Nougat 28

Did you get this yesterday?

Good morning

I know that several of us are not necessarily reading first thing in the morning; nevertheless I greet you with the prayer that every moment spent with God is as a new day. I’ve been asked before what’s the best time to spend with God, and my answer remains the same – any time that affords quality time. However, as it relates to the pulling down of strongholds, that’s a “first thing to start the day” kind of activity. See what today’s Holy Nougat says

“Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests again carried the Ark of the Lord.” Joshua‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In several Christian circles, especially recently, there has been teaching and/or preaching about waking up at 3:00 am to pray. This is based on interpretation of the watches referenced when Jesus walked on water (see Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 6 for more details). As far as I know however the children of Israel did not go marching at 3:00 am. Rather, it is supposed that ‘early in the morning’ refers to dawn, or the break of day (this is actually what some translations offer rather than saying early in the morning).

According to Quora, the journey took approximately one hour from start to finish. This would suggest that when we intercede to God for destruction of strongholds; we may wish to give ourselves enough time to do so without disruption or distractions. Although an exact time is not offered; my presumption is that the children of Israel would address the problem of the stronghold; and then they faced their regular routine. The time may vary depending on our contexts; but we will be guided by our needs.

I also wish to note that although we have opted for covering the act of destroying a stronghold in separate pieces over six days (and not necessarily in what would seem like a logical order); the fact is ALL these actions were simultaneous.

So; for six days they were

• up early;

• walking around Jericho behind the Ark of the Covenant

• which was carried by select priests,

• while the other priests blowed the horns;

• flanked by the army (ie before and behind them); and

• in silence.

Because destroying strongholds is not light work. It asks for commitment and intentionality on the part of those who embark on the journey.

Had we not been pursuing this as a study or devotional practice; we would have been doing each task daily for six days. (It is possible that you might choose to do this at a different time now that we’ve unpacked the principles).

We don’t know what crossed the minds of Joshua and the children of Israel as they walked daily. But we have the assurance; based on the account of their experience; the strongholds in our lives can be demolished. Not by might, not by power; but definitely by God’s Spirit; lest anyone of us tries to take credit.

Whether you awakened early for the previous days; remember that the final day is crucial – the routine will shift. As much as is possible let us prepare ourselves for God’s divine intervention on the seventh day of storming the strongholds .

God bless you and be safe

In Christ’s love and grace . . .