Category: Joshua

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Lessons from Childhood

What lessons did you learn as a kid that you are still using today?

It’s amazing how many things we do as adults that we were taught as children. We no longer do them because we fear that we may get a whippin’ or because “mom” is still standing there telling us to but we do them because we know they’re right.

Look both ways before crossing a street

Brush your teeth before going to bed

Don’t run with scissors

Don’t talk with your mouth full

Chew with your mouth closed

Don’t tell a lie

Don’t pick your nose

Don’t tattle

Wash your hands after you’ve gone to the bathroom

Say, “Yes Ma’am” “Yes, Sir”

Don’t punch your sister

Pick up your clothes

Feed the dog

All of these things are simple and right, but we had to be taught to do them and now that we do them, we are better for it.

You know the same is true with Scripture.

“So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.

9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua was taking over for Moses, leading over a million Israelites into the Promised Land. Big shoes to fill – he needed wisdom and courage. This was his instruction from the Lord…remember what you were taught, you will be successful!

Today I want to remind you what you were taught. Several times through Scripture the theme of all Scripture was summed up in two instructions.

“36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 23:36-40 CEV

When we love the Lord with all our heart we will naturally or supernaturally love others as well. We learn from His example of love, unconditional love and we give. We give our time, our possessions, our acceptance, we give our very lives if necessary.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:9-12 NLT

When the Lord gives us a commandment, He also gives us His strength to follow and fulfill it.

The words and instruction we hear from Christ as children in faith will be what we model as we grow to maturity in our Christian walk. Afterall, they are lessons from our childhood.

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Noises that Go Boom!

Last night was a night of very little sleep. Right before bed, I read a “Breaking Now” news story. Two firefighters were killed, and one was wounded by a sniper! This was in a town we used to call home, Couer d’Alene, Idaho.

I wondered if we knew these men and/or their families. I prayed for them, their families, the other first responders, and the community. It was hard to sleep and when I awaken at 1 p.m. I was prompted to pray more. I ask you to pray for that city and all involved today.

With that being said, this morning I recycled a blog from 8 or 9 years ago. It’s one on driving out the loud noise of fear…

“I was reminded of this experience that I had several years back while we were in Iowa watching the fireworks. It was a nice display – I had a perfect spot from the porch of our RV. But Glory, our Australian Shepherd, was not getting the same enjoyment I was.

As long as she sat in my lap and I was patting her, she was ok. She didn’t realize that there was nothing to harm her and that soon, very soon, it would all be over. Her perspective was skewed but she knew she would be ok because I would protect her.

It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power (the true light). In a few short days I will be celebrating my 64th birthday. (Now to be 72.) The years have flown by, and I feel the best is still ahead – the best years with my husband, my children, my friends, and my God!

There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows! Yes, I can say God is always faithful! Always!

Me, on the other hand, I can use some work. So many times, I thought I knew best and had the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. I would come back and cuddle in close and I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. And yes, it was soon over, and it was ok.

Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites and to Joshua right before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moses told them that he would not be going with them; he had led them for 40 years and now it was time for someone new to take charge. They were to follow Joshua.

“ Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 30:6-8 KJV

Be of “Good” courage.

Good courage is God based, and it will drive out fear. John wrote in I John 4 that perfect love casts out fear.

When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or abandon us, we will be strong with “good” courage even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.

Look at what Moses says in verse 8; He WILL be with thee, He WILL NOT fail or forsake thee, fear NOT!

I don’t know what loud noises you are facing today but when you are letting the Lord lead you can have “good courage”, and you’ll hear His voice telling you He’s there and you can trust Him to protect.

Let the light in your eyes be the light of His glorious presence and then there will be no reason to fear!

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A Word for the Wise

This morning, I was reading in I Kings. The book begins like this, “ King David was now an old man”.

David knows his life is ending. He has a son who wants to steal the throne from his brother Solomon. David’s advisors tell him what is being planned and David thwarts that plan by having Solomon immediately anointed king.

What a way to live your final days? David needed to prepare his son for life as the ruler of Israel. He gave Solomon this instruction.

