March 31st

Judges 1:1-3:30

We began the book of Judges, which captured the apostasy (falling away) of Israel after the death of Joshua. As a result, God fulfilled the warnings He had given them before they entered Canaan. The various tribes, which were not removed from the land, were used by God in His judgment. They grew to power, subdued the Israelites, and forced them to slave labor. Then, God’s people regretted their mistakes, repented of their sins, and desired to return to the Lord. Because of their change of heart, God would send a deliverer, whom they called a judge, one who was blessed by the Spirit and who would have the power to rescue them from their slavery. But, “when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They followed other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, and they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways” (2:19).

This cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, deliverance, and restoration repeated itself seven times. In the end, God would send fourteen judges. This ridiculous cycle causes even the most casual observer to ask the question why. Why did this keep happening, and why couldn’t they break the cycle? The answer comes in the key verse of the entire book — Judges 17:6, “In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”

What happened to Israel happens to us today.

When moral authority or moral restraint is removed, we oftentimes do not sense an obligation to do what’s good or right. In essence,
we do what comes naturally; and what we do naturally is sin and rebel against God.

We will see, throughout the course of this year, that, apart from Christ and the internal governing work of the Holy Spirit, man is incapable of governing himself. Thus, if he cannot govern himself, then he is in need of someone else to govern him, someone who exerts strong external force or restraint. In the case of Israel, they had Moses for 40 years and Joshua for nearly as long. They had someone holding them accountable for their actions; but as soon as these men died, the restraints were gone and the people reverted to their perverted ways. This truth explains why they behaved well when a judge called them to account, but they repeated their wickedness after he or she was gone.

Daily Reflection

The Lord has given you a conscience, to know right from wrong. How are you doing at following it, particularly when no one is watching?

The Period of the Judges reminds us that we all need accountability. It is never good to live life on your own, apart from other godly influences. Describe here those who help keep you accountable to following the Lord. How has it helped your relationship with Him?

BiAY.org | Day 90 — 275 Days to Go

March 30th

Joshua 22:1-24:33

The tribes of Israel from beyond the Jordan returned to their homes. Remember they swore to Moses that they would come to help the other tribes conquer Canaan. They had indeed kept their word, and Joshua now released them from their vow. However, they got themselves into hot water when they erected an altar at the border, and the other tribes mistook it as an altar to another god. Civil war was averted when they explained their reasons for building the altar, which was to remind them and their descend- ants that they serve one God and will always remain faithful to Him.

Then, at the close of the book of Joshua, the great leader gathered everyone together to give his farewell address. In that address, he reminded Israel, “Be careful to love the Lord your God. If you turn away from Him and intermarry with the nations remaining among you (which would cause them to worship other gods), they will be a snare to you and a trap, a pain in your side and a thorn in your eyes, and you will be wiped out from this good land...” (23:11-13).

Next, Joshua challenged the people to “choose whom they would serve,” the false gods of the nations or the One True God who had brought them this far. As the people swore their allegiance to God, Joshua warned them, “You will not be able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy and jealous God...” (24:19).

What does it mean that God is jealous? Typically, that word has negative connotations, but there are times when one can be right in his or her jealousy. For example, in marriage, when a woman is caught in an adulterous affair, would not her husband be right to be jealous? Yes, of course. In the same way, God had “betrothed” Himself to the people of Israel; they were bonded together in a covenant. But, as we will find in our reading, and as Joshua prophesied, God’s “wife,” the chosen nation of Israel, will commit adultery with other gods, and cause Him to become jealous for her. Likewise, as we in Christ have covenanted ourselves together with Him, we must be diligent to love Him with all our heart, making sure that He is the lone receiver of our affection.

Daily Reflection

List here some of your “loves” in life. Name some of your favorite people, possessions, activities, and aspects of life.

How can you ensure that none of these “loves” in your life will eclipse your love for the Lord?

Beware of idols in your life, other loves that will compete for your attention. Christ is your first love. Guard your “marriage” and daily recommit to your vow of faithfulness. The Lord is a jealous God. He has given you His affection. Will you give Him yours?

BiAY.org | Day 89 — 276 Days to Go

March 29th

Joshua 19:49-21:45

1 Chronicles 6:54-81

The Israelites gave Joshua and his descendants an inheritance for his work and leadership among them; he requested the city of Timnathserah. Then, the people identified the six cities of refuge and the forty-eight cities of the Levites (since they did not receive a territory like the other tribes), all of which were given by God to Moses before they entered Canaan.

