The Daily Dose

Our Shepherd   

_{And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. ~ Mark 6:34}

Have you ever felt like you were searching for direction, looking for answers, and not quite sure where to turn next?

That’s the same thing Jesus saw in the people when He looked at the crowd that had gathered to hear Him teach. He didn’t just see people, He saw hearts that were unsettled, searching, and in need of guidance. They were like sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable, wandering, and trying to find their way. In that moment, He didn’t turn them away and He didn’t tell them to come back later. Instead He was moved with compassion and stepped in to lead, to teach, and to care for them.

This passage brings to mind Psalm 23, where we are reminded that the Lord is our Shepherd. Yet here in Mark, Jesus recognizes that the people were living as though they had no shepherd at all. They were drawn to Him because something inside them knew He had what they were missing.

How did He know they were without a shepherd? You can see it in what they were looking for. They followed Him even when He tried to step away to rest. They were hungry, not just for food, but for truth, for hope, for something real. They were restless, searching for answers they had not found anywhere else. Jesus met them right there, in their need.

Today, we are not without a Shepherd. We have the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus. When we truly trust Him and follow His voice, we don’t have to chase after every new message or look for someone else to lead us. We find peace in staying close to Him. He leads us beside still waters, restores our soul, and gives us rest even in the middle of life’s demands. When we walk through difficult seasons, we don’t have to be afraid because He is with us. He protects, He comforts, and He provides exactly what we need.

Here are some practical ways to live this out in your daily life to begin walking closely with your good Shepherd.

1. Start your day by inviting Jesus to lead you. Instead of rushing into your schedule, take a few moments to say, “Lord, lead me today. Show me where to go and what to do.” This simple step sets the tone for your day and keeps your heart open to His direction.
2. Stay close to His voice through His Word. Spend time reading scripture, even if it’s just a few verses. For example, you can read Psalm 23 and remind yourself that He is your Shepherd. As you hang on to His Word in your heart, you’ll begin to recognize His voice more clearly in everyday decision.
3. Stop chasing what doesn’t satisfy. If you find yourself constantly looking for answers in people, trends, or opinions, pause and turn back to Jesus. He is your source. When you feel unsettled, take that as a reminder to draw closer to Him instead of searching elsewhere.
4. Trust Him in uncertain moments. When you’re facing a decision or walking through a difficult situation, choose to trust that your Shepherd is guiding you. Even if you can’t see the full path, take the next step in faith, knowing He is with you.

I remember a time in my life when I felt unsettled and unsure of what to do next. I found myself looking for answers everywhere, asking people, overthinking decisions, and still feeling empty. It wasn’t until I slowed down and turned my focus back to Jesus those things began to change. As I spent time with Him, in His Word and in prayer, I began to sense His direction more clearly. The noise quieted, the confusion lifted, and I experienced a peace that I couldn’t find anywhere else. Those times remind me that I was never meant to figure life out on my own. I have a Shepherd who leads me, cares for me, and knows exactly what I need.

Today I want to encourage you to stop striving and start following your Shepherd. You are not alone, you are not without direction, and you are not meant to wander through life trying to figure it all out. Jesus sees you, He has compassion for you, and He is ready to lead you every step of the way. Stay close to Him, trust His voice, and let Him guide you into peace, provision, and purpose.

Today’s scripture reading Mark 6:30-44

30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 

31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 

32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 

34And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 

35 When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 

36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

37 But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”

38 But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.”

39 Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. 

40 So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties. 

41 And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all. 

42 So they all ate and were filled. 

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. 

44 Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men.

Journal:

• What areas of my life feel unsettled right now, and how can I invite Jesus to lead me in those areas
• Am I looking to other people or sources for direction instead of going to my Shepherd first
• What is one practical way I can spend time with Jesus each day this week
• Where have I seen God guide me in the past, and how can that strengthen my trust in Him now

When the truth costs something

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things and heard him gladly. ~ Mark 6:17

What do you do when doing the right thing makes your life uncomfortable, complicated, or even costly? This passage tells the intense story of John the Baptist, a man who stood firmly for truth even when it placed him in danger. King Herod was intrigued by John. He knew there was something different about him, something holy, something set apart. But instead of fully surrendering to truth, Herod lived divided, curious and compromised. That tension eventually led to a tragic decision, one that silenced the very voice God had sent to bring clarity.

As children of God living in today’s world, we are often faced with similar moments. We may not stand before kings, but we encounter pressure, opinions, and expectations that try to pull us away from the truth of God’s path. This story reminds us that God’s way is not always popular, but it is always powerful.

Below are three ways this passage speaks directly into our everyday lives and how we can walk it out with courage and faith.

1. Stand Firm in Truth, Even When It’s Uncomfortable

John the Baptist did not soften the message to make people comfortable. He spoke what was right in God’s eyes, even when it challenged authority.

In your daily life, this could look like choosing integrity at work when others are cutting corners. It may mean lovingly speaking truth in a relationship instead of avoiding conflict. It might even be as simple as not going along with conversations that dishonor others. When you choose truth, you may feel resistance, but you are also creating space for God’s power to move through your obedience.

Start small. If you’re in a situation where you feel pressure to compromise, pause and ask, “What honors God here?” Then take one step in that direction, even if your voice shakes.

2. Guard Your Heart Against Compromise

Herod listened to John, he was intrigued, even moved at times, but he never allowed the truth to transform his life. He kept one foot in conviction and one foot in compromise.

It is possible to hear truth regularly, through church, devotionals, or conversations, and still not let it change the way we live. That is a dangerous place to be.

When God brings conviction, act on it quickly. If you feel prompted to forgive someone, take that step. If you sense a need to change a habit, begin today. Following the Holy Spirit’s direction keeps your heart soft and sensitive to your heavenly Father.

3. Your Obedience Has Eternal Impact

John’s life may have seemed cut short, but his obedience fulfilled his assignment. He prepared the way for Jesus and pointed people toward truth.

You may not always see the full impact of your obedience, but every choice to follow God matters. Every act of faith plants seeds that God can grow in ways you may never fully see.

