Historical Books Joshua Chapter 5

HISTORICAL BOOKS

 JOSHUA 

CHAPTER 

5

1. When all the kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites by the sea heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted, and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the Israelites.

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verse 1)

Oh God does it have to be works of miracles and great wonders such as natural phenomenon which You use to pass on Your message in order to stimulate and convince us to believe in You. Do we need to witness with our own eyes or act on hearsay! If this was the truth our faith is based on the sand and is the fruit of fear more than faith in action. I pray oh God that when put to the test, my faith will be convincing if not solid, for as a human I am still weak.

2. At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites a second time."

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verse 2)


During different moments of our lives oh God You give us different messages. This year 2015 You are asking us to have mercy. As much as You have mercy on us, You wish us to have mercy both on ourselves and more on others.


3. So Joshua made flint knives, and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath-haaraloth. 4. This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the males of the people who came out of Egypt, all the warriors, had died during the journey through the wilderness after they had come out of Egypt. 5. Although all the people who came out had been circumcised, yet all the people born on the journey through the wilderness after they had come out of Egypt had not been circumcised. 6. For the Israelites traveled forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, the warriors who came out of Egypt, perished, not having listened to the voice of the LORD. To them the LORD swore that he would not let them see the land that he had sworn to their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7. So it was their children, whom he raised up in their place, that Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way.

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verses 3 to 7)


In order to keep the flame of faith in You burning You told Joshua to circumcise, which is equivalent to our baptism the new entrants among the people, Your body of the Old Testament. However as the new body of the New Testament anointed by the Holy Spirit, we also need a new evangelization. We need to reach those new members of the Church as a whole and help keep burning the flame of faith in them, because through the course of time, their ancestors may have not passed on the faith, and the Spirit may not be that present and active in them.


8. When the circumcising of all the nation was done, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed.

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verse 8)


As in the case of the chosen people of God, while we are in a state of healing that can be emotional and even spiritual apart from the physical we are not to embark on hasty projects such as a change of job or embark on a new relationship at a point when we are still grieving over the hurts that we incurred from our previous one, or are still mourning over the loss of our beloved one as in the case of the death of a wife, husband or significant other. This interim period of waiting is more than healthy, because during this time that we can invest in prayer, we will be prepared to move on and make the necessary decisions that determine our future lives both on earth and in heaven.


9. The LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verse 9)


Oh god my Father I thank You for not holding against us our sins. As in the case of Egypt and Your chosen people and the corruption that they experienced while being exposed to false gods, You are also able to cleanse the world from the culture of death and sin that we are experiencing Amen.


10. While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho.

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verse 10)


Although Your people were in a state of war with the people of Jericho, they did not neglect the celebration of the Passover, because it is from You oh God from whom we find our strength and power to move on in life. During the Christmas season if we do not stop to reflect on You and the greatest event of all time, when You decided to save us by becoming human, all the gifts and Christmas dinners and celebrations are of no value, for instead of drawing us to You they discourage us and push us on to a worldly road based on the pleasure of the body and sensual gratification as in satisfying our pleasure by eating and drinking only.


11. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.

(Historical Books  Chapter 5 verses 11 to 12)


Oh God this was indeed a historical day for Your people. A new chapter had began for them, for they had now entered their promised land and began reaping the produce that had long since been promised to them by You by means of Abraham and the rest of his descendants meaning the patriarchs. Oh God as this important day had been fulfilled for Your people, one day we shall also be reunited in our promised land in heaven with You. On reflecting our promised land can also mean the goal that we had long been waiting for, after a long time of tribulation in Egypt that could mean a period of trouble and pain over some particular issue such as a loss of a family member, or even a career, or worse our relationship with You.


13. Once when Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, "Are you one of us, or one of our adversaries?"

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verse 13)


Oh God I thank You for all the support that You give me, even though at times I also need to question if the advice given is coming from You or from the evil one, who is also able to manifest itself by means of humans under the disguise of friendship. I pray oh God that during such circumstances You give me the inquisitive spirit to help me discern the content of the message and if this is according to Your holy will as in the case of Joshua.


