Shout, for the LORD hath given you the city. Josh 6:16

There is nothing more exciting and amazing than to experience the fulfillment of God’s word. To face an overwhelming obstacle, then to trust God at His word and see Him do the impossible, is a faith changing moment for the child of God. Joshua believed God, led the children of Israel to follow God, and God gave them victory to triumph over the seemingly impenetrable walls of Jericho. God gave them the victory “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zech 4:6). The walls of Jericho crumbled, fail, and were destroyed not by battering rams, nor by the strength of a more powerful, well skilled army, but by the obedience of God’s elect. God demonstrated His faithfulness to the children of Israel if they would follow Him and obey His commands. He promised to give them “cities which you did not build” (Deut 6:10) and a land that flowed with milk and honey “which you did not labor” (Josh 24:13). God richly blessed them with more than they deserved, and far greater than they could think or imagine. My friend, God is able to bless according to His riches in glory, “save to the uttermost” (Heb 7:25) all who come to Him by faith in His Son, and He makes all things new in Christ. God’s faithfulness is everlasting, and nothing compares to His glory. God knows what the troubles and obstacles we face. He is faithful to care for you, to guide you, to comfort you, and promises to give rest to all who trust and obey His word. Dear beloved, “humble (yourself) under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Pet 5:6). Then shout His praises and trust Him to give you the victory. Father, thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness to Your word. Thank You for the promise that “we are more than conquerors” (Rom 8:37) through Christ Jesus who loved us and laid down His life that we might have eternal life with You. You are worthy of all praise, and I praise Your holy Name. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105

I keep a flashlight tuck away under the kitchen sink for those occasions when I need light in dark places or expose some hidden object. There have been times when my flashlight failed me due to expired battery shelf life, or corrosion, or defective bulb. You see, a flashlight is a handy device but not one practical for everyday activities. Therefore, it can become unreliable when most needed because it is neglected and forgotten. Unless you are a miner, whose work depends on a helmet light to search out the cold dark hills for the hidden jewels that lay buried within, a flashlight may not be practical for daily ventures. Each day the miner must regularly maintain their flashlight to ensure safety and success in their daily endeavor. Faith in the word of God can seem like a flashlight. For some, it’s not practical for everyday living and unreliable when needed. Yet for the sincere child of God, the word of God is necessary and practical for a daily walk of faith. The word of God “is a lamp…and a light” to show the way through the corrupt and corroded ways of the world that live in darkness. The word of God is the sure foundation “unto my feet” that child of God “may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:11) and “unto my path” that they may “walk in the Spirit and…not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). My friend, faith in God must be made evident by faith in His word. And faith is not faith unless it is practical, for “faith without works is dead” (Jam 2:26). The children of God must “be doers of the word” (Jam 1:22) that the light that shines in our darkness may be the light that will lead those who live in darkness to “His marvelous Light” (1 Pet 2:9). Dear friend, dawn your light that shines in darkness that you mine out the jewels of God’s word and sing “the song of the Lamb…Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Thy ways” (Rev 15:3). Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and the truth of Your word. I praise You and adore You in the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Prov 4:23

To prepare for a day at the beach, one might include sunscreen or an umbrella. These are simple precautions to protect our bodies from dangerous exposure to the intense heat and ultraviolet light from the sun. We have learned that continued unprotected exposure to the sun can damage the skin, our eyes, our immune system, and even cause cancer. So, we encourage family, friends, and fellow outdoorsman to take precaution and protect themselves from the unseen dangers of unprotected exposure to the sun. We find in this scripture passage a precaution for the heart. We are encouraged to “keep thy heart with all diligence.” Though we are surrounded by a world filled with sin, fueled for an appetite for sin, focused on self-centeredness and selfish pleasures, we are to be intentional to protect our heart. The child of God is called to maintain a holy jealousy for the heart. Though we are exposed to corruption, we are commanded by God to “keep thy heart.” Be diligent to safeguard your heart from doing hurt and being hurt, from being defiled by sin and disturb by trouble, be diligent to guard your heart with more care and diligence than anything else because “out of it are the issues of life.” The good and bad of life settles in the heart. The things that surround us, the things that our hands, eyes, and feet are constantly exposed to find their way into our heart. So, with all diligence keep your eyes from the enticements of corruptible things (Job 31:1), keep your tongue from repeating fowl words and foolishness (Ps 34:13), keep your feet from places of darkness and where evil dwell (Eccl 5:1) that you may “keep thy heart.” My friend, the heart is the dwelling place for God in the believer. With all diligence, keep your heart worthy of His presence, a place where He is welcomed and delighted to dwell. Father, thank you for Your care and protection. Thank You that when I face corrupt things, You provide “a way of escape” (1 Cor 10:13) and for the times fall and fail You are “faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). Father, “may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.