Be faithful where you are. Whether you are encouraging a friend, serving your family, or stepping out in ministry, trust that God is using your obedience for something greater than what is visible.

I remember early on in my life when I was afraid to fully follow through on what I knew God was placing on my heart. I did not even realize I was doing it at the time, but I was choosing my own way and not really acknowledging that God had a real plan for my life. There were so many moments when I felt that gentle nudge to help someone, but because it was not convenient or it didn’t feel popular in that moment, I would quietly say in my heart, “Maybe later.” Over time, I became less sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice, and that led me into struggles I was never meant to carry.

But when I finally made the decision to step out and do what was right, to say what needed to be said, even when it felt uncomfortable, everything began to change. It wasn’t easy, but it brought freedom, clarity, and growth, not only for me but for others too. Those moments showed me something I hold onto even now, obedience is never wasted. Even when it feels hard to do the right thing at the time, I know God is always working through every step of faith.

Today I want to encourage you to choose truth over comfort, obedience over approval, and faith over fear. Just like John, your life carries a message, and your willingness to stand firm can point others toward God in powerful ways. Even when the world feels loud and opinions feel overwhelming, your steady commitment to God’s truth will not go unnoticed. He sees you, He strengthens you, and He will use your obedience for His purpose.

This week, take one intentional step of obedience. Pay attention to that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit and act on it right away. It could be reaching out to encourage someone, offering help, or speaking truth in love when you normally stay quiet. Don’t push it off or say “maybe later.” Say yes at that moment. As you do, you will begin to see how God moves through your willingness, and your sensitivity to His voice will grow stronger each day.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:14-29

 14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

15 Others said, “It is Elijah.”

And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”

16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 

17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 

18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 

20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 

22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 

23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”

And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”

25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 

27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 

28 brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 

29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

Journal:

• What is one area in my life where I feel pressure to compromise, and what would it look like to choose truth instead
• Is there something God has been prompting me to act on that I have been delaying
• How can I take one step of obedience today, even if it feels uncomfortable
• Where have I seen God use my obedience in the past to impact others

Still more to possess

Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed. ~ Joshua 13:1

Have you ever reached a place in life where you thought, “I’ve done enough, I’ve come far, maybe this is it”? It can feel like you’ve poured out your strength, walked through battles, and carried responsibilities for so long that the idea of more feels overwhelming. In today’s scripture reading, God speaks something unexpected to a seasoned leader. He acknowledges Joshua’s age, but He also reminds him that there is still more ahead. More promise, more purpose, more territory to step into.

As a child of God today, it is easy to believe that a certain age defines our limits. Maybe you feel like you missed your moment, or that your best days are behind you. But God doesn’t measure your life by your timeline. He measures it by His promises and your purpose and your not done until you have finished your mission.

Here are three important reminders that will help you walk confidently in what God still has planned for your life.

1. God sees both where you are and what is still ahead

God didn’t ignore Joshua’s reality, but He acknowledged it.  He said “You are advanced in years.” Yet He immediately followed it with truth by adding, “There is still much land to possess.” God sees your weariness, your past, your current season, and He still speaks purpose over your future.

In your daily life, this looks like choosing not to disqualify yourself. Maybe you have been in the same job for years and feel overlooked. Instead of settling into frustration, you begin to ask God where He is leading you next. You stay open, you grow, and you trust that He is not done writing your story.

2. Unfinished does not mean unsuccessful

Joshua had led Israel through miraculous victories, yet there was still land unconquered. That did not mean he failed. It meant God’s plan was bigger than one season.

Sometimes we look at our lives and focus on what is incomplete. A dream that has not happened yet, a prayer that seems unanswered or a relationship that is still healing. But unfinished is often where faith grows the strongest.

This can show up when you are raising a family and do not see immediate results. You are praying, guiding, and loving, yet things are not perfect. Instead of feeling defeated, you recognize that God is still working. You stay consistent, knowing that your obedience today is part of a greater story.

3. God’s promises extend beyond one generation

In this chapter, God begins to outline the inheritance for the tribes. The promise was not just for Joshua. It was for the people, for their future and for what would continue after him.

Your obedience today impacts more than just you. It reaches your children, your community, and people you may never meet. What God is doing in your life carries forward.

This might look like choosing to live out your faith boldly at work or in your family. Even when it feels unnoticed, you are planting seeds. A kind word, a prayer or a moment of integrity can shape someone else’s path in ways you may never fully see.

I’m at a point in my life where I find myself thinking more often about what God still wants to do through me. If I’m honest, there are moments when I feel the quiet pressure of the culture around me. It has a way of suggesting that at a certain age, you’re supposed to slow down, step back, and begin to fade into the background. It subtly whispers that your most impactful years are behind you, that it’s time to sit down and let someone else run the race.

If I’m not intentional about staying on God’s path and purpose for my life, I can start to believe that. I’ve caught myself wondering, have I reached my limit, is there anything left for me to do, have I already seen the best of what God had for my life?

But every time those thoughts try to settle in, God meets me there with truth. He lovingly reminds me that my story isn’t ending in this place. He hasn’t brought me this far to set me aside. Instead, He continues to open doors I never expected, creates opportunities that stretch me, and grows my faith in ways that go beyond what I thought was even possible at this stage of my life.

In my heart I know that what culture calls winding down, God often calls stepping deeper in. What feels like the edge of my strength has actually become the starting point of a deeper trust in Him for my future. I don’t have to have it all figured out, I just have to stay willing and available.

There is still more He wants to do in me, and there is still more He wants to do through me. I’m choosing to believe that my age is not a limitation, it’s a platform for His faithfulness to be seen in even greater ways.

Today I want to encourage you, no matter where you find yourself or what age you are, there is still more to possess. God is not finished with your life. The same God who brought you this far is still leading you forward. Do not let weariness convince you that your purpose has expired. There is still territory with your name on it, still promises waiting to unfold, and still impact for you to make as His child.

Your next step is simple, but powerful. Ask God to show you one area where He is calling you forward, then take a step of faith in that direction this week. It might be saying yes to something new, revisiting a dream you laid down, reaching out to someone, or stepping into a place you once felt unqualified for. You don’t have to conquer everything at once. Just take the next step He places in front of you and trust Him to lead you into all that still remains.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 13

1 Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed. 

