Devotionals

Let Me Make You a Promise {the Book of Joshua}

By: Lindsey Bomgren, CPT | September 26, 2015

joshua

for those of you who read my genesis summary, you know i love to read and my ‘to-read’ list is always growing {in fact elizabeth gilbert’s new release, big magic, just got added to the list}.

but i’m committed to finishing the new devotional, thirty days of prayer for the dreamer and the doer from {well}studio before i start any other books. i highly recommend this devo for any ladies out their who are {as the book simply states} dreamers and doers; so many great entrepreneurial perspectives melded into one book and thirty prayers that have shaken my soul.

the reason i reference the dreamer and doer devo is because it reminds me of the book of joshua as he was the ultimate doer. joshua, in my opinion, was one of the few major bible characters who seemed to do everything right; completely committed to God, doing all that he asked without falling to sin.

completed reading joshua on september 16th.

“…then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” {Joshua 24:15}

my joshua summary:

ultimately the book of joshua is all about God fulfilling His promise to give the promised land of Canaan to to the Israelites.

the book is authored by Joshua, who truly was ‘strong and courageous’ {Joshua 1:7} as he led the Israelites {1405-1383 B.C}.

several ‘miracles’ take place as the Israelites occupy and take over the land of Cannan — from the crossing of the jordan river to the numerous success in battle against the idol-worshiping hitties, amorites, canaanites, perizzites, hivites and jebustites. to take it even further, at one point God answers joshua’s prayer to make the sun stand still {for about a full day} allowing for more time in battle {Joshua 10:1-15}.

in addition to these miracles, i personally love the accounts of faithfulness found throughout the book of Joshua — from the grace shown to Rahab the harlot {Joshua 2:1-21}, to the wholehearted commitment of Caleb the warrior {Joshua 14:6-14}. in the end, “not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” {Joshua 21:45}

the book concludes with joshua giving Israel one of the greatest challenges before he dies {for all generations to come, of which i would include us in the present}, “choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” {Joshua 24:15}.

my favorite joshua story:

the sun stands still {Joshua 10}.

there has never been a day like it before or since…{joshua 10:14} which is why this unique moment in time stands out as my favorite joshua story; as God delivered the amorites and five kings over to Israel.

there are so many powerful verses in this chapter, that i just love:

when joshua and his army marched from Gilgal to take on the five kings of the Amorites and their armies. “the Lord said to Joshua, ‘do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. not one of them will be able to withstand you.” {Joshua 10:8}.
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.
So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on its enemies…
…The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. there has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!” {Joshua 10:12-14}
Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” {Joshua 10:25}