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Weekly Devotional

November 10, 2008
 

Joshua 6:11-17  ¹¹ So the ark of the LORD went around the city, circling it once; and they came into the camp, and spent the night in the camp.  ¹² Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.  ¹³ The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD passed on, blowing the trumpets continually. The armed men went before them, and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets blew continually.  ¹⁴ On the second day they marched around the city once and then returned to the camp. They did this for six days.  ¹⁵ On the seventh day they rose early, at dawn, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times.  ¹⁶ And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.  ¹⁷ The city and all that is in it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live because she hid the messengers we sent.

            This Tuesday we celebrate Veteran’s Day.  We remember all those in our congregation as well as other individuals we know who have served their country in many and various ways.  We live in a land that promotes freedom for all, one that has fought in many great wars in order to rid the world of tyranny.  Just last evening I was watching “Saving Private Ryan” on television and thinking about all those brave young men and women who have fought so hard for the things that I have.  However, this is not just limited to the USA.

            The text above is just one of the many times when God has fought on the side of God’s people.  After rescuing them from Egypt, God goes with the Israelites to the Promised Land.  The Israelites reach the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, who is also their military leader.  The Lord hands over to the Israelites several cities that are worshipping false gods and not living as God would have them live.  With God before them, they too are able to rid the world of kingdoms that are not living as God would have them live.

            I am sure that each of you knows people who have served in one aspect or another.  If not, just look around our congregation, because we have several people who have served in various branches of the military.   When you get a chance, thank them for what they do, because it is people like them who have enabled us to have the freedoms we have.  Furthermore, thank God, because it is God who is always for his people.  To quote Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

In our prayers this week: 

Alma, Ann, Doris and her mom, Rich Van Wagoner

God’s Peace,

Pastor Judson