2 This is the land that yet remains: all the territory of the Philistines and all that of the Geshurites, 

3 from Sihor, which is east of Egypt, as far as the border of Ekron northward (which is counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines—the Gazites, the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites; 

4 from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; 

5 the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad below Mount Hermon as far as the entrance to Hamath; 

6 all the inhabitants of the mountains from Lebanon as far as the Brook Misrephoth, and all the Sidonians—them I will drive out from before the children of Israel; only divide it by lot to Israel as an inheritance, as I have commanded you. 

7 Now therefore, divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.”

8 With the other half-tribe the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses had given them, beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the Lord had given them: 

9 from Aroer which is on the bank of the River Arnon, and the town that is in the midst of the ravine, and all the plain of Medeba as far as Dibon; 

10 all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the children of Ammon; 

11 Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salcah; 

12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants; for Moses had defeated and cast out these.

13 Nevertheless the children of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maachathites, but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

14 Only to the tribe of Levi he had given no inheritance; the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as He said to them.

The Land of Reuben

15 And Moses had given to the tribe of the children of Reuben an inheritance according to their families. 

16 Their territory was from Aroer, which is on the bank of the River Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the ravine, and all the plain by Medeba; 

17 Heshbon and all its cities that are in the plain: Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon, 

18 Jahaza, Kedemoth, Mephaath, 

19 Kirjathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar on the mountain of the valley, 

20 Beth Peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth— 

21 all the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses had struck with the princes of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, who were princes of Sihon dwelling in the country. 

22 The children of Israel also killed with the sword Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who were killed by them. 

23 And the border of the children of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

24 Moses also had given an inheritance to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad according to their families. 

25 Their territory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, which is before Rabbah, 

26 and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpah and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir, 

27 and in the valley Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, with the Jordan as its border, as far as the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth, on the other side of the Jordan eastward. 

28  This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Half the Tribe of Manasseh (East)

29 Moses also had given an inheritance to half the tribe of Manasseh; it was for half the tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families: 

30 Their territory was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair which are in Bashan, sixty cities; 

31 half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, for half of the children of Machir according to their families.

32 These are the areas which Moses had distributed as an inheritance in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan, by Jericho eastward. 

33 But to the tribe of Levi Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He had said to them.

Journal:

• What areas of my life have I assumed were complete, but God may be saying there is still more
• Where have I been focusing on what is unfinished instead of trusting God’s ongoing work
• How can I take one step of faith this week toward something God has placed on my heart

Remember What God has Already Done

And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered on this side of the Jordan, on the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions,  ~ Joshua 12:7

Have you ever moved so quickly into the next challenge that you forgot to stop and remember what God already brought you through? Today’s scripture reading is a chapter that could easily be overlooked. It is a list of defeated kings, one after another. At first glance, it may seem repetitive, but this is actually a powerful reminder. Each name represents a victory. Each victory represents God’s faithfulness. God made sure His people paused long enough to remember.

As children of God today, we are often focused on what is ahead, what is not finished, or what still feels uncertain. But there is strength, confidence, and encouragement that comes when we take time to remember what God has already done in our lives.

Below are three truths from this chapter to carry into our daily walk.

1. Remembering past victories builds present confidence

Every king listed in Joshua 12 was once a real battle. In the moment, each one required faith, courage, and trust in God. Looking back, they became a testimony. When we remember what God has already done, it strengthens our faith for what we are facing now and in the future.

Take time to recall specific moments where God came through for you. Let those moments remind you that He is still faithful. You may be facing a new challenge that feels overwhelming. Instead of focusing only on the pressure, think back to a time when God made a way for you before. Let that memory remind you that He has not changed.

2. What once felt impossible can become a testimony

Those kings once represented fear and opposition. Now they were simply part of a list of victories. The things that once felt impossible in your life can become part of your testimony.

Do not let your current struggle define your future. Trust that God is working even when you don’t see it yet. You may be walking through a difficult season in your family, your health, or your finances. It may feel heavy right now, but this is not the end of your story. God is able to turn this into something that strengthens you and encourages others.

3. God’s faithfulness is consistent through every season

Joshua 12 doesn’t highlight one victory, it highlights many. This shows that God’s faithfulness was not a one time event, it was consistent no matter what they faced. In your life, God is not just faithful once, He is faithful again and again.

Look for patterns of God’s faithfulness in your life. Recognize how He has carried you through different seasons. You may notice that every time you have faced uncertainty, God has provided in some way. When you begin to see that pattern, it builds trust that He will continue to do it again.

I have seen this in my own life in so many ways. One area that stands out is the faithfulness of my heavenly Father in the lives of our children. I find myself continually thanking Him for how He has walked with them through every season. Through struggles, uncertainty, and moments that felt overwhelming, He never left them, He strengthened them, encouraged them, and gently drew them closer to Him in their faith.

There were times when what they were facing felt too heavy to carry, moments where as a parent I wished I could take it all on myself. But God was already there, carrying what we couldn’t. He met them in those hard places and sustained them in ways only He can.

Now, when I look back, I can clearly see His hand in every step. What once felt heavy has become part of my testimony and theirs. Those moments that once brought concern now serve as reminders of His goodness and faithfulness.

Taking time to remember these things builds my confidence in Him. It reminds me that He will continue to be faithful in whatever comes their way, and that we are never stepping into the unknown alone. God has already gone before us, and He will faithfully walk us through whatever lies ahead.

Today I want to encourage you to pause and intentionally remember what God has already done in your life, to let those past victories strengthen your faith for where you are right now. Take time to write them down, revisit the moments where He made a way, where He provided, where He sustained you, and where He carried you through what once felt impossible.

