Day 56. Joshua 9: 19. keep your promises
Although the Hivites lied about their real intentions and received Joshuas promise, Joshua keeps his promise. Even when the people of Israel start to complain he keeps his word. This is evidence of a strong personality against the Hivites, the people of Israel and God. Joshua wonders why the Hivites lied to him but does not use this as an excuse to not keep his promise. He sets an example. "Although you have lied to me, I will keep my promise". How strong a personality are you?
Day 54. Joshua 1. strong and courageous
As if everything will go smoothly from now on? The people of Israel are at the borders of the premised land and are about to enter it. God promised that every place that the sole of their feet treads upon will be given to them. But also the call to be strong and courageous. It will not go without some fights. For us it also goes that we can put our trust in God but in daily life go for it completely. Do you go for it?
Day 53. Deuteronomy 33. blessing
What will the tribe of Simeon think of this blessing? It’s name is not mentioned. For them there is no blessing. When taking a closer look, blessing is in fact reading the facts as they are. The facts do not become true because of the blessing. It is a reminder or reckoning that the fact is there or will eventually be. God will provide in the blessings that come to you. Words of people can encourage. But knowing that your life is in the hands of God is crucial.
Day 52. Deuteronomy 32. Moses song
The people are given a song by Moses as witness against themselves. The song tells the people how in the end they will turn against God and follow other gods. In their minds this song sounds with small voice. "You know what God does for you and still you choose to worship other gods""? Doesn’t everybody have this small voice warning against wrong decisions? Do we listen enough to this small voice? Do we listen to warnings? Worshipping God is making the right choices over and over again, embrace life.
Day 51. Deuteronomy 28: 34. driven mad
The people of Israel were well aware of the consequences of being the people of God. For the positive as well as for the negative. Not following the commandments of God has disastrous consequences. What is worse then being driven mad.? Is fear the only force to drive the people in doing what Gos asks them to do? At the end of this enumeration of these blessings and curses Moses takes them together in "choose life". Not by fear of death but by love for life.
Day 50. Deuteronomy 25: 10. whose sandal was pulled of
Is shame a good advisor? In this chapter we read about a man who does not do his duty against the wife of his brother who past away. To be ashamed of oneself is a punishment one might want to prevent. Shame was seen as a penalty. One should live so one does not need to be ashamed but do not let a false sense of shame jeep you from doing good.
