Good morning. Today is Sunday, July 12th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Joshua 24:15

Joshua is one of the most important transition books in the entire Bible because it marks the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Everything from Genesis through Deuteronomy has been building toward this moment.

God promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1–7). Hundreds of years later, Abraham’s family ended up in Egypt, where they became slaves. God then raised up Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt in Exodus.

But because Israel repeatedly rebelled against God in the wilderness, that generation was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. They wandered for 40 years until a new generation was ready.

That’s where Joshua begins.

Moses dies at the end of Deuteronomy, and God appoints Joshua as Israel’s new leader. Joshua wasn’t a random choice. He had served alongside Moses for decades, was one of the original twelve spies sent into Canaan, and, along with Caleb, was one of only two spies who trusted that God would give Israel the land.

The book follows three major movements.

First, Israel enters the Promised Land by crossing the Jordan River. Just as God parted the Red Sea for Moses, He miraculously stops the Jordan River for Joshua. It’s almost as if God is saying, “The same God who was with Moses is now with Joshua.”

Second, Israel conquers the land. This includes famous stories like Battle of Jericho, the defeat at Ai after Achan’s sin, the treaty with the Gibeonites, and even the day Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12–14).

Third, Israel inherits the land. The territory is divided among the twelve tribes, fulfilling the promise God made centuries earlier to Abraham.

One verse perfectly summarizes the entire book:

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45)

That’s really the theme of Joshua. It’s a book about God keeping His promises. 

The book closes with Joshua’s famous challenge:

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

That challenge became Joshua’s legacy. The God who keeps His promises deserves a people who remain faithful to Him.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, You are always faithful to Your promises.

Confession: Forgive me for doubting You.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for always keeping Your Word.

Supplication: Help me trust and obey You each day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Goodness of God” by Garett & Kate

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God