In the final Biblical Conviction Series, I had in my mind who and what to present; however, God led me to read the book of Joshua. After reading just a few chapters, it is evident that Joshua is truly a man of biblical conviction.
In the book of Joshua as you read Joshua Chapter 1, you will
find in Chapter 1:6 “Be strong (confident) and of good courage”, Chapter 1:7 “Only
you be strong and very courageous”, Chapter1:9 “Have not I commanded you? Be
strong, vigorous, and very courageous”, and Chapter 1:18 “Only be strong,
vigorous, and of good courage”.
Now I’m sure you are wondering why God reminded Joshua four times
in Chapter 1 to be strong, confident and of good courage; I did also, until God
revealed to me why He continued to remind Joshua of obtaining and maintaining these
characteristics.
“Only be
strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which
Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the
left, that you may prosper wherever you go”. (Joshua 1:7 AMP)
Joshua served Moses
during his leadership; and was devoted to and loved God. So God
chose Joshua to succeed Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land. To
lead thousands of people anywhere is a substantial responsibility; but Joshua accepted the call on his life!
Joshua had many obstacles to overcome before the people
could possess the land, as well as enemies to defeat. If he, in any way,
doubted God and was not obedient to His Word, it would prohibit Joshua from receiving God's power as well as His instructions and guidance to possess it. In addition, the people would lose faith
in Joshua; and begin to put their trust in things instead of the only true God! He would only succeed with trust, dependence, and obedience to God and His commandments! As stated in Joshua 1:7, “Turn not from
it to the right hand or the the left, that you may prosper wherever you go”. God is saying, "Do not look any where and to anyone but Me"!
Rahab letting down the spies!
Rahab letting down the spies!
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Joshua Chapter 2 is a very profound chapter of Rahab, a
harlot! Although she deeply feared for her and her family's life, as well as her native people; she also possessed courage when she understood the concept, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours"! She said, "If your God can part the Red Sea and conquer the Amorite Kings of Sidon, and Og; surely He will give us into your hands"! (Joshua 2:20 AMP)
Rahab states, "Since I've hidden you safely, I ask you to spare me and my family from death". (Joshua 2:12 AMP) The spies agreed, but instructed her to do two things, place the scarlet rope in the window, and secure your family in the house. If anyone leaves, they are not responsible for their death. (Joshua 18-20 AMP) She agreed and the spies went out safely to report to Joshua that God is truly given them all of the land; because the people greatly fear us! (Joshua 2:24 AMP)
This print is showing the Priest going before the people with the Ark of the Covenant in the Jordan River!
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Through out the Book of Joshua, God instructed him to do many things that led the Israelites to victory - parting the Jordan River (Joshua 3:16-17 AMP), walking around the wall of Jericho one time for six days, and the seventh day, walk around it seven times. Blowing the trumpet and shouting loudly, crumbled the wall and allowed the Israelites to attack and conquer them - except Rahab and her family! (Joshua 6:14-17 AMP) Nearly losing God's favor over them when Achan confiscated spoils in Jericho, that God forbid all of them to do. He and his family, cattle, and all belongings were stoned to death and then burned! Wow, that took courage - and obedience! (Joshua 7 AMP)
Joshua also reminded the Israelites, and those to come, of the miracles God performed by commemorating and establishing altars Victory after Victory! Which is imperative to bring to thought and memory of how God provided, protected, and kept them healthy along the journey to the Promised Land!
Walking around the Walls of Jericho with the Ark of the Covenant!
I do not own the rights to this photo |
Biblical conviction is not for the faint of heart, It requires boldness, courage, and tenacity! Joshua truly was a man of biblical conviction. He stayed true to God, and did not allow anyone to cause him to stumble, fall, or serve anyone but
God!
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:15 AMP)
Many of us allow riches and wealth to overtake us that soon leads us down an unrighteous path to destruction! We value the money, more than we value God!
Do not hurry up God or think you can hide from Him! He will bless you; whereas, He blesses us in His timing, and His way; which is always righteous and victorious!
Apart from God we can do nothing!
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:15 AMP)
Many of us allow riches and wealth to overtake us that soon leads us down an unrighteous path to destruction! We value the money, more than we value God!
Do not hurry up God or think you can hide from Him! He will bless you; whereas, He blesses us in His timing, and His way; which is always righteous and victorious!
Apart from God we can do nothing!
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