DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MARCH 24, 2026
READ: Joshua 8 (Focus vs. 1; 18-19 & 24-27)
MEMORY VERSE
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”” Joshua 8:1
*BACKGROUND
With branches of scraggly leaves growing upward like hands raised to the heavens, the unique trees we saw while hiking Joshua Tree National Park in California intrigued us.
Many believe the trees were dubbed “Joshua Trees” by pioneers, who were reminded by the trees of an Old Testament story where Joshua lifted high a javelin as a sign of God’s presence and help.
After entering Canaan, the Israelites needed God’s help in battle. After being defeated at the city of Ai due to their sin (Joshua 7:11-12), the Israelites were likely afraid to fight the city again. But God encouraged Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (8:1).
Then God told Joshua to “hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city” (v. 18). Joshua obeyed God and “did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin” until the battle was won (v. 26).
It wasn’t the javelin in Joshua’s outstretched hand that secured the victory. Instead, it was a symbol of God’s promise to help them and be with them.
Reminders of God’s presence with us can be helpful when we face difficult challenges. A Bible verse displayed in our homes, a stunning picture of God’s creation, a cross necklace:
These things don’t provide assistance, but God can use them to remind us of His promised presence and power.
Lisa M. Samra
INSIGHT
In the Bible, God has given us physical reminders of His love and grace. As the Israelites faced the challenges of the wilderness journey, “by day [God] led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire” (Nehemiah 9:12).
Joshua’s holding out his spear reminded the Israelites God was leading them in battle (Joshua 8:18, 26). In the New Testament, Thomas refused to believe that Jesus was alive until he saw and touched His crucifixion wounds (John 20:24-29).
The Lord’s Supper helps us remember Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). In our journey of faith, these physical reminders assure us that God is with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
What reminds you of God’s presence? How does this reminder help you face challenging situations?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Reminders of God’s presence with us can be helpful when we face difficult challenges. A Bible verse displayed in our homes, a stunning picture of God’s creation, a cross necklace: These things don’t provide assistance, but God can use them to remind us of His promised presence and power.”
PR’s TAKE
“You don’t have to look far to appreciate the presence of God. Just look at you.” Pr
“We may ignore but we can no where evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” C.S. Lewis
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, in the challenges I face today, please help me to remember Your presence with me.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“O THE GLORY OF YOUR PRESENCE” Ron Kenoly
Oh the glory of Your presence
We Your temple
Give You reverence
Come and rise from Your rest
And be blessed by our praise
As we glory in Your embrace
As Your presence
Now fills this place
Oh the glory of Your presence
We Your temple
Give You reverence
Come and rise from Your rest
And be blessed by our praise
As we glory in Your embrace
As Your presence
Now fills this place
Come and rise from Your rest
And be blessed by our praise
As we glory in Your embrace
As Your presence
Now fills this place
Oh the glory…
