Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city” (Joshua 8:1-2 NIV).

Leaders learn to listen

Today we see the virtues of listening to the Lord. Achan had brought shame and defeat on the whole congregation because of his disobedience. However the Lord revealed to Joshua a strategy of how overcome this enemy who was now strong in the belief that no one could defeat them. At first the Lord encourages Joshua, ‘do not be afraid’. I will give you a strategy that will work only obey me and ensure that everyone obeys you. So Joshua laid out the plans and then implemented it.  In this battle, only fighting men were involved. They carried out the plan exactly as instructed and AI was completely defeated and destroyed and their king made an example of.

A progressive leader who hears from God will overcome and prosper in the long run. If God is really leading you and you are following his strategy then you will be successful. For God is not like men, he never lies and always keeps his promises (Numbers 23:19). 

Joshua was a man of discipline, self-control, obedience and accountability. He was submissive to the Lord and obedient to the laws that Moses had received therefore his prophetic leadership was a great success.

Read Joshua 9