Fear and Serve the LORD - Joshua 24:14

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said to the people of Israel, “I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you built not, and you dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive yards which you planted not do you eat”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse fourteen of Joshua, Joshua said, “fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth”, where we read, 

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the LORD.

The verse reads, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “now therefore” which means “at this time then, wherefore and on this account” “fear the LORD” or “give reverence, worship and awe to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”, “and serve him” which means “and work, labor and be as bondsmen to him, Jehovah God” “in sincerity” or “in whole, entire, sound and complete wholeness and integrity” “and in truth” which means “and with firmness, faithfulness, sureness and reliability”. Joshua or the writer shared how Joshua instructed the people of Israel to give reverence, worship and awe to Jehovah God and to labor for Him with wholeness and faithfulness.

The verse continues, “and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the LORD.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and put away the gods” which means “turn aside, depart and avoid the deities” “which your fathers served” or “that your, the people of Israel’s, male progenitors and ancestors worked, labored and were as bondsmen” “on the other side of the flood” which means “upon the opposite region pertaining to the stream or flowing river”, “and in Egypt” or “and within Egypt whose name means ‘land of the Copts’ and was a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows”: “and serve you the LORD” which means “and labor, work and be as bondmen you, people of Israel, Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”. Joshua or the writer shared how Joshua instructed the people of Israel to depart from the “deities” for which they labored on the opposite side of the flowing stream and within “Egypt” and to work as bondmen for Jehovah God. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how Joshua instructed the people of Israel to worship and “serve” Jehovah God after reminding them of all He did for them within the promise land. God wants us to “serve” Him because both He and we are blessed when we do. God loves us, and His desire is the best for our lives. When He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through belief and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us live in a manner that joyfully “serves” Him all the days of our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:!3; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time Joshua shares how Joshua says, “choose you this day whom you will serve”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

A Land Given with No Labor - Joshua 24:13

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said to the people of Israel, “you went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand. And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with your sword, nor with your bow”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse thirteen of Joshua, Jehovah God said, “I have given you a land for which you did not labor”, where we read, 

And I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you built not, and you dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive yards which you planted not do you eat.

The verse reads, “And I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you built not, and you dwell in them;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and I have given you a land” which means “and I, Jehovah God, have granted, bestowed and assigned to you, the people of Israel, a country, territory, district and region” “for which you did not labor” or “for which you did not toil, grow weary or become exhausted”, “and cities” which means “and dwelling places, habitations and abodes” “which you built not” or “that you, the people of Israel, in no way or manner erected or constructed”, “and you dwell in them” which means “and you, the people of Israel, live, abide and inhabit them, the cities”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God told the people of Israel that he gave them territories for which they did not have to work and labor, and He provided them dwelling places in which to live that they did not construct.

The verse goes on to say, “of the vineyards and olive yards which you planted not do you eat.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “of the vineyards” which means “pertaining to the cultivated gardens or fields with plants of nobler quality” “and olive yards” or “and olive groves” “which you planted not” which means “that you, the people of Israel, did not fix, fashion or establish” “do you eat” or “you, the people of Israel, consume and devour from the olive trees and fruit of the vines”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God referred to the cultivated gardens of fruit and the olive groves that were not established by the people of Israel, but they were given to them to consume.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God was responsible to provide the territories, dwelling places, gardens and groves to the people of Israel. Although the people of Israel did not construct or establish any of these locations and gardens, they were to enjoy them in the presence of God. God provided for His people Israel because He desired to have a personal relationship with them. God provides for us as well, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He proved His eternal provision for us. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and equip us to live in His provision in a manner that is pleasing to Him all the days of our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 17:28)

Next time Joshua says, “fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Hornets Sent Before You - Joshua 24:12

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said to the people of Israel, “you went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse twelve of Joshua, Jehovah God said, “I sent the hornet before you”, where we read, 

And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with your sword, nor with your bow.

