Struggling with the battles and direction in my days, I couldn’t help wondering if there were insights on how to successfully look for and be forewarned of the little kings or enemies. Those unexpected distractions diverting my attention and depleting my strength fighting battles throughout my day.How could I be more like Joshua and walk in the land God had promised and assured Joshua belong to him.
“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.” Joshua 1:3 NKJV
In the following days, I invite you to share in fresh daily insights and reflections of the past two years of traversing the battles and more importantly the victories found in Joshua.
I thank you for joining me and pray you are empowered to live victorious daily in Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles.
Denise
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
To give Light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Luke 1:79 NKJV
I felt myself slipping into depression. Sadness moved into my heart and positioned itself to stay. Grieving for my Country, her people and our future is overwhelming for a someone who likes to fix things.
In quiet time, I heard my Friend say to me,
“Peering too long into the darkness causes you to lose your Light.”
This truth pulled me back from the edge of the pit saving my spirit, and bringing hope back into my soul.
I pray these verses brighten your day as we walk in the His Light together.
Denise
“To give Light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79 NKJV
“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed…upon them a Light has shined.” Isaiah 9:1-2 NKJV
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I AM the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the Light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV
Picture captured of my Dad back in the 70’s. Enlisting at a very early age, he was proud to serve in as a GI Joe in WWII in Germany. After the war he enlisted in the Navy and finished as a Sgt Major in the National Guard.
He taught me to love our Country, our history and never forget the price paid for freedom. This daughter is proud of my Father’s pride.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Thirty-one – Tirzah – Pleasantness
“…the king of Tirzah, one – all the kings, thirty-one.” Joshua 12:24 NKJV
Tizah – means pleasantness or delightsomeness. From the primitive root to be pleased with, to delight, to favor, to satisfy a debt.
In the land of Promise or pleasantness, the battle we face daily is to know the debit is paid, it is satisfiedby Jesus who humbled Himself to the Cross.
“Then Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.” Joshua 24:26
Joshua who found favor with God, completed his mission in the land of Pleasantness.
Joshua’s name means – Jehovah-saved. The Hebrew spelling of Joshua’s name is Yeshua – Yhowshuwa (yeh-ho-shoo-ah). Yeshua in the Greek language is Jesus. “…and shall call His name Jesus.” Luke 1:31 NKJV
Jesus,” who for the joy set before Him, endured the Cross”, satisfied the debt, because He delights in us.
“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, …every manshall give a ransom for himself to the LORD…everyone among them…shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary…And you shall take the atonement…to make atonement for yourselves.” Exodus 30:12-15 NKJV
I can’t think of a more pleasant or delightsomeness way to end of Joshua’s story than to find “under the oak tree”Jesus satisfied the Law’s requirements and paidthe sanctuary debt for me.
“Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free…” Matthew 17:26 NKJV
“He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the LORD was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.”
Psalm 18:17-19 NKJV
I thank you for your sharing your time with me as we traveled thirty-one days to the land of Pleasantness in Joshua’s Journey.
God bless,
Denise
“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79 NKJV
“They will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. I Myself will tend My sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. Ezekiel 34:14-15 NLT
Strong and Courageous –
31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Thirty – Gilgal – Circle
“…the king of the people of Gilgal, one.” Joshua 12:23 NKJV
Gilgal – means circle. Stemming from the Hebrew root word, galgal, whichmeans a wheel, or a cartwheel used in the process of threshing or crushing grain, and a tool used to draw water from a well.
Lord, You are a God of seasons and times. In Your perfect order, the road turns back around to circle the story of where the people began.
As Joshua completed his appointed circle of time, he reminded the people as they came to the end of their journey with him, to “hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.” Joshua 23:8 NKJV
Joshua was circling back around to remind them of the faithfulness of God. “And you know in all your hearts…not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you.Joshua 23:14 NKJV
In the place of their ending, the victory for the future would rely on their circling back around to remember the faithfulness and the Promises of God.
“All have come to pass for you;not one word of them has failed.” Joshua 23:14 NKJV
I don’t know what season you are personally walking through, but as Joshua encouraged the people to remember, may we too be encouraged to circle back around and remember God faithful and He keeps His promises.
“God, your God, chose you out of all the people on Earth for Himself as a cherished, personal treasure…He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promises He made to your ancestors.”Deuteronomy 7:6-8 MSG
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Twenty-nine – Dor – Dwelling
“…the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one.” Joshua 12:23 NKJV
The definition of Dor is dwelling – Stemming from the word dowr, (dore) a masculine noun meaning generation to generation. It can also mean a period of time, a setting of time, a circle of existence.
Joshua and his generation was not exempt from facing the enemy of the season or circle of time.
