Emmanuel Okoro (aka MrLift)

Daily Victory  “The king of Tirzah, one—making a total of thirty-one kings.”  (Joshua 12:24) Joshua chapter twelve records the kings conquered by Joshua and the children of Israel. In all, thirty-one kings were defeated—thirty-one clear victories that testified to God’s faithfulness and power. As I reflected on this, another scripture came strongly to mind: the assurance that God daily loads us with benefits . I could not help but see a beautiful parallel—victory for every single day of the month.  “ Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”  (Psalm 68:19 KJV) Every benefit God loads us with is an expression of victory. No day is meant to be empty, defeated, or wasted. In the same way, the Apostle Paul declares with confidence that God always causes us to triumph in Christ.  “ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every plac...

A Season of Rest  “So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had instructed Moses, and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.”  (Joshua 11:23) A season of rest is coming—hold on just a little longer. Notice that Israel did not enter into rest until the whole land was taken. There was no rest before the battle was finished; victory preceded rest. Joshua and the people had to confront every opposition before they could enjoy peace. For us as New Testament believers, the journey is different yet deeply connected. Our victory has already been secured through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Therefore, our responsibility is not to fight for victory, but to believe in it and rest in what Christ has accomplished. To enter this rest is simply to trust—fully and without reservation. Scripture reminds us that the promise of rest is still available, but it must be received with faith:  “ Now G...

Be Mindful of the Exceptions “Joshua came out at that time also to root out the Anakim from the hills—from Hebron, Debir, Anab, from the mountains of Judah and the mountains of Israel. Joshua carried out the holy curse on them and their cities. No Anakim were left in the land of the people of Israel, except in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod; a few were left there.” (Joshua 11:21–22) Most people stumble, not because they do not know the rule, but because they ignore the exceptions. An exception means the norm is suspended in a particular area, and if it is left unchecked, it often becomes a future problem. This is clearly seen in our text. Joshua successfully rooted out the Anakim—the giant-like people—from the land of Israel. Scripture records a great victory: no Anakim were left . Then comes the warning word— except . A few were spared in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. Years later, one of those “exceptions” resurfaced as a major threat. From Gath emerged Goliath, a giant who terrorized Israel....

Don’t Waste Your Conflicts "For it was the LORD Himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that He might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the LORD had commanded Moses.” ( Joshua 11:20)  Conflict is not always a bad thing. Our text makes this very clear. The Bible says it was God’s idea that the nations stubbornly resisted Israel. From Israel’s perspective, this resistance was a serious conflict—a problem to solve, a threat to confront, a question demanding answers. But from God’s perspective, it was an opportunity to deal decisively with Israel’s enemies and fulfil His divine purpose. This teaches us an important lesson: conflicts often look negative to us, but they may be strategic in God’s plan. If we look closely enough, we will often find opportunities hidden inside our struggles. The text emphasizes that it was God’s idea . That means some battles are not accidents, and some pressures are not punishments—they are divine setu...

Finish What You Started “Just as the LORD commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua carried it out. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.” ( Joshua 11:15 ) Scripture reminds us that “better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” Yet an ending is impossible without a beginning. Both matter. You must start, but you must also finish. Many people find the excitement to begin but lack the endurance to complete. Courage may get you off the ground, but discipline is what carries you to the finish line. Joshua stands as a powerful example: he did not leave a single instruction of God incomplete. What God commanded, Joshua executed fully. This balance between divine enablement and human responsibility is clearly taught in Scripture. The Bible says it is God who works in us, both to will and to act according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Yet just one verse earlier, we are instructed to work out our salvation with f...