As you do, allow those memories to build confidence in your heart. The same God who was faithful then is still working in your life today. Nothing you are facing now is beyond His reach or outside of His care. Every battle you have faced and every victory you have seen stands as a reminder that His faithfulness has never failed you, not once, and it never will.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 12

1 These are the kings of the land whom the children of Israel defeated, and whose land they possessed on the other side of the Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the River Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the eastern Jordan plain: 

2 One king was Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon and ruled half of Gilead, from Aroer, which is on the bank of the River Arnon, from the middle of that river, even as far as the River Jabbok, which is the border of the Ammonites, 

3 and the eastern Jordan plain from the Sea of Chinneroth as far as the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea), the road to Beth Jeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. 

4 The other king was Og king of Bashan and his territory, who was of the remnant of the giants, who dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 

5 and reigned over Mount Hermon, over Salcah, over all Bashan, as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and over half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

6 These Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel had conquered; and Moses the servant of the Lord had given it as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh.

7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered on this side of the Jordan, on the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions, 

8  in the mountain country, in the lowlands, in the Jordan plain, in the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the South—the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; 

10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; 

11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; 

12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; 

13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; 

14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; 

15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 

16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; 

17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; 

18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; 

19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; 

20 the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; 

21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; 

22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; 

23 the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one; the king of the people of Gilgal, one; 

24 the king of Tirzah, one—all the kings, thirty-one.

Journal:

• What are some specific victories God has brought me through in the past
• How can remembering those moments strengthen me in my current situation
• What feels impossible right now that I need to trust God with
• Where have I seen God’s faithfulness repeated in my life
• How can I intentionally remind myself of God’s goodness this week

When the battle feels bigger than you

But the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” ~ Joshua 11:6

What do you do when everything coming against you feels bigger, stronger, and more overwhelming than anything you have faced before? In today’s scripture reading, the opposition was not small. Multiple kings joined forces, bringing armies that were described as vast, like the sand on the seashore. This was not a simple battle, it was a moment that could have easily caused fear to rise and confidence to fall.

But before Joshua even stepped into the fight, God spoke. He didn’t wait for Joshua to prove anything and He didn’t tell him to figure it out. He simply said, do not be afraid, I have already given you the victory.

As children of God today, we all face times where the pressure feels heavy, the opposition feels real, and the outcome feels uncertain. But the same truth still stands, God goes before us, and He speaks victory before we even see it.

Before we move forward, let’s look at three truths we can take from this chapter and walk out in our everyday lives.

1. God speaks peace before the battle begins

God told Joshua not to be afraid before the battle even started. Fear was not supposed to be part of the process. Fear often tries to show up when we see how big a situation is. But God calls us to pause and hear His direction. When you are facing something overwhelming, pause and listen for what God is saying instead of focusing on what you see.

You may be dealing with a situation in your family or work that feels out of your control. Instead of letting fear take over, take a moment to pray and ask God for His perspective. Let His peace settle in your heart before you take your next step.

2. Obedience positions you for victory

Joshua didn’t hesitate.  Instead, He followed what God instructed him to do, even when it didn’t make sense in the natural. Sometimes God will ask us to take steps that require trust. It may not look logical, but obedience is what positions us to see His power move. Take the next step God is putting in front of you, even if you do not see the full picture.

You may feel led to start something new, step into a new role, or have a difficult conversation. Instead of waiting until you feel completely ready, move forward in obedience, trusting that God is guiding you.

3. God completes what He starts

The chapter shows that Joshua followed through until the work was done. The victory was not partial, it was complete because God was faithful to fulfill His promise. God is not just the starter of your journey, He is the finisher. Stay consistent, even when progress feels slow. Trust that God is working even when you can’t see it.

You may feel like you have been working toward something for a long time without seeing results. Keep going. God is still at work, and He will bring completion in His timing.

I walked through this in a very real way during a custody battle for my children. It was a stressful season filled with confusion, and after one hearing that did not go well, I came home feeling completely defeated. Everything felt out of my control.

I remember laying across my bed and crying to God, telling Him I didn’t know what to do and asking why things were not going the way I had asked Him to work out. Then in a quiet moment, I sensed Him ask me what I truly wanted the outcome to be. As I thought about it, I realized I just wanted it to be over so I could move forward in what He had for my life.

That is when I felt Him lead me to do something that didn’t make sense at all, to settle it outside of court. It felt like loss at first, but as I prayed through it, a deep peace came over me. I followed that direction, and what looked like giving up actually became freedom. Within a few months, it was behind me, and I was able to move forward. God saw what I couldn’t see, and His way led me into peace and victory.

Today my children are grown and on their own. Our relationship is intact and flourishing. Had I continued in that battle I was trying to win, it would have most assuredly caused irreparable damage to my family and to the relationship with my children that I so deeply desired to see thrive.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God’s voice over what you see, to walk in obedience even when the path feels uncertain, and to believe that He will complete what He has started in your life, because the same God who went before Joshua in a battle that looked impossible is going before you, speaking peace, securing victory, and leading you into everything He has prepared.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 11

1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard these things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, 

2 and to the kings who were from the north, in the mountains, in the plain south of Chinneroth, in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west, 

3 to the Canaanites in the east and in the west, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite in the mountains, and the Hivite below Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 

4 So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. 

5 And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.

6 But the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” 

7 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and they attacked them. 

8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who defeated them and chased them to Greater Sidon, to the Brook Misrephoth, and to the Valley of Mizpah eastward; they attacked them until they left none of them remaining. 

9 So Joshua did to them as the Lord had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.

10 Joshua turned back at that time and took Hazor, and struck its king with the sword; for Hazor was formerly the head of all those kingdoms. 

11 And they struck all the people who were in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them. There was none left breathing. Then he burned Hazor with fire.

12 So all the cities of those kings, and all their kings, Joshua took and struck with the edge of the sword. He utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. 

13 But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, except Hazor only, which Joshua burned. 

14 And all the spoil of these cities and the livestock, the children of Israel took as booty for themselves; but they struck every man with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they left none breathing. 

15 As the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.

Summary of Joshua’s Conquests

16 Thus Joshua took all this land: the mountain country, all the South, all the land of Goshen, the lowland, and the Jordan plain—the mountains of Israel and its lowlands, 

17 from Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, even as far as Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings, and struck them down and killed them. 

18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. 

19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, except the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon. All the others they took in battle. 

