4Now this is why he did so: A...

4Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt.

5All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not.

6The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. - P96

10On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover.

11The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.

12The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.

- P97

13Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"

14"Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?"

15The commander of the Lord’s army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
- P97

The Lord commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelites with flint knives.
Joshua obeys, and they stay in the camp until they are healed. They celebratethe Passover at Gilgal and eat produce from the land. After this, the mannastops. Joshua meets a man with a drawn sword, who introduces himself as thecommander of the Lord‘s army. Joshua falls facedown in reverence. - P97

At the turning point from the wilderness to the promised land, God tells Joshua to first circumcise the Israelites. Doing this was risky since the men would be vulnerable before their enemies while they healed. However, they demonstrate their commitment to God because they understand that their success going forward in the promised land is not dependent on human strength; it rests on their covenant relationship with Him. - P98

As the people of Israel demonstrate their commitment, they also experience the blessings of being God’s covenant people. - P98

In our new covenant relationship through Christ, circumcision is no longer required. However, as we demonstrate our commitment to Him through our words and actions, we experience the joy and blessing of being aligned with Him and feasting in His goodness. - P98

As the conquest of Canaan is about to begin, Joshua sees a man with asword in his hand. When Joshua questions his loyalties, the man explainsthat he is no mere soldier but the commander of the army of the Lord. Josh-ua immediately falls facedown in reverence. The scene reminds us of another divine encounter when Moses saw the burning bush.  - P98

Joshua receives thesame instruction as Moses: to take off his sandals because he is standing onholy ground. Both Moses and Joshua show their utmost respect, serving asa model for our posture before God.  - P98

We should not only listen and act inaccordance with our covenant commitment but also recognize the perfec-tion and holiness of our God who guides us and fights for us. - P98

As the conquest of Canaan is about to begin, Joshua sees a man with asword in his hand. When Joshua questions his loyalties, the man explainsthat he is no mere soldier but the commander of the army of the Lord. 
Joshua immediately falls facedown in reverence.  - P98

The scene reminds us of another divine encounter when Moses saw the burning bush. Joshua receives thesame instruction as Moses: to take off his sandals because he is standing onholy ground. Both Moses and Joshua show their utmost respect, serving asa model for our posture before God.  - P98

We should not only listen and act inaccordance with our covenant commitment but also recognize the perfection and holiness of our God who guides us and fights for us. - P98

Despite my fears, I knew I had to put my trust in God. He wouldguide each of my steps in the place He had sent me.
- P99

In today‘s passage, before entering the promised land, the Israelites taketime to renew their covenant relationship with God through circumcision,
and they celebrate His goodness through the Passover. They rememberthat they are God‘s covenant people, and God is committed to fulfillingHis promises to them. Their role is to listen to His instructions and obeyHim.  - P99

As God provides the produce of the land, it becomes a sign that Hewill continue to guide His people and bless them abundantly in the nextchapter of their journey. - P99

Dear God, thank you for reminding me of the importance of being in a right relationship with You. - P99

May I be aligned with You, putting You first in my heart, and glorifying You for Your perfect holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P99

18And the priests came up out...

18And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. - P92

20And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. - P92

21He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’

22tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’

23For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. - P93

24He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God."

1Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
- P93

The Lord commands Joshua to tell the priests to come up from the Jordan.
As they do, the waters return to their place. The people camp at Gilgal, whereJoshua sets up the stones taken from the Jordan. He explains their meaningto the Israelites. The Amorite and Canaanite kings hear of what happenedand their hearts melt in fear. - P93

The priests stand firm in the middle of the Jordan until every Israelite has crossed safely. Only when God instructs Joshua do the priests step out, and immediately, the waters return. The crossing of the Jordan marks a pivotal transition in the nation’s history. - P94

Gilgal, where they camp after crossing, symbolizes a fresh beginning—a taste of the promise ahead. Though not yet in full possession of the land, they are closer than ever. This account parallels our salvation journey. - P94

Though we have not yet reached our eternal home, we experience a foretaste of it through the Holy Spirit, who assures us that God is with us. - P94

His faithfulness to us every day strengthens our confidence that He will complete the good work He began in us. - P94

The twelve stones set up at Gilgal serve as a lasting reminder of God‘s faith-fulness and power. Just as crossing the Red Sea marked deliverance fromslavery for the first generation, the crossing of the Jordan River assures thenew generation of God‘s continued presence and promises. These divineacts are not only for Israel‘s encouragement but also serve as a declarationto surrounding nations that the Lord is sovereign.  - P94