14. He replied, "Neither; but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and he said to him, "What do you command your servant, my lord?" 15. The commander of the army of the LORD said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so.

(Historical Books Chapter 5 verses 14 to 15)


During times of crisis oh God You send us people in Your name who encourage us and give us the encouragement to move on in life. As in the case of Joshua You sent this angel who manifested Your presence and spoke to Joshua and blessed him. I God I also offer You my challenges and tribulations and pray that You always be the commander of my army. May I always be a soldier of Your army and act according to Your Instructions as written in Your Word Amen.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Oh God I pray that we always obey Your will and walk according to Your ways and not according to the ways of the world. May we always be humble and subject to You every day of our lives. I believe oh God that You are always by our side especially during the critical moments of our lives, especially when the evil one makes a comeback with force against us. May I always follow Your instructions in a spirit of prayer and adoration as did Joshua Amen. 

Historical Books Joshua Chapter 4

HISTORICAL BOOKS

 JOSHUA 

CHAPTER 

4

1. When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua: 2. "Select twelve men from the people, one from each tribe, 3. and command them, "Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priest' feet stood, carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you camp tonight.'"

(Joshua Chapter 4 verses 1 to 3)

Oh God the feet of the priests had nothing special, however the location where they stood in the rivers of the Jordan was, for it was by means of Your mighty presence that the waters were silenced, so that it was possible for Your people to make the crossing to safety.

On reflecting the place where we were baptized was also special for Your presence was manifested at the time of our baptism and even confirmation, ordination and even marriage. There are many places or moments which we consider as being sacred, for during such moments we made an experience of Your holy presence. Such places are worth remembering because they bring a complete revolution in our lives. If we had to stop and think we all have such places or memories. I thank You for such special moments, especially that moment when You called me to leave my past and follow You. I thank You even though I thought I was going to follow you as a priest and not as a married man as I am today.  I thank You for shaping my life as You did .

4. Then Joshua summoned the twelve men from the Israelites, whom he had appointed, one from each tribe. 5. Joshua said to them, "Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder one for each of the tribes of the Israelites, 6. so that this may be a sign among you.  When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you? 7. then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever."

(Joshua Chapter 4 verses 4 to 7)


Oh God this is the same reason while we celebrate Easter, Christmas and God Friday. These events special moments in our lives as Roman Catholics that we commemorate each year. May we always give value to these occasions and pass on the message of Your Good News to our children and those following them, so that You and Your message will never die.


8. The Israelites did as Joshua commanded. They took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD told Joshua, carried them over with them to the place where they camped, and laid them down there. 9. (Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day.)

(Joshua Chapter 4 verses 8 to 9)


As in the case of Joshua and the twelve stones we may have souvenirs that remind us of important milestones of our lives such as our baptism, first holy communion, marriage or even ordination. In our house we have original documents of these occasions framed in areas where they can be seen by all in order to keep on remembering such important moments when we related closely to You in a special way.

10. The priests who bore the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan, until everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to tell the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people crossed over in haste.

(Joshua Chapter 4 verse 10)


Oh God You also remained on the cross until the whole process of the passion was over. During the tests and crisis of our lives, even though I may not see You or feel You at the time You are there with Your hand resting on my shoulder as a means of support. You never leave my side during such moments of stress. Even though I may not understand what and why such things that are taking place in my life during such moments I accept in faith and with faith, that You are in control of all that is happening and that in Your good time You will deliver me from my time of crisis. Amen.


11. As soon as all the people had finished crossing over, the ark of the LORD, and the priests, crossed over in front of the people.

(Joshua Chapter 4 verse 11)


Oh God I thank You for being a never ending source of love and encouragement. In times of stress and tribulation You take the first step and go before me. When going before me You take the first consequences of the situation which is generally the toughest part and in order for me to grow as a human You permit me to endure the rest of the situation. I thank You for being so loving and merciful.


12. The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the Israelites as Moses had ordered them. 13. About forty thousand armed for war crossed over before the Lord to the plains of Jericho for battle. 

(Joshua Chapter 4 verses 12 to 13)


As Roman Catholics we are all recruits in Your army, however our weapons are not of mass destruction as in this nuclear age, but of mass construction and conversion! Our weapon is that of the message of the "Good News" as found in the bible which if prayed and reflected on has deep insights that are strong enough to persuade us to change our sinful ways and relate to You as sons and daughters.


