Tag Archives: Joshua

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Prepare and Press On

December 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In the weeks since America’s midterm elections, men and women who’ve won hard-fought campaigns are preparing to take their oath of office. What thoughts must go through their minds as they transition from political pugilist to lawmaker?

Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

Joshua 1:5

One might well imagine the realigning thoughts of God’s man Joshua as he shifted from aide to commander, from assistant to leader of the people of Israel. Just as today’s politicians can rely on the experiences of others who have gone before them, Joshua had God’s promise of His presence, just as He’d been there for Moses.

In the same way that Joshua told the people to prepare, the Lord has given guidance to you for today and tomorrow, and the promise of His eternal presence. His instruction to Joshua to follow His teachings is the same directive He gives you. Finally, just as Joshua needed courage to enter a land he didn’t know, it may take courage for you to trust for the success of these new lawmakers as they enter Congress’ oft-divided hall. As you pray this month, repeatedly ask God to help each new senator and representative as they press on.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – He’s Got the Whole World

October 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“He’s in good hands.” “All hands on deck.” “Her hands are tied.” There are multiple expressions involving hands. Hands can construct, destroy, express love and bring aid. God certainly knew what He was doing when He created your five-finger appendages.

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”

Joshua 10:8

Today’s verse shows God placing His power in Joshua’s hands. The people in Gibeon were frightened by their enemies lying in wait for them and sent a message for Joshua to come quickly. When he came, God confused those enemies and struck them with hailstones. He delivered them into Joshua’s hands.

Perhaps the best hands phrase is from Jesus’ final moments on Earth: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46) Maybe, like the Gibeonites, life is overwhelming you today, and you fear enemies will attack at every possible opportunity. Follow Christ’s example, and place yourself in your Heavenly Father’s hands. Then pray for this country to experience peace over fear, and ask God to inspire your nation’s leaders to commit themselves into the hands of the Almighty.

Joyce Meyer – Humble and Bold

September 17, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Be strong (confident) and of a good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. —Joshua 1:6–7

Not only is it possible to be humble and bold, it is impossible to be truly bold without humility. Joshua was a man who was both. God told him to finish the job Moses started and take the Israelites into the Promised Land. Immediately after giving Joshua the command, God announced to him, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

Joshua’s confidence rested in the fact that God was with him, and because of that he was able to go forward to do something that he probably felt unqualified to do. Joshua must have felt fear because the Lord repeatedly told him to “fear not,” which means “don’t run!”

God told Joshua that if he would be strong, confident, and full of courage, he would cause the people to inherit the land that God had promised them.

Lord, what an amazing promise this is! I receive it as my own. Help me to know Your Word and to be absolutely faithful to it. Amen.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Making a Miracle

September 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Five of the most powerful kings on Earth gathered together to destroy the children of Israel. The fighting was intense and Israel was winning, but the day was winding down. Darkness would soon allow the enemy a reprieve to regroup. Joshua, the leader, went before the people and prayed for something inconceivable. He asked that the sun would stand still over the place they were fighting to allow Israel to complete their victory. Zap! A miracle occurred; the sun didn’t move until God’s men triumphed.

Joshua spoke to the Lord…and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”

Joshua 10:12

Joshua’s bold prayer is often used to encourage people to have faith and pray for a miracle. Before you do, rewind Joshua’s story a few verses and understand the foundation of his audacious request. Joshua 10:8 says, “The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”

Joshua was not just bold in his request; he was standing on a specific promise from God. Want to see a miracle today? Pray for His Word to be fulfilled in your life and in America.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – No Questions Asked

August 16, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Three words come to mind when speaking of God’s Old Testament military commander Joshua – courage, obedience and faith. His story should be your encouragement. Have courage when times get tough, stay obedient to the Lord when tempted to stray, and keep the faith in good times and bad.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

It took courage for Joshua and Caleb to encourage Israel to push forward into the Promised Land when the majority expressed fear (Numbers 14:6-9). Unshakable faith sustained Joshua as he wandered with Israel for 40 years because of their stubbornness. Moses knew of his faithfulness and kept him by his side (Exodus 33:7-11). Lastly, Joshua obeyed the Lord. At Moses death, God instructed Joshua, “Arise, go over this Jordan.” (Joshua 1:2) Immediately he commanded the people of Israel to prepare and go…no questions asked. His great leadership and mighty victories came because of his faith, courage and obedience.

How’s your spiritual life? Unmovable faith in God can give you courage to obey Him when those around you would have you falter. When the outlook for this country is dim, don’t be discouraged, for the Lord is with you.

