Under Gods Command
Proverbs 11:29 – He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
One of the greatest resources God gives us is the family. Families provide acceptance, encouragement, guidance, and counsel. Bringing trouble on your family, whether through anger or through an inflated desire for independence is foolish, because you cut yourself off from all they provide. In your family, strive for healing, communication, and understanding.
Under Gods Command
Joshua 5:11-12 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.
God supplied manna to the hungry Israelites during their 40 years in the desert (Exodus 16:14-31). In the plentiful Promised Land they no longer needed this daily food supply because the land was ready for planting and harvesting. God has miraculously provided food for the Israelites while they were in the desert; here he provided food from the land itself. Prayer is not an alternative to preparation, and faith is not a substitute for hard work. God can and does provide miraculously for his people as needed, but he also expects them to use their God given talents and resources to provide for themselves. If your prayers have gone unanswered, perhaps what you need is within your reach. Pray instead for the wisdom to see it and the energy and motivation to do it.
Under Gods Command
Joshua 5:1 Now when all the Amorites Kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite Kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
The Israelites spent 39 years in the desert unnecessarily because they were terrified of the Canaanites. They underestimated God’s ability. The Israelites first attempt to enter the Promised Land had failed. Here Israel saw that the Canaanites were terrified of their army. The Canaanites had heard about Israel’s great victories through God, and they hoped that the Jordan River would slow Israel down or discourage them from entering Canaan. But news that the Israelites had crossed the Jordan on dry land caused any courage the Canaanites still had to melt away.
Don’t underestimate God. If we are faithful to God, he will cause great opposition to disappear. God can change the attitudes of those who oppose him.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
Words from a good person are valuable (“choice silver”). A lot of poor advice is worth less than a little good advice. It is easy to get opinions from people who will tell us only what they think will please us, but such advice is not helpful. Instead we should look for those who will speak the truth, even when it hurts. Think about the people to whom you go for advice. What do you expect to hear from them?
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 9:13-18 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. “Let all who are simple come in here!” she says to those who lack judgment. “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.
Something is hypnotic and intoxicating about wickedness. One sin leads us to want more; sinful behavior seems more exciting than the Christian life. That is why many people put aside all thought of Wisdom’s spectacular banquet in order to eat the stolen food of Folly. Don’t be deceived, sin is dangerous. Before reaching for forbidden frit, take a long look at what happens to those who eat it.
Under Gods Command
Joshua 4:20-24 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, what do these stones mean? Tell them, Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what they had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the people of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.
The memorial of 12 stones was to be a constant reminder of the day the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. Their children would see the stones, hear the story and learn about God. Do you have traditions, special dates or special places to help your children learn about God’s work in your life? Do you take time to tell them what God has done for you, forgiving and saving you, answering your prayers, supplying your needs? Retelling your story will help keep memories of God’s faithfulness alive in your family.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 06-20-23 My son, keep your fathers’ commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.
It is natural and good for children, as they grow toward adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents. Young adults, however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents-to reject their advice just when it is needed most. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other older adults who know you well. Their extra years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek.
Under Gods Command
Joshua 4:14 That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.
The Israelites revered Joshua for his role in leading them across the Jordan River. He, like Moses, would receive Israel’s praise’s generation after generation. Although Israel was not a world power at that time, Joshua’s reputation for handling his responsibilities God’s way brought him greater glory than if he had been a hero in a “superpower” nation. Doing right is more important than doing well.
Under Gods Command
Proverbs 5:11-14 – At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. You will say, “How I hated discipline! How may heart spurned correction. I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”
At the end of your life, it will be too late to ask for advice. When desire is fully activated, people don’t want advice they want satisfaction. The best time to learn the dangers and foolishness of going after forbidden sex (or anything else that is harmful) is long before the temptation comes. Resistance is easier if the decision has already been made. Don’t wait to see what happens. Prepare for temptation by deciding now how you will act when you face it.
Under Gods Command
Joshua still speaking to the Israelites
Joshua 3:13-14 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD-the Lord of all the earth-set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.
The Israelites were eager to enter the Promised Land, conquer nations, and live peacefully. But first they had to cross the flood-level waters of the Jordan River. God gave them specific instructions: in order to cross, the priests had to step into the water. What if these priests had been afraid to take that first step? Often God provides no solution to our problems until we trust him and move ahead with what we know we should do. What are the rivers, or obstacles, in your life? In obedience to God, take the first step.
Under Gods command 