Good morning brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🌺🌹🎁🎀💝 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY. MONDAY AUGUST 24, 2O26. "WELCOME THIS CHANGE" ‘…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand...’ Exodus 12:11 NCV. THE BOY Scout motto is ‘Be prepared,’ and it’s a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, ‘…eat…fully dressed as if you were going on a trip…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand.’ In other words, ‘Be ready when I tell you to move!’ Maybe there’s an area in your life where God is telling you it’s time to move, but fear is making you hold back. Don’t! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow’s recipe for failure. You can’t become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. John Patterson said, ‘Only fools and dead men don’t change…Fools won’t, and dead men can’t.’ Change isn’t the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies, and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Jim Penner says: ‘Our bodies change no matter how hard we exercise…Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow and new opportunities come…friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away…While many changes become enjoyable new seasons…sometimes they’re painful. But no matter what season of change you’re experiencing…you can find comfort in Malachi 3:6, ‘I am God…I haven’t changed…’ (TM). His mercies endure forever…and it’s an awesome feeling knowing He loves and directs you just like He directed all His people who came before you.’ Bible In A Year: Ezek 1-4, Matt 21:1-11, Ps 119:161-168, Pro 19:3-8. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*💝🌹🌷🎀. MD.ii. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* MONDAY, 24TH AUGUST, 2026. *EXPLOITS THROUGH CONQUERING FAITH* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 11:10-23. 10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms. 11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. 12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded. 13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. 14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. 15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same; 17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew 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, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other 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 destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses. 21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities. 22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. *Timeless Truth:*_"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions"_ (Hebrews 11:32-33). *INTRODUCTION* William C. Martin (1878) penned down this song relevant to the topic of discussion. "In the warfare that is raging For the truth and for the right, When the conflict, fierce, is raging With the powers of the night, God needs people brave and true: May He then depend on you? Refrain: May the Lord depend on you? Loyalty is but His due; Say, O spirit, brave and true, That He may depend on you". God's covenants to Israel were majorly earthly and therefore, their warfares to possess their promises were physical. For the New Testament, the covenant is mostly spiritual and heavenly and therefore the warfares of the New Testament saints are spiritual. *"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal..."* (2 Corinthians 10:4). Lessons on Old Testament physical warfares are meant to teach the New Testament saints some important features of spiritual warfare which is a major part of successful and victorious Christian living. Joshua and Israel faced formidable kings, fortified cities and numerous enemies, yet God gave them victory. Their exploits demonstrated that conquering faith rested on obedience to God's authority and instructions with perseverance until the battle was completely won. When faith is anchored in God, no enemy can ultimately withstand His purpose for His people. *1. Determined Destruction Accomplished* a. God had concluded from the time of Abraham that the Amorites would be obliterated when their iniquities reached the peak when God could no more tolerate them (Genesis 15:15,16; Exodus 34:11-13). The time now came to start possessing the land as promised, but they must fight for it, for it would not come on a platter of gold. All the promises of God have been paid for by the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. However, the adversary is always there to contest against those blessings and believers must be ready to contend and possess it as God has given us assurance of victory as legitimate owners of the blessings. Our Lord Himself said, *"the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force"* (Matthew 11:12). The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 were commended for their violence of faith, courage and determination as they fought spiritual warfares. The violence of believers is spiritual and had to do with violence and force of faith. Nobody will be able to possess his possessions here on earth and enter heaven eventually if he does not learn to be brave and violent in spiritual warfare against the flesh, fiends, faithlessness, fear and foolishness. b. Joshua did not leave unfinished what God had commanded him to accomplish. Hazor, the head of the northern kingdoms, was captured and destroyed