“So the Lord gave to Israel all the land He had sworn to give their ancestors and they conquered it and settled there; and, the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. All of the good promises that the Lord had given Israel came true” (21:43-45).

It’s important to note here that God keeps His promises. Whatever He says He will do; He will bring to pass. It was true in the day of Israel, and it is true today. However, now that Israel was in the land and Joshua had completed his call to war, I’d like to focus on the fact that God gave His people rest on every side.

First, notice that it is God who gives us rest; we do not make rest for ourselves. We cannot in our own strength make the life that we want or need for ourselves; we are insufficient in our strength to complete such a task. But God, who has unlimited resources and power, is completely sufficient to meet our needs. When we “delight ourselves in the Lord, He fulfills the desires of our heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Second, notice that God gave His people rest on every side. I found this interesting in light of the fact that Israel did not drive out all of the tribes of Canaanites. In other words, they still had enemies around them, yet God gave them rest on every side in spite of their enemies. The “rest of God” is not a convenient life. It’s not a comfortable life or even a happy life. Even though we are surrounded by turmoil, trials, and troubles, God can give us rest — which comes in the form of contentment, peace, and joy — in the midst of the chaos and craziness!

Daily Reflection

Describe your life right now. Does it reflect rest or restlessness? Explain your answer.

Have you recognized that your rest comes from the Lord, or are you still running the rat race, trying to chase down rest yourself?

The Lord is your protection, your provision, and your peace. All you need to do is “cease striving, know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10), and rest.

“The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

BiAY.org | Day 88 — 277 Days to Go

March 28th

Joshua 18:1-19:48

The rest of the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes of Israel. So far this week, besides the two and a half tribes that settled on the east of the Jordan, Joshua has parceled out land to Judah, Ephraim, and the other half of Manasseh. Today, Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Isaachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan all received their inheritance.

Although there was not a great deal of substance in today’s passage, most of it being details about the borders and cities of each territory, there is, I think, a great truth here. Each of these sections was given by the will of God through the casting of lots. In other words, God decided which territory was suitable for the needs of each tribe. He had in mind all along where He would like for them to be and the parcel of land that would best work for them. Now it was just a matter of mapping out the borders and getting people in the right places.

Why would we expect anything less from our God? We’ve read about the orderliness of His creation, we’ve witnessed His minute details in describing the building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, we’ve seen how intricate His sacrificial system was, and we’ve noticed His perfect plan for the arrangement of Israel’s camping and marching procedures. Why should we be surprised that God had Canaan all mapped out and that He had a perfect place in mind for His people?

Daily Reflection

Just as He did then, the Lord places people exactly where He wants them today, which means that He had in mind the perfect place for you. He ordained the very place where you would be born, where you would grow up, where you would live, where you would go to school, where you would attend church, and where you would work. He knows everything there is to know about you. Not only does He know it, but He knew it before time began; and He had a plan in mind for you, a perfect plan with a perfect place.

You are where you are because God has put you there. He has asked you to be His ambassador, His representative, to the world around you, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, in your church, and in your family. He has carved out a sphere of influence for you, but are you using your opportunities to influence others for Him?

Are you making the most of the place God has allotted to you? Are you being a good steward of your “inheritance”? Or are you restless and resentful about God’s place in life for you? Are you always wishing to be somewhere else?

Don’t waste your time complaining about God’s allotment for your life; rather get busy being an ambassador. God does nothing by accident; He is intentional and purposeful. Your gifts, your circumstances, and your experiences are perfect for the time and place where He has stationed you. Be grateful and get to work!

BiAY.org | Day 87 — 278 Days to Go

March 27th

Joshua 15:20-17:18

Joshua continued dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The land was given according to the size of each tribe, and God was the one who parceled them out through the casting of lots. Today, Joshua assigned land to Judah, Ephraim, and the other half of Manasseh (remember the first half stayed on the east side of the Jordan River).

What was interesting were the little comments Joshua inserted about each tribe. For example, concerning Judah he wrote, “The tribe of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, who lived in the city of Jerusalem, so the Jebusites live there among the people of Judah to this day” (15:63). Concerning Ephraim, he wrote, “They did not drive the Canaanites out of Gezer, so the people of Gezer live among the people... to this day” (16:10). Finally, concerning Manasseh, he wrote, “The descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy the towns of the Canaanites. They could not drive out those who lived there. Later on, however, when the Israelites became strong enough, they forced the Canaanites to work as slaves; but, they did not drive them out of the land” (17:12, 13).

