Year of the Bible: Part Four of Twelve Exemplo

God's Way at Jericho.

When Joshua approached Jericho, he found a warrior with his sword drawn and asked him, "Are you for us or against us?" The man responded, "No, but I am the commander of the army of the Lord." Joshua immediately fell on his face before him and asked for instruction. The man said, "take off your shoes, for the place where you are standing is holy [set apart]."

After this, the Lord gave Joshua some unconventional instructions on how to take the city of Jericho. The following morning, Joshua and the people set out to do everything the Lord had instructed. The ensuing victory was great and put fear into the people who lived in the land. This battle was the Israelites' first of many as they settled in their promised land.

Contrast this victory with the Israelites' humiliating experience at Ai in Joshua 7. Their presumption led to defeat and embarrassment.

"...God opposes the proud but gives grace [strength] to the humble." James 4:6 ESV
Question: When days are full, stopping to pray and ask God for instruction can feel irritating and inconvenient. How would you like to apply the lesson of humbly relying on God's wisdom?

Prayer: Spend a few minutes praying for the leaders in your life. Ask for God's grace to be poured out on them and a spirit of humility to saturate every decision they approach.

Special Assignment: The next time you are faced with a decision, big or small, stop first and ask God what He thinks should be done. You might be surprised at the outcome!