Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 16-19
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Don’t Be a Borderline Christian”
Joshua had successfully completed the first half of his divine assignment: He had conquered the enemy and was in control of the land and the cities (Joshua 1). Now he had to fulfill the second part of his assignment and divide the land so that each tribe could claim their inheritance and enjoy what God had given them (13:6). In chapter 16, Joshua gives land to Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. Since the Levites could not receive land, the two blessed sons of Joseph made the 12 tribes which received the inheritance God had promised Israel. God likewise promises His children many things today. I am so thankful that I have a promise keeping God who loves me and cares for me, but also blesses me above measure by keeping His promises. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” It is such a blessing to know that every person in the world, who seeks for the Lord, will find him willing to save. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) He promises His children grace and mercy in time of need if we will just come boldly into the throne of grace. (Heb 4:16) Our second birth, our new birth in Christ, gives to each of us an amazing inheritance. We are complete in Christ and we need nothing more from this world to be fulfilled, and this world has nothing in and of itself to offer us. We have everything we need in Christ, and the blessings that God has foreordained for us are rooted in our obedience to His word. Just as Israel was blessed for their obedience and cursed for their disobedience, so we are blessed in our inheritance of spiritual victory provided by Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and foreordained of God. May we live in a way to convince the world of our appreciation to God for His amazing grace.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to live in obedience to your word today and every day. May others see my love for God in the passion in which I pursue my service to you.
• Lord, please help me to show contentment in what I have in Christ. May the world never lure me away from the contentment that you provide.
• Lord, thank you for loving me the way you do.