In essence, although God commanded that the Israelites conquer and destroy every pagan tribe in Canaan, in the end the people didn’t do it. Thus, these worldly tribes lived in the midst of God’s people and eventually caused them to be unfaithful.

This truth is applicable today. As believers in Christ, we are called to “whip the world,” to be in the world but not of the world. However, oftentimes, we find ways to coexist with the world and, in the end, we let it affect us more than we affect it. The world usually ends up whipping us instead.

It is essential to our Christian lives that we follow God’s expectations, not to conform to this world’s mold. By relying on His power, through the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the world’s thinking and its godless ways, which are subservient to the superior wisdom and will of God.

Daily Reflection

Are you whipping the world or is the world whipping you? Have you separated yourself from its thinking and its ways, or do you look like, talk like, and act like the “tribes” around you?

Consider your entertainment, consider how you spend your time and money, and consider your values. Evaluate your views of the way things are and the way things should be. Is your worldview becoming more godly or is your view of God becoming more worldly?

Caedmon’s Call had a song years ago with these words. I have never forgotten them. “This world has nothing for you, and this world has everything, all that you could ever want but nothing that you need.” Don’t let it drag you down! Rise above it and be a world-changer, in your own sphere of influence, wherever it is that God has placed you.

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:2).

BiAY.org |Day 86 — 279 Days to Go

March 26th

Joshua 12:7-15:19

Joshua listed all of the kings which he and Israel defeated in the land of Canaan, thirty-one in all. Then God informed Joshua that he was getting old and that much of the land still needed to be conquered, so He commanded him to go ahead and allot each tribe’s inheritance and to let them drive out the inhabitants in their area.

It was at that point that Caleb approached Joshua with a special request. Remember, Caleb was one of the spies who returned from Canaan with a good report and the zeal to conquer it with God’s assistance. “I was forty years old when Moses sent me to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave from my heart a good report, but my brothers frightened the people and discouraged them from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I followed the Lord my God completely” (14:7, 8).

Because of Caleb’s spirit and because “he wholeheartedly followed the Lord” (15:14), Moses swore on that day to give a special piece of the Promised Land to Caleb and his descendants. Caleb was requesting that piece from Joshua, who gifted him with the city of Hebron. Shortly after, at the spry age of 85, Caleb and his men drove out from Hebron the Anakites, who were known to be giants.

What does it mean exactly to “follow the Lord wholeheartedly”? It means that Caleb abandoned his own sinful desires and selfish agenda and, instead, sold out to the Lord. It means that Caleb was obedient to all that the Lord commanded, no matter what. It means that Caleb saw his circumstances and his problems in light of God’s power and, therefore, he never doubted that, with God’s help, he could overcome anything that came his way.

Imagine what life would be like if we all lived in the spirit of Caleb. Imagine the confidence we would have if we lived with the mindset that nothing was too difficult for God. Nothing would intimidate us or cause us to worry or fear; and, nothing would be more important to us than to do what was right by the Lord. With that spirit we would conquer giants!

Daily Reflection

How would you describe being sold out to the Lord, to live in the spirit of Caleb?

Why aren’t more followers of God like Caleb? How sold out to God are you?

Too many people are either sold out to this world or sold out to themselves. Selling out to these things will leave you bankrupt of hope; but, selling out for the Lord will stretch and grow your faith beyond measure!

“If any man wishes to come after Me, let him deny Himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

BiAY.org | Day 85 — 280 Days to Go

March 25th

Joshua 10:1-12:6

The Israelites continued their conquests of the kings of Canaan. From south to north, the people of God pounded and pulverized. Everyone was eliminated. We even read that God used a hailstorm to help Joshua and that He ordered the sun and moon to stand still during one of the battles. No matter the odds, with God on their side, the Israelites were victorious.

However, we are left wondering several things upon reading this account, such as why would a loving God command His people to annihilate everyone, even women and children? Could this be the same God of the New Testament? Would Jesus have commanded such a thing?

These are good questions. Answering them satisfactorily would take a lot of paper, but let me share some things to think about. First of all, God is the same in the Old Testament as He is in the New Testament. He never changes. People tend to focus on God’s love in the New while only pointing out His wrath in the Old; but, quite honestly, He’s just as loving in the Old and just as wrathful in the New. We just tend to gloss over those parts. Remember Jesus said that He was the only way to be saved, and that those who rejected Him would be condemned to hell for eternity. Or what about the part when He returns to destroy millions at Armageddon?

