Bring Us Home - Joshua

I am so thankful that Andrew H. suggested this song for a class devotional a few weeks back. I knew about the album (Music Inspired by The Story) but hadn't really given it adequate play time. What a great group of artists and excellent collection of songs from the view point of key characters in the Bible. From Adam and Eve to Moses, Joshua, David, Jesus and Paul. This one's going to be played a lot around my house. 
Joshua is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. He is such a key figure in the history of the Israelites. I love that he was one of the two "good" spies that assured Moses that with God's help the Israelites could conquer the land of Canaan. The other ten "bad" spies were more convincing though and talked Moses out of the attack; hence the 40 years in the desert. Then as he takes over as the leader of his nation he gets to attack Jericho. But not head on mind you. He gets a message from the Lord who shares the battle strategy with Joshua that does not include any weapons (at least at first). It involves walking around the city and then eventually shouting and blowing horns. What a crazy plan but Joshua trusts God and everything works out to the benefit of the Israelites. 
One of my favorite scriptures also comes with Joshua. In Deuteronomy 31:6 Moses tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then in Joshua 1:9 God tells Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."