20 For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

21 And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. 

22 None of the Anakim were left in the land of the children of Israel; they remained only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod.

23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had said to Moses; and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Then the land rested from war.

Journal:

• What situation in my life feels bigger than I can handle right now
• What is God speaking to me about this situation
• What step of obedience is in front of me today
• Where do I need to trust that God will finish what He started
• How can I choose peace over fear in this season

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

When God makes the sun stand still

So, the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the people had revenge upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So, the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. ~ Joshua 10:13

What if the thing you are praying for is not too big, but you have just been asking too small? In today’s scripture reading, we see one of the most powerful moments in Scripture. Joshua is in the middle of a battle, and instead of backing down or accepting defeat, he asks God to do something impossible. He asks for more time, and God responds by making the sun stand still.

This was not just about a miracle in the sky. It was about a man who trusted God enough to ask boldly in the middle of pressure.

As children of God today, we are often faced with situations that feel overwhelming, rushed, or beyond our control. Deadlines, responsibilities, relationships, and unexpected challenges can make us feel like there is not enough time or strength to do what God has called us to do. But Joshua 10 reminds us that God is not limited by what we see.

Below are three truths from this chapter to put into our everyday lives.

1. God responds to bold, faith-filled prayers

Joshua didn’t hesitate or shrink back. Instead He asked God for something that had never been done before. Sometimes we limit our prayers because we think we need to be realistic. But faith does not operate from what is realistic, it operates from who God is.

Begin to pray with confidence, knowing that God hears you and is able to move in ways you cannot predict. You may be facing a situation at work where the pressure is high and the outcome seems uncertain. Instead of just asking God to help you get through it, ask Him to intervene in a powerful way, to bring clarity, favor, and solutions that go beyond what you could plan.

2. God fights for you when you walk in obedience

Earlier in the chapter, Joshua followed God’s direction, and when the battle came, God steps in and fought for Israel. Victory wasn’t based on their strength alone, it was connected to their obedience and trust. Stay faithful to what God has already asked you to do, even when it feels challenging.

You may feel led to step out in something new, but fear tries to hold you back. As you move forward in obedience, you can trust that God is not leaving you to fight on your own. He is working behind the scenes on your behalf.

3. God is not bound by time or limitations

The sun standing still reminds us that God is not restricted by time. He can stretch moments, open doors, and create opportunities in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves. We often feel like there is not enough time, not enough resources, or not enough strength. But God can multiply what we have. Release the pressure of trying to control everything and trust God with what feels limited.

You may feel like there are not enough hours in the day to manage your responsibilities. Instead of operating in stress, bring it to God. Ask Him to order your time, increase your capacity, and help you accomplish what truly matters.

I remember a time when I felt completely overwhelmed by everything in front of me. There were responsibilities pulling me in different directions, and I didn’t see how it could all come together. I started to pray differently. Instead of asking God just to help me manage, I asked Him to step in and make a way where I couldn’t see one. As I trusted Him, things began to shift. Doors opened, timing worked out, and what once felt impossible began to fall into place. It wasn’t because I had everything figured out, it was because I invited God into the middle of it and trusted Him even for things that seemed impossible.

Today I want to encourage you to lift your prayers beyond what feels possible, to trust that God is fighting for you as you walk in obedience, and to remember that He is not limited by time, pressure, or circumstances, because the same God who caused the sun to stand still is able to move in your situation and bring victory in ways you could never imagine.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 10

1 Now it came to pass when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it—as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king—and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, 

2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. 

3 Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 

4 “Come up to me and help me, that we may attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.” 

5 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they and all their armies, and camped before Gibeon and made war against it.

6 And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not forsake your servants; come up to us quickly, save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the mountains have gathered together against us.”

7 So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 

8 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.” 

9 Joshua therefore came upon them suddenly, having marched all night from Gilgal. 

10 So the Lord routed them before Israel, killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, chased them along the road that goes to Beth Horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah.

11 And it happened, as they fled before Israel and were on the descent of Beth Horon, that the Lord cast down large hailstones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died from the hailstones than the children of Israel killed with the sword.

12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”

13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the people had revenge upon their enemies.

Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. 

14 And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.

15 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

16 But these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave at Makkedah. 

17 And it was told Joshua, saying, “The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”

18 So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them. 

19 And do not stay there yourselves, but pursue your enemies, and attack their rear guard. Do not allow them to enter their cities, for the Lord your God has delivered them into your hand.” 

20 Then it happened, while Joshua and the children of Israel made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they had finished, that those who escaped entered fortified cities. 

21 And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah, in peace.

No one moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

22 Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings to me from the cave.” 

23 And they did so, and brought out those five kings to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.

24 So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. 

25 Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” 

26 And afterward Joshua struck them and killed them, and hanged them on five trees; and they were hanging on the trees until evening. 

27 So it was at the time of the going down of the sun that Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees, cast them into the cave where they had been hidden, and laid large stones against the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day.

28 On that day Joshua took Makkedah, and struck it and its king with the edge of the sword. He utterly destroyed them—all the people who were in it. He let none remain. He also did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.

29 Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, to Libnah; and they fought against Libnah. 

30 And the Lord also delivered it and its king into the hand of Israel; he struck it and all the people who were in it with the edge of the sword. He let none remain in it, but did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho.

31 Then Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, to Lachish; and they encamped against it and fought against it. 

32 And the Lord delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, who took it on the second day, and struck it and all the people who were in it with the edge of the sword, according to all that he had done to Libnah. 

33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua struck him and his people, until he left him none remaining.

34 From Lachish Joshua passed to Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it and fought against it. 

35 They took it on that day and struck it with the edge of the sword; all the people who were in it he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

36 So Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, to Hebron; and they fought against it. 

37 And they took it and struck it with the edge of the sword—its king, all its cities, and all the people who were in it; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon, but utterly destroyed it and all the people who were in it.

38 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and they fought against it. 

39 And he took it and its king and all its cities; they struck them with the edge of the sword and utterly destroyed all the people who were in it. He left none remaining; as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir and its king, as he had done also to Libnah and its king.

