4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Joshua 5-6:5
Psalms 132-134
Isaiah 65
Matthew 13
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Joshua 5:13–14 (CSB): “When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither,‘ he replied. ‘I have now come as commander of the Lord’s army.’…”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
We are a self-centered bunch, aren’t we?
In our relationship with our God, it shows up in how we come to decisions and what we pray about. Instead of praying before major decisions like Jesus did to discover God’s will in a matter (see Luke 6:12-13), we determine what we want to do and then ask God to bless us.
This is the erroneous mindset that Joshua had when he approached the Commander of the LORD’s army. He had a very self-centered mindset and asked whose side God was on.
But, Joshua was soundly rebuked. The LORD wasn’t on anyone’s side. The Lord was on His own side. He was on an errand to accomplish His own business.
So, the question was: “Whose side was Joshua on? Was He on the LORD’s side?”
This is so true of us. Oftentimes, we wonder if the Lord is on our side. We want Him to bless us when we are doing what we want to do. We want Him to bless the choices we make. And we often do very little praying to find out what the Lord wants.
This day, spend time in prayer. Seek the Lord’s will as you read His Word. And seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), the things that matter to Him. Make sure you are on His side. And then ask for His blessings upon your efforts.
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Lord Jesus, I tend to be self-centered. I tend to think of what I want and not necessarily what You want. I spend much of my days focused on my desires and not Yours. Help me to see that the price You paid for me on the cross is worthy of my full surrender to You, every minute of the day for the rest of my life. I desire to live for You. Please give me the grace to make good on this. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 
Pastor this is such a reminder .we all think at times that we can fix our own lives and troubles. We forget to remember that we cannot do anything without the Saviors hand being on it. It’s also good to remember that just because we are praying for situations doesn’t mean it will always be immeadiate. Only when he see fit.
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Exactly. That’s why I believe that one of the most powerful words to describe a Christ’s relationship to Jesus is “submission.” We serve under King Jesus’ authority. We follow His lead. We demonstrate our love for Him by obeying Him. He’s not our team. We are to submit to Him on His team.
John 14:15 (CSB): “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
James 4:7 (CSB): “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
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