“My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. 3 Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go. 4 You and your descendants must always faithfully obey the Lord. If you do, he will keep the solemn promise he made to me that someone from our family will always be king of Israel.” I Kings 2:2-4 CEV

Do these words sound familiar? They did to me.

The Lord gave these words to Joshua many years before this.

“Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land. 9 I’ve commanded you to” be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua led the Jewish people as the conquered the Promised Land. David ruled the nation of Israel and made it a great nation that honored and served the Lord. Now Solomon was given the place of leadership – a passing of the torch or the mantle of leadership.

A few days back I showed you Solomon’s prayer when his father died. He asked for wisdom to be a good leader and the Lord not only blessed him with wisdom but also with great favor and wealth.

Now, look at the words of wisdom Solomon gives in the first few chapters of Proverbs.

“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.” Proverbs 3:1-8 NLV

Why read the Bible? Why study God’s word?

I know of no other place to find true wisdom, for these are the words of life!

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The Gift of Protection

At first this may not seem like a message of love, but it is! This goes back to the words we’ve been focused on from the 23rd Psalm.

“You prepare a table (a banquet table) for me in the presence of my enemies”.

God’s love provides us with protection. The following verses are from the end of the book of Joshua. Joshua had led the Israelites into the Promised Land. They had taken many cities, and the Lord had brought them victorious through many battles. They had walked through the valley of the shadow of death on more than one occasion and that’s the whole point. They walked through – they didn’t stop there; they didn’t camp there – they walked through.

Now look at these words.

“The Lord gave the Israelites the land he had promised their ancestors, and they captured it and settled in it. 44 There still were enemies around Israel, but the Lord kept his promise to let his people live in peace. And whenever the Israelites did have to go to war, no enemy could defeat them. The Lord always helped Israel win. 45 The Lord promised to do many good things for Israel, and he kept his promise every time.” Joshua 21: 43-45 CEV

The Lord promised to do many good things for Israel and He kept his promise every time!

He has also promised to do many good things for you and me. And guess what, He will keep his promise every time.

“ For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 AMP

All of God’s promises are answered with a yes to those of us who are in Christ. We are God’s children and He hasn’t made any promise to us that He isn’t willing to keep.

“You who love the Lord, hate evil; He protects the souls of His godly ones (believers), He rescues them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10 AMP

He can’t lie and what’s just as important, He doesn’t want to.

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:16-18 ERV

Now that’s worth a big shout. What an amazing gift of love – Someone who fights our battles! He keeps His promise, every time.

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Clear Vision for the Future

I was remembering this morning what it was like being an eleven-year-old who couldn’t clearly see the blackboard from my desk in the classroom. It seemed like my vision had deteriorated in just a matter of weeks.

I went from getting A’s to C’s almost overnight. It was an observant teacher who told my mom she thought I needed my eyes checked. A trip to the optometrist revealed I was acutely nearsighted.

It’s hard to recall what was more troublesome, not being able to see clearly or being an pre-teen girl who now had to wear glasses, thick glasses. Choosing to see clearly won out over embarrassment.

Sitting here this morning an old hymn began filling my heart. This hymn was taken from a Irish poem in the 6th century and translated to English in the early 1900’s. It has to be read slowly to absorb the meaning because the old English can be hard to understand.

 “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
all else be nought to me, save that thou art—
thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

2 Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
thou my great Father; thine own may I be;
thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.

3 High King of heaven, when victory is won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”

If we are truly seeking clarity for soul and spirit, we need to be focused on Christ. Day or night, waking or sleeping our minds can be filled with His word.

“God has raised you with Christ to a new life. So you should want more and more the things that belong to heaven. That is where Christ is now. He sits there at God’s right side. 2 So think about the good things that are there in heaven above. Do not think only about things that are on the earth. 3 Remember that your old nature has died. God is keeping your new life safe with Christ.” Colossians 3:1-3 EASY

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

Some think of the Bible as being restrictive, filled with impossible demands and negative teachings. Not so!

Those people are vision impaired. The Bible is a love letter from a Father to His dearly loved children giving them instruction for success, joy, wisdom and courage.

