Curated Reading for July 19 – 25
Sermon Series: Real Stories Week 4Sermon Title: A Wall-Breaking God delivered on July 19, 2026
View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: Joshua 1
What were the commands God gave to Joshua as he prepared to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land? Why do you think God told Joshua to be “bold and courageous” three times? Would this be the first time Joshua had been in the Promised Land? (Hint: Read Numbers 14). How did the people respond to Joshua’s new appointment?
Day 1 PRAY: Reflect on your own life and invite God to show you an area of your life where you need to take a bold step of faith, maybe a conversation with a friend, share your testimony with a family member, or serve at the church. Invite Him to speak those words of “Be bold and courageous” to you through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Day 2 READ: Joshua 2 Why did Rahab disobey the king and hide the spies? What were the conditions for her and her family’s safety from the attack of the Israelites? How does this point us back to the Passover Lamb and forward to Jesus' shed blood on the cross? Hint: the scarlet cord symbolizes shedding blood.
Day 2 PRAY: Seek a quiet space to be alone with God and ask Him to show you anything in your life that the world and the enemy want you to compromise. Ask for the strength to resist the temptation and the courage to say no and pursue the truth and what is right. Write down what you learned and your plan of resistance.
Day 3 READ: Joshua 3 What was the Ark of the Covenant? Why was it important that the ark went ahead of the people as they crossed the Jordan River? Why was the distance so much? (2,000 cubits equals 900 meters equals 3,000 feet) What did God do to show His glory at the crossing? Why did the narrative state the river was at flood stage? Hint: think back to week 1 and the story of Noah’s Ark and see if you can identify any parallels.
Day 3 PRAY: Seek to take one or two steps into greater trust in God and His promises. Ask God to show you one step you can take to trust Him in one area of your life today.
Day 4 READ: Joshua 4 What happened in this chapter? What big command did God give Joshua for the priests and the people? Why was it important for the people to have this monument? Hint: Read verse 24 again…
Day 4 PRAY: In your life, what are some ways you can declare the power of God and demonstrate your reverence and awe of Him? Take some time today to write out your salvation story, and set a time and date to share it with someone who doesn't yet know Jesus within the next 30 days.
Day 5 READ: Joshua 5 Why do you think God chose Jericho as the first battlefield for the people of Israel and Joshua? What had already happened with the other nations and leaders of other tribes? Why was circumcision so essential for the nation at that time? What was the significance of the manna ending on the day after the Passover? What had changed?
Day 5 PRAY: Ask God to show you an area of your life you need to consecrate/dedicate to him. This could be your career, your family, your garden, your bank account, etc. As you determine this area, write it down in a note to God, declaring it set apart for Him and His service.
Memorize and Reflect
Joshua 5:14b-15
“What message does my Lord have for his servant?” 15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Real Stories Weekly Challenge
Real Stories Challenge:
- There is more to the Story: There is more to the Story: Take time this week to read the full story of Crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 1-5)
- Love your neighbor: Connect, reconnect, or make a friend with a neighbor.
- Take a next step: Begin Prayer walking in your neighborhood and beyond.