Second, God recorded a long list of abuses of which the tribes of Canaan were guilty. He had been merciful to them for centuries, but now it was time for His justice. We don’t know all of the circumstances behind their judgment, but we can trust that God did. Besides, who are we mortals to judge Him for His actions? God is always right. He can do no wrong.

Third, all of creation is God’s, to do with what He wills. We are not free to destroy others as He did, because we cannot do with His what we wish; but God is free to do with His what He wants. He has the right as Creator and Sovereign to make or destroy whatever He desires.

Finally, when one pulls out a weed, he doesn’t just cut off the stem. He pulls out the entire thing, roots and all. So it was with destroying cities and their citizens. God commanded the complete destruction of carnal civilizations, so that they would not plague His people and cause them to stumble or fall away from Him.

Daily Reflection

Hidden in this passage is perhaps the greatest miracle of the Old Testament — the day that the sun stood still. How is that possible? That’s a good question. It is, of course, scientifically problematic. That’s why it’s called a miracle.

The exodus generation saw the Lord perform wonders in its midst and, yet, the people still did not trust Him fully. It was important for Joshua’s generation to see that the Lord was with them as well. They chose to honor Him with their faithfulness. They believed that when they called upon His name, He would do great and mighty things. But make the sun stand still?

Scholars and skeptics have attempted to explain away this miracle as poetic or figurative speech, as an eclipse, or as a reflection in the sand. Why can’t we take the Scriptures as they are and believe that the One who made the sun and moon can manipulate them for His good purposes? The truth is this — we have a God who can move heaven and earth to give His people victory! He is worthy of our trust.

“There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord; nor are there any works like Yours” (Psalm 86:8).

BiAY.org | Day 84 — 281 Days to Go

March 24th

Joshua 7:1


1 Chronicles 2:7

Joshua 7:2-9:27

Israel followed their stellar victory at Jericho with an embarrassment at the little town of Ai. After Joshua heard the news, “he and the leaders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed down facing the Ark of the Lord until evening” (7:6). This loss took the wind out of their sails.

What happened? What was the problem? God had warned Joshua and the Israelites that everything inside the city of Jericho was under a ban, for it was to be dedicated to Him. The soldiers were to take nothing for themselves. However, once the city came down, a man named Achan was tempted by the treasures that he saw lying on the ground. Despite the ban, Achan took the items and hid them in his tent. He saw no harm in what he had done, and he believed that no one would ever find out.

Because of Achan’s blatant disregard for the ban, He defied and disobeyed God. As a result, the Israelites were defeated at the town of Ai. When Joshua asked God why He allowed their defeat, the Lord revealed to him that there was sin in their midst. Upon investigation, Joshua discovered what Achan had done and quickly eliminated him, his family, and all of their belongings. God hates sin and His justice demands punishment for it. Once Israel purified itself from its wrongdoing, the soldiers returned to Ai; this time it was a breeze. Joshua and his men flattened the town and never looked back.

I found it interesting that, in the same passage, Joshua led the Israelites to the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim, to give testimony of the covenant the people were making before the Lord, to proclaim both the blessings and the curses of that covenant. To accomplish these objectives, Joshua “read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of the Law.

Every command Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly...” (8:34, 35).

Shortly after this event, Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a treaty with the Gibeonites. They had just been reminded of all of God’s laws, which included the command not to make peace with any of the tribes of Canaan (Deut. 7:2). Although they were deceived, none of them consulted the Lord. Now, because of their impatience, God’s people would have to live in Canaan amidst idolatry and evil.

Daily Reflection

When flirting with sin, it is easy to be deceived.

Sin lies to you and tells you that it is harmless, that there are no consequences, or that no one will ever know. The truth is that your sins will betray you. You cannot hide them from the Lord, and there are always consequences. Achan’s sin not only led to the death of 36 soldiers, but it took his life and the lives of his wife and kids. Joshua’s sin — the treaty with the Gibeonites — affected the entire nation for generations, as the Canaanite influence infected the people of God for decades.

You cannot expect the blessings of God when you reject the instructions of God. You are not getting away with anything. You cannot hide from Him who sees and knows all things. You cannot be so naïve to think that there are no repercussions for having things your way. “If you sin against God, be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

What are your sins saying to you?

BiAY.org | Day 83 — 282 Days to Go

March 23rd

Joshua 3:1-6:27

We witnessed Israel’s incredible crossing into Canaan and the first victory on its war path. Of course, God did it all in His typical fashion — first class and awe-inspiring. First, He raised the waters of the Jordan, which were at flood stage, to stand like a heap, so that the people could cross over on dry ground. When the tribes of Canaan heard this news, “they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear” (5:1).

