We have launched our Joshua Bible study! YAY! I’ve been waiting for this day. I hope you have, too.

First, ask God to speak to your heart through Joshua’s story. Ask Him to unveil new truths as you study.

You may want to read the book of Joshua at your convenience. This will give you a head start.

I want to be thorough, so today we begin with some background information.

Not long ago, Anne Graham Lotz said: “I can feel the encroaching darkness of evil that is like a heavy moral and spiritual fog. The enemy is advancing and permeating our nation at every level.” She goes on to say that “God commands us to arise, let our Light shine, so the distinctive glory of our Lord will be obvious to all.”ˡ Read the whole article…

I couldn’t agree more. Satan knows his time is of the essence, so he is on a destructive warpath and is determined to bring the Church down one pillar at a time. The war is escalating and will continue to do so until Jesus comes back for His people.

And here’s a reality we need to know: the United States is under attack.

Persecution for Christians is abounding in our country—a country that was once safe and protected. I believe that God’s hand was protecting this country at one time because of its strong biblical foundation.

Our founding fathers led with truth and faith.

Over the last several decades, though, things have been rapidly changing. People with no regard for God have been voted in to lead.

God is being pushed out. And our freedoms are slowly being taken away.

Friend, this is called war. Spiritual war!

There are two sides to this war. The good side led by the Commander of the Armies, God Himself. And the evil side led by the master deceiver and the greatest enemy of God, Satan.

It’s a fierce war!

And believers are the ones under attack. Satan is smart and crafty. He knows that the best way to get to God and destroy what He has built up is to pursue God’s people. And he is pursuing us with a vengeance.

What do you learn about your great enemy based on 1 Peter 5:8?

What strategy do you think he uses to cause our downfall? 

It is his goal to bring you and me down.

This puts us in the middle of this huge battle. Whether we like it or not, we are called to the front lines.

We’re drafted!

But the stark reality is that most of us are unprepared for this war. We have no clue how to fight. No earthly training could prepare us for this war because this one cannot be conquered with human weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4).

And I believe God is looking for great warriors to fight with Him and for Him.

So this brings us to our study on Joshua. It was Joshua who led the Israelite’s into the Promised Land. He is truly one of the greatest heroes of the Old Testament.

Joshua was a military leader, a political leader, and a spiritual leader. He was a battlefield genius, particularly in the areas of careful planning, strategy, and execution. Joshua was able to challenge his people by both word and example.²

Let’s go to the end of Joshua’s life. How did Joshua’s words and his example impact the people (Joshua 24:14-18)?

How does Joshua’s words impact you?

Now, in relation to the war we are immersed in—and the war that is heating up—there is not a better person, or book of the Bible, to help us become mighty warriors for God’s Army. Warriors that God will be pleased with!

The Nation of Israel was blessed under Joshua’s leadership. We read at the end of his book, “The people of Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him – those who had personally experienced all that the LORD had done for Israel” (Joshua 24:31).

How can you make a difference in others’ lives?

Now, I hope you’re ready for some serious training. Everything we study in the Old Testament, we will apply to our current life here in the 21^st century as the Bible is timeless.

Something tells me that we will discover unforeseen things we never imagined important for this military training. Please hang in there with me because I’m learning along with you.

If we’re faithful in our study and apply these great truths to our life, I believe that you and I will be counted among God’s greatest warriors.

Let’s not back down! Don’t get discouraged! And keep your eyes focused on the victory that will be celebrated at the end of the war.

Blessings,