Any Fool Can Criticise “The whole army then returned intact to the camp and to Joshua at Makkedah. There was no criticism that day from the people of Israel.” ( Joshua 10:21 Anyone can criticise. It takes no wisdom to point out faults. But it takes character to overlook an offence, and spiritual maturity to restore a fallen person with love. One of the sad consequences of the Fall is that humans now seem wired to hunt for mistakes. While Scripture tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory , it was never meant to turn us into fault-finders or judges of one another. Israel had just secured a remarkable victory over a coalition of enemies. In most serious organisations, such a moment would be followed by reviews and assessments—what went wrong, who failed, what could have been better. Yet the Bible records something striking: “There was no criticism that day.” Victory silenced blame. Gratitude replaced grumbling. Unity triumphed over fault-finding. The Apostle Pa...

Total Surprise “Joshua marched all night from Gilgal and took them by total surprise.” (Joshua 10:9) Many people have learned to use Christianese to deceive themselves. In an attempt to sound spiritual, labour has been replaced with slogans such as, “One day of favour is worth a thousand days of labour.” While this statement seeks to magnify favour, it is often used—consciously or unconsciously—to undermine the place of diligent effort. In the same way, the idea of “working smart” has been overstretched until it excuses laziness. Scripture does not promote extremes. There is a place for favour, a place for wisdom, and equally a place for labour. Labour is the deliberate exertion of mental and physical energy toward the achievement of worthwhile goals. It is not a lack of faith; it is often an expression of faith. In our text, Joshua did not wait for perfect conditions. He did not sit back hoping the enemy would weaken on their own. He marched all night—through darkness, fatigu...

Still Ask the Lord “The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask GOD about it.” ( Joshua 9:14 MSG) The place of seeking God’s will in every endeavour cannot be overemphasised. Often, it is not the big decisions that trip us up, but the seemingly simple and obvious ones. When we rely on what looks reasonable to the eye and sounds convincing to the mind, we may overlook the need for divine counsel. God had given Israel great victories, and the news spread far and wide. While some nations chose open confrontation, the Gibeonites adopted a more subtle approach. They disguised themselves as travellers from a distant land, presenting worn-out clothes, tattered sandals, and dry bread as evidence. Joshua and the leaders examined the physical proof, accepted it—and failed to ask God. A covenant was made, only for Israel to discover three days later that the Gibeonites were neighbours, not strangers. The mistake was not in examining the evidence, but in ...

They Heard the News "All the kings west of the Jordan—those in the hills, the foothills, and along the Mediterranean coast toward Lebanon: the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, Girgashites, and Jebusites—heard the news. They came together and formed a coalition to fight against Joshua and Israel." ( Joshua 9:1–2)  The mighty acts of God through Joshua and the children of Israel did not remain hidden. Their victories echoed across the land, and the news spread far and wide. But news, especially good news, never produces the same reaction in everyone. While some rejoice and others remain indifferent, there are those whose hearts are stirred with envy and fear. In our text, the kings of the surrounding nations heard what God was doing for Israel, and instead of humbling themselves, they allowed jealousy to drive them into unity against God’s people. They laid aside their differences and formed a coalition, not to celebrate, but to fight. This reminds us th...

God Says It, We Do It “Once you have the city, burn it down. GOD says it, you do it. Go to it. I’ve given you your orders.” (Joshua 8:8) One clear hallmark of spiritual growth is prompt and wholehearted obedience. When God gives an instruction, the speed and sincerity with which we respond often reveal the true state of our walk with Him. Delayed obedience is often disguised as caution, but simple obedience is an expression of trust. Our text is plain: God says it, you do it. God speaks; we respond. The Psalmist reminds us that the instructions of the Lord are perfect and purposeful—they are given to make the simple wise. In other words, obedience is not a burden but a pathway to wisdom and maturity. The more we practice the Word, the more the Word shapes us. “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the whole person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7 AMP) True restoration—spirit, soul, and body—comes as we consistently look into God’s Word ...

