Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Joshua 23:1-6, 14-16
by: Kristin Camenga.
At the end of his life, Joshua passed on advice the Lord had given him at the start of the book of Joshua (1:7): “Be strong!” When I ponder these words to Joshua, the general who led the Israelites as they conquered the Promised Land, I imagine feats of physical valor and courage. However, both God and Joshua explained that the reason this strength was needed was for obedience. Father, teach us the steadfast strength of obedience: trusting in You to fight our battles (v. 5), standing on Your unfailing promises (v.14), waiting for You to bring good to us (v.15), and being single-minded, undistracted by what would draw us away from You (v.16)!