June 2020 – denisebalog…Grace filled devotionals.

Day 30 – Joshua Journals

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, which means 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

Denise

Photo by denisebalog©2011 – Memorial displayed outside The Knesset, Israeli (Parliament) building. Designed by artist David Palombo. It memorializes the fallen soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces. This artwork visually provokes the image of the crown of thorns Jesus bore on His head.

Day 29 – Joshua Journals

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 people and 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!

Denise

Photos captured Jerusalem 2018.

Day 28 – Joshua Journals

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, Joshua boldly 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.

Denise

Photo capturing the beautiful view standing on top of Mount Carmel, Israel.

Day 27 – Joshua Journals

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

Day 27 – Kedesh – a place set aside – Sanctuary

Blessings and Peace,

Denise

Photo capturing a double heart mosaic found in Jerusalem.

Day 26 – Joshua Journals

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 this band of marauders who make inroads into my 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 defeat raiding 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.

God bless,

Denise

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)

Day 25 – Joshua Journals

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 the second mention of castle a 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 head of 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

God bless,

Denise

Photo captured the Mount of the Beatitudes from the Monastery of the Franciscan Mission Sister of IHM by the Sea of Galilee.

Day 24 – Joshua Journals

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 world and 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

Denise

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.

Day 23 – Joshua Journals

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

Day Twenty-three – Shimron Meron – Watchful

“…the king of Shimron Meron, one.” Joshua 12:20 NKJV

Shimron – means watchful, to keep, to guard.

Meron – has no clear definition mentioned of its meaning.

As is my habit of study, I went searching to see if there was any mention of the name Meron anywhere in the Bible. Listed as one of the “officials over King David’s property” was the following line.

“Jehdeiah the Meronothite was over the donkeys.” 1 Chronicles 27:30 NKJV

Jehdeiah touched my heart to the core. Jehdeiah – whom Jehovah makes glad – was watchful, guarded, kept, and met the daily needs, of the humble donkeys of the King.

Lord, I don’t see an enemy here at Shimron Meron, all I see is a sweet, unassuming donkey.

The name Meron from the Hebrew word “mara” means rebel, maltreating, bitter, lashing self with wing, as the ostrich in running.

Causing me to consider, did Joshua face the daily battle of whether to be humble and care for his people or allow the enemy of Shimron Meron to defeat him thereby losing his strength in bitter?

“…but Joshua lodged that night among the people.” Joshua 8:9 NKJV

“So Joshua blessed them…And indeed, when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them.” Joshua 22:7 NKJV

Lord, forgive me the times I complain and mutter in my thoughts, lashing myself with flapping lips like an ostrich on the run. I’m sure it doesn’t make Your heart glad to hear my grumbling.

Strengthen me at this place of Shimron Meron to be watchful in Your ways, as a humble servant caring for the people. Keep a guard over my mouth and keep my feet ever steady, on Your Kingdom path.

“Tell ye the daughter of Zion,

Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,

Meek and sitting upon an (donkey).Matthew 21:5

“Look, your King is coming to you.

He is righteous and victorious,

Yet He is humble, riding on a donkey –

Riding on a donkey’s colt.”

Zechariah 9:9 NLT

May you too find joy and gladness as the Lord continues to lead us on. Thank you for sharing the journey.

God bless,

Denise

Photo captured on the way to Jerusalem coming out of the area of the Dead Sea and Jericho.

Day 22 – Joshua Journals

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

Day Twenty-two – Hazor – Castle

“…the king of Hazor, one.” Joshua 12:19 NKJV

The king of Hazor had much land. Secure in his castle in the northern territory.

The northern territory of our thoughts and the home of our emotions. Of all the enemies, the castle, the place I call my home is the one I guard fiercely. The enemy loves to attack in the place of rest, and the siege begins against my mind activating the daily battle.

“But the LORD said to Joshua, “…You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” Joshua 11:6 NKJV

The burn Joshua used to destroy the king of Hazor’s castle, is a verb, an action word, to burn with intent and to destroy. Spreading from burn is a masculine noun meaning a serpent. The idea is of a burning sensation of a serpent’s bite. Specifically, its likeness was of brass. (Brass in Scripture can speak of judgement).