14. On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him, as they stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.

(Joshua Chapter 4 verse 14)


Oh God the same thing happened to me and maybe even to many of us when I saw Pope Francesco. His physical presence, behaviour and even his name were all of inspiration and admiration. I  could sense that this person was indeed one who had a strong relationship with You. Such people inspire public approval and admiration. I thank You oh God for choosing such sign posts to lead us throughout the course of our lives.


 15. The LORD said to Joshua, 16. "Command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant to come up out of the Jordan." 17. Joshua therefore commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan." 18. When the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up from the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet touched dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks, as before.

(Joshua Chapter 4 verses 15 to 18)


Oh God my Father, You can do great things by us when we decide to obey You and Your will. As the men who were bearing the ark of the covenant were subject in obedience to You and Joshua, we are also to be subject to You and the Roman Catholic Church. Other people of other churches or religions are also subject to You by means of what they believe and practice, even though they might not believe in You. I pray oh God that one day we will all be united as one big family in the arms of one loving Father who is nobody but Yourself.

19. The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they camped in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. 20. Those twelve stones which they had taken out of the Jordan Joshua set up in Gilgal, 21. saying to the Israelites, "When your children ask their parents in time to come, 'What do these stones mean? 22. then you shall let your children know, Israel crossed over the Jordan here on dry ground'. 23. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we crossed over, 24. so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may fear the LORD forever."

(Joshua Chapter 4 verses 19 to 24)


As is written in verses 19 to 24 as parents and Roman Catholics and as Christians we all have an obligation to explain to our children the history of our salvation, so that although these events took place a long time ago, they will be made aware of them and continue to become strengthened in their faith. One day our children will grow up and they will demand answers from us, therefore we are to be prepared to give such answers by being familiar with the Word of God, so that we can then pass on this relationship of love to our sons and daughters and the flame of the faith will never die but keep on burning, from one generation to another.


Oh God I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Oh God and loving Father creator, of all the earth, I bless Your Name. I would like to thank You for calling me to be a Roman Catholic and a member of Your body on earth the Church. Throughout my life I have many moments to cherish that are very significant in my life, however among others I greatly commemorate the special days of my birthday, baptism, confirmation, and that day when I promised my life to You when I was going to become a friar. I also remember the day when I took the greatest commitment of my life when You chose me a wife whom to marry and also the gift of fatherhood which with Your help I carry out each day of my life. Oh God I also thank You for that special moment when You called me to follow You personally and to create this blog which I have been praying on and sharing with others since the year 2003. I greatly thank You for such moments oh Father.






  

Historical Books Joshua Chapter 2

HISTORICAL BOOKS

 JOSHUA 

CHAPTER 

2

1. Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho." So they went, and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and spent the night there.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 1)

In our own work places or at home or even among friends and family, God is sending us as spies. The work of the spy is to observe and gather important information and report it back to the one who sent the spies. From our perspective God may be sending us to observe by keeping our eyes and ears open and assess the given situations. However in contrast to the spies, when we have the necessary information based on our observation we are to pray God for the much needed information in order to intervene and make fruit by our spreading of Your Good News by means of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us.


2. The king of Jericho was told, "Some Israelites have come here to search out the land."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 2)


Oh God You love us so much that when others attempt to come to know us in order to exploit, our spiritual, academical resources that You have given us, You make us aware of such people, so that we may become aware of such wrong doing and act accordingly. I thank You God for stimulating my conscience during such moments in order to make the right decisions at the right time.


3. Then the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come only to search out the whole land."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 3)


Oh Jesus, by means of Your Good News You order us in a loving way to remove those people from our lives or sites or images that are unhealthy for our spiritual growth, for such sources have come into our lives in order to ruin and harm us both spiritually and even physically and psychologically.


4. But the woman took the two men and hid them, Then she said, "True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they came from.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 4)


At times oh Jesus we may lie in order to prevent negative consequences from taking place as in the case of Rahab who may have been killed or even risked the death of the spies who visited her home. However in this case it was a means to satisfy the ends, so that the will of God may continue to unfold. In our case we are to stick to the truth, for it is the truth that will set us free and not our own crooked devices.