“Now it came to pass, a long time after the LORD had given rest to Israel … Joshua was old, advanced in age.” Joshua 23:1 NKJV
“And Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders, for their heads, …” Joshua gathered them all together.” Joshua 23:2
Joshua gathering, those in position in this period of time, begins to remind them of all they had personally seen the LORD do for them and the people. “…for the LORD, your God is He who has fought for you.” Verse 3
Joshua never ceases to inspire me with his leadership and heart for his peopleand their children. In the height of his generation and period of time, Joshua continues lead and guide. Encouraging them not to trust in their own accomplishments, and successes, but to remember it is God’s faithfulness that brings them victory!
For victory over the enemy who desires to steal, kill, and destroy our future, remember it is God who is faithful to fight for us!
“The enemy shall not outwit him…” Psalm 89:21
Thanks be to God who fights for me and my next generation! The deceptive lies of going out and coming in have been exposed by the Light of the Truth of Jesus Christ!
I AM the Door! John 10:9 NKJV
Now instead of relying on my own strength, I am equipped with the Word of God secured to my heart for victory!
“If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (rest).John 10:9 NKJV
Resting in the One who destroyed the enemy of Dor when the stone was rolled away, and His Power walked out!
“This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.” Psalm 102:18 NKJV
May you and your children’s, children’s be blessed for a thousand generations in Jesus’s Might Name! Amen!
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Twenty-eight – Jokneam in Carmel – Possessed by the people
“…the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one.” Joshua 12:22 NKJV
Jokneam – possessed by the people and the people lament.
“Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD … and they put dust on their heads.
And Joshua said, “Alas, Lord God, why…?”
Jokneam the enemy of the heart. The enemy of doubt when situations do not go as I planned causing me to lament before God asking the question of “Why?”
Knowing he and his people were facing defeat, Joshuaboldly asked the LORD, “Then what will You do for Your great name?”
I believe the Lord knew Joshua would struggle daily with his emotions, and the concerns he had for his people. Here in the place of Jokneam, Joshua feeling defeated, lamented asking the questioning of “Why?
In God’s tender mercy, Scripture is very generous to share with us an encouraging word to consider a new view at the place of Jokneam and lament not only for Joshua but for us.
Jokneam name means lament, but by adding “Carmel” the name of the location of where Jokneam is position is significant. Jokneam in Carmel – Carmel means fruitful, a plentiful place, a field.
Encouraging me to see, when I am in the places and seasons of lament and don’t understand “why”, God’s promises are still true, and He is faithful. He doesn’t leave me in the place or possession of the place of lament. In His Grace I am in Carmel.
In the plentiful land, the field of rest prepared for me … He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters…He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV
Answering Joshua’s question of “Why?”. “For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 NKJV
“He restores my soul…for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23 NKJV
“Now the LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed…arise, go up…see, I have given into your hand the king…his people, his city, and his land.” Joshua 8:1
“So Joshua arose…” Joshua 8:3 NKJV
Thank you for sharing your time with me as we journey the last few days of the Joshua Journals. May your soul be refreshed in God’s promises and faithfulness today and forevermore.
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Twenty-seven – Kedesh – Sanctuary
“…the king of Kedesh, one.” Joshua 12:22 NKJV
Sanctuary – a holy place, a set aside place, God’s presence is what makes any place, anything, or anyone holy.
Kedesh, the enemy who seeks to cause fear in the safe place of my prayer time, home, and concerns of my heart.
“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him…” Joshua 5:13
Looking up, Joshua beheld the Presence of the LORD. “Joshua fell on his face to the earth.”Verse 14
I can’t help but wonder, as Joshua stood “by Jericho” if he was in prayer as he faced the battle before him. Experiencing the Presence of God, falling to his face in the dirt, he worshiped the LORD right there where he was. Changing the place of battle into a set aside place, a Sanctuary of the Presence of God.
“Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:15 NKJV
Joshua’s story encourages me to make any place, anytime, a place set aside for prayer and worship before the Lord.
“Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.”
Psalm 96:6 NKJV
“The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.”
Psalm 29:8 NKJV
“Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.” Luke 8:47 NKJV
“Until I entered the sanctuary of God.
Then I saw the whole picture.” Psalm 73:17 The Message
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Twenty-six – Megiddo – Place of Troops
“…the king of Megiddo, one.” Joshua 12:21 NKJV
“You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey.” Deuteronomy 1:6-7
Megiddo – the place of the Troops, refers to a company, an army, a raiding party of marauding band of robbers crowded together and pressing together.This group makes inroads into both friendly and enemy territories.
Turning to complete the journey, how can I successfully be forewarned of the “little kings or enemies” in Joshua’s battles.The troops of distractions diverting my attention, stealing my supplies, ruffling through my tent, and sifting my camp. Sidetracked by thisband of marauders who make inroads intomy peace, health, and ability to successfully navigate the day.