and its king was put to death. The destruction was decisive because Joshua understood that partial obedience could jeopardize the victory God had promised. Conquering faith is determined faith—it does not retreat because the opposition is strong or the assignment is difficult. What God commands must be pursued with courage and perseverance. Joshua, with courageous faith, moved along the will and Word of God and destroyed those that God had condemned to destruction because they refused to repent. *Question* Are there areas of your life where God expects you to exercise determined faith and completely overcome persistent opposition? *2. Done According to the Divine Authority* a. The destruction of the Canaanites by Joshua in the text took about 7 years though it was recorded as if they all happened in rapidity. God had told them that they would conquer the land *"little by little"*. (Exodus 23:30, Deuteronomy 7:22). You don't expect those formidable enemies to be overcome without giving a strong fight and resistance. Spiritual wars, like the physical wars are at times protracted. In order to overcome the adversary, there is a need to maintain a persistent and untiring warfare disposition and attitude for Satan and his agents will not give up without a strong and persistent resistance. So, fight manfully onward and never give up but persist until you laugh last. God has destined and programmed you for total victory. The "little by little" approach also gave the Canaanites the opportunity to repent and seek for mercy like Rahab and her household and the Gibeonites did. Joshua acted according to the command of the LORD. Those who perished must have been adamant because it had been settled that Israel would destroy all of them just like Rahab confessed (Joshua 2:9-11). All those who perished perished because they chose to and not for lack of opportunity to repent. Rahab and her household, the Giebeonites and the Shechemites decided not to perish and they did not because they did the needful. Those people refused to repent, their hearts were hardened through rejection of mercy. This hardening of men’s hearts is when God gives man up to his sin after the person refused the mercy of God (Romans 1:24-28). b. How could Joshua have overcome? Israel was not trained in the art of warfare at the time. Second, Israel did not have horses and chariots to fight, whereas the Canaanites had in abundance. Yet, God told them that it was a battle of faith and therefore, they should not fear the better equipped and stronger adversaries. *"And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire"*. It was like the case of little David versus the giant Goliath. Spiritual battles, while doing the needful, do not look at the size and the arrogance of the adversaries. With faith in God, their horses and chariots will be defeated. *"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God"* (Psalm 20:7). Can you imagine a poorly trained and inexperienced army of Israel defeating better trained coalition of nations in their multitudes with their horses and chariots? Obeying God's Word and instruction is always a guarantee of victory regardless of the might and the arsenal of the adversaries. Joshua did not depend on personal wisdom or military strength; he carried out God's instructions. Verse 15 emphasizes that Joshua did everything the LORD commanded Moses, and Moses had commanded Joshua. True exploits are accomplished under divine authority. Faith becomes powerful when it is joined with obedience. The victory was not merely Joshua's achievement; it was God's purpose being fulfilled through a yielded servant. We too must learn to follow God's Word even when His instructions challenge our natural reasoning. *Question* Are your decisions and actions being governed by God's Word and divine authority? *3. The Defeat of the Dreaded Adversaries* The Anakims were the most dreaded adversaries of Israel while they were in the wilderness. In fact, the spies (10 of them) sent said they were like grasshoppers compared to the Anakims (Numbers 13:27-33). It was the fear of those people that made Israel to be punished in the wilderness with 40 years of wandering and deaths. God delayed this fight to be their last fight so that Israel would have, from experience, learnt the art of warfare. They did not know that God had His own strategy of training them to be fit for the warfare against those terrorizing adversaries. When God gives a promise, don't look at your weakness and be asking how possible. God has His own plan to make you fit enough to deal with the enemy before He Himself takes over. "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is to follow" and victory is certain. b. The promise of Deuteronomy 9:1–3, which specifically predicts the defeat of the fearsome Anakites, is fulfilled(Joshua 11:21–23). Those who once appeared invincible were overcome by the power of God. Joshua's victory teaches us that yesterday's giants need not determine today's destiny. Through conquering faith, intimidating obstacles can become testimonies of God's faithfulness. Finally, the land had rest from war. When God's people trust Him, obey His commands and persevere in faith, victory and divine rest become possible. *Question* What “giant” or dreaded adversary are you allowing to intimidate you instead of confronting it through faith in God? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, give me conquering faith to overcome every persistent opposition standing against Your purpose for my life. 2.Father, help me to walk in complete obedience to Your Word and submit every decision to Your divine authority 🙏. 3.O Lord, bring down every giant and defeat every dreaded adversary confronting my progress, destiny and calling 🙏. 4.Father, grant Your children lasting victory and divine rest after every battle and let their lives become testimonies of Your mighty exploits 🙏. *HYMN:* May The Lord Depend On You. *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* DANIEL 11-12. [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BETWEEN JUDGMENT AND MERCY* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🆚🆘🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 11:10-23```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle" (JOSHUA 11:19).*_ *Mercy from God is that vital element that no one can earn, deserve or merit. It is an inalienable deed that underpins God's dealings with fallible humankind, saved or unsaved. When all else fails, God's mercies will never fail.* *The Canaanites and other nations in the Promised Land engaged in battle against Joshua and the Israelites without seeking a peace agreement, despite their unfavourable position. In this chapter, Joshua faced a coalition of Canaanite forces, defeating them before turning his attention to the northern region. The city of Hazor was captured and burned, with its spoils taken by the Israelites. Joshua then advanced towards the hills and southern territories, continuing the conflict until the entirety of the land was subdued and allocated to the tribes of Israel. The account raises challenging questions regarding the nature of a loving God permitting such violence, particularly the killing of women and children. This narrative has sparked criticism towards the Scripture, leading to inquiries about the justness of these holy wars and casting doubt on divine benevolence, consequently perplexing many readers.* *The text emphasises that the people in the land repeatedly heard about God's actions but chose to resist and did not seek mercy, with the Gibeonites being the only exception, although through deceit. Instead of pursuing peace, they relied on military might, having engaged in idol worship and iniquity for centuries, including horrific sacrifices. Ultimately, God's judgment deemed it necessary to cleanse the land of those viewed as rebels and enemies, as the people were prepared to oppose Him rather than embrace His ways.* *No one can fight against God and expect to win. It is an effort in futility when we roll out our battle gear instead of pleading and repenting. God delights in mercy. He's not interested in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn to Him in repentance and live. "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..."* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*Entreaty secures favour faster than conflict.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *DANIEL 11-12*📜📜 Between Judgment And Mercy https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 155: LET JESUS COME INTO YOUR HEART; GHS 158: COME BELIEVING; AND GHS 159: WHY DO YOU WAIT?* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *BE HOLY, GOD IS HOLY* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🤍🥼✨🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:1 PETER 1:13-21```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 PETER 1:16).*_ *Dispute over paternity can be resolved through a DNA test and lay to rest such controversy. Likewise, holiness puts to silence every debate on who a child of God is. God is holy, and anyone who professes to be His child must possess this very nature of God - holiness. An unholy life has no resemblance to God and no usefulness to the world.* *"Be ye holy" is God's command. Heaven is a holy place. The God of heaven is a Holy Being. The angels are holy creatures. Everything in heaven is holiness. It is impossible to get to heaven if we die unholy. The Holy Bible clearly states that: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).* *Holiness is not optional; it is mandatory for all who desire to see God and live with Him in eternity. To be holy simply means to be purged from inward and outward sins. Consecration, strong thirst, and hunger for the experience in desperate prayer will allow God to accomplish it in your life.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Be purged.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*To get to heaven, holiness is non-negotiable.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to remain holy till the end.*_ Be Holy, God Is Holy https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [23/08, 7:59 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```MONDAY 24TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD MADE US SPECIAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️😁🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 139:14-18```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalm 139:14).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Everything that God created is beautiful, and He made each of us uniquely special. Lily loved to look in the mirror and admire how she looked. One day, a friend at school teased her about her glasses and called her *"ugly".