The verse reads, “And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and I sent the hornet before you” which means “and I, Jehovah God, dispatched and assigned the stinging wasp in front and in the presence of you, the people of Israel”, “which drove them out from before you” or “that them, the pagan nations in the promise land, from in front and in the presence of you, the people of Israel”, “even the two kings” which means “the two royal leaders and rulers” “of the Amorites” or “belonging to the Amorites whose name means ‘a sayer’ and was “one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God said He dispatched stinging wasps in advance of the people of Israel, and that caused the destruction of the foes of Israel including two royal rulers belonging to the “Amorites”. 

The verse continues, “but not with your sword, nor with your bow.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “but not with your sword” which means “however, notwithstanding, nonetheless and moreover no and not in any way accompanied by your, the people of Israel’s, sharpened weapon of war”, “nor with your bow” or “no and not in any way accompanied by your, the people of Israel’s archery bow”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God told the people of Israel that they did not destroy their foes with their weapons of war such as the “sword or bow”. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God wanted the people of Israel to know He was the reason they were victorious over their enemies, and because He provided stinging wasps in advance of their encounters with their foes, the people of Israel conquered their lands. God provided for and protected the people of Israel, and He will do the same for us when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live according to that truth while He wins our battles with His weapons of war. (See John 3:16; Romans 8:37)

Next time Joshua shares how Jehovah God says, “I have given you a land for which you did not labor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Over Jordan to Jericho - Joshua 24:11

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse eleven of Joshua, Jehovah God said, “you went over Jordan, and came into Jericho”, where we read, 

And you went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, 

the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

The verse reads, “And you went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and you went over Jordan” which means “and you, the people of Israel crossed Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “and came unto Jericho” or “and proceeded into and entered Jericho whose name means ‘its moon’ and was a city five miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and seven miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan”: “and the men of Jericho” which means “and the male human beings belonging to Jericho whose name means” “fought against you” or “did battle and war in opposition to you, the people of Israel. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God referred to when the people of Israel crossed the “River Jordan” and the male human beings belonging to “Jericho” made war with them.

The verse goes on to say, “the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “the Amorites” whose name means ‘a sayer’ and was “one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “the Perizzites” whose name means ‘belonging to a village’ and was “a people who inhabited southern Canaan prior to the conquest”, “and the Canaanites” whose name means ‘zealous’ and referred “the descendants or inhabitants of Cana”, “and the Hittites” whose name means ‘descendant of Heth’ and was “the nation descended from Heth, the second son of Canaan; once inhabitants of central Anatolia (modern Turkey), later in north Lebanon”, “and the Girgashites” or Girgasite whose name means ‘dwelling on a clay soil’ and was “descendants of Canaan and one of the nations living east of the sea of Galilee when the Israelites entered the promised land”, “the Hivites” whose name means ‘villagers’ and was “sixth generation of descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, who were living in northern Canaan near Mount Hermon at the time of the conquest”, “and the Jebusites” whose name means “threshing place” and were “the descendants of the third son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus and the early name for Jerusalem”: “and I delivered them” or “and I, Jehovah God, gave, put, set, granted and bestowed them, “the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and the Jebusites” “into your hand” which means “over to your power, might and authority”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God said He gave “the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites,  Hivites and the Jebusites” over to the people of Israel.  

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how the people of Israel crossed the “Jordan River” and encountered many enemies including “the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and the Jebusites”, and God gave the people of Israel victory over all of them. God loves Israel, and He provides for and protects them against all foes. It was through the nation of Israel that God sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so our ways are in alignment with Him and our adversaries are defeated in His presence. (See John 3:16; Isaiah 54:17)

Next time Joshua shares how Jehovah God says, “I sent the hornet before you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Not Hearkening to Balaam - Joshua 24:10

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse ten of Joshua, Jehovah God said, “I would not hearken unto Balaam”, where we read, 

But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: 

so I delivered you out of his hand.

The verse reads, “But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “but I would not hearken” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover I, Jehovah God, would in no way or manner listen, perceive by ear, agree or consent” “unto Balaam” or “to Balaam whose name means ‘not of the people’ and was the son of Beor who was endowed with the gift of prophesy”; “therefore he blessed you still” which means “wherefore, then and on this account he, Balaam, praised and saluted you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God would not listen to “Balaam”, and “Balaam” praised and saluted the people of Israel.