40 So Joshua conquered all the land: the mountain country and the South and the lowland and the wilderness slopes, and all their kings; he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded. 

41 And Joshua conquered them from Kadesh Barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even as far as Gibeon. 

42 All these kings and their land Joshua took at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. 

43 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

Journal:

• What area of my life have I been limiting my prayers instead of trusting God fully
• What bold prayer can I begin to pray today
• Where is God asking me to walk in obedience right now
• What pressure or limitation do I need to release to God
• How can I trust God more with my time, my responsibilities, and my situation

Don’t skip the counsel

_{Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.~ Joshua 9:14}

Have you ever made a decision that seemed completely right at the time, only to realize later that something was off because you never stopped to ask God?

In today’s scripture reading, the Israelites were stepping into promise, walking in victory, and seeing God move in powerful ways. Then the Gibeonites came with a plan. They pretended to be something they were not, and the Israelites believed them. Everything looked convincing and everything sounded right. But there was one thing missing, God’s people didn’t ask the Lord about how to respond to the offer. That one missed step led to a long-term consequence.

As children of God today, we can find ourselves in the same place. Opportunities, relationships, decisions, and even good things can come our way, and if we are not careful, we can move forward without ever pausing to seek God’s wisdom.

Here are three important truths we can take from this passage and apply to our daily lives.

1. Not everything that looks right is from God

The Gibeonites looked like they came from far away. Their story made sense and their appearance backed it up. But it was all a lie that led to deception.  In our lives, things can look good on the outside. A new opportunity, a new relationship, or even a new direction can seem right because it feels easy, appealing or even beneficial in the moment.

Create a habit in your life to pause before saying yes, even when something seems like a perfect fit. Take time to pray and ask God for discernment. You may be offered a new job that looks like a great step forward. The pay is better, the schedule seems ideal, and everything lines up naturally. Instead of rushing in, take time to ask God if this is truly His direction for you or just something that appears right on the surface.

2. Skipping God’s counsel can lead to unnecessary battles

The Israelites did not ask God, and they ended up in a covenant agreement they couldn’t undo.  Sometimes the challenges we face aren’t because God led us there or even something God allowed in our lives, but simply because we moved ahead without getting His instructions or approval.

Make seeking God your first response, not your last option. Invite Him into decisions before you act, not after things become difficult. You might respond quickly in a conversation when you feel hurt or misunderstood. Later, you realize your reaction created more tension. If you pause first and bring it to God, He can guide your words and protect your peace.

3. God can still bring purpose even when we miss a step

Even though the Israelites made a mistake, God still worked through the situation. The Gibeonites became servants, and God’s plan continued.  This is a reminder that even when we get it wrong, God is still faithful.  Surrendering the situation to God even after the mistake gives Him the entrance He needs to still make the best of circumstances.

Do not stay stuck in regret. Turn back to God, trust His grace, and allow Him to redeem the situation. You may have made a decision without seeking God and now feel the weight of it. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, bring it to Him. Ask for wisdom moving forward and trust that He can still work good through it.

I remember a time when I made a decision quickly because everything seemed to fall into place. It felt easy, and I took that as confirmation instead of actually bringing it before the Lord. But as time went on, I realized I hadn’t truly taken it to God and I found myself dealing with stress and complications that could’ve been avoided. When I finally slowed down and brought it before Him, He gave me clarity and peace about what to do next to move the situation in a better direction. That experience showed me how important it is to invite God into every decision, not just the difficult ones.

Today I want to encourage you to pause before you proceed, to invite God into every decision no matter how small it seems, and to trust that His wisdom will guide you in ways that protect your peace and lead you into His best, because when you seek Him first, you avoid unnecessary battles and walk confidently in the path He has prepared for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 9

1 And it came to pass when all the kings who were on this side of the Jordan, in the hills and in the lowland and in all the coasts of the Great Sea toward Lebanon—the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite—heard about it, 

2 that they gathered together to fight with Joshua and Israel with one accord.

3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 

4 they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, 

5 old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. 

6 And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”

7 Then the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell among us; so how can we make a covenant with you?”

8 But they said to Joshua, “We are your servants.”

And Joshua said to them, “Who are you, and where do you come from?”

9 So they said to him: “From a very far country your servants have come, because of the name of the Lord your God; for we have heard of His fame, and all that He did in Egypt, 

10 and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan—to Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth. 

11 Therefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them, “We are your servants; now therefore, make a covenant with us.” ’ 

12 This bread of ours we took hot for our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now look, it is dry and moldy. 

13 And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey.”

14 Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. 

15 So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.

16 And it happened at the end of three days, after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors who dwelt near them. 

17 Then the children of Israel journeyed and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath Jearim. 

18 But the children of Israel did not attack them, because the rulers of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the congregation complained against the rulers.

19 Then all the rulers said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel; now therefore, we may not touch them. 

20 This we will do to them: We will let them live, lest wrath be upon us because of the oath which we swore to them.” 

21 And the rulers said to them, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for all the congregation, as the rulers had promised them.”

22 Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell near us? 

23 Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves—woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”

24 So they answered Joshua and said, “Because your servants were clearly told that the Lord your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 

25 And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” 

26 So he did to them and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. 

27 And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, in the place which He would choose, even to this day.

Journal:

• What decisions am I currently facing that I need to bring before God
• Have I been relying on what looks right instead of seeking God’s direction
• What does it look like for me to make asking God my first response
• Is there a past decision I need to release to God and trust Him to redeem
• How can I build a daily habit of inviting God into every area of my life

Shake it off

And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” ~ Mark 6:11

Have you ever carried something you were concerned or worried about far longer than you were meant to, only to realize it was quietly draining your peace the entire time? I talked about offense yesterday and how the people of Jesus’ hometown were offended because they thought they knew who Jesus was. They weren’t willing to admit that they could have been wrong or that maybe there was something they didn’t know about Him.

We have many opportunities in life to become offended, and we often take them. Maybe because of something that was said, or maybe it was something that was not said. Usually, we become offended because of some action that someone did that we did not feel was appropriate or the right way to handle something.