For One of These Little Ones "Joshua ordered the two men who had spied out the land, ‘Enter the house of the harlot and rescue the woman and everyone connected with her, just as you promised her.’”  (Joshua 6:22) Joshua remembered the promise made in the heat of danger. When the spies were sent to survey Jericho, they were nearly captured, but Rahab hid them and helped them escape. Before they left, they pledged to spare her and her family when Israel attacked the city. When the moment came—amid victory, chaos, and conquest—Joshua ensured that the promise was honoured. What stands out is that the spies and the leaders of Israel could easily have walked away. Rahab was a foreigner, a woman of ill repute, and powerless. No one would have questioned them if they had broken their word. Yet they chose faithfulness over convenience. They chose integrity over indifference. This reveals strong character: doing what is right even when there is no immediate consequence for doing wrong. T...

The Shout of the King “Joshua had given orders to the people: ‘Don’t shout. Don’t even speak—not so much as a whisper—until you hear me say, “Shout!” Then shout away!’ ” ( Joshua 6:10 MSG) It is human nature to be inquisitive, and often we are tempted to do exactly what we are told not to do. Much was at stake in this moment. Joshua, already revered as a great leader, issued what seemed like a simple instruction, yet one filled with deep spiritual significance. As the people obeyed, heaven awaited the outcome. This was an unconventional strategy of warfare. How do you confront massive walls like those of Jericho without weapons, tools, or noise? No battering rams, no sledgehammers—only silence and steady obedience. God was clearly up to something beyond human understanding. The people obeyed. They marched around the city once each day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. Then, at Joshua’s command, they released a great shout. That shout echoes the words of Scripture: ...

Joshua Spoke, the People Moved “And it happened. Joshua spoke, the people moved. Seven priests carrying seven ram’s-horn trumpets went out before the LORD. As they walked, they blew the trumpets, leading the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD.”  (Joshua 6:8) When Joshua gave the instruction, the people did not argue, analyze endlessly, or delay. He spoke—and they moved. That simple act of obedience set divine power in motion. History was shaped not merely by what was said, but by what was done. Actions give weight to knowledge. What we do with the truth we receive determines the outcomes we experience. Many of us know what is right, what God has said, and what steps we should take—but knowing alone does not transform a life. If we consistently acted on every truth we already knew, our lives would look very different. The real question, then, is not “What more do I need to hear?” but “What is stopping me from acting?” This text teaches us how to relate to God’s Word: Joshua spoke, ...

God Will Make You Great “ On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him, just as they had stood in awe of Moses all the days of his life.” ( Joshua 4:14)  There is truly no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Even when our efforts are visible, and our discipline and diligence are evident, the unseen hand of God is always at work behind genuine greatness. People may overlook the support of others, but no one can deny the decisive role of God. He alone makes people great. Scripture is clear that God is the ultimate Judge of human affairs. Promotion does not come by chance or merely by human striving. “ It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall.” ( Psalm 75:7 NLT) As we see in our text, it was God who made Joshua great in the sight of all Israel. Joshua obeyed, laboured, and followed God faithfully, yet it was the Lord who exalted him. This is why the psalmist declares: “ Unless the LORD builds the house...

Stand Till It Is Done “ The priests carrying the Chest stood firm in the middle of the Jordan until everything GOD had commanded Joshua to tell the people was completed, just as Moses had instructed Joshua. The people crossed over, without delay.”  (Joshua 4:10) As I read through the Old Testament, I often look for its New Testament counterpart and the lessons it offers for believers today. In this passage, we see Joshua and the Levitical priests holding their ground in the middle of the Jordan. They did not step out prematurely; they stood until everything God commanded was fully accomplished. This brings fresh meaning to Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6: “ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…”  ( Ephesians 6:13–14) Israel had been instructed to follow the Ark of the Covenant, and the priests carrying it were told to step into the Jordan. When they obeyed, the w...