The verse continues, “… so I delivered you out of his hand.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “so I delivered you” which means “therefore, then and on this account I, Jehovah God, rescued and saved you, the people of Israel” “out of his hand” or “from his, Balaam’s, power, might and strength”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God rescued the people of Israel from the power and might of “Balaam” who was being used by “Balak” of “Moab”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God would not listen to the appeal of “Balaam” (See Numbers 22-23), and He rescued the people of Israel from the power and might of “Balaam” and “Balak” because of it. God protected the people of Israel, and in a similar manner, when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and protect us when our foes and adversaries attempt to draw us away from Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time Joshua shares how Jehovah God says, “you went over Jordan, and came into Jericho”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Balak and Zippor Rose and Warred - Joshua 24:9

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said to the people of Israel, “I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that you might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse nine of Joshua, Jehovah God shared how, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel”, where we read, 

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, 

and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

The verse reads, “Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “then Balak” which means “at that time Balak whose name means ‘devastator’ and was a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel” “the son of Zippor” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Zippor whose name means ‘sparrow’ and was father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus”, “king of Moab” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to Moab whose name means ‘of his father’ and was the nation descended from the son of Lot”, “arose and warred” or “stood, rose up and fought, did battle and waged war” “against Israel” which means “in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God referred to the way “Balak” who was the royal ruler of “Moab” rose up and battled in opposition to the people of Israel. 

The verse goes on to say, “… and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and sent and called” which means “and dispatched, assigned and cried out, summoned and appointed” “Balaam” whose name means ‘not of the people’ and was the son of Beor and a man endowed with thrift of prophecy” “the son of Beor” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Beor whose name means ‘burning’ and was the father of Balaam”, “to curse you” or “to slight, trifle, make despicable and insignificant you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God recalled how “Balaam” was dispatched to the people of Israel to make them insignificant and trifled. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God continued to remember the past with the people of Israel when “Balak” attacked Israel and “Balaam” was called to curse them.(See Numbers 22:5-11) All these efforts by the enemies of Israel and Jehovah God failed, and because God loves the people of Israel, He protects and provides for them. God desires this type of personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and protect us when our hating foes and adversaries rise against us. (See Romans 8:37)

Next time Joshua shares how Jehovah God says, “I would not hearken unto Balaam”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Brought Out of the Land of the Amorites - Joshua 24:8

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said to the people of Israel, “I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and you came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red Sea. And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and you dwelt in the wilderness a long season”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse eight of Joshua, Jehovah God said, “I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan”, where we read, 

And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; 

and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that you might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.

The verse reads, “And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and I brought you” which means “and I, Jehovah God, carried forth and led you, the people of Israel” “into the land of the Amorites” or “to the territory, region and country belonging to the Amorites whose name means ‘a sayer’ and was one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “which dwelt on the other side Jordan” which means “that lived, abided and inhabited the opposite bank or edge belonging to the Jordan whose name means “descender” and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God led the people of Israel to the territory that belonged to the “Amorites” who lived upon the opposite bank of the “Jordan River”. 

The verse continues, “and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that you might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and they fought with you” which means “and they, the Amorites, did battle and war against you, the people of Israel”: “and I gave them” or “and I, Jehovah God, granted, bestowed and assigned them, the Amorites” “into your hand” which means “in to your, the people of Israel’s, power, might and strength”, “that you might possess the land” or “so you, the people of Israel, could seize, dispossess, take possession of, inherit and occupy the territory, region and country”; “and I destroyed them” which means “and I, Jehovah God, exterminated, annihilated and devastated them, the Amorites” “from before you” or “separate and apart from the front of and presence of you, the people of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God recalled how the “Amorites” battled against the people of Israel, however, Jehovah God delivered them over to the people of Israel so they could inherit their territory. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God continued to review the history of His working among the people of Israel. He led them to the country of the “Amorites” (See Numbers 21:21-27), and when the “Amorites” battled against Israel, Jehovah God delivered them to be under Israel’s power and might. Israel occupied the “Amorite” territory because Jehovah God annihilated them. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us as well. He proved His love to us when He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us live according to that truth as we allow Him to defeat all the enemies and foes that rise against us. (See Isaiah 54:17)

Next time Joshua shares how Jehovah God shares how, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".