Then, after setting up memorial stones, to remind them all of this great occasion, Joshua was instructed to circumcise the men of Israel, because the next generation had not yet been marked by the covenant. Next, God gave the command to take the city of Jericho, although His instructions were a little unusual. They were to walk around the city for seven days, after which they were to blow trumpets and shout, and the walls of that mighty city would fall down, which would allow the army to attack.

Again, only God could do something like that, and it happened just as He said. Every inch of that great wall fell over, except for the house of Rahab, where she and her entire family resided. Their lives were spared because of the help Rahab offered the spies.

As I read today’s passage, I was impressed with God’s provision and protection. He does so much for His people, for us, that we do not ever see or know. Take for example, on the day when the Israelites ate from the fruit of Canaan, the manna that God had provided for 40 years ceased. I wonder if anyone stopped to thank Him for that provision, or were the people so glad to be done with it that they never considered it?

Another example of God’s protection was when Joshua met the Commander of the Lord’s Army near Jericho. I can imagine that there had to have been a tremendous spiritual war that took place prior to Israel’s advance. Satan would not have wanted them to displace all of his pagan tribes. Nonetheless, it was obvious, as Joshua met and honored this angelic being, that God was doing things behind the scenes to protect His people, in a way that no one recognized or considered.

Daily Reflection

So often we get caught up in all that is going on in our little world that we take for granted what happens behind the scenes. Since it is out of our sight, it is out of our minds. Meanwhile, the Lord is constantly working out the details for our provision and protection.

If you could see what truly happens “behind the scenes” in the spirit world, what do you suppose you would find? What would be surprising to you? What would be comforting to you?

While it is natural to only think about what you experience with your senses, it is important not to forget that there is a battle taking place in the spiritual world. “For we wrestle not with flesh and blood... but against spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). Don’t forget to recognize and honor your Heavenly Father for His constant watch- care over you. Your life depends on it! Be grateful for what He does behind the scenes!

BiAY.org | Day 82 — 283 Days to Go

March 22nd

Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Joshua 1:1-2:24

Moses pronounced his final blessings on the tribes of Israel, asking God to make them fruitful and strong. Then, God instructed him to ascend Mt. Nebo, in order to view the Promised Land before his death. “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear and he was as strong as ever” (Deut. 34:7). Someone after his death, possibly Joshua, added this comment, “There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (34:10). The greatest leader of God’s people was gone, and now his authority and leadership passed to Joshua.

Joshua would be the one to take Israel across the Jordan into Canaan, to conquer and possess the Promised Land. To start that process, we read about the two spies that went to Jericho and met Rahab, who protected them in exchange for a promise, a promise to protect her and her family when Israel attacked. We will see that promise fulfilled in tomorrow’s reading.

I found it most interesting what God had to say to Joshua at the outset of his command. Here God had laid to rest the greatest leader to date (in fact, the greatest leader until Christ, in my opinion), so then what advice would He have to give to the next leader in line? “Joshua, good luck?” No. If we look carefully at what the Lord said, I think we’ll find a challenge for us all.

“Be strong and courageous. Obey the laws that Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed...” (Joshua 1:7, 8). Basically, God said that, in order to be successful, Joshua had to know and do what He said.

Although, because of Christ, we are no longer subject to the old covenant laws, the principle still applies. God’s Word is paramount in the life of His followers! Reading, studying, memorizing, knowing, and obeying His Book is vital to spiritual growth. It is how we know our God. It is how we understand what He has done for us in salvation. It is our source of wisdom. “It is a lamp unto our feet,” as the psalmist said, “and a light unto our path” (119:105).

I can think of very few activities that are more rewarding to my Christian life than spending time in God’s Word. That which I study, I learn. That which I learn, I remember. That which I remember, I apply.

Notice that the Lord opened His charge to Joshua with the words, “Be strong and courageous.” God’s Word is a source of strength and courage for us. He comforts us, enlightens us, inspires us, encourages us, and challenges us. His Word is truth. We can have confidence that it will not return void; it will prevail.

Daily Reflection

How important is God’s Word to you? How would you describe its impact on your life?

How are you doing with memorizing Scripture? Find a systematic way to commit it to memory, so that you can meditate on it, meaning “to speak it under your breath.” Having Scripture in your heart and on your tongue is a step towards spiritual growth.

BiAY.org | Day 81 — 284 Days to Go