* Lily felt sad and wondered maybe she was not special after all. That night, her mom reminded her that God made her beautiful and unique. *God does not make mistakes,"* her mom said. *"You are wonderfully made, and He loves you just as you are!"* Lily smiled, realizing that she was special, just as God intended. She no longer felt the need to compare herself to others, understanding that God's love for her was unconditional. *God made you special too, and you do not need to measure your worth against anyone else. Embrace who you are, because you are wonderfully created, and God loves you just as you are!* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, thank You for making me special. Help me to live for You always.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Jeremiah 1:4-7* God Made Us Special https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk24thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. ⏤ Romans 12:1 He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. ⏤ John Bunyan Almighty God, the Father of us all, in whom we live and move and have our being—we worship You and give thanks to Your great and holy name. Our hearts are full of memories of Sunday. May we be like those who have walked among fragrant flowers, carrying the scent on our very garments. May we be more joyful, more trusting, more holy, more loving, and more prayerful because of the holy influences that saturated our lives yesterday. You are the God of the evening and the morning. Every day reveals where You have walked in love. We thank You for this day that now shines upon us. We need Your presence with us through all its hours, for we don’t know what they hold for us: what duties, what problems that must be solved, what decisions that must be made, what responsibilities that must be met, what surprises of joy or sorrow, what temptations, what conflicts, what dangers. We don’t know—but You do, and we’re not afraid to leave it all in Your hands. Bless us with peace, wisdom, and strength for whatever lies ahead. Take our hands and guide us. We consecrate ourselves to You this day, O God, for life and service. We are Yours, and we present ourselves as a living sacrifice to You. We want to live only for You. Help us to renounce all claims on ourselves and truly be Yours. If we are called to any hard duty, task, or service—give us the grace to accept Your will cheerfully and to do what pleases You. Work deeply in us by Your Spirit, continuing the renewal of our nature, and building us up in holiness and righteousness, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/50/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

The man writing history for Rome confirmed the walls fell exactly as Joshua said. Flavius Josephus occupies a unique position in the historical study of the biblical period. A Jewish general who surrendered to Rome during the revolt of 66-70 AD, defected and spent the rest of his life writing Jewish history under Roman patronage, Josephus had every professional reason to present a rational, credible, Rome-friendly account of his people's history. He was not a Christian. He had no theological investment in the miracles of the Hebrew Bible being historically accurate. His audience was Roman and Greek. In his Jewish Antiquities, written around 93 AD, Josephus covers the story of Jericho from the Book of Joshua. He records that when the priests blew the trumpets on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell down of themselves. He does not rationalise. He does not explain. He records the tradition that the walls fell spontaneously — of themselves — which is the language of miraculous causation. He also records that Rahab's house was preserved and that she and her family were saved, consistent with the Joshua account of the scarlet cord and the protection of Rahab's household. Josephus had access to historical sources and oral traditions that no longer exist. He was writing within living historical memory of the Jewish community's accumulated record of its own past. He was not copying Joshua — he was consulting sources and recording what they told him. What they told him matched what Joshua recorded. And the walls that fell of themselves, as both Joshua and Josephus describe, fell outward — as the archaeology at Jericho confirmed in the twentieth century. Two ancient sources. One modern excavation. All three describing the same direction of collapse. Share this with someone who treats Josephus and Joshua as incompatible. "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed." — Joshua 6:20 #Josephus #JerichoWalls #BibleFacts #VerifiedHistory

EVERYONE SAW A HARLOT... GOD SAW A PLACE TO HANG A SCARLET CORD. Her name was Rahab. She lived in Jericho. She had a past that most people would use to define her. Then two Israelite spies arrived at her house. She had a choice. Protect them... Or hand them over. Rahab chose faith. She hid the spies and confessed something remarkable: "I know that the Lord has given you this land." She had never crossed the Red Sea. She had never stood at Mount Sinai. Yet she believed the God of Israel. Before she ever belonged to His people... She trusted His promise. The spies made her one promise. Tie a scarlet cord in your window. When Israel came, everyone inside that house would be spared. Think about that. The very window through which danger once entered her life... Became the window through which salvation was seen. The scarlet cord became a sign of hope. Years later... Rahab didn't just survive Jericho. She became part of Israel. She married into God's people. She became the mother of Boaz... The great-grandmother of King David... And one of the women named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Here's the deeper revelation. God didn't erase Rahab's past. He redeemed her future. The scarlet cord didn't remind God of who Rahab had been. It pointed to the redemption He was bringing. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb marked Israel's doors... The scarlet cord marked Rahab's window. And both point us to the greater redemption found in Jesus Christ. LESSON God's grace is greater than your past. Faith opens the door to a future that shame could never imagine. SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGEMENT "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:17 If you remember one thing, let it be this... GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR A PERFECT PAST... HE IS LOOKING FOR A HEART THAT WILL TRUST HIM. 📖 Key Scriptures: Joshua 2:1–24 Joshua 6:22–25 Matthew 1:5 2 Corinthians 5:17 Minister Clef Bible Insights Bringing Scripture to Life #MinisterClefBibleInsights #BringingScriptureToLife #BibleInsights #WordOfGod #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #Rahab #ScarletCord #Grace #Redemption #BiblicalTruth

EVERYONE SAW A HARLOT... GOD SAW A PLACE TO HANG A SCARLET CORD. Her name was Rahab. She lived in Jericho. She had a past that most people would use to define her. Then two Israelite spies arrived at her house. She had a choice. Protect them... Or hand them over. Rahab chose faith. She hid the spies and confessed something remarkable: "I know that the Lord has given you this land." She had never crossed the Red Sea. She had never stood at Mount Sinai. Yet she believed the God of Israel. Before she ever belonged to His people... She trusted His promise. The spies made her one promise. Tie a scarlet cord in your window. When Israel came, everyone inside that house would be spared. Think about that. The very window through which danger once entered her life... Became the window through which salvation was seen. The scarlet cord became a sign of hope. Years later... Rahab didn't just survive Jericho. She became part of Israel. She married into God's people. She became the mother of Boaz... The great-grandmother of King David... And one of the women named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Here's the deeper revelation. God didn't erase Rahab's past. He redeemed her future. The scarlet cord didn't remind God of who Rahab had been. It pointed to the redemption He was bringing. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb marked Israel's doors... The scarlet cord marked Rahab's window. And both point us to the greater redemption found in Jesus Christ. LESSON God's grace is greater than your past. Faith opens the door to a future that shame could never imagine. SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGEMENT "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:17 If you remember one thing, let it be this... GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR A PERFECT PAST... HE IS LOOKING FOR A HEART THAT WILL TRUST HIM. 📖 Key Scriptures: Joshua 2:1–24 Joshua 6:22–25 Matthew 1:5 2 Corinthians 5:17 Minister Clef Bible Insights Bringing Scripture to Life #MinisterClefBibleInsights #BringingScriptureToLife #BibleInsights #WordOfGod #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #Rahab #ScarletCord #Grace #Redemption #BiblicalTruth

A CROWD OF WITNESSES “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” —Hebrews 12:1–2 Over the past few weeks, we looked at several Old Testament characters. In Hebrews 12:1–2, the significance of their lives, their experiences, their struggles, their victories, and their testimonies is brought home to us. One chapter earlier, the author of Hebrews recapped many of their stories in what’s often called the “Faith Hall of Fame.” The placement of the exhortation in Hebrews 12:1–2 seems to suggest that these “hall of famers,” these heroes of the faith—Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, David, Daniel, and others—take a rooting interest in our spiritual race. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (NLT). These people of faith who went before us gave us models to follow so that we might live and exercise our faith as they did. Reading about the lives of these men and women who walked with God and trusted Christ and stood strong in the face of trials and persecutions can add steel to our souls. But they didn’t just give us templates to follow. They are also observing us and taking note of our progress in the faith. This “crowd of witnesses” is watching us and cheering us on, if you will. That’s just one interpretation of the passage, of course. We don’t know for certain that there are heavenly grandstands where people monitor the progress of loved ones living out their lives on earth. But it wouldn’t surprise me if that were true. I do, however, know this much: We are in the race of our lives on earth, and none of us knows how long it will last. So, we must make the most of it. We must live our lives to please not the bystanders but the Lord Himself. We must make decisions and interact with others in ways that honor and pique curiosity about Him. We must leave a legacy that inspires other believers—the ones we will cheer on when we join the crowd of witnesses. God bless you!