Today’s scripture gives us both the answer and the solution when we are tempted to become offended. Jesus told the disciples to go out into other cities and minister there, giving them power. He instructed them not to take provisions with them, but to trust that the people they ministered to would take care of their needs. Then He made it clear that if their message and the power they carried were not received, they were not to hold on to hurt feelings or disappointment. Instead, they were to shake it off, and it would stand as a testimony.

That instruction still speaks to us today. When offense or any hurt and bitter feelings try to take hold of your heart, you are called to shake it off. It is not always easy. I recently realized I was heading toward offense and did not even recognize it until days later. That is how subtle it can be.

The first step to staying free from offense is recognizing when the temptation is coming. Offense often begins quietly, but its symptoms show up quickly. Peace begins to leave your heart. Your thoughts become consumed, even preoccupied with a situation. Fear tries to settle in, and questions start to rise about why it happened and how someone could act that way. Then comes the desire to share the situation with others, which often turns into complaining. In those moments, there is often a hesitation to go straight to God. Instead, there is a pull to analyze everything first.

When you begin to notice these warning signs, let them serve as an alarm. They are not there to condemn you, they are there to redirect you. Go to God and allow Him to restore your peace. From that place, you will have the strength to release resentment and disappointment before they take root.

Here are some practical ways to apply this passage and get started:

1. Pay attention to your peace, when it begins to leave, pause and ask God what is happening in your heart
2. Take your thoughts captive early, when you notice repeated thoughts about a situation, bring them to God in prayer
3. Choose prayer over discussion first, go to God before going to others so your heart can be settled in truth
4. Ask for forgiveness quickly, ask God to forgive you and the person involved, even if it feels difficult at first
5. Speak truth over your emotions, remind yourself that you are not called to carry offense, you are called to walk in freedom
6. Release it intentionally, picture yourself giving the situation to God and leaving it in His hands
7. Stay in His presence until peace returns, do not rush the process, allow Him to fully restore your heart

Today I want to encourage you to shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against whatever or whoever is bringing offense toward you. Recognize the warning signs early and run to your heavenly Father for peace. Refuse to carry what He never intended for you to hold. As you release offense and choose His peace, you step out of the enemy’s trap and into the freedom, strength, and purpose God has prepared for you.Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:7-13

7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 

8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— 

9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 

11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

12 So they went out and preached that people should repent. 

13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Journal:

• What situations have recently disturbed my peace, and how did I respond
• What early warning signs of offense can I recognize in my own life
• Have I been going to others before going to God, and how can I change that
• What would it look like for me to fully release this situation to God today
• How can I practice choosing peace the next time I feel offense rising

Stop your Unbelief

Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. ~ Mark 6:5-6

What if the very thing you are believing God for is being held back, not by His willingness, but by something quietly growing in your heart? Nothing stops the power of God in a life faster than unbelief. Unbelief is often more subtle than you think. It shows up as doubt, fear, or even the feeling that something is just too good to be true. When you begin to question what God has said or who He is, you step over the line into a place where faith is no longer leading.

In today’s reading, the passage says that Jesus could do no mighty work in His hometown. For a long time, I thought it was because there was no need there. But that just wasn’t the case. The very next verse reveals that it was because the people didn’t believe Him. They thought they already knew who He was, and in verse 3 it says they were offended.

Offense is often the root of unbelief, and it can quietly block what God wants to do in our lives. When offense takes hold, it begins to fill our thoughts and our hearts. We replay situations, we question motives, and we start to justify our feelings. Thoughts like how could this happen, or that’s not right, begin to take over. Before long, our focus shifts from God’s love and goodness to the situation.

Even as I was writing this, I realized I had recently walked through this myself. I became offended in a situation where I wasn’t given all the information about something that happened where I work. It was a confidentiality issue, and I felt like I deserved an explanation that was never given. Without realizing it, I became preoccupied with it. Instead of bringing it to God, I found myself talking about it with others, which only fed the offense. I felt justified, but that attitude was starting to come between me and my relationship with the Lord.

Thankfully, God is so gracious. He gently showed me where I was getting off track and drew me back to Him. I had to make the choice to let go of the offense and trust Him, even without answers. I realized that holding onto it was cutting off what God wanted to do in and through my life.

Here are some practical ways to start applying this truth in your daily life:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart, take a few quiet moments and sincerely invite Him to show you anything that may be rooted in unbelief or offense
2. Pay attention to your thoughts, if you find yourself replaying situations or feeling frustrated, pause and bring those thoughts to God instead of  holding on to them and letting them fester
3. Choose prayer over conversation, when something bothers you, go to God first rather than discussing it with others, this helps stop offense from taking root
4. Release what you cannot control, trust that God sees what you do not see and knows what you do not know, even when you do not have all the answers
5. Take a step of faith, even if it feels small, choose to believe what God says and act on it, this strengthens your trust and pushes out unbelief

Today I want to encourage you to check your heart for anything that may be standing in the way of fully trusting God. Don’t assume it is not there, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it. If He shows you offense or unbelief, quickly surrender it to Him and let it go. God’s desire is to move powerfully in your life, and as you release those things, you make room for His presence and His power to flow freely once again.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 6:1-6

1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 

2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 

3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 

5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 

6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

Journal:

• What thoughts or situations have been occupying my mind lately
• Is there any area where I may be holding onto offense without realizing it
• Have I been bringing my concerns to God first, or to others
• What is one step I can take today to choose faith over doubt
• What truth from God’s Word can I hold onto when I feel uncertain 

Victory after Setback

_{Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. ~ Joshua 8:1}

Have you ever felt the weight of a setback so heavy that you felt like giving up?  Maybe the loss of progress made you question if you should even try again? It’s in those moment when you know what God said, but your last experience did not go the way you expected so you begin to doubt if it will ever happen. The disappointment lingers, the questions come, and fear tries to convince you that maybe this time will be the same. Yet right in that place, the Holy Spirit whispers, not condemnation, not doubt, but direction and encouragement.

In today’s scripture reading, there is a powerful moment where God calls His people forward after a painful defeat. He doesn’t leave them in their failure. He gives them a new strategy, renews their courage, and leads them into victory. This chapter is a clear example that as children of God, our setbacks are not the end of the story.

