The Joshua Journals – Introduction

Strong and Courageous -31 Days of Victory Through Joshua’s Battles

Can there be lessons learned from Joshua’s battles and victories found in the Book of Joshua? Joshua battled and claimed victory in the lands and territories of thirty-one different kingdoms.

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

From The Joshua Journals by denisebalog©2020

Photo by denisebalog©2020

Ruin to Bloom!

Day Two – Ai – A Heap of Ruins

What enemy or battle do I need to be on the lookout for today Lord?

“…the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one.” Joshua 12:9 NKJV

The king of Ai – a heap of ruins. 

“Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven (nothingness) on the east side of Bethel (the house of God).” Joshua 7:1-5

Ai is one of the two major enemies Joshua faces in his battle for the land. Two major enemies I battle daily are my own thoughts and emotions. Either one can turn any day into a loss before I even get my first cup of coffee.

So how do I find success over Ai located beside Beth Aven the place of nothingness?

Coming from the fragrant place of Jericho’s victory yesterday, Joshua listen to the men he sent ahead to Ai to spy out the land. Heeding to the advice of others and not seeking God’s direction first, Joshua was unprepared for the battle with Ai.  Joshua’s men fled before the enemy in fear and defeat.

Seeking God’s direction first and not what my eyes see or what the world says, God’s Word reminds me I am positioned not at Ai, but the east side of Bethel in (the house of God).

Reassured of His faithfulness, strengthen by His good promises, my mind and emotions are prepared for the day. Equipped and empowered to triumph over the lies of Ai the enemy of nothingness and ruin!

“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will be still be praising You…

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You.” Psalm 84:4-5 NKJV

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, For He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

From The Joshua Journals by denisebalog©2020

Yellow rose bush dwelling by the side of Church window in Israel. denisebalog©2014

Release the Fragrance!

Day One – Jericho – A Fragrant Place

“…the king of Jericho, one;” Joshua 12:9 NKJV

The meaning of Jericho is a Fragrant Place

What can I learn from Joshua and the fragrance of Jericho?

“Now Jericho was securely shut up…” Joshua 6:1 NKJV

The day is set before me; completely new, unseen, and unknown.

“And the LORD said to Joshua: “See!” I have given Jericho into your hand…” Joshua 6:2 NKJV

I can choose to go my own way or like Joshua, I can believe the LORD has already given me the day.

“You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go around the city one. This you shall do six days.” Joshua 6:3 NKJV

Why would Joshua be instructed to march around the city six times before his victory if the LORD had already promised the city was his?

I can’t help but believe the time spent circling the promises of God, allowing His truths to settle into our hearts is the victory and fragrance over the shut-up Jericho places in our lives.

“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

May His sweet fragrance infuse you in strength and courage as you take new land set before you today. Always remembering our loving Father never leaves nor forsakes us in Jesus Mighty Name! Amen.

From the Joshua Journals by denisebalog©2020

Photos captured in Jericho, the City of Palms, Israel 2014 by denisebalog©2014

Harvest White

“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, 

For they are already white for harvest!”

John 4:35

 

Photo captured by denisebalogc2020

Early morning frost on our field in Oklahoma. 

 

 

 

While it was still dark

“…they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” Luke 24:2

Bridal View

Reservations cancelled and scheduled for another time and season.

In the midst of this storm we ride out together there is hope in our future.

 

“Today I thought Your plan involved a wedding in Virginia.

Family gathered, hugs and kisses, future commitment.

Instead You’ve revealed Yourself so clear.

“Draw into My Presence”

For I Am Your shelter, joy, and wedding feast,

Hope unlimited.”

 

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

My soul shall be joyful in my God.

For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

And a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So, the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth

Before all the nations.”

Isaiah 61:10-11 NKJV

 

Poem by dbalog©2020

Photos by dbalog©2020

 

 

Seedtime and Harvest

Heavy rain throughout the night.

Sunlight peeks the dawn’s first light.

Despite the masses fear and dread,

Spring arrives!

Just as You said.

“While the earth remains,

Seedtime and harvest,

Cold and heat,

Winter and summer,  

And day and night

Shall not cease.”

Genesis 8:22 NKJV

Poem and Photos by denisebalog©2020

For those who are interested…Nikon D810, 24-70mm, 2.8, ISO 160, just a dash of brightening in Lightroom.

Loving kindness Fulfilled

“Comfort those who mourn.

Compassion on the ill.

Mercy according to Your Loving kindness,

Until Your plans fulfilled.”

“He indeed was forordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” 1Peter1:20 NKJV

Poem by dbalogc2020

Photo captured looking towards Mount Nebo while traveling in Israel 2018.c dbalog

Cat’s View

“Cats at the window

Bird’s in view.

Sunshine on the feeder,

Coffee in the brew.

 

Oh, I’ve enjoyed the season; rest and family time.

Open up the year LORD,

Direct my steps according to Thine.”

 

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself…”Psalm 84:3 NKJV

 

“…make His footsteps out pathway.” Psalm 85:13 NKJV

 

Enjoying the last day before heading back to work.

Denise

Poem by denisebalogc2020

Photos captured from my “quiet time” space. dbdancingfreec2020

Poem Across the Sky!

“Your works LORD,

Your works Divine.

Clouds proclaim Your Glory!

Love poems across the sky!”

 

“Praise the LORD, call upon His name; 

Declare His deeds among the peoples,

Make mentioned that His name is exalted.

Sing to the LORD,

For He has done excellent things;

This is known in all the earth.”

Isaiah 12:4-5 NKJV

 

Poem by denisebalogc2019

Photo captured by dbalogc2017

Oklahoma sunset

 

I AM the Light – Come See

“I Am the Light of the World. He who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

“The Word forms,

My eyes see.

Sparkling in Your Beauty

Your Peace enlightens me.”

 

“One thing I know; that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25 NKJV

 

Poem by denisebalogc2020

Photo by dbalogc2019

The First Thing

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV

“Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.” Proverbs 16:3 The Message

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” Proverbs 16:1 ESV