Sunday: The Gibeonites Deception: Joshua 9:1-27
The Gibeonites knew that their neighbors were fighting a losing battle, for God was fighting for Israel, and no army could resist Him. So, they decided to use deception instead of muscle. If Satan does not defeat you by coming as the devouring lion, he will try again as the deceiving serpent. He never gives up. (1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 11:3 Deuteronomy 7)
Monday: Israel Defeats Amorite Coalition: Joshua 10:1-11
Even though Israel had made a mistake in entering into a covenant with the Gibeonites, God helped His people by defending them. Often failures that cause us to miss God’s perfect will are used by Him as occasions to demonstrate His faithfulness and love to us. (Deuteronomy 7:24; Romans 5:8)
Tuesday: The Sun Stands Still: Joshua 10:12-28
The precise method God used in prolonging the daylight is not given. Whatever God chose to do, the extending of the day was an extraordinary answer to prayer. The God who created the world and the heavenly bodies with their functions can also suspend their natural movements for His own purposes. (Psalms 19:1-6; 136:8)
Wednesday: Southern Cities Conquered: Joshua 10:29-43
Victory over the five kings opened the way for Joshua to attack southern Canaan until he had subdued the whole region. What began as a humiliating defense maneuver ended up a glorious series of victories. (Romans 8:31)
Thursday: Conquests in Northern Canaan: Joshua 11:1-15
The enemy in the north of Canaan united to resist Israel’s advance, and their forces were formidable. God assures us before the battle, fights for us during the battle, and commands us after the battle. How we follow orders after the victory is as important as what we do before it.
Friday: Conquered Territories: Joshua 11:16-12:24
Joshua conquered the whole land and did it to provide each Israelite with his inheritance from the Lord. Jesus, the Son of God, has defeated every spiritual enemy and now reigns in heaven and through Him we can claim the victory. (Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 2:9-15; Romans 5:17)
Saturday: Unconquered Territories: Joshua 13:1-7
Unlike some elderly people, Joshua lived in the future and not in the past. He had a job to do, and he wanted to complete it before he died. No matter how much God has enabled you to accomplish in life, there is always much more “land” to possess. In the Christian life, we never stand still; we must forever go forward. (Hebrews 6:1)