Have Courage and Serve God

Joshua 1-8; 23-24 | May 23-29

Joshua took Moses’s place as the new prophet. He would lead the Israelites into the promised land and conquer the Canaanites. The Lord told Joshua to be strong and have courage. The Israelites had to cross the Jordan River to get to the promised land. As the priests stepped into the water, the Lord miraculously parted the river for the Israelites as He had parted the Red Sea for Moses. Next the Israelites need to conquer Jericho. The Lord gave Joshua instructions that the priests would quietly lead the Israelites around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they should go around the city seven times and the priests should blow their trumpets. On a loud blast of the trumpets the people should shout and the city would fall. The Israelites had faith and did as the Lord commanded and the wall of the city fell. With God’s help, and many miracles, the Israelites were finally able to enter the promised land.

At the end of his life, Joshua spoke to the people and told them to be courageous, keep the commandments, and love the Lord. He reminded them of all of the great miracles they had seen when they had been faithful, and of the bad things that happened when they didn’t keep the commandments. He tells the people to choose to serve God or forsake God, but as for Joshua and his house, they would serve the Lord.

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Scripture

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with the whithersoever thou goest.”

Questions

How did the Israelites show courage?
How were the Israelites blessed when they kept the commandments with faith?
How can we show courage?
How does the Lord bless us when we keep the commandments faithfully?

Quote

“My earnest prayer is that you will have the courage required to refrain from judging others, the courage to be chaste and virtuous, and the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness.” Thomas S. Monson

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More Resources

Activity

Remembrance Stones

The Lord told Joshua to set up a memorial of stones after they crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. On these paper stones (or you can collect real stones), write down some of the times the Lord has blessed you that you want your family to remember.

Treat

Popcorn Houses

Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15). As you make these caramel popcorn houses, discuss ways your family can serve the Lord.