5. And when it was time to close the gate at dark, the men went our. Where the men went I do not know. Pursue them quickly for you can overtake them."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 5)


Evil acts in the same way. During the night many evil acts take place such as murder theft and drug transactions among others. However as found in Your Word You are aware of all our actions and during the moment of judgement You will bring to light all that we ever did in darkness or in secret and the truth will be declared.

6. She had, however, brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax that she had laid out on the roof. 

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 5)


Rahab oh God gives us a typical example of when we attempt to hide the truth or project a message by using You oh God in order to pass on the message. On the one hand she acted according to Your will by disclosing the identity of the men Your servants, however on the other hand she lied about what had become of them. Oh Jesus may the truth be present in me and others, may it dwell in my mind and in my heart and throughout my entire being.


5. And when it was time to close the gate at dark, the men went out. Where the men went I do not know. Pursue them quickly for you can overtake them."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 5)


As in the case of our sinful and negative thoughts oh God You have given us the ability to identify them and even destroy them so that we will not be harassed by them anymore.


6. She had, however, brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax that she had laid out on the roof. 7. So the men pursued them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. As soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verses 6 to 7)


As in the case of Rahab the prostitute at times we may end up doing things that are considered as bad however with a good intention. In order to view the circumstances of Rahab please click on the following link.

Rahab and the spies


8. Before they went to sleep, she came up to them on the roof 9. and said to the men: "I know that the LORD has given you the Land, and that dread of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt in fear before you. 10. For we have heard the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites that were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verses 8 to 10)


Oh God during out times Christianity has spread far and wide and is still spreading throughout the world. I pray that Your name will also remain touching the hearts of humanity everywhere it is preached so that one day the world will become one big family united in Your name. Amen


11. As soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no courage left in any of us because of You. The LORD your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 11)


If you or anyone feels that You have no place in the Church of God feel encouraged because God even accepted a harlot as a key player in His plan for our salvation. Therefore if God had room for such a person He has a role for even you and me.


12. Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the LORD that you in turn will deal kindly with my family. Give me a sign of good faith 13. that you will spare my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verses 12 to 13)


Oh God You teach us well not to pass judgement on others, for Rahab teaches us a great lesson. Also she was considered as a prostitute with which we normally associate negative connotations, when in contact with people who had made an experience of You love, she responded with love and care and most of all her heart was converted to believing in You. Oh I pray oh Jesus that I will be a bridge that many people will use in order to find their way to You. Amen. I pray that my presence will always reflect Your presence in me so much that many souls will be saved. I pray that I be an instrument in Your hands my God, use me when You want to, where You want to and as much as You want to Amen.


14. The men said to her, "Our life for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the LORD gives us the land."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 14)


Oh God how easy it is for us to give our word to humans, however how unfaithful it is of us as Christians when we go against Your Word and betray it by means of what we say and do. I pray that as a Roman Catholic I remain faithful in my belief in You my Father. I also lift my praise to those who have given their life in order to give testimony of You especially those who were killed and raped because they are Christians. Oh God I pray to have such a strong and credible faith Amen.


15. Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the outer side of the city wall and she resided within the wall itself.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 15)


Oh God You are totally proactive. You plan everything before hand and all that You do is done with a purpose, even the location of our home, or our job is not a coincidence but according to Your holy will. So we are never to take anything for granted even the tiniest details of our lives, that we may consider as being insignificant.



16. She said to them, "Go toward the hill country, so that the pursuers may not come upon you. Hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned; then after ward you may go your way."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 16)


Oh God how great is Your name and how great and wise are Your teachings. In Your infinite wisdom You teach us not to pass judgement on anybody and this is so true, for even a woman who was considered as being a negative harlot was able to be an agent of good and wise counsel and practical knowledge based on observations. From her ideal position in the wall she was aware of the movements and behaviour patterns of the soldiers for her own sinful purposes, however God used those same observation skills in order to enable Rahab to reap the fruit of those observations and use them to give wise counsel to his servants while being at Jericho. Therefore we are never to discredit nobodies counsel for it may be the case that You oh God may be speaking by means of such people.