Perhaps Joshua recalled Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the desert. Remembering all who looked to it would be healed.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” John 3:14 NKJV

When the enemy comes against my mind with the intent to destroy, by looking away from burning lies and condemnation, and looking unto Jesus, I am positioned to find peace and rest over the enemy of Hazor.

“Hazor only, that did Joshua burn.” Joshua 11:13 KJV

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed…He put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item…that will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-4 The Message

May we continue to Look Unto Jesus Who for the Joy set before Him endured the Cross for you and me.

God bless,

Denise

Photo captured in the location of Hazor, in the northern part of Israel. Excavation reveals the story of Joshua’s burning and destroying the city. It is believed the city of Hazor occupied over 200 acres of land.

Reference Numbers 21:8 and John 3:13-16

Day 21 – Joshua Journals

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

Day Twenty-One – Madon – Dry place of contention

“…the king of Madon, one.” Joshua 12:19 NKJV

The sur name of the king of Madon, is Jobab which means dry. Madon is one of the four kings of opposition gathered to battle against Joshua. These kings coming in from all four directions, desired to stop Joshua and his destiny.

Lord, I don’t want to go into a new day fighting a dry place of contention. Did Joshua face contention or opposition, and struggle in his day too?

“So Joshua rose early in the morning,” and brought Israel by families, “man by man.” Joshua 7:17 & 18 NKJV

On man, Achan was found with spoils from Jericho, “hidden in the midst of his tent.” When asked why he had done this, Achan answered Joshua, “Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God…” verse 20

Through no fault of his own, Joshua was faced with contention and opposition. A hidden enemy who desired to interrupt God’s good plans for Joshua’s future and life.

“Sin crouches at your door. And its desire is to rule over you.” Genesis 4:7

Lord, how do I gain victory over the hidden enemies who desire to capture my destiny and life?

Achan set his heart and mind on things of the flesh, the things he could see and touch. He brought strife and contention because he choose not to trust in God’s provisions and care. Joshua, faced with the strife, would have to choose for himself who he would trust before continuing his journey. Man’s own provision he could see, or God’s provision that leads.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 NKJV

Lord, at the place of Madon, contention and opposition, how can I be empowered over something I can’t see? Softly, I heard a question asked of me. “What did the Apostle Paul caution his beloved Timothy to do?

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in doing so, have wandered from the truth. Grace be with you.” 1 Timothy 6:20 NIV

Joshua and the people threw stones at Achan and his family of opposition, at the Valley of Achor, (trouble). Joshua guarded what had been entrusted to him and turned away from opposition and strife by removing it from their lives and camp. In trusting God’s words, Joshua was empowered to move into his future, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up…” Joshua 8:1

Thank You Father, for You alone guard my life.

Your word gives us victory against the endless strife.

Keep Your hand upon us,

In the valley of troubles that surely come,

For in You we choose our victory

Through the finished work of Your precious Son.

May you be blessed as we travel through the Valley of Achor knowing all of God’s good plans are set before us, arise, and go up! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Denise

Photo capturing the magnificent view of the Dead Sea from stone fortress of Masada. Masada more than 1,300 feet in height is the place where Jewish zealots made their last stand against Rome. Choosing death, 960 men, women and children ended their lives by their own hands rather than fall into the hands of the Roman Empire. 70 to 73 AD

Day 20 – Joshua Journals

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

Day Twenty – Lasharon – Of the plain

“…the king of Lasharon, one.” Joshua 12:18 NKJV

Lasharon or the plain of Sharon is from the Hebrew root word – yashar’ – to be straight, even, right, seems good, pleasant, to be pleasing.

How many times I’ve wandered off the straight path because “it seemed good” to me.

Joshua, Chapter Nine retells the story of the Gibeonites who went to Joshua and “pretended” to be pleasant friends. They dressed in “old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves.” Asking Joshua and the elders to make a covenant of protection with them. A “forever” commitment.

“Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.” verse 14.

