Reminder of God’s Presence

0:00Then the Lord said to Joshua, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Joshua 8.1 Welcome to today's encouragement from our daily bread. Reminder of God's presence was written by Lisa M. Samra, and read by Rochelle Trowb. 18-19 and 24-27 Then the Lord said to Joshua, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you and go up and attack A.E. For I have delivered into your hands the king of A.E., his people, his city, and his land. Then the Lord said to Joshua, hold out toward A.E. the javelin that is in your hand. For into your hand I will deliver the city. So Joshua held out toward the city the javelin that was in his hand.

1:04As soon as he did this, the men in the ambush rose quickly from their position and rushed forward. They entered the city and captured it and quickly set it on fire. When Israel had finished killing all the men of A.E. in the fields and in the wilderness where they had chased them, and when every one of them had been put to the sword, all the Israelites returned to A.E. and killed those who were in it. 12,000 men and women fell that day, all the people of A.E. For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until he had destroyed all who lived in A.E. But Israel did carry off for themselves the livestock and plunder of this city as the Lord had instructed Joshua. Reminder of God's presence, written by Lisa Samara. With branches of scraggly leaves growing upward like hands raised to the heavens,

2:05the unique trees we saw while hiking Joshua Tree National Park in California intrigued us. Many believed the trees were dubbed Joshua Trees by pioneers who were reminded by the trees of an old Testament story where Joshua lifted high a javelin as a sign of God's presence and help. In Joshua 7, after entering Canaan, the Israelites needed God's help and battle. After being defeated at the city of A.E. due to their sin, the Israelites were likely afraid to fight the city again. But God encouraged Joshua, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Then God told Joshua to hold out toward A.E. the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city. Joshua obeyed God and did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until the battle was won.

3:07It wasn't the javelin in Joshua's outstretched hand that secured the victory. Instead, it was a symbol of God's promise to help them and be with them. Reminders of God's presence with us can be helpful when we face difficult challenges. A Bible verse displayed in our homes, a stunning picture of God's creation across necklace. These things don't provide assistance, but God can use them to remind us of His promised presence and power. Let's pray, Lord, help us to keep our eyes on You and to hold fast to the reminders of Your presence in our lives. Strengthen our faith so that like Joshua, we don't draw back, but trust in Your power to guide and deliver us. Thank You, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

4:11As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. What reminds you of God's presence? How does this reminder help you face challenging situations? How does this reminder help you face challenging situations? How does this reminder help you face challenging situations?