Joshua

March 20

Joshua 1:1-2, 12-18

Honoring the new leader

After Moses had died, the Lord spoke to Joshua. “Get the people ready to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. I have given to you and all My people the whole land.”

Now while Moses was their leader, two tribes had asked if they could settle on the east side of the Jordan River rather than cross into the Promised Land (Numbers 32:15-25). Moses told them that if they helped the other tribes conquer the enemy in Canaan, they could return to their homes on the east side of the river.

So Joshua said to the two tribes, “Remember the promise you made to Moses to help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land. If you do what you said you would, the Lord will give you the land you want.”

Then they said to Joshua, “We will do everything you have told us, and go wherever you send us.”

For how long must I keep a promise?

If you want someone to be sure that you will do what you said you would, simply tell the person that you will do it. If you are known as a person who can be trusted, that is enough. Always be someone who can be trusted and counted on to keep your word.

If you do make a promise, be sure that you are able to do what you promised. If your promise depends on good weather, someone else’s help, or Mom’s permission—don’t promise! You should rather say, I will do my best, or, as soon as I can, or, if I am allowed to.

Always keep a promise because a kept promise shows your honor; a broken promise becomes a lie. If it is worth making a promise, it is worth keeping it.

Verse for today

Simply let your ‘Yes' be ‘Yes,' and your ‘No,' ‘No'… Matthew 5:37