Day 19: Crossing Into Promise

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 29–34 & Joshua 1–4

Date: Saturday, 19th July 2025

To the Marathon Readers

You’ve crossed 180 chapters! From Genesis to Deuteronomy—and now stepping into Joshua. This is a monumental moment. The same God who led Israel out of Egypt is now leading them into the Promised Land. You’ve come far—don’t slow down now. What lies ahead is victory, inheritance, and the glory of God in motion.

Reading Instructions

Read Deuteronomy 29–34 & Joshua 1–4 slowly and expectantly. These chapters mark the handover of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the crossing into the Promised Land. Pay attention to the final words of Moses, God's call to courage, and the miracle of the Jordan River parting. Ask yourself: What must I let go of? What must I now embrace?

Guided Devotional

1. Who is God?

The Covenant Keeper – In Deuteronomy 29–30, God reaffirms His covenant. He reminds His people that He has set life and death before them—and pleads that they choose life.

The God of New Beginnings – Though Moses cannot enter the Promised Land, God ensures His purposes continue through Joshua (Deut. 31:7–8).

The Ever-Present One – He promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6), and again reaffirms that to Joshua (Josh. 1:5).

The God Who Parts the Waters – In Joshua 3, the Jordan River stands in the way—but God parts it just as He did the Red Sea, reminding Israel that He is still with them.

The God Who Raises Leaders – God Himself commissions Joshua and fills him with the spirit of wisdom (Deut. 34:9). He is the One who raises and equips His servants for every new season.

2. What Are the Ways of God?

God works through transitions – From Moses to Joshua, we see that God doesn’t stop when people do. He is generational. His mission continues.

God calls for boldness and courage – “Be strong and courageous” is not a mere encouragement—it is a command because of His presence.

God honors obedience with power – The priests who carried the ark had to step into the water before it parted (Josh. 3:13). Faith steps activate divine intervention.

God requires remembrance – After crossing the Jordan, twelve stones are taken from the riverbed as a memorial. God wants each generation to remember what He has done (Josh. 4:6–7).

God speaks through song and legacy – Moses’ song (Deut. 32) and blessing (Deut. 33) leave a legacy of worship, warning, and prophetic declaration.

3. What Is His Character?

Faithful – His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still unfolding, even after 400+ years.

Just – He deals seriously with sin and rebellion but offers mercy and restoration to the repentant.

Loving – “The Lord your God will circumcise your heart...so that you may love Him” (Deut. 30:6). He’s always working for intimate relationship.

Powerful – He parts rivers, raises leaders, defeats enemies, and fulfills impossible promises.

Present – He does not abandon His people at transition points. His presence accompanies those He sends.

Golden Nugget

The God who brought you out is the same God who brings you in. Your past obedience was preparation. Now comes possession.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the journey so far. Thank You for Your faithfulness in every season—from wilderness to crossing. Today I step into what You’ve promised. I lay down fear and pick up courage. Like Joshua, I say yes to the call. Let Your presence go before me, and may I always remember Your mighty works. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

• What transition are you going through in this season of your life?

• Like Joshua, what fears or uncertainties do you need to surrender?

• Build your own “memorial stones” today—write down or share three major things God has done in your life since Day 1 of this Bible Marathon.

Next Reading:

Day 20 – Joshua 5–14 Discover what it means to fight from victory, not for victory. The walls of Jericho fall, and the land begins to be claimed. Prepare for spiritual strategies and kingdom conquest.