tell you how many times his voice came right off the page and responded to my prayers or gave me the guidance I needed for the moment. You won't be sorry. Give up 10-15 minutes of scrolling through social media and read God's Word. You will receive more life in those few minutes than you would an entire week of scrolling. 

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. Joshua 14:9

January 7, 2024

We’re not done; there are still lands to be conquered! Joshua was getting old, so God wanted him to go ahead and divide out the rest of the promised land that needed conquering. It was decided to go by casting lots, which I guess was a type of gambling, except God controls the outcome. Joshua was a man of war, and it’s probably not easy to turn that off, even when old, so God reminded him of his waning age. God still trusted him but seems to be changing his duties to administration rather than going off to war, which reminds us that when our days of labor come to a close, we are still valuable in God’s kingdom, but in a different way. 

Remember the Levites? They were still not allowed to have their own documented land. They were God’s chosen tribe and were to remain scattered throughout the other tribes, where they were given a portion of land to reside. As Christians, we are that tribe. We have our portion in Jesus and are sent to educate others about his goodness and sacrifice for our lives. Let go of your concern for the worldly that prosper beyond you; we have an eternity to live in the pleasure of God’s kingdom. 

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them. Joshua 13:14

Thank you, Savannah, for the picture.