Praise precedes Victory

“…Joshua said to the people: ‘Shout, for the LORD has given you the city!’…And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat” – Joshua 6:16 – 20.

One of the favorite passages in the Bible is when Joshua and the Israelites took over the city of Jericho. Jericho had a massive wall built around the city that no army could penetrate. But that didn’t stop God from giving them the victory. He simply commanded the Israelites to march around the city in silence for six days, and on the seventh day they were to give a shout of praise.

It’s interesting that they had to shout before the walls came down. It seems more natural to shout and be happy after the victory, after the walls have fallen. But no, that doesn’t take any faith. We can all sing and give God praise when we’re on the mountaintop. But God wants us to learn to give Him praise when we’re in the valley.

If you are facing difficulty today, if there seems to be massive walls standing in the way of your breakthrough, remember, praise precedes the victory. Why don’t you do like the Israelites and give a shout of praise anyway. Stand and believe that God is at work even if you don’t see it. Before long, those walls will come down, and you’ll move forward into the victory He has prepared for you.

Time for God’s Favor

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life…” – Joshua 4:14.

I love the promise that God gave to Joshua. He said, “Joshua, today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” God was saying, “Today, I’m going to start releasing more blessings and increase.” But notice, there was a specific time in his life that God began to release favor in a new way.

Believe God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessing and favor in such a way that it makes you great in every way. God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “This day I’m going to begin to make your name great. I’m going to open the doors that no man can shut.” It is a set time for God’s favor. Get ready, make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy because the time of God’s favor is here.

Possessing your promised land

“The Lord your God will thrust them out from before you and drive them out of your sight, and you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God promised you.” – Joshua 23:5.

We all have giants or obstacles that try to keep us from possessing what God has promised, especially in our dreams. We have two choices: we can quit and live in mediocrity, or we can fight and take hold of the victory. In the Bible, the children of Israel were camped right next door to their Promised Land. God had already told them He would give them the victory; all they had to do was go in and fight for the land. But, when they heard how big their opponents were, they had such a weak, defeated mentality that they just gave up. Their attitude was, “What’s the use of even trying? We’ll never defeat those people. We might as well just stay out here in the wilderness.” They settled for mediocrity because they weren’t willing to fight.

Friend, don’t let that be you! The battle you have to fight today is in your mind. You have to change your thinking in order to possess God’s promises. Start thinking thoughts of faith and victory. Declare that you are an overcomer. As you stand and fight and win the battle in your mind, you’ll move forward and embrace the promises and dreams that God has for you.

God with you

“No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live, for I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you” – Joshua 1:5.

This is a wonderful promise from the Lord at the beginning of the year 2016, the Lord promises to be with each one of us, not only that the coming year but the promise is for years and years to come, till the end of time.

The Lord promises protection around us wherever we go, whatever we do for His glory…unfailing protection. His word is mighty which never fails. When you are on for the Lord, remember not to be worried about anything, as nothing would be able to stand in between you and your accomplishment.

Set new goals; goals that you have been dreaming, dreams that the Lord has been reviling to you. Be blessed this year as the word of God says so.

God Bless you and your family in the year 2016.

Make plans for your next Victory

“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day…” – Joshua 14:12

In the Bible, Caleb helped lead the people of Israel into their Promised Land. But scripture tells us that Caleb didn’t just stop there. In fact, when he was 80 years old he said, “God, give me another mountain.” He was saying, “God give me something else to do. Give me another assignment.” Notice, he was planning on living out his life in victory. He could have said, “God, just let me retire. Man, my back’s hurting. I can hardly see anymore. Medicare wouldn’t pay that latest prescription. I’m so aggravated.” No, he was strong. He was energetic; he was ready for the next challenge.

Friend, no matter how old or how young you are, God has another assignment for you. You wouldn’t be here if God didn’t have a purpose for you. I believe that this year is going to be your best ever. Why don’t you make plans for another victory! Make plans to increase in influence, abundance and favor. Choose today to live full of joy, peace, strength and health and take a step of faith into the life of blessing He has in store for you!