Our Daily Bread — Anchors In The Storm

May 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Joshua 1:1-9

The LORD your God is with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9

When Matt and Jessica tried to navigate their sailboat into a Florida inlet during Hurricane Sandy, the craft ran aground. As the waves crashed around them, they quickly dropped anchor. It held the sailboat in place until they could be rescued. They said that if they had not put down the anchor, “We would have lost our boat for sure.” Without the anchor, the relentless waves would have smashed the vessel onto the shore.

We need anchors that hold us secure in our spiritual lives as well. When God called Joshua to lead His people after Moses’ death, He gave him anchors of promise he could rely on in troubled times. The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. . . . The LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:5,9). God also gave Joshua and His people the “Book of the Law” to study and observe (vv.7-8). That, and God’s presence, were anchors the Israelites could rely on as they faced many challenges.

When we’re in the middle of suffering or when doubts start threatening our faith, what are our anchors? We could start with Joshua 1:5. Although our faith may feel weak, if it’s anchored in God’s promises and presence, He will safely hold us. —Anne Cetas

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love. —Owens

When we feel the stress of the storm we learn the strength of the anchor.

Bible in a year: 1 Chronicles 13-15; John 7:1-27

Insight

In today’s reading, God encourages Joshua who has recently replaced his predecessor, Moses. God’s past faithfulness to Moses must have brought great comfort to Joshua: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (v.5). For us as well, God’s faithfulness in the past brings courage for the future.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – God’s Guarantee

February 22, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.—Joshua 1:9

Notice the emphasis that God places on Himself. Joshua was to keep his eyes on God and His command. He was not to get entangled in other things that might frighten him; he was to stay focused on his goal. If he obeyed God, he would not only help himself, he would also have the privilege of leading multitudes of people into a better life.

And just in case he needed one last encouragement, God basically repeats Himself in saying He would be with Joshua. I believe His discourse to Joshua is evidence that there would be reasons in the natural for him to fear and become dismayed and want to turn back. When we take steps of faith to make progress in life, there is no guarantee that we will not experience opposition. But we do have God’s guarantee that He will always be with us, and that is truly all we need. We don’t need to know what God is going to do, how He is going to do it, or when He is going to do it. We only need to know that He is with us.

Lord, of all the blessings in life, the greatest one I ask You for is that You will be with me as You were with Joshua. I can do without a lot of things, but not without You. Amen.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – World Power

October 25, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In August 2013, many Egyptians were killed in a clash between the Muslim Brotherhood and security forces of the government. Everyone watched to see what side America would take. Other nations recognize the weight of a world power backing it. But President Obama was firm in saying, “We don’t take sides.”

We can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6

People assume if America is on their side, they can’t lose. While that’s not necessarily true with this nation, it is true with the Lord. He can win any battle. With God, Daniel was saved from the mouth of the lion. With God, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not singed in the fiery furnace. With God, Moses was able to lead the Israelites away from Pharaoh and through the Red Sea on dry ground. “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Whatever you are facing today, whoever your enemies may be – do not fear. When the Lord is your helper, He will provide you with the strength to do what needs to be done. Ask God to cast away fear and help you stand strong. Then ask Him to reveal Himself to President Obama and his cabinet so they know God is the only true world power.

John MacArthur – Preparing for Spiritual Service

October 6, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . . that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Each week I have the privilege of interacting with more than one hundred students at The Master’s Seminary. One of my greatest joys is seeing their determination to do God’s work in God’s way.

That attitude is the key to success in ministry, as Joshua learned when he assumed leadership over the Israelites after Moses’ death. At that point, God said to him, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:8).

This is how Paul described spiritual success to Timothy: “In pointing out [the things I have said] to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Tim. 4:6).

“Servant” speaks of one who oversees and dispenses the goods and property of another. A good spiritual servant is one who knows and dispenses God’s Word. Whatever level of ministry you pursue, you must conform to biblical teaching. To do that, you must know what God says about ministering to His people.

I’ve met many people who love the Lord and want desperately to serve Him effectively, but haven’t taken time to learn the principles that govern spiritual ministry. Consequently they’re ill-prepared and in some cases unwittingly participating in activities that actually violate God’s Word.

Don’t let that happen to you. God’s Word supplies all the strength, instruction, and comfort you need to serve Christ properly. Study it thoroughly and follow it closely.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Thank God for every ministry opportunity He gives you.

Ask Him to help you see any areas of your service that might need to be corrected, and then respond accordingly.

For Further Study:

According to Philippians 1:12-18, is it possible to minister with impure motives? Explain.

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