Adam was a Christian because he put his faith in the Serpent Crusher. Abel was a Christian because he offered his sacrifice in faith, looking to God’s provision. Enoch was a Christian because he walked with God by faith. Noah was a Christian because he believed God’s word and obeyed Him in faith. Abraham was a Christian because he believed God’s promise concerning the coming Seed. Isaac was a Christian because he trusted the covenant promises of God. Jacob was a Christian because he waited for God’s salvation. Joseph was a Christian because he believed God’s covenant promises beyond his own lifetime. Moses was a Christian because he considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Rahab was a Christian because she trusted the God of Israel for salvation. Joshua was a Christian because he believed the Lord’s promises. David was a Christian because he trusted in God’s coming Anointed King. Isaiah was a Christian because he believed in the suffering Servant who would bear our sins. Jeremiah was a Christian because he trusted in the righteous Branch. Daniel was a Christian because he looked to the everlasting kingdom of the Son of Man. Job was a Christian because he confessed, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Simeon was a Christian because he received the promised Christ by faith. Anna was a Christian because she waited for the redemption of Israel in the Messiah. The Old Testament is a Christian book.

A Nugget of Truth. In the first chapter of Joshua, God commands in verse 6 (not a suggestion)……JOSHUA “Be strong and of a good courage” Grounding His command with the assurance of His promises. Then God commands again in verse 7; but this time He adds to it; “Be thou strong and VERY courageous” Then, as if that were not enough God sandwiches the admonition again in verse 9 saying: “Have not I COMMANDED you…” “Be strong and of a good courage; But this time He adds to the command saying “ Do Not be afraid, neither be dismayed, FOR The Lord Your God is with you…” Indeed! And then we see what is about to unfold; Joshua is about to trounce upon the enemy. And that enemy is already afraid, and the very courage that was commanded to Joshua is now stripped away from the inhabitants and the city of Jericho… We see in Joshua 2 vs. 9 Rahab says to the men: “I know that The Lord has given you the land, and that your TERROR is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land FAINT because of you….” The inhabitants of the land faint with fear, but Rahab alone responds in faith. This very depiction finds itself fulfilled in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 2: 14-16 Here we see Paul encouraging and conveying to The Church how: ‘God always causes us to triumph in Christ..leading believers as a triumphal procession that spreads the savour/aroma of Christ; Life to those being saved, and death to those who are perishing.’ The same knowledge of God produces courage and life for His people, but fear and judgment for those who oppose Him. So, beloved, be strong in The Lord and of a VERY good courage. ‘For it is God who works in us ...both to will and to do of His good pleasure’ (Philippians 2:13). Finally, the same God who commanded Joshua commands us today. The same God who caused the hearts of Jericho to melt now leads us in triumphal procession in Christ. Let the knowledge of Him be your courage. Let His presence silence every fear. Whether you stand before, (whatever wall is your Jericho), or the challenge of this day, remember that The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. He has already given you the land. Walk in it boldly, spreading the aroma of Christ, reflecting and being transformed into His image… "To some the aroma is life; to others it testifies of the judgment they refuse to escape." But for the Joshua’s, God is with you…Be strong and very courageous. Because you have enemies to defeat and freedom to walk in.

