1Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. - P78
3giving orders to the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.
4Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it." - P78
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And the Lord said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.
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Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’" - P79
Joshua and the Israelites set out and camp near the Jordan. The officers tellthe people to follow the ark of the covenant but keep at a distance from it.
Joshua tells them to consecrate themselves because the Lord will do wondersamong them. The priests are to carry the ark and stand in the Jordan River. - P79
Israel stands at the edge of a major transition. After forty years of wandering in the desert, they are about to enter the promised land. But before stepping into this new season, they must carefully follow God’s instructions. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant—the symbol of God’s presence—are to go ahead, leading the people through unfamiliar territory. - P80
New seasons often come with uncertainties. But when God leads us, we are never alone. He goes before us, preparing the way. - P80
Whether it is a new calling, changes in our relationships or ministry, or a season of growth, the key is to keep our eyes on God’s presence. Just like Israel, we are invited to trust and follow Him. - P80
As Israel prepares to enter the promised land, Joshua calls the people to consecrate themselves. This act of setting themselves apart-through ceremo-nial washing and likely abstaining from marital intimacy-was a physicalexpression of spiritual readiness. - P80
Joshua also instructs the priests to carry theark of the covenant ahead of the people, which signifies that God‘s presencewould lead the way. In the midst of this, God promises to exalt Joshuabefore the people, affirming his leadership. - P80
When God is about to lead usinto something new, He never leaves us to handle the change on our own.
He invites us to prepare ourselves spiritually and as we obey His calling, Healso affirms and equips us. - P80
The truth is, God doesn‘talways show us what is next. Instead, He invites us to trust Him, step bystep, with faith and obedience as we follow HHis lead. - P81
If you are standing at a crossroads or facing a tough decision, be encour-aged. God is already ahead of you, preparing the way. You don‘t need to seethe whole staircase, you just need to trust Him with the next step. - P81
Lord, thank you for the seasons You ordain in my life. As I step into what is new and unfamiliar, help me to keep my eyes on You. - P81
Guide me with Your Spirit and give me the strength to trust You every step of the way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P81
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