When you have time, I would suggest that you read all of Joshua 23. Joshua has one last opportunity to tell the people of Israel how he feels before he dies. In this last speech, he tells the Israelites to stay true to God and reminds them of how faithful God is.

People say that looking back is like looking at a picture. This means that we can see clearly what has happened when we look back. When we look back, we don't have to guess. Joshua told the Israelites to move on but also to remember God's past faithfulness. He told them again how God had saved them and kept all of His promises.

We should be brave enough to believe that God will always be faithful, even when things are tough right now and in the future. We should all remember that every promise God has made to us will come true.

​Prayer:

Thank You, Father, for all the good and precious promises You have made to me in Christ and for every promise You have kept in my life. You are a wonderful and loving Father who keeps His promises and will always be there for me. No matter what giants I might face today, help me rest in Your goodness.

I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

​What will we get a crown of glory for? The short answer is that we all get to wear a crown because we are part of God's royal family. Romans 8:16-17 says, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." This promise is for everyone who has called on the name of the Lord over the years. When Jesus comes back, He will give us all a crown of glory that will last forever. This is not because we earned or deserved it on our own. We don't get the crown because of our efforts; we get it only because of God's grace and goodness.

Because our Father loved us, He decided thousands of years ago that we would be born into His amazing royal family and share in the eternal riches of His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3-6). On that great and glorious day when we see Jesus face-to-face, we will get our crown of glory, which will show heaven that we belong to God.

I think the crown we will all get will show how much our Father loves us and show the angels in heaven that we are meant to rule and reign with Jesus in His royal family forever. May the promise of today encourage you and give you hope for the wonderful future that lies ahead.

Prayer:

Thank You, Father, for the royal birthright You gave me when I became one with Jesus. I pray that when things get tough on this side of heaven, I will remember the wonderful future I have in store. One day, You will put a crown on my head that shows everyone that I am one of Your beloved children and a co-heir with Christ.

Amen, in Jesus' name.

Jesus tells His followers that the kingdom of God is for little children. If adults do not change and become like little children, they will not be able to enjoy the benefits of the kingdom of God.

The truth of today's promise is that fathers keep their children safe. They don't do anything special; that's just what good dads do. The promise we read today says that God keeps safe those who trust Him with the simple heart of a child. It doesn't matter how young or little we are physically. God is much older than we are, no matter how old we get! The Bible says that God is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9,13,22).

We aren't told to act like children, but we are told to be childlike. Children need their parents for everything. They rely on their parents for everything, including food, clothing, and safety. They are completely defenseless without their parents' care. I believe that when we trust God and our Father with a child's simple heart, He becomes our safe place and our defender in every situation.

Prayer:

Thank You, Father, for loving and protecting the little child that is still inside of me. You continue to cherish the inner child within me, despite my outward growth and maturity. I trust that Your fatherly love will keep me safe today. Help me to trust You completely and not rely on my understanding, because I know You will take care of all my needs.

I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.