November 20 - Stepping Stones and Standing Strong

NOVEMBER 20 - Stepping Stones and Standing Strong3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 28:10–11; Psalm 133; Joshua 3–4//⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠//________________________________________Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. — Proverbs 28:10–11Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! — Psalm 133:1And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder... that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them…” — Joshua 4:5–6________________________________________Have you ever gone through something tough—like moving to a new school, facing a challenge, or stepping out of your comfort zone—and then looked back and thought, “Wow, I made it through that”? That’s kind of what’s happening in Joshua 3–4. The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, but they had to cross a river at flood stage first. God stopped the waters so they could walk through—and He told them to take stones from the riverbed to remember the miracle. Like personal trophies of God's power, these stones told a story of trust, unity, and obedience.In Psalm 133, we’re reminded of how good it is when people live in unity. That kind of teamwork and shared faith helped the Israelites cross together. And Proverbs 28 warns us not to follow people who lead us away from truth, but instead to stay wise and walk with understanding.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. What Are Your Stones? What moments in your life remind you of God’s faithfulness? Think of times He helped you through something big or small—those are your “stones.”2. Unity Matters: Are you someone who helps create peace and unity in your group, family, or friend circle? God sees that kind of heart as “good and pleasant.”3. Choose Your Guides Carefully: Are you following people who are wise in God’s eyes or just in their own? Proverbs challenges us to be careful about who we let influence our path.________________________________________BOTTOM LINEGod often leads us through challenges so we can remember His faithfulness, walk in unity, and grow in wisdom. Look for the “stones” in your story—and keep moving forward with a blameless heart.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, Thank You for leading me through both the easy and the hard moments. Help me to recognize Your hand in my life and remember Your goodness. Teach me to walk in wisdom, stay away from harmful influences, and be someone who brings peace and unity to those around me. Help me trust You, even when the river in front of me looks too deep. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.