Thursday

BIG IDEA: One of the enemy's top distractions is to convince us to build a DIY-god for ourselves.

Scripture: Joshua 6:26  

“Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, ‘Cursed before the Lord be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho.’”

Joshua’s curse on Jericho serves as a stark reminder of God's power and the importance of obedience. Jericho was meant to remain a testament to God’s miraculous deliverance and faithfulness, yet its rebuilding symbolized a disregard for His commands. Ignoring such divine warnings leads to personal and communal consequences.

In today’s culture, we often face the temptation to rebuild metaphorical walls that God has torn down—whether habits, relationships, or attitudes. Clinging to past victories or disobediently ignoring God’s wisdom risks inviting hardship. God calls us forward in faith, trusting His path and timing for our lives.

Faith in Jesus empowers us to embrace God’s plans, leaving behind our desires to control. Jesus illustrates perfect obedience to God’s will, and through His Spirit, we receive the strength to align our lives accordingly. Walking in step with God ensures His blessings and guidance remain upon us.

ACTION STEP: Consider an area where you might be figuratively 'rebuilding Jericho.' Choose obedience and trust in God's plan instead.

Prayer: 

God, help me to build where You call me to build.  I know that if You don’t build something, it’s not worth living in or living for.  So help me to build what you call me to build. And help me to stay away from building things that do not fulfill Your purpose for my life.  

Song of the Day: "Jesus Is Life" by Steven Curtis Chapman. Jesus Is Life