Here are three truths to hold onto when God calls you to get back up and move forward again:

1. God calls you forward, even after failure

Joshua had already experienced defeat at Ai in the previous chapter. It could have been easy to hesitate or shrink back, but God commanded clearly, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. God did not define Joshua by the loss. He called him to get back up again and move forward with purpose.

In your daily life, this may look like trying again in an area where you once struggled. Maybe you stepped out in faith, and it did not turn out how you hoped. It could be a relationship, a ministry opportunity, or even a personal goal. Instead of withdrawing, God may be prompting you to take a step forward again. When you hear His direction, choose obedience over fear. Trust that He is not sending you back empty handed, He is sending you forward with His promise.

2. God gives strategy for the victory

This time, God gave Joshua a clear plan to approach Ai different than before. There was an ambush, a positioning, a timing that mattered. Victory was not just about showing up, it was about following God’s plan and instruction.

For us today, this reminds us to seek God’s wisdom in every step. Sometimes we assume we can approach situations the same way every time and get different results, but God is leading with supernatural instructions that may not make sense, but will work every time. In your current circumstances, take time to pray and listen. If you are facing a challenge at work, in your family, or in your calling, ask God for His strategy. Then act on what He shows you, even if it feels unfamiliar. His way always leads to breakthrough.

3. God restores what was lost

In the previous defeat at Ai, Israel experienced loss and discouragement. But with the plan of God not only did they get the victory, but they also were able to take the spoils of the city. What was once a place of defeat became a place of reward and restoration.

This truth is so powerful for us. God can turn the very place where you experienced loss into a testimony of His faithfulness. Maybe you have lost confidence, peace, or even opportunities. When you walk with God and follow His lead, He has a way of restoring and even increasing what was taken. In your daily life, hold onto hope. What felt like a closed door will become the place where God shows His goodness in a greater way than you ever expected.

I remember when I first had the idea to begin writing the Daily Dose. At the time, I didn’t fully understand that it was something God had called me to do. I started without a clear plan and began writing randomly, and before long I felt overwhelmed and gave up after just a few days. About a year later, I began to recognize that this wasn’t just a passing idea, it was something God had placed in my heart with purpose. It wasn’t something I could simply choose to do or walk away from, it was connected to my calling, and until I embraced it, I felt a sense that I was not moving forward the way God planned for me. Even after stepping away, the idea never truly left me like I thought it would. I felt discouraged and questioned if I had heard Him correctly, and for a while I hesitated to step out again. But God gently reminded me that one outcome did not cancel His calling. As I spent time with Him, He began to show me a new approach and a clearer way to move forward. When I followed His lead this time, I saw things come together in ways I could not have planned on my own. What once felt like failure became a steppingstone into something far greater, and it deepened my trust in Him, reminding me that when God calls us, He is faithful to guide us every step of the way.

Today I want to encourage you, whatever setback you have faced does not disqualify you from the victory God has prepared. He is speaking courage over you, giving you direction and restoring what was lost. Do not let fear or discouragement keep you from stepping forward again. Trust His voice, follow His lead, and watch how He turns your past defeat into a powerful testimony of His faithfulness.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 8

1 Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 

2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.”

3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai; and Joshua chose thirty thousand mighty men of valor and sent them away by night. 

4 And he commanded them, saying: “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready. 

5 Then I and all the people who are with me will approach the city; and it will come about, when they come out against us as at the first, that we shall flee before them. 

6 For they will come out after us till we have drawn them from the city, for they will say, ‘They are fleeing before us as at the first.’ Therefore we will flee before them. 

7 Then you shall rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the Lord your God will deliver it into your hand. 

8 And it will be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire. According to the commandment of the Lord you shall do. See, I have commanded you.”

9 Joshua therefore sent them out; and they went to lie in ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai; but Joshua lodged that night among the people. 

10 Then Joshua rose up early in the morning and mustered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. 

11 And all the people of war who were with him went up and drew near; and they came before the city and camped on the north side of Ai. Now a valley lay between them and Ai. 

12 So he took about five thousand men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. 

13 And when they had set the people, all the army that was on the north of the city, and its rear guard on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

14 Now it happened, when the king of Ai saw it, that the men of the city hurried and rose early and went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at an appointed place before the plain. But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. 

15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them and fled by the way of the wilderness. 

16 So all the people who were in Ai were called together to pursue them. And they pursued Joshua and were drawn away from the city. 

17 There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. So, they left the city open and pursued Israel.

18 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city. 

19 So those in ambush arose quickly out of their place; they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and they entered the city and took it, and hurried to set the city on fire. 

20 And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and behold, the smoke of the city ascended to heaven. So, they had no power to flee this way or that way, and the people who had fled to the wilderness turned back on the pursuers.

21 Now when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. 

22 Then the others came out of the city against them; so they were caught in the midst of Israel, some on this side and some on that side. And they struck them down, so that they let none of them remain or escape. 

23 But the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua.

24 And it came to pass when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness where they pursued them, and when they all had fallen by the edge of the sword until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned to Ai and struck it with the edge of the sword. 

25 So it was that all who fell that day, both men and women, were twelve thousand—all the people of Ai. 

26 For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 

27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as booty for themselves, according to the word of the Lord which He had commanded Joshua. 

28 So Joshua burned Ai and made it a heap forever, a desolation to this day. 

29 And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until evening. And as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his corpse down from the tree, cast it at the entrance of the gate of the city, and raise over it a great heap of stones that remains to this day.

30 Now Joshua built an altar to the Lord God of Israel in Mount Ebal, 

31 as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of whole stones over which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings. 

32 And there, in the presence of the children of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. 

33 Then all Israel, with their elders and officers and judges, stood on either side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the stranger as well as he who was born among them. Half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 

34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 

35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the strangers who were living among them.

Journal:

• What setback have I allowed to hold me back from moving forward again
• Where might God be giving me a new strategy that I have not yet considered
• What is one step of obedience I can take today to move forward in faith
• How have I seen God bring restoration in my life before, and how can that encourage me now