“The Lord, your God, is with you. He is strong. He will save you. He will be very happy about you! He will quietly love you. He will sing, because he is so happy about you!” Zephaniah 3:17 EASY

As we go into the new year, may I suggest that we have our spiritual vision tested. Let the word of God bring life into focus so we can see the future clearly.

Be thou my vision Lord of my heart!

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Grateful for Strength

This morning’s teaching is for me, and I invite you to join me.

I woke up feeling weary, something that I rarely do. I’ve sat here for the last hour talking with the Father and thanking Him for His promises of strength. These verses immediately came to mind as I was listening to God’s spirit speak to me.

They are food for my soul.

“Surely you know the truth. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever! He created all the faraway places on earth. He does not get tired and weary. You cannot learn all he knows. 29 He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.
30 Young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.” Isaiah 40:28-31 ERV

Our Father renews our strength.

“Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ERV

“But let those who trust in you be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love your name.” Psalm 5:11 ERV

“There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God. 32 God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take.33 He makes my feet as steady as those of a deer. Even on steep mountains he keeps me from falling.” Psalm 18:31-33 ERV

“To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.” Ephesians 6:10-11 ERV

“ Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

Being weary is a common condition of our physical bodies. God knew that and so He gave us His promises to infuse us with His strength.

Yes, Father. I thank you for giving me strength for each day. I depend on You!

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A Reliable Cure

Have you ever been to the doctor and had them ask you about your medical history and your family’s medical history? Lots of questions and sometimes you wonder if they are even listening as you answer.

This morning, I have a question for you. Do you have heart trouble? Are there triggers in your life that have or are now affecting your heart?

Then let me give you a prescription for the cure.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 KJV

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples right before His crucifixion. If anything would cause “heart trouble” for them it would be this, but Jesus’ command was don’t be troubled.

“My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. 21 Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 AMP

King Solomon knew the way to prevent “heart trouble” was to pay attention to God’s word. It provides health and healing to all who choose to live by it.

The dosing instructions for this prescription were given to Joshua by the Lord.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

Twice a day are the instructions but more if needed – day and night.

So, if you are experiencing heart trouble this morning, I’m sending you to my cardiologist, He’s never lost a patient. You have a private consultation with Him, listen to His instructions.

“ I have told you all these things while I am with you. 26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.

27 “I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going back to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. 29 I have told you this now, before it happens. Then when it happens, you will believe.” John 14:26-29 ERV

I guarantee you that Jesus knew about situations that could weaken the heart. He had faced physical and spiritual attacks, mental temptations and reputation destroying lies. In the final night before His death, He was preparing the disciples to withstand the attacks of the heart.

“ I have told you all this now to prepare you. So when the time comes for these things to happen, you will remember that I warned you… 33 “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:4 & 33 ERV

Take the Great Physician’s prescription and keep your heart strong!

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Be Brave

Yesterday we saw how we can pray confidently when we are praying God’s word, relying completely on His promises.

That’s where bravery comes from. It’s a confidence in God’s word and His presence. Bravery isn’t the lack of fear. No, not at all. Bravery is trusting God in every situation. It’s what the Apostle Paul taught the Christians in Rome.

“ What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else? 33 If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?” Romans 8:31-33 CEV

Many of our fears come from the “what if’s” in life. What if I’m not strong enough, not articulate enough, not accepted by the right people, not wise enough. When we trust in God and His love for us, knowing that He is on our side we can and will dispel each and every fear.

“Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 CEV

What do you face that is unnerving causing you to be anxious and even fearful? Take these Scriptures to heart. The Bible is a powerful weapon against fear.

“God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 CEV

The Book of Joshua is a lesson in bravery. In fact, I have a book in my library, “Victorious Christian Living” written by Alan Redpath in 1955 that is such an amazing study in courage and trust.

Joshua was tasked with leading the Israelites, all million plus of them, into the Promised Land. They had physical armies to defeat, hostile land to work and weariness of mind to conquer. This is God’s command to Joshua.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

The key to bravery and overcoming fear is remembering God’s promises, (He cannot lie), and trusting Him in every situation.