17. The men said to her, "We will be released from this oath that you have made us swear to you 18. if we invade the land and you do not tie this crimson cord in the window through which you let us down, and you do not gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers and all your family.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verses 17 to 18)


Oh loving father You love us so much that You remained nailed to the cross up to the last second of Your life on earth. Moreover Your promise of salvation was not only a personal one for us as individuals but a universal one that covers all who are willing to accept Your salvation.


19. If any of you go out of the doors of your house into the street, they shall be responsible for their own death, and we shall be innocent; but if a hand is laid upon any who are with you in the house, we shall bear the responsibility for their death. 20. But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be released from this oath that you made us swear to you."


(Joshua Chapter 2 verses 19 to 20)

As in the case of Rahab and the spies, God never goes back on His Word. He always keeps his part of the contract of His love for us, it is us who violate it by our sins.


21. She said, "According to your words, so be it." She sent them away and they departed. Then she tied the crimson cord in the window.

(Joshua Chapter 2 verse 21)


As much as we give our consent to the ways of the world, we are also to give our word to You. During the course of our lives as Roman Catholics we gave our consent at the time of Holy Communion and again at the time of confirmation. However some of us have also given their word to You during their ordination or marriage, or others of other churches have also given their word when becoming ministers, bishops or other roles in their ministry.


22. They departed and went into the hill country and stayed there three days until the pursuers returned. The pursuers had searched all along the way and found nothing. 23. Then the two men came down again from the hill country. They crossed over, came to Joshua son of Nun, and told him all that had happened to them. 24. They said to Joshua, "Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands; moreover all the inhabitants of the land melt in fear before us."

(Joshua Chapter 2 verses 22 to 24)


Oh God I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-


Oh Father the big difference in when we follow Your will to when we seek, our ways or the ways of the world is that when we follow Your ways we are never disappointed as in the case of the pursuers, for when following Your ways we never end up empty handed. You always deliver us to our promised land which is our most important destination.

Historical Books Joshua Chapter 1

HISTORICAL BOOKS

 JOSHUA 

CHAPTER 

1

1. After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying, 2. My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all his people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites.

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 1 and 2)

Oh God You love us so much that You never leave us without a leader. As in the case of Moses, while he was still alive You were already preparing Joshua as his follower. In the case of the Roman Catholic Church when Pope John Paul was still alive, You were already preparing Pope Benedict who was his assistant to walk in his shoes. On the other hand Pope Francesco had always been a candidate for the papacy and when the appointed time came You chose him to be Pope the physical leader in Your name of the Roman Catholic Church.

Oh God verses 1 and 2 are very encouraging. After such a long time of dry arid desert which may symbolise those long and depressive moments of our lives, came the moment of victory over those negative moments. Therefore we are to be glad and overjoyed that our moment of deliverance is always in God's plan and when the time comes He will open all the doors so that we can overcome that situation with flying colours. Amen. Our God is a victorious God. There is none like You oh God.

3. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you. 4. From the wilderness and the Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, to the Great Sea in the west shall be your territory.

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 3 and 4)


Oh God you are faithful in Your ways. Ever since the time of Abraham You had promised that Your people would inherit a vast land flowing with milk and honey that would stretch from the Lebanon to the Euphrates. In order to view a map of this vast territory please refer to the following illustration that shows Abraham's route to this promised land.

(http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/journey-of-abraham-to-promised-land-and-egypt-large-map.html)


5. No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you or forsake you.

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 5)


Oh God you love us so much that You are even ready to protect us by being with us in our conflicts against those who have plans to harm us both physically and even psychologically or spiritually. We always need to keep in mind that You are our protective shield and that we are never alone. So if you ever think or feel that you are alone in a particular situation it is best for us to remember that You God are on our side and that You will fight the battle with us and for us. Amen. 


6. Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them.

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 6)


Oh Jesus You are a fortress of courage and support. Every time I feel weak and dejected you always empower me to stand on my feet and move on with my head held high, with You as my protective shield. I invite the readers and those who use this blog to meditate to click on the following link and join me in this powerful song.