The New Birth Is an Exchange “Command the people, ‘Take twelve stones from here, from the middle of the Jordan, from where the priests’ feet stand firm. Carry them over with you and set them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’ So Joshua called the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, ‘Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites.’” ( Joshua 4:3–5) Our text recounts a remarkable moment of divine exchange. As Israel crossed the Jordan River, Joshua instructed that twelve stones be taken from the riverbed and carried into the Promised Land, while another set of stones was left behind. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, marking a clear transition from where they had been to where God was taking them. This act was deeply symbolic. The stones left in the river pointed t...

Follow the Ark “ Then the officers gave these instructions to the people: ‘When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.’” (Joshua 3:3) God commanded the children of Israel to fix their eyes on the Ark of the Covenant and to follow it. The Ark represented God’s presence among His people. By following it, Israel could be sure they were moving in the right direction and would arrive safely at their God-ordained destination. In the same way, believers today are called to be deliberate and careful in following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” This naturally raises an important question: led where? The answer is clear in our text—God leads His people forward, into His purpose, His will, and His promises. We cannot follow unless He is already going ahead of us. Just as the Ark went before the I...

Mercy for Mercy “ Now promise me by the LORD that, as I have shown kindness to you, you will also show kindness to my family. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.” (Joshua 2:12–13) This passage captures a powerful spiritual principle: mercy given invites mercy returned. Rahab the harlot appealed to the spies on the basis of what she had already done. She had hidden them, protected them, and risked her own life. Her request was simple yet profound: “I showed you mercy; now show mercy to my family.” This principle is echoed in another striking biblical account. A prophet once disguised himself and presented a case before the king of Israel. The story was of a man entrusted with a prisoner and warned that if the prisoner escaped, it would be life for life or a heavy price to pay. When the king pronounced judgment, he unknowingly condemned himself by his own wo...

Don’t Be Timid “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.” ( Joshua 1:9 NIV) This command from God, first spoken to Joshua, is just as relevant to us today. God does not merely advise strength and courage; He commands them. But to walk in strength and courage, we must first lay aside timidity. Where timidity remains, strength and courage have little room to grow. Timidity weakens strength and silences courage. It is strength restrained by fear and courage that has surrendered before the battle begins. That is why God says plainly, “Do not be timid.” Courage is not something reserved for a few; it is a virtue anyone can take hold of once they decide to let go of fear. What makes this command possible is God’s promise of His presence. He assures us that He is with us every step of the way . His presence is greater than strength and deeper than courage. When you step out of tim...

Give It All You’ve Got “ Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out the revelation that Moses commanded you—every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so you may reach your destination.”  (Joshua 1:7, MSG) As this year unfolds, if there is one guiding slogan to live by, let it be this: give it all you’ve got . That was God’s clear instruction to Joshua. Joshua faced a daunting reality—he was stepping into the shoes of Moses, a leader who had left an indelible footprint in the sands of time. He was not competing with Moses, yet the responsibility before him was enormous. Knowing this, God did not ask Joshua to imitate Moses; He asked him to give his whole heart and soul . What does that mean for us? It means that every assignment, opportunity, and responsibility we undertake this year deserves our full commitment. No half-hearted efforts. No divided attention. It means investing courage where fear tempts us to retreat, and summoning stren...

Finish Strong “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not dim and his strength had not failed.” (Deuteronomy 34:7) Moses lived for 120 years, and his life can be clearly seen in three equal seasons of forty years each: the morning, the noon, and the evening of his life. The first forty years were the morning of his life. Moses lived in the palace, enjoying the comfort and privileges of Egypt. Yet, deep within him was a stirring called destiny. That inner hunger pushed him to act, and in trying to fulfil God’s purpose in his own strength, he killed an Egyptian. Though the desire was right, the timing and method were wrong. Destiny cannot be fulfilled without God’s presence and direction. The next forty years marked the noon of his life. Moses wandered in the wilderness, tending the sheep of his father-in-law. It was there, in obscurity and humility, that he encountered God in the fire of the burning bush. God properly commissioned him for the assi...