Joshua 11, Psalm 145, 1 Thessalonians 2

The last battle Joshua fought may have been the most intimidating to him as he faced it. The enemy army was "as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude . . ." (verse4). Why was Joshua anxious? One might think each victory would make the following battle easier for him. But when God begins to work, the enemy realizes things are serious and goes to work, too. Each battle thus becomes more intense than preceding ones. However, what Joshua and his army knew from experience was that God would win. He was their General. Only this certainty could have given them the courage they needed to fight.

We have the same certainty. And we also face escalating battles as God's victories become more numerous in our lives. But this chapter ends with the end of wars. Peace came when all the enemies were dead. We are headed toward an end of wars, too. Heaven is our reward for fighting until the last enemy is dead. But we have to remember Who our General is so we will ". . . not be afraid of them . . ." (verse 6).

Psalm 145 describes the peace after wars are over. God is the Victor and His kingdom is glorious. It is also the description of the warrior's heart. Calm can reign in the middle of chaos because of what the Lord has done. This is where our mental and spiritual focus needs to be.

Joshua and his army took the spoils of war for themselves--gold, silver, precious gems. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he has fought battles, a war even, to tell them the gospel and that they are the spoils of war for him, the great reward.

This is why we fight--to win souls who will be our joy, our "crown of rejoicing" when they are "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming." (verse 19)

Joshua 10, Psalm 144, 1 Thessalonians 1

Fight and Win. The great victory of Joshua and the Israelites over the five kings and their cities of the South land illustrates the victory of a Christian in complete obedience to God. When the Lord said, "Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand . . ." Joshua took Him at His word and and marched all night to Gibeon to engage the enemy. His faith and trust were so strong that he told the sun and moon to hold still until the enemy was vanquished. God rewarded Joshua's trust by halting the sun and moon. Then He finished off the escapees with hailstones.

Remember Past Victory. David experienced the same kind of victory. He recognized that it was the Lord who did it. And he and his kingdom lived the reward of peace and prosperity.

Anticipate Future Victory. The Christians in the Thessalonian church received great power through the Spirit when they trusted Christ. And their changed lives were a testimony to all the neighboring regions.

Just as the victories of Joshua, David, and the Thessalonians became a testimony to the world, the victory of God in our lives shows to our circle of influence what a might God we serve. But victories don't happen without battles.

How to Win:
1. Put on your spiritual armor.
2. Engage the enemy in the name of the Lord.
3. Trust Him to fight for us and win for us.
4. Believe the victory from the beginning.

Then watch what God does and enjoy the peace He gives.

Joshua 6, Psalm 140, Colossians 1

Joshua chapter six describes the fall of Jericho into the hands of the Israelites. It was a most unusual battle, without a shot fired. Not even arrows flew. Joshua led his army to march around the walls of the city while seven priests blew trumpets. They were followed by priests carrying the Ark of the Lord. The army followed the priests. Can you imagine living inside Jericho and wondering what was going on? How unnerving! The Israelites just marched around the city once each day for 6 days in a row while the trumpets blared. Then they went back to their camp. But the seventh day, upon Joshua's command, the whole army shouted at once. At the sound of the shouts, the city walls collapsed.

To really understand this amazing story, we need to turn back a few verses into chapter five. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Joshua and told Joshua He, the Angel, was the commander of the army. Not Joshua. With that kind of commander, who could lose? But Joshua had a critical role to play. He could have whined about not getting to be in charge. He could have said, "Lord, that is the craziest plan I've ever heard. It won't work so we'd better do it my way."

When the Angel of the Lord is on your side, miracles happen. But trust and obedience also have to happen. Like the old hymn says, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way." Joshua trusted God and obeyed His odd-sounding instructions. The people trusted Joshua's leadership and obeyed. And God fought and won for them.

God will fight and win for me and you, too. But our part is to trust and obey.

In this Psalm, David is surrounded by evil men. Just like God helped Joshua and the people, David knows He will help him. It doesn't matter whether we're on the offense or the defense, God is still the same and the battle and victory are both His. We can trust Him.

I think we sometimes forget what it took when Christ fought for us on the cross. We were His enemies, but He gave everything so we could be called His friends. This kind of friend is so worthy of our trust and obedience! He has everything under control. We can trust Him.