Song "Be Bold be strong... 



7. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 7 to 8)


Oh God my father I also thank You for giving me the opportunity to meditate on the Bible. This is part of my daily routine in the morning and in the evening. Your Word is always on my my mind and in my heart. I thank You for this calling. On every verse that I meditate on I receive blessings and consolations, however I even thank You when rebuke me by means of Your Word, by kindly and lovingly make me aware of my sinful self and the pending faults that are still not yet resolved in me. However I thank You for those areas in which You have healed me both the physical and even the spiritual.


9. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go".

(Joshua Chapter 1 verse 9)

Due to the fact that You oh God are aware that the conquest of the promised land was not to be an easy task,, You kept on encouraging Joshua. Oh God You love us so much that You want us to grow, mature and develop and not remain babies in our faith. However this can never be achieved if we are not put to the test. Therefore when we face tribulations in life, we are to welcome them as tests given to us by God with the intention of helping us grow in ourselves and more in our relationship with God. Therefore in themselves these moments are blessed because they are gifts from God and we are to thank Him for such moments.

10. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11. "Pass through the camp, and command the people: 'Prepare your provisions; for in three days you are to cross over the Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess.'"

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 10 to 11)

When You choose the right time oh God You prompt us and motivate us to accomplish the desired task that we may have been waiting for for, a very long time. Although we may grumble that You really take Your time before giving us what we want, we are to be patient and wait on You for only You know the perfect time of our deliverance.


12. To the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, 13. "Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, "The LORD your God is providing you a place of rest, and will give you this land.'

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 12 to 13)


Oh loving Father You are also saying the same thing to me on this very day. Even though I have endured many tribulations throughout my life, You are promising me rest when I end my life on this earth and be found worthy to enter into Your holy presence. This is my one and only promised land oh God. However in the meantime I am to keep Your Word in my heart and in my time during this time of pilgrimage in this world every day of my life. with Your help oh God Your promise will always stay alive in me until the time of its fulfilment. 

14. Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan. But all the warriors among you shall cross over armed before your kindred and shall help them, 15. until the LORD gives rest to your kindred as well as to you, and they too take possession of the land that the LO?RD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land and take possession of it, the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan to the east."

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 14 to 15)


It seems that the conquest of the promised land involved a process of observing and returning to the land that they were living beyond the promised land. This means that the process of acquisition was gradual. Throughout our lives oh God You permit us to reach our worldly goals also by means of stages and not at once. This also applies in our relationship with You oh God. During the time of our childhood You were introduced to us by means of signs and symbols, however when we reach adulthood, You make Yourself accessible to us in a more mature way by means of the Holy Eucharist and also by means of situations where we make an experience of Your presence, where You permit us to have a peep at the promised land that is heaven. Finally there comes that blessed day when we die and are reunited with You forever.


16. They answered Joshua; "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

(Joshua Chapter 1 verses 16)

To this very day I remain faithful to You and Your calling oh God. If this is a reminder for me oh God I will remain faithful. Throughout my life, by means of the different employments that You gave me and wanted me to go to, I have proclaimed Your Word, everywhere I was to this very day, however if You wish me to move on and find another place of work where I can meet new people who need your word, may Your will be done. Even though it will be a challenge after all these years at my current occupation, I am open to Your Holy Will and even ready to move on, if this is Your will. Amen.

17. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses!

(Joshua Chapter 1 verse 17)

Oh God this is our prayer to You and to Pope Francesco. In Your name oh God I am ready to obey all the laws and values that he promotes in Your name, as I obeyed You in the presence of the other popes. In Your name I pledge my obedience and loyalty and not choose what to accept from the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, that are according to my values and discard the rest.

18. Whoever rebels against your orders and disobeys, whatever you command, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous."

(Joshua Chapter 1 verse 18)


With reference to verse eighteen which brings us to end of the first chapter of the book of Joshua I would like to pray the following prayer:


As Christians we have given our word and confirmed it thus pledging our loyalty to You oh God and to Your body on earth that is the Roman Catholic Church for those who are Christians, others may also have given their word in other ways. However whatever the way, or church I pray that You give us the faith and energy to remain faithful and true to our pledge.