That you might learn that man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 8:3

July

1-3 Balaam: Blessing and Judgment
4 Love the Lord Your God
5-10 Joshua and the Promised Land
11-17 Deborah, Samson, and the Judges
18-21 Ruth: Love and Loyalty
22-28 Jesus Says, "I am"
29-31 Samuel: The Last Judge

July 5

I Deuteronomy 31:1-9

How does God’s promises to Israel and Moses’ instruction to be strong and courageous encourage and challenge you today?
Moses passes the torch to Joshua–showing that God’s plans are greater than any single person or generation. How can you equip and empower the next generation to follow God?

July 6

I Joshua 1:1-9

God provides Joshua a reason to be strong and courageous–to observe carefully God’s instruction. Why do we need to be strong and courageous to walk in obedience?
How does God’s promise to Joshua to be with him wherever he goes encourage and challenge you today?

July 7

I Joshua 2:1-6,22-24

Once again, two spies are sent out. This time, however, the Israelites are emboldened to follow God’s lead. When in your life have you tried to “spy out” what God had planned. Did it create fear or confidence for you?
Rahab demonstrated extreme hospitality for two men who should be her enemies. How does this resonate with you in light of Jesus’s command to love your enemies?

July 8

I Joshua 6:1-5,20-21,25

This key moment in the lives of Joshua and the Israelites serves as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and ability to keep his promises. Have you experienced such a moment in your own life?
Rahab and her family were spared because of her faith. Read Jesus’s genealogy in Matthew 1:1-6. Why is it significant that Rahab is listed there?

July 9

I Joshua 11:15-20,23

In the narrative of the Old Testament, God is forming a people for himself which will eventually set the stage for Jesus to bring salvation to the world. Why are the events of Joshua a necessary part of this?
How can we in our lives fervently remove barriers and obstacles to Jesus for ourselves and others?

July 10

I Joshua 24:14-21

Here Joshua presents a fork in the road for the Israelites. If you were in their shoes, which would you choose?
“The gods your fathers worshiped” look a little different for us today. What family or cultural values do you see in your life that appear contrary to the way God has called us to live?

July 11

I Judges 2:7,10-11,14-16,18-19

How does God’s persistent raising up of judges testify to his faithfulness to Israel?
What do these passages today teach us as we equip and empower future generations?

July 12

I Judges 4:1-9

Deborah is depicted as a wise and discerning judge over Israel. She helps the people settle disputes as a result. Is there someone in your life you could say the same of?
Barak makes his obedience to God conditional on someone else’s actions. When in your life have you been tempted to do the same?

July 13

I Judges 4:14-21

Sometimes we need someone to remind us that the Lord has gone before us. In what area of your life do you need this reminder today?
As a warrior, Barak’s honor was found in conquering his enemy. Yet, Jael beats him to it because of how slowness and doubt. In what way is God calling you to live–yet, you likewise experience slowness and doubt?

July 14

I Judges 13:1-5,24-25; 15:20

Repeatedly, we are told that God handed over the people. Why?
Samson is one of the most well known judges–usually for making poor decisions as we’ll see. How does God using complicated, messy people to judge Israel encourage and challenge you?

July 15

I Judges 16:1-19

As a judge, Samson was uniquely gifted with supernatural strength. For what was he supposed to use his strength for?
We all are gifted with unique traits and strengths. For what can you use your gifts and strengths for?