Geographically Megiddo is positioned on an overlook at the crossroads of a famous trade route providing a clear vantage point to view any attacking army, or raiding party. Deep grain bins store food and a fresh water supply nourish Joshua’s army and men.
Position here at Megiddo, I can see clearly by spending time and storing the Word, (the grain) and drinking deeply of the refreshing water, (of the Holy Spirit) I can successfully defeatraiding parties attacking my thoughts, emotions, and life situations pressing against my heart and head. Enabling me to “go up and possess the land (my day)!
“Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you…” Deuteronomy 1:21 NKJV
“Jesus…said to her…whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14 NKJV
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38
May you be blessed in spending time in the Word drinking deeply of the living water of the Holy Spirit.
Photo captured Megiddo – “Its position at the head of the important pass through the Carmel range gave Megiddo control of the Way of the Sea, and the ancient trade route between Egypt and the east.” (The Holy Land, Oxford University Press. NY. 1986)
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Twenty-five – Taanach – Castle- Fortress
“…the king of Taanach, one.” Joshua 12:21 NKJV
Taanach – castle
Why is castle mentioned twice in Joshua’s story? Lord, is there a reason why You are bringing me back here again?
Is thesecond mention of castlea struggle with something generational? Maybe a fear or doubt Joshua went back to in his mind.
In all of Joshua successes, knowing there were still enemies to encounter, is it possible Joshua wrestle with a dark castle surrounding his headof hidden fears and doubts. Joshua’s father’s generation let fear and doubt in the LORD’s faithfulness keep them from reaching and entering the Promise Land. Was Joshua worried he would not have the faith to complete his journey?
For victory over the king of Taanach, Joshua’s would need to go back to where his journey began.
“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6 NKJV
The Promise remained the same. “…which I swore to their fathers.”
“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.” Deuteronomy 34:9 NKJV
Castles of fear and doubts cast out, Joshua the son of Nun, continued his journey with a victory shout!
“…being confident of the very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 NKJV
May you be blessed by the Father’s mercy and grace to continue your own personal journey. In Jesus’s Name. Amen
Strong and Courageous – 31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles
Day Twenty-four – Aschshaph – Enchantment
“…the king of Aschshaph, one.” Joshua 12:20 NKJV
Take note, the king of Aschshaph, mentioned twice in Joshua’s battles, may be the most dangerous of all.
Encountering many battles throughout the journey, the king of Aschshaph, the king of enchantment, fascination, a curse, and properly “to whisper” can be an elusive enemy to detect. Like a whisper in the ear or a glitter, catching the eye, once caught, can be an invisible snare to overcome.
“Get up!” Joshua’s heart fainted when he saw the defeat before an enemy. The LORD asked Joshua, “Why do you lie thus on your face?” “Get up, sanctify the people…sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because …there is an accursed thing in your midst.” Joshua 7:10-13
Sanctify yourselves – don’t eat or drink what the world is doing or what is in their camp. The glitter of robe, the weight of the silver, and the wedge of gold Achan hid under his tent, the subtle whisper of the enemy of enchantment captivated Achan, bringing his end to the Valley of Sorrows.
Joshua, after dusting himself off and the night to mediate on his bed, may have remembered the encounter the children of Israel had on the plains of Moab across from Jericho. Zippor, the king of the Moabites, sent his son Balak to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. After many attempts, the LORD spoke through Balaam over the camp of Israel,
“Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it…The LORD his God is with him…God brings them out of Egypt…For there is no enchantment against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel!” Numbers 23:20-23
At this place of the king of Achshap, like Joshua, I am thankful to remember, our God is with us, bringing us out of the worldand Egypt, blesses us and fights our daily battle of the lies and whispers seeking to destroy our peace and rest.
Jesus dealt with the hiss of this whisper “when the tempter came to Him, and said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus answered, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” The snake tried to deceive Jesus into questioning His Sonship. Scripture share few lines before, “And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The deceiver left out the Beloved. Matthew 3:17 & 4:3-4 NKJV
May we always remember every word that proceeds for the mouth of God, we are the beloved in Jesus, Who loved us first; we are His Bride, and the future is our story!1 John 4:19 – Revelations 21:9
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” In Jesus’s Name, Amen – Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV
Brides, and grooms, can be seen at the beautiful, seaside port of Jappa (Joppa) having their pictures taken prewedding ceremony. Like Jacob, the groom wants to see his bride before marrying her, not waking up to Leah in the morning deceived.
This blog is a Christian perspective on the Old Testament and Current Events from Dr. Claude Mariottini, Professor of Old Testament at Northern Baptist Seminary.
