Joshua 8: Military Strategy

"When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, the men of the city hurried and went out early in the morning, so that he and all his people could engage Israel in battle at a suitable place facing the plain of the Jordan.  But he did not know there was an ambush waiting for him behind the city."

Joshua 8:14

We can learn a lot from both sides in this engagement.  First, let's put this into other words - the Lord's enemy came out and exposed himself while the Lord had an ambush set up in advance.  These principles relate directly to Spiritual battles just as much as actual ones.

We know the power of an ambush.  Joshua's ambush allowed Israel to defeat Ai with ease.  If we know that temptations will arise, should we not also set up an ambush against them?  What better way to do that than the memorization of key Scriptures?  Each of us knows where our weak spots are...  Find bible verses which relate to the temptations you struggle with on a regular basis and keep them poised to strike - to ambush the temptations as they come towards you.

We also know the importance of keeping a strong guard at home.  Ai's worst failure was that their entire army left the city, leaving the whole place vulnerable.  Our homes ought to be a sanctuary, where we can rest away from the aforementioned temptation struggles... Find the cracks in your home's defenses and seal them.  Whether it means putting internet restrictions on your computer, getting rid of PPV on the TV, throwing out the foods you gluttonously engorge yourself on, selling excess luxuries so you can pay off debt, etc.  Again, each of us has different defense weaknesses - figure out what needs to be done in your own home.

Challenge of the Day:

Fortify the defenses of your home and practice your ambush Scriptures.  Keep this up for a few weeks and see how you and your family benefit from doing so.

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, help me to fortify my own heart and soul against temptation, and help me to create a home for my family which is safe for all of us.  Help me to fend off temptation whenever and wherever it arises.  Help me to lead a sinless life, as Your Son did (does) and as You command me to do also.  Amen.