Yahweh said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face like that?" Joshua 7:10 WEB.Joshua lay prostrate before the ark of the Lord all that evening. Yesterday, he had been a mighty warrior. Now Israel had lost the battle at Ai, all because one of the men with him had become greedy and broken the Lord's commandment concerning Jericho.
When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the promised land, Jericho was the first city they faced. The Lord told them to take all the gold, silver, and valuables they found at Jericho and to put them in His treasury (Joshua 6:19). It was a "tithe" or "first fruits" offering to the Lord. They were to put God first. Israel could have all the treasure from the rest of the cities, but not the first one. It belonged to God.
One of the soldiers, named Achan, took some of the loot from Jericho and hid it in his tent. Then God turned away from them, and Israel lost the next battle at Ai.
Joshua was betrayed, and though it was not his fault, it certainly affected him. As he lay on his face, crying out to the Lord in pain, hurt, depression, defeat, and wondering what to do next, an answer came.
The Lord had a solution: "Get up! Deal with the past, and let's go." Joshua was not to lay there a moment longer. He was being slowly swallowed in self-pity, anxiety, and fear of what might happen next because of this defeat. So Joshua got up, dealt with it, and he was never defeated in battle again.
We can make a fresh start in life today, just like this. We can turn around at any point and begin to put God first, believe and trust in Him to take care of us. It is time to draw a line in the sand that we will no longer cross. To commit to the Lord Jesus and not compromise for a cheap temporary thrill. To break from the destructive patterns of our past.
If you have something haunting you today, do what Joshua did: Lay before the Lord and pray until you get your answer. The strength, wisdom, and encouragement to deal with it will soon come. Then make a fresh start with a clean slate, because today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Wash me, and I will be clean. Give me a fresh start today. Make my choices clear and speak to me in ways that I understand. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: For those following the Creation Photography weekly challenges, here is this week's theme from group leader, Dianna Wyles: Psalm 46:10 "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" ~ Our next fun-inspired theme is 'Standing Still' and is open wide for creative interpretation so have some fun! Stand still and see what beautiful creations you can capture! Have a fun-tastic week y'all! Be still and let's be a part of the exalting among the nations and earth, so the world will know what a wonderful Creator we have indeed. God Bless! Here is the link:
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Amen
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Amen
Yes Amen
Amen!
Amen
Amen yes Lord. Thank you for forgiveness. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Yes amen Lord.
Please make Your will clear to me, Father. Amen.
Amen and Amen. Thank you Lord!!
YES! Each day a brand new day to rise up and serve the Lord! Thank you. Amen
Amen!! Alleluia!! Amen!!
Amen Lord Jesus!
AMEN!
Amen, Help me to do your will Father for when I am weak you are strong
Amen! God will fight for us if we only will ask Him, God is always ready to help us when we ask and pray and put Him first in our Lives.
God you r my hope. Amen
Thank you Holy Spirit. In Lord Yeshua's name I ask this, Amen.
Amen!