The fear that falls uponIsrael‘s enemies confirms that Yahweh‘s fame has spread! Our own spiritualmilestones should remind us and testify to others of God‘s greatness.
Every work that God does in our lives is designed both to encourage us andhelp others know Him. - P94

I encourage you to start keeping a record of the moments when God speakslife over you. Write down the Scripture passages, songs, words, and imagesHe uses to bring you comfort and remind you of the truth. Those messageswill become a collection of hope to return to when your heart needs a re-minder of God‘s goodness and faithfulness. - P95

Lord, thank you for the reminders of Your faithfulness in my journey. Help me to remember and recount Your goodness, not just for my own encouragement, but to glorify You and strengthen others. May my life be a monument to Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P95

6to serve as a sign among you...

6to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’

7tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

- P88

10Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried over,

11and as soon as all of them had crossed, the ark of the Lord and the priests came to the other side while the people watched. - P89

10Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried over,

11and as soon as all of them had crossed, the ark of the Lord and the priests came to the other side while the people watched.

- P89

12The men of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, ready for battle, in front of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them.

13About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the Lord to the plains of Jericho for war.

14That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses.

- P89

The Lord tells Joshua to have twelve men take twelve stones from the Jordanto set up as a sign to future generations. Joshua sets up twelve stones fromthe middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests stood. That day, theLord exalted Joshua before the people and they stood in awe of him all thedays of his life. - P89

After Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground, God instructs Joshua toappoint twelve men, one from each tribe, to collect stones from the river-bed. These stones are to be set up as a memorial to help future generationsremember what God has done.  - P90

God knows our tendency to forget, so Heinvites us to establish markers of remembrance to help us remember actsof divine intervention that strengthen our faith. Remembering God‘s pastfaithfulness strengthens us in the present and fans our hope for the future.
- P90

While we may not build stone memorials today, we can create markers byjournaling or by telling others what God has done - P90

. Anniversaries are alsogreat ways to remind us of what God has done in the past. These remindershelp us and those around us-remember that God is faithful, powerful,
and present. This way, our faith is constantly strengthened, and God isglorified. - P90

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the cornerstone of the church and ourfamily. You are the solid rock on which our faith stands. Help us rememberYour love and care as we go about our day. In Your name, amen. - P91

10This is how you will know t...

10This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites.

11See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you.
l - P82

13And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap." - P82

15Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,

16water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

- P83

17The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
- P83

Joshua explains to the people that as soon as the priests carrying the ark stepinto the Jordan, the waters will stop flowing. When the priests‘ feet touch thewater, the upstream flow stands in a heap, and the people cross over on dryground while the priests stand in the middle of the riverbed. - P83

After receiving God’s instructions, Joshua gathers the people to tell them God’s words regarding what they are about to witness: a miraculous affirmation that God is living and present among them. The same God who parted the Red Sea would now part the Jordan River for His people to cross. This act affirms God’s power to defeat the nations ahead and fulfill His promises to Israel. - P84

As we follow Christ, our path will not always be clear. We may even find obstacles where God leads us. - P84

But God’s Word is a sure and steady guide: It reminds us of His promises, recalls His past faithfulness, and assures us that He will continue to be with us and lead us. - P84

The people of Israel find themselves on the banks of a flooded Jordan River,
yet God had commanded them to cross it. They obey and make theirtoward the river. No sooner do the priests‘ feet touch the water than theupstream water stops and stands like a wall, allowing the entire nation tocross on dry ground.  - P84

Though not every act of obedience will result in such adramatic miracle, God always honors obedience.  - P84

When we step forward intrust and obedience, He makes a way even when it seems impossible.  - P84

Faithmeans trusting God‘s Word more than what our eyes see.  - P84

Just as the arkwent before the people of Israel, God‘s presence goes before us and openspaths we could never make for ourselves. - P84

Lord, thank you for Your living and unchanging Word. - P84

Help me to trust You even when the path seems uncertain. - P84

Teach me to obey without hesitation, knowing You are faithful to lead me and to fulfill every promise You have made. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P84

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do notbe discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
- Joshua 1:9 - P85

1Early in the morning Joshua ...

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

7
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.
8
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