Faith That Acts Courageously Scripture Joshua 2:9 (NKJV) And said to the men, I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. Faith That Recognizes God’s Work Joshua chapter 2 introduces Rahab, an unexpected but pivotal figure in Israel’s story. As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sends two spies into Jericho. They are hidden and protected by Rahab, a woman who recognizes something others refuse to acknowledge: the Lord is the true God, and He has already given the land to Israel. In verse 9, Rahab speaks with remarkable faith. She does not say God might give the land—she says He has given it. Though surrounded by fear and pagan culture, Rahab believes what she has heard about the Lord. Her faith is not passive. She risks her life, hides the spies, and aligns herself with God’s people. Her belief moves her to action. This chapter shows that faith is not about background, status, or perfection. Rahab was an outsider, yet she trusted God more than many who were closer to His promises. Her courage flowed from believing that God was already at work, even before Israel marched around Jericho. For believers today, Joshua 2 reminds us that genuine faith recognizes God’s work and responds with obedience. Faith acts even when the risk is high, the future is uncertain, and the decision is costly. God honors faith that trusts Him fully and steps forward boldly. Reflection Questions 1. Do I recognize where God is already at work, even before I see the outcome 2. Is my faith leading me to action or remaining only in belief 3. What step of courage might God be asking me to take Prayer Lord God, thank You for being faithful and working ahead of what I can see. Help me to recognize Your hand at work and respond with courageous faith. Teach me to trust You fully and obey You boldly, even when it feels risky. In Jesus name, Amen.

Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—take them out of this place!” Genesis 19:12 ɴᴋᴊᴠ While the world in its foolishness is looking to destroy family relationships, God desires to not only preserve them but honor them and bless those who uphold what He has instituted. Lot was surrounded by those who cared nothing for God’s relationship principles. To know how devoted Lot’s family members were, we need only to read a little further and see the actions of his daughters. Despite this unfaithfulness, God sent His angels to rescue both Lot and his family, because God cares about families. The faith of one family member can have a direct impact on others in the family. We see this in Rahab. Confronted with a dilemma of whether to betray the spies or not—and likely the prospect of a sizable reward for turning them in—she chose to make a true confession of Jehovah as God (Josh. 2:11). Her demonstration of faith not only saved her but also her family—an act that no doubt spoke strongly to her family members as she went on to be found in the lineage of Christ (Mt. 1:5). Not only is it a blessing to be part of a believing household, but we can also cherish being part of the family of God. Having been shown the way of salvation, the Philippian jailer’s family was able to enjoy fellowship with Paul and Silas, and rejoice together with them and with his family (Acts 16:34). What a blessing! Noah, too, himself finding grace in God’s eyes, built an ark for the saving of his family (Heb. 11:7). Let us thank the Lord for our families and speak to one another about our Lord Jesus, who has brought us into the household of God (Eph. 2:19). Eric Clermont https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-07-13

Why does James 2 say we’re justified by works? Quick Answer: Why does James 2 say we’re justified by works? While many believe James 2 teaches salvation by doing good works, this is not what the passage means. James is actually saying we’re saved by a living faith that involves the one-time decision to open the door of our lives to Jesus Christ (just like Rahab opened the door for the spies) and to offer ourselves to God (just like Abraham offered Isaac). This “living faith” that saves is contrasted against the dead faith that even demons have (James 2:19). Diving Deeper: James 2 can be a confusing passage if some of its statements are removed from their context. Three different times, the passage states that we are “justified by works”: 1. “Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?“ (James 2:21) 2. “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24) 3. “In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (James 2:25) While some sweep this under the rug, acting like these challenging statements don’t exist, others (like Martin Luther) have confronted them head on yet decided James doesn’t belong in the canon of Scripture! Here, we propose one can confront these three passages and explain them accurately (due to James’s definition of “works”) without finding any conflict with justification by faith. Here, James is not referring to a lifelong track record of good works that make a person right before God. No, the examples James gives of Abraham and Rahab both involve one-time decisions. This is much like what Jesus taught when He said: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29). James is simply contrasting the living faith that saves versus the dead faith of demons (James 2:19). Some have attempted to explain this challenging passage by purporting that James is not talking about being justified before God but being justified before men. While this is a creative take, there is simply no support for this view in the passage itself. In fact, it is salvation itself (justification before God) that is clearly in focus throughout the passage, and there is no mention at all of getting right before men: “Can that faith save him? ” (James 2:14) “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (James 2:23) Without a doubt, James is talking about what kind of faith saves a person and makes them righteous. His point is simply that it is a living faith that involves opening the door of our lives (just like Rahab opened the door) and offering ourselves to God (just like Abraham offered Isaac). This one-time decision to call upon the Lord is the response to the Gospel that truly saves. “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29).