Scripture Union Daily Guide 12th August 2024 (Monday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!
OPENING PRAYER: Open my eyes O Lord that I might behold wondrous things from your word in Jesus name.
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
The book records how Joshua, the successor to Moses, finally led Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan. Through divine assistance, Joshua’s army conquered the cities of Canaan one by one. Joshua then apportioned the land to the twelve tribes of Israel and challenged each tribe to fully occupy the land.
Joshua was one of the twelve warriors Moses had earlier sent to spy on Canaan before the invasion. He and Caleb submitted a minority report urging the people to possess the land, but this was not accepted. As the successor to Moses, he lost no time in executing what he believed was possible under God’s guidance. The crossing of Jordan and the fall of Jericho were only the beginning as they contended for the family possession promised them. However, they sometimes had to learn the hard way, that they must depend on God for every step.
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 1:1-18
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 12th August 2024 – MESSAGE
The death of Moses necessitates the appointment of Joshua to succeed him. Read Exodus 17:8-13; 32:17-18; Numbers 11:16-17, 26-29 for some of the ways Moses prepared Joshua to take over from him. Taking over from a leader such as Moses was quite a ‘huge task’.
How would he be able to step into those ‘big shoes’? It looked impossible with the Jordan, Jericho, the Canaanites, and the other nations the Israelites had to conquer. What challenges are before you right now: ministry, career, academics, business, family, life assignment, new leadership position, etc? How did God reassure Joshua? Enumerate and meditate on His promises and assurances in vs.2-5.
For you to achieve your life/ministry goals, there are clear requirements (vs.6-9) – be strong, be courageous, be careful to obey instructions without deviation, study/meditate on scriptures all the time, and fear not. Why? See v.9b. And for the outcome, see vs.7b&8b.
The Reubenites, Gadites and half of the tribe of Manasseh had been settled on the eastern side of the Jordan. They did not go back on their promise to Moses. Can you be trusted to keep your promise in every circumstance?
Practice/Word Application
And so? Rise in faith and surmount that challenge facing you now. Victory in Christ is assured.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the assurance of your support, your presence, and your promises.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with 2 Chronicles 20:12
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 225- Jeremiah 23-25
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Mon Aug 12, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
SUCF ALUMNI
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ.
2 Thes 3:5
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ Alumni members and their commitment to the SU Ministry and vision.
PRAY FOR:
‣ They will love the Lord and be ambassadors for Him wherever they are located and be fully involved in the ministry of SU.
‣ The Coordinators at all levels; for grace to live up to expectations and wisdom to coordinate the graduates well.
‣ God’s plans and purposes to find fulfillment in every aspect of their lives.
PRAY AGAINST:
‣ Every form of compromise and derailment.