Whose side are you on?

DAILY BIBLE READING:

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

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Joshua 5:13-14 "When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, 'Are you for us or for our enemies?' 'Neither,' he replied. 'I have now come as commander of the LORD's army.'"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

We are a self-centered bunch, aren't we? 

In our relationship with our God, it shows up in how we come to decisions and what we pray about. Instead of praying before major decisions like Jesus did to discover God's will in a matter (see Luke 6:12-13), we determine what we want to do and then ask God to bless us.

This is the erroneous mindset that Joshua had when he approached the commander of the LORD's army. He had a very self-centered mindset and asked whose side God was on. 

But, Joshua was soundly rebuked. The LORD wasn't on anyone's side. The Lord was on His own side. He was on an errand to accomplish His own business.

So, the question was: "Whose side was Joshua on? Was He on the LORD's side?"

This is so true of us. Oftentimes, we wonder if the Lord is on our side. We want Him to bless us when we are doing what we want to do. We want Him to bless the choices we make. And we often do very little praying to find out what the Lord wants.

This day, spend time in prayer. Seek the Lord's will as you read His Word. And seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), the things that matter to Him. Make sure you are on His side. And then ask for His blessings upon your efforts.

The benefit of humbling ourself

DAILY BIBLE READING:

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

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Bible reading for today, we came across instructions from Jesus that once again tell us to humble ourselves. Humility is a huge theme in Scripture. Jesus humbled Himself (Philippians 2) and we are called often to do the same.

In this morning's reading, we are given one of the many benefits of humbling ourselves. We are told that it will spare us embarrassment and may set us up to be honored.

In Luke 14:7, Jesus acknowledged that it is within the human heart to exalt ourselves. We often think much too highly of ourselves and desire for others to do the same.

"He told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves:" (Luke 14:7)

In the following verses (Luke 14:8-10), Jesus gives some simple instruction. He tells us that when there is an opportunity to honor ourselves, don't do it. Always take the option that involves humbling ourselves. 

The benefit? If we honor ourselves, we risk being embarrassed in front of others by someone who brings us back to reality.

"The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give your place to this man,' and then in humiliation, you will proceed to take the lowest place." (Luke 14:9)

But, if we are not full of ourselves and are willing to humble ourselves, then we may experience the joy of being honored.

"But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' You will be honored in the presence of all the other guests." (Luke 14:10)

But, get this point! If in humbling ourselves, we are hoping to be honored (because our heart is filled with pride), then there will be no joy if we aren't honored. As always, Jesus is addressing the heart. Ultimately, He isn't telling us how to set ourselves up to get an inflated ego. He's telling us that there are benefits to having a truly humble heart.

So, how is your heart? Are you full of yourself or are you following Jesus' example by being a servant to those around you? Today is a new day. Why not ask the Lord to do a work in your heart to enable you to live humbly before Him and others.

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11)

How to develop strength and courage

DAILY BIBLE READING:

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

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Joshua 1:6-9 
6 "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 
8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 
9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The verses for today are familiar to many Christians. They are the words that God gave to Joshua as he took the reigns of leadership. Moses had recently died and so God was encouraging Joshua to be "strong and courageous." (In fact, variations of that phrase are used 3 times in these 3 verses.)

Throughout life, we will feel the need to be "strong and courageous." We need exactly what Joshua was encouraged to have.

When we look at these verses, we realize that this wasn't simply a superficial pep talk that God was giving Joshua. He gave Joshua 3 substantive reasons that would develop strength and courage in his spirit.

In verse 6, strength and courage would come is resting in God's promise. God had made a promise to the Israelites that they would inherit the Promised Land and God wasn't going to break that promise. Resting in God's promise, Joshua could be strong and courageous.

In verses 7-8, strength and courage would come in obeying God's precepts. God's Word contained commands for living - things to do and things to avoid. As Joshua obeyed God's instructions, he would experience God's favor in doing what God had told him to do - claim the Promise Land. So, as Joshua obeyed God's precepts and experienced God's favor, he could be strong and courageous.

In verse 9, strength and courage would come as Joshua comforted himself in God's presence. God wasn't sending Joshua out to do the task all by himself. God was going with them. So, as Joshua rested in the assurance of God's presence, he could be strong and courageous.

Friend, each of these three substantive reasons for Joshua's strength and courage are transferable. You and I can experience strength and courage in our life as we rest in them.

God's promise - What passage of Scripture can you rest your faith upon as you go through a difficult time?

God's precepts - What areas of your life need repentance and adjustments to come into conformity to God's commands? 

God's presence - What reminders can you provide for yourself that God is with you?

Friend, God doesn't want His children living life defeated like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. He wants us to be strong and courageous. And He has provided the means by which we can be strong and courageous. Will you make the adjustments necessary to be filled with the strength and courage you need for each day?

The One Year Bible

DAILY BIBLE READING:

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

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:



REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

(I'm on vacation and my access to the internet is extremely limited. I will begin posting in more detail by Monday, April 10.) 

The One Year Bible

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Deuteronomy 32:28-52

Luke 12:35-59

Psalm 78:56-64

Proverbs 12:24

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

(I'm on vacation and my access to the internet is extremely limited. I will begin posting in more detail by Monday, April 10.) 

The One Year Bible

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27

Luke 12:8-34

Psalm 78:32-55

Proverbs 12:21-23

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

(I'm on vacation and my access to the internet is extremely limited. I will begin posting in more detail by Monday, April 10.) 

The One Year Bible

DAILY BIBLE READING:

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

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:


REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

(I'm on vacation and my access to the internet is extremely limited. I will begin posting in more detail by Monday, April 10.)