It seemed good to Joshua and the leaders. It was plain, seemed right, after all, they could see with their eyes the people appeared to be pleasing. It could be said, Joshua and his leaders Ate it up!

“But they did not ask counsel of the LORD.”

Ultimately, Joshua had to live with his decision to protect the Gibeonites forever. A lifelong decision based on what he his eyes had seen, his ears heard, and the provisions of his own strength. Poor Joshua, battle after battle, from Strength to Strength, and he “did not ask counsel of the LORD.” How many times I’ve done the very same thing!

What became of the Gibeonites who came from “…their cities (of) Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath Jearim.” Verse 17?

Joshua, upset they had deceived him, declared they would be “woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” Verse 23.

The Gibeonites were assigned as woodcutters, for they knew how to cut wood; Kirjath Jearim – city of the woods. They would carry water, for they were familiar with carrying water in their city of Beeroth – wells. And serve “…the altar of the LORD” for the Gibeonites were accustomed to climbing hills – Gibeon. Verse 27

Gibeon – pertaining to a hill.

Chephirah – covered by walls.

Beeroth – wells.

Kirjath Jearim – city of woods.

God used the natural abilities, the things the Gibeonites were accustomed of doing, and the places they had lived and come from, their life stories, and turned it around for His Glory.

In the plain of Lasharon, the victory in Joshua’s lesson, is the peace of knowing, even when I make a wrong decision or do what seems good to me, my Faithful, Covenant Keeping God can turn it around for His purpose and Majesty!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV

Thank you for joining me.

Denise

“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2:1 NKJV

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin…now if God so clothes the grass of the field…will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28 NKJV

Day 19 – Joshua Journals

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

Day Nineteen – Aphek – Strength

“…the king of Aphek, one.” Joshua 12:18 NKJV

“…they struck them with the edge of the sword.”Joshua 10:39. Wondering, what kind of strength it took to wield a sword? Not in the physical sense, but a spiritual strength.

In questioning the Lord, Joshua’s story began to unfold.

There are several meanings to the word Strength in the Hebrew language.

Caleb, one of the twelve who “..spy out the land”, told Joshua “…I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war…” Joshua 14:11 NKJV

Caleb used the Hebrew word “koach” to describe his strength as firm and full of vigor. David also used “koach” to express his lack of strength when penning four of the Psalms.

Causing me to ask again, but what kind strength did Joshua employ?

“So, the LORD saved Israel that day … and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore…Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song …He has triumphed gloriously! …The LORD is my strength and song…” Exodus 14:30 to 15:1 & 2

The strength Moses sang about is the Hebrew word “owz” which means force, security, majesty, praise, might, power, strength, prevail and yes, Be strong! Joshua and Cable were among the people praising and singing to the LORD! “The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!”

Joshua relied, not his own strength to be victorious, but he prevailed in the Strength of the LORD!

“The LORD is my strength and song!

He is my God, and I praise Him!”

Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!

We will sing and praise Your power.” Exodus 15:2 NKJV

Personal Journal Notes:

Often the battle I face each day is the battle against my own strength.

Easily annoyed at the routine things, my strength is used, extended on meaningless battles. No need to fight a foe or some great enemy, I defeat myself along my way.

Turning, changing my position, I begin to speak (wield the two-edged sword of the word of God) lifting up praises to the Lord. Singing of His faithfulness over my life, family, my day. The atmosphere shifts and instead of defense and defeat, I move into the position victory by His Strength and Power!

I wonder if this is why Jesus sang Psalm 118 when He and His disciples left the Upper Room to cross over to the Mount of Olives on the night He began His walk to Calvary? Did He find God’s Strength in the words to complete the mystery?

“The LORD is my strength and my song…

The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

I shall not die, but live,

And declare the works of the LORD…

You are my God, and I will praise You…”

Psalm 118:14-28 NKJV

Thank you for taking the time to join me on the journey. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you. May you find His strength and peace, prepared for another day in His power! In Jesus Name. Amen

Denise

Photo – ©2014 Captured of the roof of The Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane. The location of the Church is in the proximity of the traditional site in the garden where Jesus fell to His knees and prayed to the Father, “…not My will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NKJV