DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 24, 2026
READ: Joshua 3:9-11 & 13-17
MEMORY VERSE
“I am with you as I was with Moses.” Joshua 3:7
BACKGROUND
When Chris McCandless wandered off the grid and into the Alaskan wilderness, he expected to return. But he crossed the Teklanika in April, well before summer ice-melt would swell that river into an impassable torrent.
Months later, out of food, McCandless couldn’t get back. His tragic death is memorialized in book and film.
The people of ancient Israel faced a crucial river crossing in order to enter the promised land.
However, “the Jordan [was] at flood stage” (Joshua 3:15), a challenge that would grow their faith. God told Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses” (v. 7).
Joshua told the people, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you” (v. 11). Taking the ark, the priests stepped into the Jordan, and “the water from upstream stopped flowing” (vv. 15-16). The entire nation stepped across on a dry riverbed (v. 17).
From time to time we’ll face “river crossings”—impossible situations that can grow our faith if we’ll turn to the one who makes the way across. The greatest of these crossings is from this life into the next.
No matter what it is, the God who was with Moses, Joshua, and the Israelites also makes a way for us.
Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
God personally led Israel out of Egypt, through the sea, across the wilderness, and through the Jordan River (Joshua 3:13-17) into the promised-land.
These miracles are explainable only by God’s presence among them.
At Mount Sinai, Moses had confessed, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16).
God’s presence is vital for us today too and the primary source of our witness to an on-looking world. No matter what situations we face, He’ll go with us and make a way for us.
Tim Laniak
APPLICATION
What “river crossing” do you face today? How have you seen God show His power on your behalf in the past?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“From time to time we’ll face “river crossings”—impossible situations that can grow our faith if we’ll turn to the one who makes the way across.”
PR’s TAKE
When faced with IM-POSSIBLE situations, take the I’M out. Pr*
““…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God…”” Isaiah 43:1-3
PRAYER
Thank You, dear Jesus, that You make the way across any river I face, including the final one.
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GOD WILL MAKE A WAY” Don Moen
And God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
(Sing it all together, a declaration)
Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
Thank you Lord
Just say it quietly, God will make a way
Say it again, God will make a way
You see, it’s a declaration of faith
If you can get those words off your mouth
Say it again, God will make a way
So Lord, we give you permission
Come and move among us
I know You’re able
To provide for that financial situation
God is able to heal broken relationships…
To mend broken hearts
And heal any disease amen? (Amen)
Because nothing is too difficult for him,
Nothing is too difficult for you God
So we receive your provision right now
We receive your healing right now
Be healed in Jesus name
Oh, we thank You, we thank You, we thank You…
Oh, thank You, Lord
And we thank you for Your presence that changes lives
Let Your Glory fall on this place/us right now
