Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 22:1-9.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2022&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you.  You have not forsaken your brothers these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God.  And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them;  therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan.  Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.”  Joshua 22:1-6.

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Like the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh who moved away from the other sons of Israel by going northeast across the Jordan, in 1977 I moved away from family and friends and many Reformed churches in Michigan to live in Florida with no family, no friends, and few Reformed churches.  

My web site has more of my story in the “About Me” headnote on the top of most pages of my web site.  Here is a direct link –   https://reformeddoctrine.com/about/

Like the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, I needed to be extra careful to hold fast to the LORD,  because I was not surrounded by as much spiritual support as I was when I was in Michigan.  Moses was wise in understanding the need of the the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh to be extra careful and gave the following exhortation which I needed (and continue to need) as well.

“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Verse 5.

Many could rightly conclude that it is more important to stay with family, friends, and more spiritual support than it is to have better weather, more beautiful scenery, and more money from another job.  Many could believe that God is leading them to stay.    

But, there is hope for those who believe that God is leading them to move!

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance;  and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10.

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9.

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you;  He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8.