April Sixteenth
Today’s One Year Bible Reading…
Joshua 13:1-14:15 * Luke 18:1-17
Psalm 85:1-13 * Proverbs 13:7-8
"When Joshua was an old man, the LORD said to him, 'You are growing old,
and much land remains to be conquered.'"
Joshua 13:1
Do you ever have those days where you feel a bit old, and a bit surprised at how much yet-to-be-conquered land you still have within you? I’m shocked at the sins and emotions I still dwell uncomfortably with, and am often left thinking, “I was just positive that by the time I was this age, this struggle would be gone for good.” It can feel overwhelming to know there are still unconquered fields of carnality and barrenness, but even on those discouraging days God gives us the strength and power to continue taking territory from the enemy. Caleb became a great example of this for us in Joshua 14. Eighty-five years old, still filled with faith in the God who had promised him that he would possess the land.
"You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great walled towns! But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said… Because he wholeheartedly followed the LORD, the God of Israel."
(Joshua 14:11-12, 14)
To wholeheartedly follow God means there was no room left in his heart for anything but God. No wonder he had faith, fearlessness, bravery, and boldness! Years before they were written, Caleb was living by the words, “If God be for us who can be against us?” Jesus echoed this tenacity in Luke today.
"One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should
always pray and never give up."
(Luke 18:1)
In and of ourselves we can conquer nothing, but as we continue to press into prayer, our mighty God marches ahead of us and brings about great victory. There will still be days where we feel our age and feel overwhelmed by the amount yet to be conquered for Jesus within our lives, knowing we’re unable to change ourselves. BUT GOD! As He pours out His grace and righteousness upon us, He is more than able to cleanse us, change us, and make us more than conquerors in Him.
"Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Righteousness goes as a herald before Him preparing the way for His steps."
(Psalm 85:10, 11, 13)
Only our great God could cause righteousness and peace to kiss within our lives! Only our great God could prepare a path of righteousness that we could walk upon! This is a God who is worthy of being wholeheartedly followed!
"The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won't even get threatened."
(Proverbs 13:8)
There are days where my unconquered land seems magnified and my spirit feels extremely cognizant of its poverty, knowing there is nothing within me that’s worthy of a paid ransom. But the greatness of God overshadows our unconquered lands with His promise of finishing every good work He’s started within us. There will be a day when righteousness and peace will kiss in our lives, and the promises of conquered land will be fulfilled. What a glorious day that will be, Maranatha!
"And the land had rest from war."
Joshua 14:15
What stood out to you from today’s Bible reading?