Welcome to a new month and I want to specially welcome you to this devotional “There is More." . In this five-day devotional we will explore the powerful lessons from the book of Joshua, chapter 13. In this chapter, Joshua is transitioning into a new season, and God instructs him to conquer new territories and possess the land promised to the Israelites. As we embark on this five-day journey, we will discover valuable insights that will inspire and equip us to reach new levels in our lives. Let's dive into the Word and discover what God has in store for us.

Bible Verse: Joshua 13:1 NKJV - " Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: ‘You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed'"

As we embark on this devotional journey, let us recognize that our journey towards the next level is not yet complete. Just as Joshua, in his old age, was reminded by the Lord that there was still much land to be possessed, we too are called to press forward and conquer new territories in our lives.

It is easy to become complacent or settled in our current circumstances, thinking that we have achieved all that we were meant to. However, God's plans for us are vast and abundant. There is always more to conquer, more to achieve, and more to experience in His kingdom.

Embracing the truth that there is more to conquer requires a mindset of faith and expectancy. We must shift our perspective from a place of comfort to a posture of readiness and anticipation. God wants to take us to new levels, to stretch our faith, and to reveal His power in and through us. 

Question to Ponder: What promises has God spoken over your life that remind you there is more to conquer? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the reminder that there is more to conquer in my life. Help me to embrace Your promises and to trust in Your plans for me. I release any doubts, fears, or self-limiting beliefs that have held me back. Fill me with faith and expectancy to step into new levels and territories. Guide me, Lord, as I pursue the more that You have for me. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Bible Verse: Joshua 13:6 NKJV - "All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians, I will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you."

God's desire for us is not to remain stagnant or confined within our comfort zones. He calls us to embrace growth and expansion, both spiritually and in every area of our lives. In Joshua 13, God promises to drive out the inhabitants of the land before the Israelites, clearing the way for them to possess their inheritance. Similarly, God wants to remove any obstacles, negative mindsets, and limitations that hinder our progress.

As we embrace growth and expansion, we must first recognize that it is a process. It requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and venture into the unknown. Growth often involves facing challenges, taking risks, and being open to change. It may require us to learn new skills, develop new perspectives, and break free from the familiarity of the past.

Question to Ponder: What areas of your life do you need to expand and grow in to reach your next level?

Prayer: Gracious Lord, I thank You for the promise of growth and expansion in my life. Help me to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come my way. Give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and trust in Your abundance. Show me the areas where I need to release the old and make room for the new. Guide me in using my gifts and resources to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.

Bible Verse: Joshua 13:7 NKJV - "Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh."

In our journey towards the next level, we often encounter obstacles and challenges that can appear insurmountable. These limitations can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. However, the story of Joshua teaches us the powerful principle of dividing and conquering. By breaking down our goals into smaller, manageable steps, we can overcome limitations and achieve remarkable victories.

Dividing and conquering involves taking a strategic approach to our pursuits. Instead of being paralyzed by the magnitude of the task before us, we break it down into smaller, actionable steps. This approach enables us to focus on one step at a time, celebrating the victories along the way and gaining momentum towards our ultimate goal.

Moreover, dividing and conquering encourages perseverance and prevents burnout. When we tackle challenges all at once, we can easily become overwhelmed and exhausted. However, by breaking them down into manageable steps, we can maintain a steady pace and avoid becoming discouraged. Each conquered step fuels our motivation and propels us forward, reminding us of our progress and spurring us on towards the next level.

Question to Ponder: What goals or challenges can you divide into smaller, manageable steps to overcome limitations and progress towards your next level?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the principle of dividing and conquering. Help me to break down my goals and challenges into manageable steps. Grant me wisdom to discern the necessary actions and resources for each portion. Guide me, Lord, as I seek to conquer limitations and progress towards the next level. May each step be aligned with Your will and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.

Bible Verse: Joshua 13:33 NKJV - "But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, as He had said to them."

In our pursuit of the next level, it is important to remember that the journey is not about us alone. The tribe of Levi serves as a reminder that sometimes our role is not to possess earthly inheritances but to find our inheritance in the Lord Himself. It's a recognition that the work God calls us to is often bigger than what we can accomplish on our own.

When we face challenges or pursue new heights, we may encounter moments when we feel overwhelmed or inadequate. We may question our abilities or feel the weight of responsibility. However, it is precisely in those moments that we need to remember that the task at hand is not solely reliant on our own strength, but on the power and provision of God.

Understanding that "it's bigger than you" shifts our focus from self-reliance to God-dependence. It humbles us and reminds us that we are part of a grander narrative, where God's plans and purposes extend beyond our individual capabilities. It invites us to partner with God, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and strength as we navigate the path ahead.

By embracing the truth that "it's bigger than you," we release ourselves from the pressure of having to have all the answers or solutions. We trust that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer. We find comfort in His faithfulness and allow Him to work through us, bringing about His purposes in ways that exceed our expectations.

Question to Ponder: In what areas of your life or pursuit of the next level do you need to remind yourself that "it's bigger than you"?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that the journey before me is bigger than what I can accomplish on my own. I surrender my plans, my abilities, and my limitations to You. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and provision. Guide me, Lord, and show me the next steps to take. Surround me with the right people to support and encourage me. Use me for Your purposes, and may Your name be glorified in everything I do. In Jesus' name, amen.

Bible Verse: Joshua 1:6 ESV- "Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them."

As we conclude this devotional journey, let us be reminded of the powerful words spoken by God to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous." These words are not only for Joshua but also for you as you pursue the next level in your life.

God's promise to Joshua was to lead the people of Israel into the land He had promised to their ancestors. And no matter how long it took , God fulfilled His promise.  Likewise, God has specific plans and promises for your life. He has placed desires, dreams, and ambitions within you that align with His purpose. You have what it takes to fulfill those purposes and experience the inheritance He has prepared for you.

Being strong and courageous also involves perseverance. It means not giving up when faced with challenges or when progress seems slow. Keep pressing forward, trusting that God's timing is perfect. The path may not always be easy, but through it all, remember that God is preparing you, molding you, and shaping you for the destiny He has ordained for you.

Question to Ponder: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the call to be strong and courageous as you pursue the next level?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder to be strong and courageous. I acknowledge that my strength and courage come from You alone. Help me to trust in Your promises and rely on Your guidance in every step I take. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome any obstacle that comes my way. Grant me the perseverance to continue pressing forward, even in the face of challenges. I commit my journey to You and declare that I am strong and courageous because You are with me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on completing the "There is More" devotional! May the lessons learned from parts of Joshua’s story inspire you to embrace God's promises, expand your territories, overcome limitations, seek divine guidance, and step boldly into the promises of God  for your life. Remember, with God by your side, you are well-equipped to conquer new territories and reach new heights in your life. Stay faithful, trust in His unfailing love, and experience the fulfillment of His plans for you. God bless you abundantly on your journey!