“The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 CEV

Peter and John were ordinary men, just like you and I, not well educated but they were brave when they faced the ruling officials, arrested and commanded not to speak the name of Jesus. Their faith was in God; faith grew and fear was abolished.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

We are living in a time where bravery and courage are needed. As we trust the Lord we will be strong, brave and very courageous!

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Complete Trust

What an amazing truth!

I’m not sure I can say that I have complete trust – if that shocks some of you, I apologize but I am being honest. I know in my heart of hearts that God is always faithful and His love is unconditional and His Word never fails but I don’t always let that lead me.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise. 131 My desire to hear your commands is so strong that I wait with open mouth, gasping for breath. 132 Look at me, and be kind to me, just as you always are to those who love your name. 133 Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me. 134 Save me from those who want to hurt me, and I will obey your instructions. 135 Accept your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 I have cried a river of tears because people don’t obey your teachings. 137 LORD, you do what is right, and your decisions are fair. 138 The rules you have given us are right. We can trust them completely.” Psalm 119:129-138

I read God’s word and it teaches me and gives me amazing insight. I know that God can’t and doesn’t lie – I know His love never fails – I know that He is faithful to a thousand generations! I know that He is my Savior, my healer, my provider, my counselor, my peace, my protection, my all-in-all!

Then why do I let fear or anxiety, frustration or anger, or self-will invade my world? It’s because, like Peter, I sometimes take my eyes off Jesus and look at the winds and the waves. I lose focus on the one thing that always provides the right answer. There are those things that left unattended will grow up and choke out God’s word.

Joshua and King David both said that we are to meditate on the law of the Lord, day and night and then we would prosper & have good success. The Apostle Paul said that we are to renew our minds and not be conformed to this world. Jesus went aside to pray and spend time with His Father on many occasions, renewing His mind and refreshing His spirit.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

Complete Trust!

It’s something we grow toward and grow in as we spend more time in God’s word and in prayer. There is only one thing that has always been right – God’s word. We can trust Him today.

Trust and Obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

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Loss, Love & Triumph

Have you ever lost contact with someone you love? Maybe one of you moved and circumstances changed; maybe it was more permanent than that and death is the cause of separation. If that’s the case, then maybe you can understand the story of Joshua.

Joshua lived in Egypt and he was one of the many that Moses delivered from pharaoh’s control. He and Caleb were two of the twelve spies that saw how luscious and productive the land of Israel was; he gave a good report that the others chose to ignore. He became Moses’ assistant and served God with his whole heart. Now Moses had died and the responsibility for taking the Israelites into this new land was his.

“…The Lord said: 2 My servant Moses is dead. Now you must lead Israel across the Jordan River into the land I’m giving to all of you. 3  Wherever you go, I’ll give you that land, as I promised Moses…5  Joshua, I will always be with you and help you as I helped Moses, and no one will ever be able to defeat you.

6-8  Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land. 9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9 CEV

For forty years Joshua had seen God’s mighty miracles; for the same time, he had seen the stubbornness of the people. He had stood by Moses, learned from him and now he was on his own to lead. I imagine his sense of loss was almost too much to bear.

But God!

God knew Joshua was in need of encouragement. God knew His plans for Joshua’s future and He knows His plans for us.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.” Jeremiah 29:11 CEV

In a few, power-packed verses, God establishes Joshua’s leadership and declares his victory.

  • I will always be with you
  • I will help you
  • No one will defeat you
  • Be strong. Be Brave
  • Obey My Word
  • Be strong. Be Brave
  • Don’t be discouraged or afraid
  • I will be there to help you

Notice the Lord repeated Himself. He was making a point to Joshua and to us.

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Can you hear God saying to you “be strong, be brave – God, in Christ always leads us to victory”? Sure, there are battles but we will be victorious.

God promised to always be with Joshua and He has made the same promise to us.

“ In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—” Romans 8:37-38a CEV

Maybe you’ve experienced the loss of someone you loved and depended upon, just like Joshua. Your heavenly Father is there – in your loss to encourage you with His love and lead you to victory!

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